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Woodmont Hills Family of God - Defines the Church of Christ

Woodmont Hills: A review of Rubel Shelly's Rejection of churches of Christ as Pharisees and Hypocrites. Great Themes #27 - Our Hearts.

Kenneth Sublett, Piney.com, Hohenwald, Tennessee

False "profits" love to hate monger by accusing non-instrumental groups of being Pharisees and legalists. It is a symptom of paranoi to so accuse the larger majority of Christians who have always recognized the Satan- Music connection because it prevents the READING or giving heed to the Words of Christ in song and sermon. Satan was identified by Jesus as "he speaks on his own" and he and his sons are the "great liar" simply by virtue of refusing to "speak where God has spoken." Legalism is an attempt to do an end-run around the Word under the assumption that God's silence is His "divine oversight." Nothing is more legalistic than music which was always to "call down the gods" or even to seduce them (as in the Vineyard, aka New Wineskins) by music. The word they use is enthusiastic but Philo coined the word Enthus O Mania meaning music and other drug-induced insanity. Paul defined the Corinthians as looking as if they were pagans where madness was seen as proof that the "spirits" were inside.

We will add some more Greek evidence connecting theatrical performers with charismatic and therefore real or virtual homosexual yearnings too often played out among the "team." See the Charismatic Connection which MARKED the clergy to whom Jesus refused to speak in non-parable language.

Here are some out takes:

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Our review in Blue or Red. While we might agree that lots of preachers are "decadent and deleterious" it is not reasonable to judge an entire fellowship based upon ones own youthful experiences. The problem with trying to build a neo-church of Christ denomination is that when headquarters becomes legalistic the entire "lump" is leavened. As a congregational body, a given church must be judged upon its own practices and not by what may have happened to me.

And being caught with another man's wife does not invalidate the Word of God.

Because this sermon is heading in the too-common direction of castigating churches of Christ rather than teaching the Word of Christ "as it has been delivered to us" we will try to fill in the blanks and define Pharisees and hypocrites.

The Britannica notes the similarities between priest craft, witchcraft and magicians. A hypocrite is an actor or magician or an illusionist. This was the basis of all ancient paganism which came in two forms:

First, as "commercial religion" the soothsayer or witch of Endor used a "musical" device such as a familiar spirit which was an "empty wineskin." It was hollow and empty but the echo was an illusion that the "gods" were inside repeating what the witch mumbled as a ventriloquist. Because the brain "expected" a message from the god and wanted to be in their presence, they didn't notice that she was just a merchandiser of superstition.

Throughout the literature, people have always lusted to enquire of musical instruments as the actual idol and demand that it "speak to them" because they could not live with the quiet Word of God which was free of charge.

Second, the Satanic illusionist or hypocrite was an actor. They were being "moved," like Judas, by Satan as their "unholy" spirit. They were consciously, unconsciously or subconsciously performing illusions to make you think that you were hearing from God when, in fact, the goal was to keep you from hearing God's Word. This will come across as "anger" but frankly my engineering brain will not allow me to believe that ignoring the Words of Christ "as they have been delivered to you" in song and sermon by hiding them behind the "mask" of diatribe and singing "Fanny Crosby" or "Twila Paris" can not possibly be anything but Pharisaic and Hypocritical. Somehow the more conservative a man may be (even if ignorant) the more he sticks to the text and context to teach rather than lecture and manipulate.

Therefore, one might not try to worship God with instruments, ignore children and still not be a hypocrite unless he is claiming some superior status.

Magic of forms of speech, body movements or music was the hypocrite's (prophesier's) weapons of choice. The Bible often shows clear examples of how beautiful singers, dancers, or instrumentalist are both the cause and symptom of refusing to hear God's Word.

In fact, "prophesier" with song and instrument is usually falsely peddled as "being a prophet" as a spokeswoman for God when in fact they were actors, hypocrites and their "songs" are often false doctrine.

Therefore, we should be aware that Pharisees or Hypocrites were the actors accusing Jesus of being the agent of Beelzebub or a Chaldean Satan - The Baal or Lord of the fly. One sought information from God or Baal: God speaks through His Word so the other alternative is easy to discern.

Being wrong or even a "conservative" and ignorant does not make people Pharisees or Hypocrites. You need this information. Click on the following link at your leisure and see how people hear and see what their brains are preconditioned to hear or see. We are anxious to fill in the blanks and see what others want us to see.

