tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post6369331644244568497..comments2023-08-13T06:28:46.576-07:00Comments on The Harder Truths: Christian Music Theology - Bad to Worse?Greg Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11730078969650481442noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-56447822309733956282023-08-13T06:28:46.576-07:002023-08-13T06:28:46.576-07:00You make excellent observations in this article. Y...You make excellent observations in this article. You also seemed to say that true Christians can fall/run away and never return. You said "..., while it is true that a prodigal who has "run away" (as the account goes in Luke 15:11-32) can return, there is no provision for one who never returns. The bible warns about falling away (Hebrews 6:4-6) and denying our Lord (Matthew 10:33). We make our own decision whether to believe in and walk with Christ or not. Jesus himself warned His own disciples, "And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me" (Matthew 10:38)." How do you reconcile that with 1 John 2:19 "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us."Dan Cartwrighthttps://thebattlecry49.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-15751231058756689462022-08-24T01:26:42.957-07:002022-08-24T01:26:42.957-07:00Yes it is a challenging moral decision for Christi...Yes it is a challenging moral decision for Christians, as far as becoming involved in the entertainment industry. Is God really calling people to infiltrate an unethical business by becoming all things to all men that some will be saved through their witness and are they in fact able to remain unspotted from the world while serving Him in a sewer. It would depend on the grace of God and obedience to Him. Where sin abounds, grace much more abounds. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-82741746291193054082020-08-13T13:08:41.622-07:002020-08-13T13:08:41.622-07:00Thank you for doing your part in shedding light on...Thank you for doing your part in shedding light on Christian music. This is just the tip of the iceburg I think. It's just an indicator of the church today which in my opinion is generally apostate.<br /><br />Greg Cooperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11730078969650481442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-54493681174229410112020-04-04T12:12:01.143-07:002020-04-04T12:12:01.143-07:00Does 2 Corinthians 6:17 ring a bell on our walk?Does 2 Corinthians 6:17 ring a bell on our walk?Michael Nelsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06044505015766166709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-76990743442148789242020-04-03T16:01:46.497-07:002020-04-03T16:01:46.497-07:00Very well put! God bless youVery well put! God bless youGreg Cooperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11730078969650481442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-73208392817237328362020-03-10T10:53:48.355-07:002020-03-10T10:53:48.355-07:00Anonymous: I don't think you understand the v...Anonymous: I don't think you understand the verse in Matthew about judgement. No where in the Bible does it tell us that we should never judge. The verse in Matthew that discusses judgement is speaking to hypocrisy and it is not saying that we should ever judge. In other words, we cannot on one hand preach the 10 Commandments and then on the other hand break them. However, we must keep reading, because later on Jesus says not to cast our pearls before swine. That implies that we must make a judgement call as to what swine is. And, not it isn't literally talking about swine. <br /><br />I think the entire point to all of this is that the Christian life if not all about happy go-lucky, look at me, I'm living the life because Jesus is my boyfriend who puts up with me. In fact, there is no real point to talking about Jesus at all if we don't address sin. If we fail to address sin, then we don't need Jesus, because we don't need a Savior.<br /><br />I am sorry that sin rub you the wrong way and people pointing out sin makes you feel badly, but that is the point. We must address sin. Christianity is not about feeling good, it is about being holy. Holiness, not happiness.<br /><br />We would do well to reflect on the holiness of God. He doesn't just know things, he knows all things. He is just in places, he is in all places. He isn't just loving, he is all loving. He is holy and the gap between us and Him, if left to that gap, there'd still be a gap! This is what is missing from our praise and worship. It is watered down Christianity. I am tired of being fed cotton candy and offering cotton candy to God in worship with song. God deserves so much more! