“Often a hen who has merely laid an egg cackles as though she has laid an asteroid.”

ByHal Hammons

There are those who accomplish great things.  And then there are those who have neither the grit, nor the talent, nor the patience to do so and yet wish to receive the same amount of credit.  I try to associate with the first group as much as possible, hoping some skill and/or wisdom may somehow rub off.  I try to avoid the second group entirely — but since their number seems to be growing every day, and since they all appear to be on social media, I am growing frustrated.

A proper cause for boasting

ByHal Hammons

Like the rest of us, Paul had plenty of opportunities for boasting if he were inclined to seek them. He lists some of them in Philippians 3:5-6. Circumcised. Descended from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Devout follower of Jehovah God for his entire life. A spotless reputation for righteousness among all who knew him. Such things were, in fact, used by many Jewish Christians to distance themselves morally and spiritually from others, particularly Gentiles.

But Paul abandoned such things.

The a capella pattern

ByHal Hammons

Advocates for a capella (or non-instrumental) music in worship frequently turn to Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16. Neither of these prohibits instruments in so many words; rather, they describe the actions of worshipful, thankful hearts as they address their Father to offer Him praise. That said, these and every other passage in the New Testament that refer to music in the assembly mentions and emphasizes singing. Instruments are not mentioned at all.

This constitutes a pattern.