> Can't See or Hear Two Things At Once <

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Instrumental Music is the modern "hand washing" added as tradition.

It is equally true that "praise" and "instrumental music" was not part of even the Law of Moses in any sense. In fact, the Law was given "because of transgression" and that transgression was repeating the musical "play" or ritual drama (actors were hypocrites) using the instruments of Egypt. As a result, Numbers 10:7 seems to prohibit blowing trumpets and "making a joyful noise" when the general "congregation" was assembled always for instruction and never for "worship."

Consistent with that, when the music and sacrifice began the "people's congregation" except for the princes or "standing men" was put outside the gates or outside the camp.

Instruments "like the nations" were added but only to the civil temple in Jerusalem and the general congregation was specifically excluded "outside the camp" when the loud noise of instruments hid the horror of animal slaughter to make them aware of their sinfulness and not for theatrical performance. And modern scholars are aware that "instruments" for worship have no other tradition but that Satan forced them in with his agents to hide the Word.

"Somewhere along the way, some highly scrupulous --and I suspect well-intentioned --Christian scholars began to teach that these instruments should be respected by every man and woman who wanted to be holy to the Lord or - "be led into the presence of God."

Britannica Online notes: "The first time theater truly freed itself from religious ritual to become an art form was in Greece in the 6th century BC when the dithyramb was developed.

This was a form of choral song chanted at festivals in honour of Dionysus, the god of wine, fruitfulness, and vegetation.

"Originally, it celebrated his rejuvenation (revival, Jubilee) of the earth; later, it drew on Homeric legends for its subject matter. According to Greek tradition, the actor and playwright Thespis invented the drama when he augmented the chorus of the dithyramb with a single actor who wore masks (i.e. a hypocrite) to portray several different characters.

"So, somewhere along the way, someone decided to add music and drama back into "worship" and in time one must use music and support those who do are be charged with being hypocrites and fratricidal (murderers of brothers).

Strabo [10.3.9] "But I must now investigate how it comes about that so many names have been used of one and the same thing, and the theological element contained in their history.

Now this is common both to the Greeks and to the barbarians,

to perform their sacred rites in connection with the relaxation of a festival,

these rites being performed sometimes with religious frenzy, sometimes without it;

sometimes with music, sometimes not; and sometimes in secret, sometimes openly.

And it is in accordance with the dictates of nature that this should be so, for, in the

first place, the relaxation draws the mind away from human occupations and turns the real mind towards that which is divine; and,

secondly, the religious frenzy seems to afford a kind of divine inspiration and to be very like that of the soothsayer; and,

thirdly, the secrecy with which the sacred rites are concealed induces reverence for the divine, since it imitates the nature of the divine,

which is to avoid being perceived by our human senses; and,

fourthly, music, which includes dancing as well as rhythm and melody, at the same time, by the delight it affords and by its artistic beauty,

brings us in touch with the divine, and this for the following reason;

for although it has been well said that human beings then act most like the gods when they are doing good to others,

yet one might better say (that they act most like the gods), when they are happy; and such happiness consists of rejoicing, celebrating festivals, pursuing philosophy, and engaging in music.

From an unbroken stream of literature hypocricy was the theatrical performance who acted pious on "worship day" and then stole away with a worshiper's wife on the secular day.

A person might have all of their theology correct and even be a righteous person, but if they did not for a foster home institution they were, as told to this church, legalistic hypocritss.

Well, I don't know about this one. I am not informed enough to find where "they quoted" this text to force hand washing before you could "ascend into the presence of God." It seems to me that they were saying: "Who may eat but he who has clean hands" and not "who may worship."

Let's take a look at the "proof text" the Woodmont people will believe was the Jew's proof text:

Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? Psalm 24:3

He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. Psalm 24:4

No literate Jew would insert "washed hands" here: Clean means:

Naqiy (h5355) naw-kee'; (Joel 3:19; Jonah 1:14), naw- kee'; from 5352 (blameless); innocent: - blameless, clean, clear, exempted, free, guiltless, innocent, quit

Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness, for the violence against the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land. Jl.3:19

Now, look at the vanity which disqualifies one from approaching God. We won't proof text but allow God to define the vanity which prevents the lambs from feeding "after their manner" while in a following article Dr. Shelly denies that the church is the "feeding place for lambs" but is like a flock of birds who need rotating leaders.

