Christians don't tell lies they just go to church and sing them.
- A. W. Tozer
Modern Christianity provides a myriad of blessings to hundreds of millions attending churches within dozens of denominations. Nevertheless it seems unlikely that so many differing doctrines and practices, often at odds with each other, accurately depict those established by Christ and His apostles. During the lifetime of New Testament authors, Jesus was already judging His churches offering compliments and complaints, promises and ultimatums.
An honest assessment suggests that much of Churchianity may excel as centers for spiritual birthing and nursery, preschool and kindergarten. Yet beyond this, evidence is overwhelming that we are failing to provide the quality of spiritual salt and light that our families and friends, neighbors and world so desperately need and deserve.
Worship means different things to different people. This holds true even on the denominational level. Christianity’s two main branches of Catholics and Protestants provide good examples. When it comes to music and singing, Catholicism is universally formal and brief. Protestantism covers a broad range of belief systems, many devoting a major portion of church meetings to less formal and even contemporary worship. Catholics identify most directly with Christ through receiving the Eucharist at the end of each service. Protestants tend to anticipate God inhabiting the praise of His people at the beginning.
Praise is enjoyable on many levels. With minimal effort singing creates a sense of belonging and intimacy while giving God His due. Many of today’s most popular songs are composed to foster just such feelings of comfort and faith.
Reflecting the difficulties of their day, traditional hymns were different. For starters they were infused with Scripture. Filled with inspiring lyrics of loyalty and camaraderie, their melodies were meant to encourage and provide solace in the face of hardship. Like bugle calls to reveille, such battle songs of the republic served as constant reminders of the blessed hope the faithful have in God.
Today, not so much. A sign of the best of times, life’s battlefield seems far removed. With technological advances all but conquering basic challenges, we savor the ease of victory. Rather than being forced to raise and catch the chicken, kill and pluck the chicken, gut and then cook the chicken on a wood burning stove, we just drive through KFC on the way home. Casual contemporary worship is a reflection of such blessings across the board, from grocery stores to modern housing, from hospitals to movie theaters.
On the flip side, spiritual conflict is at an all time high. Subtle as it is certain, challenges to Christianity abound. While woefully one-sided, the Church is at war. From ubiquitous levels of temptation and deception, to apathy and the inversion of morality. An increasing number of serious threats are creating a culture of spiritual refugees. All serious concerns miserably failing to raise any alarm, through the means of worship or otherwise.
Through good times and bad, billions of Christians have found solace in worship. When pursuing and/or experiencing acceptance and blessing by God, it’s only natural to return the favor. When threatened or overcome by the challenges of life, it’s reasonable to reach out to a caring Creator. The difficulty arises if and when worship is employed to create God in our own image, thereby sanctioning and even promoting unbiblical and unacceptable beliefs and lifestyles.
As a traditional concept, worship covers a spectrum of connotations and evokes a variety of response. Ancient forms, often associated with asceticism, tended to be Deity heavy and worshiper-lite. Modern Christianity, particularly among Protestants, emphasizes individual and corporate relationship with a unconditionally loving Lord and Savior. Yet, given the fact that Scripture’s explicit and implicit instructions are so often minimized, one wonders to what degree such Divine intimacy and declarations of personal devotion are genuine.
Various kinds and acts of worship can be found throughout both Old and New Testaments. These include seeking and serving God, prayers and psalms, ceremony and commitment, ministry and martyrdom. Today, for much of Christendom, the idea of worship is synonymous with singing hymns or more often choruses and contemporary songs.
Modern Christian music majors on the popular doctrine of unconditional loving acceptance. From and for God. The proliferation of such comforting and personalized messages account for their eager acceptance and rapid rise in global sales which in the 1990’s exceeded those of classical, jazz, and new age music. Unfortunately, the watering down of the concept and content of worship has had a host of negative effects. These include:
Doctrinal Errors: While Scripture repeatedly reinforces that the nature and love of God is as remarkable as it is eternal, the Bible never teaches it’s unconditional. Particularly in regards to acceptance. On the contrary, considering Scripture’s thousands of conditions and commands, it’s anything but. Generally the disconnect arises from failing to discern the difference between a gift that is free verses unconditional. This misunderstanding extends even to the issue of Biblical salvation and is so pronounced as to have become the greatest doctrinal “stumbling block” within modern Christianity. Hardly surprising given today’s meteoric rise of Me-ism and immorality, outside and even inside Churchianity.