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03658966684958684337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-65058244601127486622017-11-29T20:19:51.880-08:002017-11-29T20:19:51.880-08:00ok according to your judgement then i can judge yo...ok according to your judgement then i can judge you but who said your righteous?, like really whom are we to judge and say we are right , i dont get you people is it not Gods job alone to be the judge at the end like why even bother, and by this i mean like how can i know your right just because you used the bible dosent mean your using it the right way. i dont know you neither you know me nor your judgement or my judgement will affect Gods opinion at the end, for you or me are not smart enough to grasp the way God will decide he is the only one that knows , you seem like childs pointing your finger cant you see this are you all that blindAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-30231071342886744102017-05-19T12:32:35.019-07:002017-05-19T12:32:35.019-07:00I wrote an article that mirrors similar views http...I wrote an article that mirrors similar views https://deliverancefromdemonsinjesusname.wordpress.com/2017/02/21/the-christian-rock-or-contemporary-christian-music-ccm-deception-is-it-really-for-jesus/CrytotheAlmightyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04711403238799968276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-14471889295114527472017-03-15T03:20:18.118-07:002017-03-15T03:20:18.118-07:00i agree. the lyrics reach out to people where the...i agree. the lyrics reach out to people where they are, without Christ. the songs speak to you in the midst of your hurt, your pain, your hopelessness, and point you to the One Who can help you. HeidiGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17121520491416550721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-41353355865309453222017-03-14T18:01:19.459-07:002017-03-14T18:01:19.459-07:00I think you missed the point of the verses you quo...I think you missed the point of the verses you quoted. In them Paul is tell his readers that he is in fact free to have them support him fully (the Old Testament reference of not muzzling the ox is to say that it is free to eat while it works, so the teacher is free to be fed and housed while he preached.) Paul is saying that he CHOSE not to so that nobody could even INVENT a rumor that he was mooching off the people. We as Christians are commanded to support our ministers, that is the reason behind the tithe. In the Old Testament, the tithe was used to support the priests and their families, they ATE the food sacrificed at the Temple. In the New Testament the tithes were used to support the teachers of the Word. Jesus himself told his disciples not to take money with them on their journeys, but that those they taught were obligated to care for them. How did you miss all this? It is all through both Testaments of the Bible and very clear and obvious in the verses you quoted.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13600536345428909379noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-43152547150397149432017-03-14T11:09:22.158-07:002017-03-14T11:09:22.158-07:00I don't speak for God and would never claim to...I don't speak for God and would never claim to do so. But that's why I quote the bible. God does have something to say about what comes out of our mouths. By the way, do you endorse the portion of their lyrics that leave sound doctrine? When I point out things that don't line up, I'm judgmental? The bible tells us to judge those inside the church and not those outside of it (1 Corinthians 5:12). Since they claim to be Christian, I am free to make a judgment on what they say. There is nothing wrong with pointing out error with Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness). God bless you.Greg Cooperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11730078969650481442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-8762558664498548152017-03-14T11:01:22.609-07:002017-03-14T11:01:22.609-07:00Amen.Amen.Greg Cooperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11730078969650481442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-3550542816958038622017-03-14T11:00:14.804-07:002017-03-14T11:00:14.804-07:00Thank you, Greg. I also saw that photo. Unbelieva...Thank you, Greg. I also saw that photo. Unbelievable. I also saw on their Facebook page that they are endorsing the Shack. The Shack is very unbiblical. The fact that they are okay with it - and promoting it - is very telling and also another confirmation of where they are spiritually. We need to stay alert with bands like this!Greg Cooperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11730078969650481442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-17076691432284429232017-03-12T14:04:50.020-07:002017-03-12T14:04:50.020-07:00Thank you, Praise the Lord!Thank you, Praise the Lord!Greg Cooperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11730078969650481442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-86677018543024716392017-03-12T14:03:38.934-07:002017-03-12T14:03:38.934-07:00Thank you Greg. Nice name by the way! The seculari...Thank you Greg. Nice name by the way! The secularism in the music more prevalent than ever. After noting about 30 songs as I heard them that were off, I was still finding more, and more. If you really listen to them and compare them to