Yea, ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and the seed of an homer shall yield an ephah. Isaiah 5: 10

Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them Isaiah 5: 11

Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music (melody) of your harps. Amos 5:23

And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of his hands. Isaiah 5: 12

I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. Am.5:21

"Your assemblies do more harm than good" 1 Cor 11:17 Paul

Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. Isaiah 5:13

The days are coming," declares the Sovereign LORD, "when I will send a famine through the land--not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD. Amos 8:11

Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it. Isaiah 5: 14

Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm (maggot) is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. Is.14:11

And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty (elevated) shall be humbled: Isaiah 5: 15

Finally, God shows the new wine model failed because they saw the "wine" as a symbol of "exhilaration" or charismatic feelings from their worship. Like all pagans, the use of drugs and music to enhance the feeling took absolutely no heart adjustment.

However, a heart adjustment is required if you are going to replace a weekly "exhalting ceremony" with judgment and right living:

But the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness. Isaiah 5: 16

Only when the "religious festivals" are silenced is it possible for the lambs to live like lambs and not like a flock of vultures:

Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat. Isaiah 5:17

Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope Is.5:18

As we noted, Dr. Shelly will advise Woodmont that not using instruments is somehow connected with mistreading kids.

Therefore, clean didn't mean "freshly washed" but innocent, blameless. For instance in lifting up holy hands the emphasis is not lifting hands but holy hands. That is still a command.

Aren't we lucky that Jesus clarified the parable and repudiated this tradition even as He repudiated the children playing the musical worship games of Dionysus and "put the musical mourning team out 'more or less violently'."

Oh. Remember, the magic above? You didn't notice that Jesus did not repudiate them for washing their hands after every sneeze. Notice that Jesus was condemning the FOR HIRE meaning hirelings:

A hupokritês [hupokrinomai] an interpreter or expounder, one who plays a part on the stage, a player, actor, metaphor a pretender, dissembler, hypocrite, Often appears with the Pharisaios, a Pharisee, Separatist (from pharash, to distinguish), one of a sect who separated themselves from other Jews as affecting superior holiness. Peter outlawed private interpretation which is FURTHER EXPOUNDING.

THEN came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, (preachers, book writers) which came from Jerusalem. Mark 7:1

And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. Mark 7: 2

Jesus said that it was the doctors of the law who took away the key to knowledge. These were pharisee specialists:

Scriba A doctor of the Jewish law, one whose duty it was to guard and expound the sacred text

It is possible to be a Pharisee, Scribe or of the SECTARIAN hypocrites in the condemned sense if you are a PROFESSIONAL RELIGIONISTS.

Defiled does not mean sinful but ceremonially contaminated.

Koinos (g2839) koy-nos'; prob. from 4862; common, i.e. (lit.) shared by all or several, or (cer.) profane: - common, defiled, unclean, unholy.

And all that believed were together, and had all things common; Ac.2:44

The custom did not make it so. We shake hands at church or visit the junk shop and wash our hands before we eat. I still like to wash my pots and pans before cooking or eating from them. This was just the tradition of the "washed" while the disciples of Jesus were the "unwashed." They might drop a dead fish and pick up a piece of bread and I wouldn't want to let them hand me food but they had their right as the Jews had their right. Not washing hands after petting the wet dog will not make us "holy" and non-hypocrites.

However, if we make a great stink disparaging those who do not endorse instrumental music but refuse to sing the Word of Christ or Spirit even with "played" music we may be hypocrites.

There is no connection here between going to God's Holy Mountain!

For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. Mark 7: 3

And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not, And many other things there be,

[Can't you see that they washed their hands in preparation for eating -- not in going to God's holy hill in Jerusalem?]

which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. Mark 7: 4

Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? Mark 7:5

Contrary to the enemies of the Word, hypocrites are NOT those who grasp that Scripture condemns things like "body worship" with music of a Holy Spirit God. Rather, the Pharisee sectarians looked for loopholes because they were legalists.

"seeking scriptural support for their actions through a ramified system of HERMENEUTICS. It was due to this PROGRESSIVE tendency of the Pharisees that their interpretation of the Torah CONTINUED to develop and has remained a living force in Judaism. Catholic Encyclopedia, Pharisees.

