Understand the Effects of the New Hermeneutic

Understanding the Effects of the New Hermeneutic

Introduction: This morning we defined the word "Hermeneutic" as the science of interpreting the Bible. It was written so as to be understood and obeyed. How? By studying the text for what it says and does not say. By giving us direct statements (commands), approved examples, and necessary inference. The New Hermeneutic argues we must get away from pattern theology, and more to the general theme of the Bible. We want to look at some of the results of this hermeneutic in the Lord’s church.

I) DIFFERENT KINDS OF WORSHIP

A) John 4.24 aimed at God.

1. In spirit and truth.

2. Attitude and action

B) Unacceptable worship.

1. Acts 17.23 ignorant worship

2. Matthew 15.9 traditions of men

3. Colossians 2.23 will worship

C) Difference is AUTHORITY

1. Proper reverence toward God.

a. Some want John 4.24 read "to worship sincerely and devotedly."

2. The Samaritan’s are not criticized for lacking sincerety.

3. God has always required the right action and attitude.

PASSAGE	ATTITUDE	ACTION
*Deut. 10.12-13*	Fear/love - heart	Walk/ways
*Josh 24.14*	sincerity	truth
*Eccl. 12.13*	Fear God	Keep commandments
*John 4.24*	Spirit	truth
*Acts 10.35*	Fear Him	Work righteousness
*Romans 1.9*	With my spirit	In the gospel
*James 2.17*	faith	works
*1 John 3.18*	Word & tongue	Deed & truth

4. Right forms but wrong motives – Pharisees & Prayer(Matthew 6.5-6); Ananias & Sapphira (Acts 5.2-4).

5. Sincere but wrong form (action) – Cornelius (Acts 10.1-2); Uzzah (2 Samuel 6.6).

II) SPECIFIC CHANGES ADVANCED BY NEW HERMENUETICS

A) Preaching, less Bible based.

1. What makes a "good preacher"?

a. Entertaining, animated, exciting, level of education, etc

b. Messages centered on selfish desires, "what I want" 2 Timothy 4.3

2. We must not make the Bible relevant, it is relevant.

a. Requires balance (Acts 20.20) Jeremiah 1.10.

b. Positive and negative messages are both needed. .

B) Church Music

1. Instrumental music

a. "The banning of musical instruments is more of a tradition than something based on Scripture" – Sounds of Change: Church of Christ Explores Use of Musical Instruments in Worship.

b. Rubel Shelly apologized to a Christian Church for the division over instrumental music.

c. In the worship bulletin for the Oak Hills Church of Christ (Max Lucado) – After many months of careful study and consideration, the elders unanimously concluded that there is no Biblical prohibition of the use of mechanical instruments in worship.

d. Elders in Nashville recently voted in mechanical instruments.

2. Solos, trios, and choirs, 1 Corinthians 14.15,26.

a. The passage does not deal with the singing but the composition of a song.

b. Our singing is to "one another" Colossians 3.16, "in you" refers to collective body.

C) Handclapping in worship

1. Used in 2 ways, i) applause (sign of approval), ii) a rhythmical accompaniment to singing.

2. Amen – means certain and true or "may it be."

a. "Amen" focuses upon the message rather than the person presenting the message.

b. Did not always mean "I agree with that" or "I like that."

D) Female leadership

1. Nashville Meeting 1989 women teaching mixed classes.

2. 1988 Bering Drive Church of Christ announced their intention to encourage women to use their gifts.

a. 1992 women were leading prayers, reading Scriptures, waiting on the Lord’s Table.

3. All in conflict with 1 Cor. 11.3; 14.34, 1 Timothy 2.11-12.

4. Qualifications for elders and deacons excludes women.

E) Moral Issues

1. Acceptance of – Homosexuality, gambling, Divorce & Remarriage.

a. Labeling each one as a matter of opinion and "tradition" of the Church of Christ.

2. The Bible addresses each issue not as matters of opinion but of salvation, 1 Corinthians 6.9-11.

D.T. @ Westside church of Christ 12.16.07

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