Scripture you realize it is more rare than ever to hear a really good, biblically sound song that you don't have to think twice about. When your hands are raised in worship, the last thing you want to do is sing something blasphemous. Greg Cooperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11730078969650481442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-11171659869776146872017-03-12T13:47:26.785-07:002017-03-12T13:47:26.785-07:00Thank you for your comments. God can certainly use...Thank you for your comments. God can certainly use anything to draw a person to Himself, but if an artist considers them self as being a Christian, they have a responsibility to properly present the gospel with great care. Since they are supposedly representing Christ, this is very, very important. As you mentioned many people who listen to their music are in fact on a path leading to hell - which is so sad - and that's exactly why it is important to lead them to the truth. But what an opportunity they have to share the whole counsel of God that people may be saved! So the lyrics must line up with the bible. If they do not, thousands, possibly millions are being misled by a misrepresentation of God's word. Considering there a multiple artists are doing this (many more of whom I didn't have room to mention) it is even more concerning! This is so dangerous for everyone involved. I don't understand why a person would take this lightly. Like myself, I hope you are also praying for them. I have a love for these artists, and I do pray for them, especially John Cooper. God bless you. Greg Cooperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11730078969650481442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-54045233056372983432017-03-11T20:38:40.014-08:002017-03-11T20:38:40.014-08:002Cor. 7:10, Gal. 3:24, Acts 17:30. I believe John ...2Cor. 7:10, Gal. 3:24, Acts 17:30. I believe John 5:32 as well.<br />We have missed the real message of the Cross, especially in "religious" media. Paul said it was all about Christ crucified. It's time we get back to "pricking" people's hearts as Peter did in Acts 2 then this real grace, popularity hunting and money grabbing.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11351010070334807193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-86691185486463035802017-03-11T16:56:55.640-08:002017-03-11T16:56:55.640-08:001st Corinthians 9:3-14: "Mine answer to them ...1st Corinthians 9:3-14: "Mine answer to them that do examine me is this, Have we not power to eat and to drink? Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?<br />Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? 10Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? 12If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel."<br />SjForJesushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15687683416328696341noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-12675363972208991482017-03-11T16:53:22.421-08:002017-03-11T16:53:22.421-08:00totally get that!totally get that!SjForJesushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15687683416328696341noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-635627841787874972017-03-11T16:47:43.204-08:002017-03-11T16:47:43.204-08:00This article is perhaps the most divisive and judg...This article is perhaps the most divisive and judgemental anti-Jesus sentiment i've ever read from a person who chose to speak for God. There are so many twisted interpretations of many of these lyrics its stunning. That said, I dont think the way this skillet guy shows the horn symbol and the whole looking like spinal tap thing is in any way Godly. Thats as judgemental as I choose to be towards him. I once sent a song I wrote to someone called "Over Me".. There is a lyric in that song that says..."..so I asked him to come in, I was down on my knees. The flood gates opened his living water rushed over me. His Grace, his love, His blood, washed over me. I was blind but now I see why He died at Calvary." The person I sent it to replied with the question..."so are you over you?" The point is THEY missed the point. The lyric is purely salvational. It is a direct statement of how I came to God through his Son my saviour Jesus Christ and how ANYONE may do the same. I was so concerned that this lyric might not be clear enough, it caused me to be stumble blocked as to even going on with the attempt to complete the entire project. That was MY mistake! I think this article, by being so judgemental is a blatant attempt to subvert the works of God through Christian musicians much the same way as my listener did by missing the point. Are there people being used by the devil through modern Christian music? Of that I think there is no doubt. Are there some lyrics (often times taken out of context) that are Biblcally unsound? Again sometimes yes. But I say (in reguards to this article) attacks and misrepresentation are not the way to address the issue. The important thing should always be... did some one get saved? BTW didnt we all recieve disernment through the Holy Spirit at the point of salvation?