Jesus didn't give us "liberty" to eat out of contaminated pots and pans or eat without washing the "brethren" off. Rather, He asked why they were so careful about the external body which was actually commendable. But at the same time they were so "unwashed" and ignorant that they thought that they could make up their own "worship" plans to ignore the Word of God in "song and sermon."

Does this fit those who take baths AND obey the commandments of Christ? We think not.

We believe that this applies to those who don't eat with the pigs but are quite willing to make up their own "traditions of the elders" about what to teach in sermons, sing in songs, play with instruments and practice before the watching world.

They might make a panic-like attack upon churches of Christ but "eat and drink" with every other religious group under the sun. In fact, go quite radical in inventing epithets to apply to those who will not worship with those who are unwashed in the baptism sense.

Now, the sin was not in washing hands (not playing instruments) but the sin was hiring a musical worship facilitator to lead us into the presence of God.

He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Mark 7: 6

Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Mark 7: 7

For laying aside the commandment of God,

ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. Mark 7: 8

Now the sin is not in washing hands. The sin began in laying aside the commandments of God as authority. This then permitted them to put their whole focus upon washing hands (playing instruments in our parable).

The specific sin condemned by Isaiah had a cause:

WOE to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices. Isaiah 29:1

Yet I will distress Ariel, and there shall be heaviness and sorrow:and it shall be unto me as Ariel. Isaiah 29:2

And I will camp against thee round about, and will lay siege against thee with a mount, and I will raise forts against thee. Isaiah 29:3

And thou shalt be brought down, and shalt speak out of the ground, and thy speech shall be low out of the dust, and thy voice shall be, as of one that hath a familiar spirit, out of the ground, and thy speech shall whisper out of the dust. Isaiah 29: 4

The familiar spirit was actually a musical instrument. Most instruments were believed to be the homes of the gods. The witch could mumble or whisper into it and the echoing sound was interpreted as a message from the god:

Owb (h178) obe; from the same as 1 (appar. through the idea of prattling a father's name); prop. a mumble, i. e. a water-skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar): - bottle, familiar spirit.

This is quite identical to the psaltery which had the guts stretched across it so that it was a "beast" or lifeless instrument which could still speak:

Nebel (h5035) neh'-bel; from 5034; a skin- bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); hence a vase (as similar in shape when full); also a lyre (as having a body of like form): - bottle, pitcher, psaltery, vessel, viol

The Greeks in Corinth had a high-tech familiar spirit:

Chalkos (g5475) khal-kos'; perh. from 5465 through the idea of hollowing out as a vessel (this metal being chiefly used for that purpose); copper (the substance, or some implement or coin made of it): - brass, money.

The resounding was:

Echeo (g2278) ay-kheh'-o; from 2279 (roar, confused, sound); to make a loud noise, i.e. reverberate: - roar, sound.

The Classical writers define this as the device supplied by the gods.

Isaiah then speaks what Jesus quoted:

Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me,

but have removed their heart far from me,

and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Isaiah 29:13

Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder:for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. Isaiah 29:14

And he said unto them,

Full well ye reject the commandment of God,

that ye may keep your own tradition. Mark 7: 9

Now, Jesus has repudiated the Pharisees and the Jews which He uses in a derogatory sense. Why? Because Pharisees do two things to qualify:

• They reject the command of God
• In order to observe their own traditions.

Denying that God has "commands, examples and inferences" and that they are authority for our lives is one side and adding instrumental music is telling God "Depart from us, we desire not the knowledge of they ways."

This is the only "pattern" we can find.

So, who is the Pharisee:

Those who reject the authority of the word and push instrumental music

or those who accept the command of God and "play" the "instrument" God gave us for spiritual worship - the voice and human heart?

Hypocrisy always involves performance.

The direct command of God through Paul is to "teach" using the Word of Christ or Spirit. The resource is inspired and the method is the same word "to preach." The singing and melody is in the heart and directed to God and not externally directed to the "audience." Psalms were the resource and still are in many groups.

Music was added by David to the "like the nation's" temple because that was the tradition of all temple-state nations. Remember, the Monarchy was under a curse and would go into captivity because of their kings and the musical worship teams were the slave drivers to build the temple which would be destroyed.

Instrumental music is one of the oldest traditions. At Mount Sinai it was the tradition of the Egyptians and sentenced Israel to destruction.

