____________________________________________________ THE GOSPEL OBSERVER "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19,20). ____________________________________________________ November 28, 1993 ____________________________________________________ Building Trust by Chuck Bartlett Whenever I read the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-39, I can't help but realize that times have truly changed. Not that the gospel is less powerful, nor that the teaching needs to change, but that people have changed. By in large the majority of society has become skeptical, engages in more prejudgment and is less trusting than years ago. The rise in different religions, wars over religious convictions, and scandals within such organizations has created barriers that are hard to break down. How many today would be like the eunuch when asked by a stranger, ``Understand what you are reading?'' would even reply--let alone permit the opportunity to expound on the word of God? Trust is hard to earn. It's hard to convey to folks that they need not trust in us; only in God. Many worry, and rightly so for the most part, that others are only interested in their money or furthering some false teaching. Here are some things that we can do to try to overcome some of these hurdles, so we can get to the point where a person will simply listen and consider it for themselves: Building trust. 1. Be interested in souls. Notice that the eunuch didn't go to Philip? Philip went to him. It is true that the angel of the Lord told him to go (Acts 8:26), but we have been given the same message, ``go'' (Mark 16:15). 2. Stir up religious conversation. It has to be one of the hardest things for most of us to do. Our job is to seize opportunities before they vanish forever. Having people willing to think about spiritual matters may be few, and we need to be ready when they come. 3. Encourage questions. This is what Philip did when he asked ``understandest what thou readest?'' (Acts 8:30). The only way we can learn is by getting information we didn't know. 4. Be a good listener. What good is it if a person asks a question and you do not listen? Philip knew where to begin because he heard what the man said. He was reading in Isaiah and the Ethiopian's question pertained to that text (Acts 8:35). 5. Give Bible answers. Whenever you have a chance to help someone, allow them the opportunity to see the truths in the Bible. Philip didn't get there, only to lay aside the scriptures and just talk. Without a ``thus sayeth the Lord'' the discussion drops to a level of sharing opinions since nothing is confirmed. 6. Preach Jesus--the way of salvation. This is what Philip did. You need not concern yourself with saying all you do not believe to be distinct. Christ and his message is unlike what many have heard (1 Cor. 1:20-23). 7. Make sure what is taught is understood. It is easy to move too fast. After hearing about Jesus, the eunuch noticed some water and wanted to be baptized (Acts 8:36). Philip didn't just rush him into the water by thinking, ``Oh well, whatever he doesn't understand he will later.'' Time was taken to inquire as to what was understood, and to see if he was ready. Nothing is gained by just getting people wet. 8. Aid in faithfulness. Be willing to help in whatever way we can. It will consume some of ``our'' time, but we need to make ourselves available. We are not just talking about baptizing someone, but to set up more studies, before and after conversion. Where would the eunuch be without encouragement to obey? Saul needed to be told to arise and be baptized and wash away his sins (Acts 22:16). Urgency is the key. 9. Trust in the power of the Gospel. Gaining trust from others can be achieved when we exhibit trust in God's power to save. Planting and watering requires this trust. In other words, walk by faith. This is what we desire all men to do, and that can only come by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17). Yes, times have changed, and encounters like we read in Acts 8 don't happen that often--especially with obedience occurring on the same day. May we not lose heart. This man was looking for understanding; and when we come across this type of people, may we instill trust. There is no greater work than spreading the good news. There is no secret success plan; it is plain for all saints to see. The only thing that is now needed is zealous Christians to apply it. ___________________________________________ Good Congregational Singing by Robert F. Turner This writer has only memories of singing in a men's choral group, with a quartet, teaching ``Singing Schools'' or leading singing for gospel meetings. The years have taken their toll, so my scratchy voice barely makes it through a weak bass as we worship. But experience has taught me some things about worshiping God in song, and my hearing (poor as it is) tells me many churches are not attaining their potential in good congregational singing. It may be they do not care enough to make the effort necessary for good singing. But ``singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord'' is within the reach of every saint, and we should do all possible to encourage that response. First, we should define our use of ``good'' for there are wide differences here. We mean ``good'' within the scriptural purpose of worship: ``teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs'' and ``making melody in your heart to the Lord'' (Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19). We do not mean ``good entertainment'' to please ourselves or impress our visitors. We do not expect classic choral excellence, or a talent display. It seems, however, that coming together before God demands that we do our best within our worship purpose. We should not be satisfied with anything less than our best. Good congregational singing is the result of worshiping together, a true blending of happy hearts that are one emotionally. True, each of us must sing his own praise to God, and to this end he must understand