Sullivan church of Christ – Sullivan, MO
Date: August 23, 2009
HE BEING DEAD, YET SPEAKETH
We are blessed to have had many in our past who set godly examples and left their mark in the great works they
accomplished. Brother Foy E. Wallace, Jr. must be classed as an individual who though dead, yet speaks
volumes! One of the treasures he left to us was his book, The Instrumental Music Question. Deep within this
rich work is the following simple, yet powerful, teaching set forth on the question of mechanical instrumental
music in worship. Brother Wallace gives us a syllogism on the subject, which concludes that instrumental music
in worship is an authority issue.
Number one:
1. To use things not authorized in the worship is going beyond the teaching of Christ.
2. Instrumental music is not authorized in the worship by Christ.
3. Therefore, instrumental music in the worship is going beyond the teaching of Christ.
Number two:
1. To go beyond the teaching of Christ is transgression.
2. Instrumental music in worship is going beyond the teaching of Christ.
3. Therefore, instrumental music in the worship is transgression.
Number three:
1. Transgression of the law of Christ is sin.
2. Instrumental music in worship is transgression of the law of Christ.
3. Therefore, instrumental music in worship is sin.
The whole question of the use of instrumental music in worship involves respect for the word of God, a
recognition of the authority of Jesus Christ.
(Foy E. Wallace, Jr. The Instrumental Music Question, p.240).
“Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people”
(Proverbs 14:34)
The most deadly and dangerous for of our country is the corruption of our own people — drunkenness, adultery,
fornication, dishonesty, and above all, unbelief in God and the power of His Word. As a nation we may prove
ourselves supreme in many fields of endeavor, yet go down in utter defeat for the lack of moral stamina.
Righteousness fortifies, protects, and exalts, but sin is the ruin of the strongest. As individuals, you and I can
have a great influence. By our lives, we can exalt or be a reproach. May the Lord help each of us to live
righteously. — Taken From “The Minister’s Monthly,” 1962
THE NEW SCHOOL PRAYER
Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule.
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.
If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a federal matter now.
Our hair can be purple or orange or green,
That's no offense, it's the freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise,
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.
For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the State.
We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.
They've outlawed guns; but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the unwed daddy, our Senior King.
It's "inappropriate" to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such "judgments" do not belong.
We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No Word of God must reach this crowd.
It's scary here I must confess.
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot, my soul please take.
— Selected
“Forever, O Lord, Thy Word Is Settled In Heaven”
The quotation above is couched in Psalm 119:89 and was written by the sweet singer of Israel, King David, by
inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Psalm 119 is a Psalm of David, which no doubt was written during his darkest
hour. King Saul was consumed with jealousy, making every effort to find the young man to destroy him for the
people's love of David was greater than their love for King Saul. Psalm 119 is permeated with warnings and
exhortations for us to soberly consider when facing adversity. David was facing his darkest hour and the one
place where he could find peace and solace was in the law of God.
David said, "Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments" (Psalm 119:66).
God's will should be considered good judgment, and if followed will make us wise to face any problem. David also
said, "The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver" (Psalm 119:72). This young man,
wise beyond his years, attached great value to the law of God showing that it superseded "gold and silver." There
is a marked lack of value attached to the Word of God, and far too many of our modern age fail to take advantage
of this great artesian well of truth. David frightfully said "The wicked have waited for me to destroy me, but I will
consider thy testimonies" (Psalm 119:95). This young man facing his enemies and fearful of his own mortality
was confident in the testimonies of God. We too, when facing trials and tribulations of any magnitude, will find
God's word to be helpful and soothing to the aching heart.
David cried out the familiar refrain "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105).
The young man, David, found great solace in God's will as a "lamp" and a "light" which were valuable tools and
helpful utensils in their day as well as ours. Little wonder the words of David were everlasting, "For ever, O Lord,
thy word is settled in heaven" (Psalm 119:89). In like manner, Jesus uttered "heaven and earth shall pass away,
but my word shall never pass away" (Matt. 24:35). The permanence and durability of God's word is comforting to
those who seek peace at a time of spiritual thunderstorms and tempests that beat against our souls.
Man is so fortunate to have a book of inspired writings that will sustain us during the time of trials (2 Tim. 3:12,
16-17). Other books may serve a valuable need for a year or two, perhaps a generation, if one is so fortunate.
However, the Bible is "forever settled in heaven" and one does not have to be concerned about rescinding or
changing any part, like sectarians regarding their creed books and the Catholic Church with reference to the book
of catechism. Examining great heroes like Abraham, Moses, Job, Joseph, and Paul is a constant reminder that
their victory over evil came when their trust and confidence was placed in God and his holy word (Rom. 15:4; 1
Cor. 10:13). -- Bob Spurlin