Therefore, according to the definition of Jesus if you are going to define a Pharisee it should be those who sowed discord by adding instruments.

Churches of Christ come under harsh judgment because it believes (often without understanding) that what Jesus and Paul commanded is important.

Churches of Christ lay aside no commandment of God in order NOT try to worship a Spiritual God with machines.

Not using a machine is not the tradition of churches of Christ. It was the commandment recognized by all of the church Fathers.

Therefore, how could anyone use Jesus' definition of a Pharisee

and define churches of Christ as Pharisees for not using instruments.

When the example of Jesus is honestly understood, it is possible for one NOT to use instruments even if it be a tradition and not mistreat orphans, homosexuals, prostitutes and blacks.

Eventually a party (i.e., denomination) within Judaism bound these rules and many others like them with scrupulous zeal. They came to be known as the Pharisees.

But now we should know that they bound sanitary rules upon the people and Jesus didn't condemn them.

Rather, if they were going to follow sanitary rules and just criticize the unwashed they didn't have to be hypocrites also - a brood of vipers?

By analogy, if we are going to bind the singing of silly praise songs and instruments upon the people (or they must get out) then how can the clergy identify a whole group of people as Pharisees for not binding these practices? And make no mistake about it, from the middle of the 19th century there has been a harsh, evangelistic effort to bind instruments on non-instrumental churches by means most foul at times. Nothing can be as violent as to identify those who do not participate as Pharisees or racists.

On the contrary, history knows that you cannot (as Nimrod believed) make spiritual changes with external means such as instruments and the women's choirs who pranced around behind him.

See Babylon Music

See the Practices of Nimrod The Child of the Mother

Because there is no positive command, instrumental Music and choirs fall into the role of "washing of hands" and rejecting the clear command of Paul and all of the clear Biblical evidence which will never get on the fill in the blanks.

Therefore, we believe that promoting instrumental music as a change agent when it has no internal effect is the mark of a hypocritical and, yes, paganistic ritual because it repudiates the power of the unaccompanied Words of Christ.

The Jews admitted and Jesus confessed that this was the "traditions of the elders" so no one doubted whether there was a command, example or inference about it.

If you wash your hands after every visit to the bathroom (there is a command on the door) and you do not violate the commandments of God through Paul then you are still not a hypocrite.

The Hassadim (spiritual) were taken over by those who became Pharisees (external ritualists) to get away from the temple which was the den of thieves, a house of merchandise. The temple was the focus of musical festivals which had made the Feast of Tabernacles into a pagan fertility ritual. In the Synagogue they taught the Word and prayed and "there was no praise service in the Synagogue."

The fact that they were hypocrites is more attributed to their presuming to be God's authorized agents even for physical punishment and death.

They were willing to murder Jesus and others to keep the people from listening to Him. I assure you that those spirit-abused by the music and praise superstition will do you violence to keep you silent.

While most Christians know the Pharisees as "hypocrites," that is an unfair generalization based on the unpleasant exchanges Jesus had with some of their leaders. Either Jewish or Christian scholars would tell you that, for the most part, the Pharisees were simply

conscientious literalists who wanted to be right in everything they did in their religion.

I can't be too critical of that spirit. To the contrary, I could wish that more people had such an attitude.

Or should that be my wish?

Above, Jesus defined a Pharisee as one who:

1. Lays aside the direct commandments of God.
2. Worships according to the traditions of man.
3. Our attacker delights in making fun of "commands,
   examples and inferences."

We would be in danger of fire if we accused them falsely but Woodmont Hills makes the association between churches of Christ (generic) and being a Pharisee. Some are sinners but may not be hypocrites unless they try to make spiritual changes with external machines and theatrical performance.

More: What is a hypocrite?

He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Mark 7: 6

Hypocrites (g5273) hoop-ok-ree-tace'; from 5271; an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e. (fig.) a dissembler ("hypocrite"): - hypocrite.

Huokrisis (g5272) hoop-ok'-ree-sis; from 5271; acting under a feigned part, i.e. (fig.) deceit ("hypocrisy"): - condemnation, dissimulation, hypocrisy.

Hupokrinomai (g5271) hoop-ok-rin'-om-ahee; mid. from 5259 (pour out) and 2919; to decide (speak or act) under a false part, i.e. (fig.) dissemble (pretend): - feign.

