I recently came across a Christian music station that I have been listening to in my car.  My spouse and I were talking about it, and we both know the reasons not to bring musical instruments in to the worship service (Eph 5:19).  However, we were wondering if there is anything wrong with listening to a Christian radio station where all the music is in concert with musical instruments.

Sincerely,
Just Wondering

Dear Just Wondering,

It isn’t inherently wrong to listen to “Christian Music”, but it is worth considering the effects it will have upon your influence, your behavior, and your conscience. You are right, God asks us to worship Him through singing and making melody in our heart (Eph 5:19). God never asks for any instrument to be plucked but our heart strings. That is the worship He asks for, and that is the worship we should give Him – no more and no less (Rev 22:18-19, Deu 4:2).

If you are going to listen to religious music with instrumental accompaniment, you must understand that they recorded it as a form of worship as well as a form of entertainment… which is wrong. Therefore, by buying and actively listening to such music, you may be sending mixed messages to others and supporting an industry that is built upon a false teaching. We have to consider how our behavior looks to others (Matt 5:16). Just because you know anything but acapella worship is wrong doesn’t mean others would.

You also must consider your behavior – are you singing along with the music? If so, are you worshipping God with the words of the song? It is not always easy to discern the line between singing along as a form of entertainment and singing along as worship. You must decide for yourself if your behavior crosses the line between personal enjoyment and active participation in a form of worship God doesn’t desire.

Which brings us to the last question – does it bother your conscience? If you cannot feel completely convinced in your mind that what you are doing is acceptable before God, you have to refrain. Whatever cannot be done in faith is sin (Rom 14:23). If you consider your conscience, your influence, and your behavior before God, only then will you be able to come to a sound personal decision on whether or not you can listen.

Should my pastor ask me how much I make on my job and how much tithes and offerings I will be giving?

Sincerely,
Not An Open Pocketbook

Dear Not An Open Pocketbook,

No, it isn’t right to grill people in regards to their income… in fact, tithing isn’t even a commandment in the New Testament.  In the New Testament (which is the law that christians follow), we are told to “give cheerfully” and “give as we have purposed” (2 Cor 9:7).  Ten percent is a good rule of thumb because we see that being the standard in the Old Testament, but it isn’t a requirement.  If any congregation teaches that you have to give ten percent (or any specific amount) to be a member of the church – it is a false church.  That kind of teaching goes beyond the Scriptures and should be condemned for its arrogance (1 Cor 4:6).  On the first day of the week (Sunday), the church should take up a collection from the christians, and each member must decide for themselves to give as they have been prospered (1 Cor 16:1-2).  The religious world is full of greedy and covetous religious leaders, and they are wrong (Tit 1:10-11).  If you would like help finding a congregation that is faithful to God’s Word in your area, please e-mail us at askyourpreacher@mvchurchofchrist.org.

About tithing: is it right or wrong?  Gross or net?  10% or more?  Clear this up; I need help.  I put in my 10% or more from my check (the net amount).  Am I right or wrong?

Sincerely,
The Accountant

Dear The Accountant,

Tithing is an Old Testament commandment (Num 18:24), not a New Testament one.  Jews tithe; christians “lay by in store as we have prospered” (1 Cor 16:1-3).  God doesn’t give a specific percentage that christians should give back.  We must prepare beforehand what we will give (that’s the “lay by in store” part – 1 Cor 16:2).  He also commands that we be “cheerful givers” and that we give as we have “purposed in our hearts” (2 Cor 9:7).  Though tithing, which means ‘one tenth’, is a good rule of thumb for giving… it isn’t a command.

Any church that tells you that you have to give 10% is warping the Scriptures to increase your contribution.  Giving should be a sacrifice – but a voluntary one based off of thoughtful contemplation.

While on vacation, I had heard other christians say it’s okay to take the Lord's Supper in their hotel room.  My concern is when checking out places to take vacations, shouldn't a christian go where they know a church exists?  It seems you’re not putting God first – but your vacation.

Sincerely,
Travel Agent

Dear Travel Agent,

There are some issues that it would best not to be too dogmatic about – this is one of them.  Some brethren feel that you can take the Lord’s Supper and hold services in your hotel room on a Sunday because God says that “where two or three are gathered together, there I am” (Matt 18:20).  Others feel as you do, that all vacations should have a congregation to visit planned into the trip.  It is impossible to say that one brother is right and the other is wrong in this sort of situation.  Paul tells us that when the Scriptures leave room for personal choice, that we should allow each christian to independently decide because we all must face God independently (Rom 14:3-4).  You have a very valid point in your view of this issue and should make sure to never offend your own conscience by vacationing where there is no church (Rom 14:23), but don’t be too judgmental with those who feel differently.

Who should tithe and why?

Sincerely,
Cash Counter

Dear Cash Counter,

Jews should tithe; christians should cheerfully give as they have prospered.  ‘Tithe’ means ‘one-tenth’ and was a command in the Old Testament (Deu 14:22).  The Old Testament law was a law given exclusively to the nation of Israel (Deu 5:1-3) and not all of mankind.

In the New Testament, we have a law for the whole world (Mk 16:15).  In the New Testament, christians are told to give as they have prospered every Sunday (1 Cor 16:1-2).  We are told to be cheerful givers (2 Cor 9:7).  The specific rule of giving one-tenth of our income no longer applies; instead, we are told to examine our hearts and give thankfully.