By: Zach Collins This is the second part of a two-part article, the previous being written by Griffin Collins, which examines a recent event that occurred in an adjacent community that was called, “Festival of Miracles.” I appreciate Griffin’s thoughts on the matter, and I would like to build upon those thoughts by channeling another scriptural approach. The intent of this article is to scripturally explore a false notion perpetuated by Ankit Rambabu and the fundamental belief at the heart of this “festival”, that miracles still exist today, and common men can perform those miracles. The name “festival of miracles” implies that “miracles” would be occurring and, by implication, these “miracles” would be coming through the hands of modern-day “miracle workers.” Unfortunately, this is a common belief amongst many today. However, is this belief supported through scriptural truth and, thus, by a scriptural foundation? Many have been quick to condemn this false teacher but will not refute his teaching that miracles still exist today. Let’s look to the Bible for example and biblical precedence to see what God says about miracles, today.  Much like the word “love”, the word “miracle” is commonly misused in our culture. We attribute this word to anything that occurs that we cannot quantify or explain. Many false teachers prey upon this common misusage. Those who teach that miracles exist today and, further, that they can “perform” miracles rely upon three factors.  1.     First, emotions and indirect evidence. They put a person in an emotional state and then, …

By: Zach Collins Paul once wrote, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” – Colossians 3:17 The issue of mechanical instruments, in Christian worship, is truly a matter of authority. The phrase “word or deed” embraces two areas in the church – teaching and practice. In short, what we teach and what we practice must be implemented through the authority of Christ. To declare authority, one must find a direct command, whether explicit or implicit, or an example. Many are often surprised to learn that the Bible never authorizes the church to worship God with mechanical accompaniment. In truth, the use of mechanical instruments in worship is a mere tradition, adopted within Christendom in recent history, that is void of biblical authority.    It can be stated, emphatically, that the church of Christ in the first century did not use instrumental music in worship. These are the words of Clement of Alexandria, a mere two hundred years after the death of Christ, “Let the pipe be resigned to the shepherds, and the flute to the superstitious who are engrossed in idolatry. For, in truth, such instruments are to be banished from the banquet… (i.e., Worship). We no longer employ the ancient psaltery, trumpet, timbrel, and flute.” Not only was this practice void of example in the New Testament, but it was also commonly accepted that the implementation of mechanical instruments in worship was a dangerous step toward Judaism …