One who preaches what he does not believe is an actor: a hypocrite and deserves no sympathy but is suffering the foreordained and inescapable fate.

One who tries to improve the Word of God by music and drama is by definition a hypocrite -- just acting and often "for a price, always for a price."

One who claims direct inspiration is self-deluded.

Here Thomas Paine described a hypocrite:

"It is impossible to calculate the moral mischief, if I may so express it, that mental lying has produced in society. When a man has so far corrupted and prostituted the chastity of his mind,

as to subscribe his professional belief to things he does not believe,

he has prepared himself for the commission of every other crime.

He takes up the trade of a priest for the sake of gain, and, in order to qualify himself for that trade,

he begins with a perjury. Can we conceive anything more destructive to morality than this?" (Thomas Paine who gave you political freedom and freedom from government-like religious tyrants.)

Jesus said to help us identify the hypocrite:

The hypocrites are specifically those who attempt to come into the presence of God through some form of speaking, singing or musical manipulation. It is a sin to try to manipulate people "into the presence of God" using external means when Paul said that "He is far from all of us."

Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me,

but have removed their heart fsar from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Isaiah 29:13

Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. Isaiah 29:14

The NAS reads:

Then the Lord said, "Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me,

And their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote, Isaiah 29:13

Therefore behold, I will once again deal marvelously with this people, wondrously marvelous; And the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, And the discernment of their discerning men shall be concealed." Isaiah 29:14

Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 1Co.1:20

After singing a song about five times you don't even think about it: you just give God lip service from rote or reading some "prophetess." Perhaps Jesus would call that hypocritical especially when we sing things Biblically wrong or we don't know the meaning of the poetic language.

Ezekiel said something similar about hypocrites:

This defines mouth religion as including talented singers and musicians. The language is that of prostitution which spiritually is selling the free word of God.

Churches of Christ do not honor (worship) talented singers and musicians.

Therefore, churches of Christ do not hang out "around the walls" and cannot by this be defined as hypocrites.

Churches of Christ are also denounced for teaching as authoritative more than just the "core" gospel. It teaches the commandments of God.

Churches of Christ do not focus upon drama and theatrical performances.

Churches of Christ do not "make love" to God with beautiful voices and well-played instruments and the display of women.

Therefore, by Jesus' definition churches of Christ are not the hypocrites even though many individual members are. The enemy of churches of Christ has the duty to stalk them down and lock them up if they are so vile.

The Pharisees and Hypocrites (Vipers) were not conscientious about anything but a religion as a means to suck in the people and suck out their money. Jesus identified all of the hypocritical temple "staff" as a Generation of Vipers -- sons of Satan. He identified the same generation as children playing the musical fertility games of funeral and wedding. They piped trying to seduce Jesus into the dance of Dionysus. This would allow the Judas principle to "triumph over" him with wind instruments (Psalm 41).

Perhaps only up to 12 thousand were involved with the temple which continued the legalistic Musical Worship Teams as a way to "triumph over" the common people and keep them as still "strangers" out of the symbolic presence of God in the sacrifices.

The Pharisees were more related to the synagogue where legalistic music had been replaced with prayer and listening to the Word. It was not "temple" but "school" and THERE WAS NO PRAISE SERVICE IN THE SYNAGOGUE.

In the text the Pharisees were condemned for what they specifically did wrong. They were not singled out for being Pharisees or Jews in general.

Jesus' Antipathy to Legalism

We tried to show above that the issue was not legalism but a tradition which was inconsistent with evil. It had nothing to do with the law:

And when the Pharisee saw it, he marveled that he had not first washed before dinner. Luke 11:38

And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening (extortion) and wickedness. Luke 11:39

Ye fools, did not he, that made that which is without, make that which is within also? Luke 11:40

We believe that the teaching contrasts external "worship services with music and theatrical performance" which is true legalism with "worship in spirit" which is internal to the mind or spirit. For instance, the Jew's insistence on absolute silence while they searched for leaven during Passover directly repudiates a musical worship team stimulating the externals while they are trying to "discern the body" during Lord's Supper. We have heard of a church which has removed its communion table to the foyer and replaced it with a wired up, amplified "worship team" destroying the worship of the body.