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-49691914499194728672017-03-11T15:49:39.892-08:002017-03-11T15:49:39.892-08:00Well said moretolife.Well said moretolife.SjForJesushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15687683416328696341noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-65842990840890046702017-03-11T15:09:56.432-08:002017-03-11T15:09:56.432-08:00Where in the Bible does it say that?Where in the Bible does it say that?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-36026471487959468042017-03-11T14:38:22.581-08:002017-03-11T14:38:22.581-08:00I get this article and not every Christian artist ...I get this article and not every Christian artist may not have in mind glorifying God in His works, but I will also say this too.. <br /><br />In response to this article and the person who wrote this article. Im going to go there. My challenge to those who point fingers to songs of Christian music.. If ONE, JUST ONE person comes to Jesus Christ, because of that song that may not sound "Christian" enough to somebody else, then thats Big!! When other Christians also attempt to judge or challenge other Christians who are putting themselves out there to express themselves and glorify God in their gifts, to live the commission, therefore potentially causing that person to stop or get fearful of what others may think then stopping, then that person who is pointing a finger is unknowingly hindering another Brother or Sister in Christ from doing the works that Father God has given them to do. Like in any form of work. What? Phil Collins' songs cant lead someone to Jesus too? What if He wrote a Christian song that pointed out the moneychangers and todays hypocrites?(And did, Genesis " Jesus He Knows Me"). I wish our fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ would focus more on those who are currently going to hell and do and continue to do what theyre called to do and even if they dont agree with another Christian doing something for God whether they think so or not,, PRAY for them anyway and PRAY that God will do HIS WILL!! Not ours or what we think is Gods will. PRAY OVER THEM! PRAY THAT THEIR WORKS are the WORKS of God. If this keeps up with people in Christ doing this, the unsaved will get so put off of Christianity and Satan will keep laughing at us and we're falling into his plans.SjForJesushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15687683416328696341noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-35028082898767412942017-03-11T13:09:14.023-08:002017-03-11T13:09:14.023-08:00The Bible is pretty clear... Anyone selling the Wo...The Bible is pretty clear... Anyone selling the Word of God in any form (books, dvds, or other media) and anyone charging for their ministries (preachers, teachers, apostles, profits, or musicians) are NOT OF GOD...ShiningintheDarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03189301924087334446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5750509297664496238.post-56120321843403166582017-03-11T11:54:30.234-08:002017-03-11T11:54:30.234-08:00The lead singer for Skillet is open about his upbr...The lead singer for Skillet is open about his upbringing in a very strict religious home. He was punished if caught listening to music his parents didn't approve of and he lost his mother when he was young. He also had a difficult relationship with his father (I don't remember all the details.). His songs resinate with me because I was raised in a legalistic, very strict, borderline cult and endured verbal abuse for several years. Skillet's songs wih lines like "I'll do what I want because this is my life!" has nothing to do with rebelling against God, but everything to do with struggling to throw off the chains of legalism as an adult. Something those of us who were raised in religiously abusive homes struggle with. He is reaching out to those who were abused and are hurting. Yes, he tours with secular bands, and he shares the gospel between songs as he shares the stories behind them. He also tours with Franklin Graham. Skillet draws in the crowd and sings and Graham comes out and shares the gospel. If Skillet labeled themselves as a Christian band, refused to tour with secular bands, and forced Jesus' name into every song, they would never draw a crowd of young, mostly secular people to hear the gospel preached to them.<br /><br />As for songs that speak of God never letting us go, some of us were raised with the idea that God is this sadistic bully ready to damn any Christian who makes the slightest mistake. So these songs are a great comfort to those of us who struggle with the idea of God as a loving Father. So images of his love "like a tidal wave washing over me" combats the mental picture of God either ignoring us or standing over us with a bat just waiting for us to make a mistake. All of the songs you reference are written by and for people who know or have known deep pain.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13600536345428909379noreply@blogger.com