the message of the song, and genuinely repeat it in his heart. But congregational singing takes the individual's worship further, making it a mutual praise of God, and uniting brethren as little else can. Done properly, our voices are joined in a general caress. We feel together, exhibiting a fellowship of love of God and for one another. The basis for mutual love is another subject, but we can make suggestions for its expression. We believe whatever is necessary for such oneness should be encouraged and pursued. Good congregational singing can only follow the proper selection of songs. They should be scriptural: suited to the mood of exhortation, the Lord's supper, prayer, invitation, etc. They should be neither choral numbers, requiring an expertise we do not have; nor foot stomping, country-western type songs that substitute sensual enthusiasm for genuine worshipful emotions. An inexperienced song leader may select some fancy song he ``likes,'' but which is completely unsuited to the abilities of the group he is leading. It may require an alto or bass lead when there are few who can carry these parts. Too, how can hop, skip, jump, repeat, and the like help us ``sing together''? This is more than a matter of musical ``taste.'' When either the aesthetic or rhythmic appetites of man dictate and motivate our singing, it ceases to be worship. To sing together we must sing the same tune in a key all can reach. That means a song leader must know the song, and how to correctly pitch it. If he does not know music he should feel responsible enough to get with someone who does, and allow him to help him correctly lead the songs selected. The basics of music necessary for congregational singing are not difficult for most who really try, and are willing to practice. We are not saying one must know the technicalities of music to worship acceptably. But since the majority of members sing from memory it is extremely important they learn the songs correctly from the first. Those leaders and singers who want to do their best will welcome positive correction. Singing together involves time and rhythm, a feeling for the ``beat'' of the song. Most people can pat their foot with some degree of regularity, which means they have inborn timing, but it may need practice and adjusting to the rhythm of various songs. Four-four time (look for the ``signature'' at the beginning of the musical notes) has a marching rhythm: Left, right, left, right: or strong, weak, strong, weak. We can best stay together if the leader indicates the correct, positive rhythm with hand and voice, and all singers feel this inner pulsation as they sing. Three-four time is a ``waltz'' rhythm: strong, weak, weak; strong, weak, weak. Practice at home, by just saying ``strong, weak, weak,'' over and over, with emphasis on ``strong.'' All songs have their distinctive rhythms, and it is well within the capability of most congregations to sing better by observing them. Finally, beyond the mechanics of music, yet very necessary for good congregational singing, is the attention that should be given to the words and mood of the song selected. ``Praise Him, Praise Him, Jesus our blessed redeemer'' is a joyous song. The music is like the ringing of bells: they are pealing as for a wedding, not tolling as for a funeral. Tune your heart to the mood and meaning of the words, and you will find the music matches that attitude. Done in a spirited way we truly sing praises unto God; but dragged along, it becomes monotonous and more like a dirge than praise. ``Peace, Perfect, Peace'' with its slower, steady and even progression, is written to complement its words, and produce a mood of peace. It ``whispers peace within,'' is ``calm'' and ``restful,'' in keeping with its words. Worship should come from the heart, and we do not wish to encourage some mechanical process for stirring emotions. We are saying that if songs are selected that fit the phase of worship at hand, and used properly, they will express our deepest emotions and improve our service to God. We are well aware we cannot ``teach singing'' via this article, and that is not our purpose. Instead, we want to encourage song leaders to take their job seriously and responsibly; and we hope brethren in the pews will make a greater effort to improve their singing. ___________________________________________ Violating Conscience by Tom Edwards In Romans 14:23, Paul states, ``But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.'' Though the term ``faith'' is sometimes used objectively in the Bible to refer to the gospel itself, such as in Jude 3 where Jude exhorted the brethren to content earnestly for the faith, here it is not so used. Rather, in Romans 14:23, it is said in reference to one's personal faith or conviction about what he believes to be right or wrong in matters that are not shown in the Scriptures to be essential for one's salvation. This, therefore, implies that a person transgresses the law of God, not only by committing acts which God would condemn, but also by doing that which one believes to be wrong--even though it would not be wrong in God's sight. This is because to the one who thinks something to be wrong, even though it is not, the committing of such by this one would then be as an act of rebellion and, therefore, a sin against God. Let us not be like those who ``suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith'' by not ``keeping faith and a good conscience'' (1 Tim. 1:19). Obviously, a good conscience that has been formed on the basis of God's word is an important thing to have. May we each strive to better develop our own. ________________________________________ Tri-State CHURCH OF CHRIST 1314 Montgomery Avenue, Ashland, Kentucky 41101 Sunday: 10:00 A.M. Bible class 10:50 A.M. Worship 6:30 P.M. Worship Wednesday: 7:30 P.M. Bible study evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (606) 325-9742 e-mail: tedwards@zoomnet.net Gospel Observer web site: http://www.zoomnet.net/~tedwards/go ________________________________________