Jesus might have meant that they could keep on washing their hands before eating but at the same time practice judgment, mercy and faith:

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites for ye devour widows houses,

and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Mt.23:14

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Matthew 23:23

Tithing was still legal. This was taking 10% but only of the produce of the lands which were given free by God. This ten percent was supposed to take care of civil services (9%) and priestly services (1%).

However, we can find the legalist very easily because churches of Christ have historically rejected tithing which when taken from non-Jewish farmers living on Jewish lands in Palestine was still extortion or as Malachi called it "robbing the wage earner." Remember:

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion (take by force) and excess. Matthew 23:25

There is no "collection plate act of worship." To add one based on "command" rather than love is extortion. Jesus paid the "temple tax", Peter said that God did not demand a "tithe" when we sell our property and Paul insisted that:

I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. 2 Cor 8:8

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 2 Cor 8:9

A vow of poverty went with the office of evangelist. Paul never authorized more than the "oxen's nibbling" or the "soldier's daily dole" or the temple-servant's daily dole as it worked in the temple -- except among the legalistic extortionists. There can be no "demand" -- and get money out of literate Bible students who remember the "old church of Christ" where extorted giving and tithing were legalistic -- just priestly extortion.

By depending upon the free will giving there would be a non-legal exercise of religious freedom and, in the end, more money out of love:

And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. 2 Cor 8:10

So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given. 2 Cor 9:5

Paying a debt is not a gift.

So I thought it necessary to urge the brethren to go on to you before me, and arrange in advance for this gift you have promised, so that it may be ready not as an exaction but as a willing gift. 2 Cor 9:5

So I have asked these other brothers to arrive ahead of me to see that the gift you promised is on hand and waiting. I want it to be a real gift and not look as if it were being given under pressure. 2 Cor 9:5

Plenoecia (g4124) pleh-on-ex-ee'-ah; from 4123; avarice, i.e. (by impl.) fraudulency, extortion: - covetous (-ness) practices, greediness.

Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: Mk.7:22

BUT there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2Pe. 2:1

And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 2Pe. 2:2

And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. 2 Pe.2:3

Peter and Jude speak of those defined by the Book of Enoch. God will come with ten thousand of His saints to execute judgment on the "sons of vipers" or the agents of Satan defined by the story of Jubal the father of those who handle (without authority) musical instruments and by all known traditions about instrumental music, mixed-sex choirs, tolerance for wine and beer and abortionists.

Modern false prophets who introduce any form of performance (preaching or teams) in order to "attract the crowd" fall under the condemnation of the Jubals of the world who are defined as legalists and just out for the money.

See the ZOE and the "run to the hills" theme as the Mark of the Beast.

Perverted sex and power with musical instruments was the power of Inanna (Ishtar-Tammuz worshiped by the women in Jerusalem, Eze 8) and it was the ancient Babylonian-Whore form of worship. The "women and children" first had to get the "Patron god of music" drunk on new wine to force these gifts from him.

Is it fair to suggest that the stage is set to discuss legalism and pharisaic tendencies?

Next, are we legalistic and pharaisaic in order to avoid trivial things?

Is it logical to think that the following list of things are trivial?

What are they? card-playing, movies, mowing grass on Sundays.

Because not using instrumental music is defined as one of those pharisaic practices, we should act that churches of Christ act rather than react. The action defined by Paul is to preach or teach with the revealed Word of God and the emphasis is not upon music. To do that obeys the Word of Paul without a hint that "not using instruments" somehow makes the practice more powerful over God.

As I remember it, I grew up in that environment also. However, one cannot define these as trivial without giving explicit permission for them. Most lives begin their down-hill slide with dancing and "new wine." I knew a lady who was addicted to playing Rook. I know lots who are addicted to Bridge and alcohol goes with it. Never heard of anyone drawn up on charges for mowing the lawn on Sunday. We often had a barbecue picnic with softball and a trip to the swimming hole. One might imagine that adults never quite get over rebelling against youthful restrictions. Many authorities define addiction to music as one of the most destructive.

But we had our Sunday blast with Methodists, Baptists and Presbyterians. And as I remember it, opposition to dancing and cards didn't originate with legalistic (and lost) churches of Christ. As I remember it the Baptist preacher (we did attend their meetings) was most deadly against "them ole 7-Up cards" and "mooin pitchur shos." We kids attended the local school Saturday Western along with cartoon. Got a moon pie and a RC. Never heard it called sin in the church.

