Church

Does Psalm 87 Authorize Instrumental Music in the Church?

by William Stewart
October 31, 2010February 20, 2026
Worship, Church

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been engaged in three separate discussions on the use of instrumental music in worship. One of the folks I am conversing with asked me to consider Psalm 87 and a possible application to the church. I am confident that his inquiry is honest. I am equally confident, having studied the text, that it does not authorized the church to use instrumental music. Let’s consider the text here.

First, may I suggest that you read through Psalm 87. It will take just a minute or so, since it is only 7 verses long. Keep your Bible open so you can refer back to the content of the Psalm. I’ll reference it verse by verse as we study.

Is Church Membership Important? The Truth May Surprise You

by William Stewart
March 2, 1997February 12, 2026
Worship, Church

Does it make any difference what church we are a member of? Is one just as good as the next? Newspapers today tell us to “Join the Church of your choice.” The selection is amazing! There are large groups, small groups, charismatic groups, not so charismatic groups. Groups who use creed books and groups who don’t. Groups who use the Old and New Testament and groups who use only one or the other. The question we need to ask about church membership is not which group I want to assemble with, but rather, which group would God have me assemble with?