However, NOT attending the movies would not make you a legalist.

We will look back and say: "Yet we never seemed to notice how pagan-like our churches were." Or something like that. Hindsight isn't fair to judge one group without lumping all people together. We will wonder how we proposed to "revive" the church with keynote, well-published speakers. We will wonder how we could have gone beyond necessities and built those mansions for God. And those steeples? People will remember that those were the phallic symbols of the dominant clergy: mine is longer than yours.

There never was a battle over financial help to orphans. Never. The battle was over giving OUR money to YOUR program with lots of it raked off the top and sent far away. But the mail worked and we could send our money to the homes without a cut from the middle. I never heard of opposition to these programs until preaching became professionalized: remember a man who experienced a church division in Lebanon, Tennessee over the first hired preacher in the area.

We listened to Paul and therefore church was not the "social security agency" but the place to learn how you could move beyond "tokenism" to teach Blacks and take food to the hungry and sit up with the people being eaten alive with cancer or sit with the TB patient and shoot the birds out of her trees or share a freshly-killed pork or help pay for the pigs for Sunday in the summer. Members often struggled to feed their families and were downright hostile to putting someone on the payroll to do our work for us. I remember living in a slave cabin at 15 below zero and the family''s proceeds were 11 dollars after the credit store was paid off. My dad spent $3.95 down for a battery radio and we became the community theater to "watch" Joe Louis fights and watch war news and hope the "on welfare" (commodities and WPA - We Piddle Around) would give us our first taste of raisins. Perhaps Dr. Shelly remembers his own past and too readily projects it to the "decadent and deleterious" church of Christ.

Did he know that those on welfare were almost always the best fed in the neighborhood? And they did share with the working people.

Isn't it a sin to level a blank accusation against a religious society which was built upon the basis that, once freed with the help of Thomas Paine and John Locke, it would remain free from dominant clergy, musical instruments and denominational structures bigger than the local congregation? It turns out that the "anti" views against most of the collectivistic groups proved correct.

Is it fair to suggest that the stage has been set above to discuss legalism and pharisaic tendencies?

Are we legalistic and pharaisaic in order to avoid trivial things?

Is it logical to think that the following is trivial?

What is it? refusing to use pianos and organs.

It seems clear that this a past tense discussion of the old "deleterious and decadent" church of Christ and is not Woodmont.

Is it far fetch that we are still on the same topic? Then is "refusing to use pianos and organs" trivial? And if trivial then not legalistic and pharisaic?

If this is not a fact and I, honest and trained, get the message with no "turf" or pulpit to defend or books to sell why are you paying so much when a trained writer could be clearer? Is there any way you can see my reasoning?

The "more important than sobering up drunks" has no meaning unless the use of machines to worship a Spirit god is so trivial that we should not notice them smuggled in the windows in the dead of night or slipped in after a long series of "water drops" pre-silencing anyone who would dare discuss the wrong of music. Heard a close to Nashville preacher gloating that his preacher friend had developed to the point that he would never again preach against instruments. Well, with the old sermons I can understand why they would not appear so Biblical illiterate.

Most of the Baptists and Methodist I grew up didn't spend a microsecond back then worrying why we didn't use instruments.

"Our churches" had members who gave a nickel a week and we still sent part of it to the closest orphan home. Where was doctor Shelly? The rurals survived and only the overgrown and overblown urbans wanted big buildings, choirs , organs and a "paid" pastor -- even hiring professional musicians away from the theater. Why? To attract "the largest miscellaneous audience." Wouldn't those millions of dollars really help if just funneled directly into well-established "social gospel" organizations?

The drunks in my neighborhood didn't want to get sober. The one drug addict got put in jail but smuggled in a pill and a rusty nail. Poke a hole and put the pill next to the blood. We didn't know how to help people like that and neither did atone else. Instead of the tithe we not give up to 40% of our income to do what the tithe used to do. That allows people who know how to cure addicts cure addicts and that assuredly does not include ministers having attended a counseling seminar.

The only judgmentalism I ever heard has been from church of Christ preachers who have some instinctive knowledge that they are "hatching and batching rather than going and bestowing." It is easy to get morally and emotionally sick doing bulletins when they would, if the money was there, willingly go to the Balkans and stay.