Presumption: Assuming to draw near to God with our lips, when our lifestyles reveal an entirely different story, is one of the greatest mistakes recorded in Scripture. Replacing living faith with presumption is indicative of a kind of spiritual insensitivity denounced by the likes of Moses and David, Isaiah and all the Old Testament prophets. Quoting Isaiah, both Jesus and Paul strictly warn such practices lead to the inability to correctly perceive such basic Kingdom principles as repentance, a prerequisite to Biblical salvation.
Worldliness: Scripture reveals entitlement to be the original sin of angels and men. In vein we attempt to relate to and worship God without corporate and personal sanctification. If not radical discipleship. Both in mind and body.
Biblical Illiteracy: Modern distractions and worse have all but replaced serious Bible study and prayer. Given the fact the the average modern Christian can quote the lyrics to any number of choruses and songs it would seem “worship” teams and entertainers have assumed the default role of doctrinal leadership throughout Churchianity.
False Intimacy: There’s tremendous, yet all but unnoticed fallout from the pitfalls described above. Not to mention the inconceivable impact such sins as abortion have had on the church. Including the sacraments of prayer, worship and even salvation. Still, rather than responding to the Bible’s command to repent with brokenness and humility, our generation glories in writing and performing the most inappropriately intimate worship songs in human history.
Authentic Biblical worship is predicated on two factors: Who God is and who we are in relationship to Him. Scripture encourages genuine believers to come before God through two necessary means. These are:
1. The Merits of Christ: The costly atonement of Jesus provides access to God through the positional righteousness of Christ.
2. The Teachings of Christ: Obedience to the commands of Jesus and His apostles. Only conditional righteousness provides access to Christ’s merits.
Both these ingredients are essential to all Christian sacraments, including Biblical salvation and genuine communion. Tragically, given the meteoric rise of entitlement and Me-ism, not to mention immorality and sin, through a variety of means the importance of obedience is often underemphasized. If not rendered entirely moot.
Nevertheless, the crucial nature of these two inseparable components are continually reinforced throughout Scripture. The following are just a few examples.
- “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 New International Version
- “If you love me, keep my commands.” John 14:15 New International Version
- “So let’s keep at it and eventually arrive at the place of rest, not drop out through some sort of disobedience. God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God’s Word. We can’t get away from it—no matter what.” Hebrews 4:11-13 The Message
- “But if we walk in the light, God himself being the light, we also experience a shared life with one another, as the sacrificed blood of Jesus, God’s Son, purges all our sin.” 1 John 7 The Message
- “This, in essence, is the message we heard from Christ and are passing on to you: God is light, pure light; there’s not a trace of darkness in him. If we claim that we experience a shared life with him and continue to stumble around in the dark, we’re obviously lying through our teeth—we’re not living what we claim.” 1 John 1:5-6 The Message
In John’s Book of Revelation, the Apostle of Love describes what may well be a last day scenario. He records Jesus’s judgments for and against seven of His 1st century churches that surely have their 21st century counterparts. Certainly the worldly similarities are stunning and with the stage being set for the fulfillment of Revelation’s Great Tribulation, we may well be living in the final or Laodicean church age.
Why such a stinging rebuke by Jesus agains His own church? Why, given that impoverishment was common among 1st century believers, is this seventh and final church so assured of its wealth and self sufficiency? Might this passage be a warning ringing down through the millennia regarding the spiritual deceitfulness of riches. Further, might these verses be prophetic in the sense of recognizing that the last church age would take for granted and over indulge in unprecedented levels of wealth and ease afforded by the rise of technology?
Many versions render the final verses on Laodicea along these lines:
- “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 3:21-22 New International Version
1. Self deception is far more difficult to overcome than one might think. A troubling truth augmented by both Scripture, and Me-ism’s hardening of hearts and minds.
2. This last of the seven churches is a type of the final church age. Thus modern Laodiceans will have to pass the final exam. Most likely by martyrdom during the Great Tribulation period. This is yet another reason for Churchianity to immediately come to it’s senses, plunging itself honestly and accurately into every form of Christian discipline and sacrament. Instead, countless throngs of largely worldly believers mistakenly place their faith in a Pre-Tribulation Rapture to whisk them out of harms way. When all the while the Scripture, including such notables as Jesus, Paul and John, clearly teach the Rapture takes place Mid-Tribulation. Only after the Antichrist and Mark of the Beast are revealed.
Accurately understanding the “times and the seasons” provides strong motivation to stop trading presumption for faith. Particularly regarding such crucial areas as prayer and worship, teaching and fellowship. Having done so, may we cautiously yet boldly approach Omnity’s “throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Ever mindful that our God, the Creator of 200 billion trillion suns, is indeed a consuming fire:
- “See to it that you do not refuse [to listen to] Him who is speaking [to you now]. For if those [sons of Israel] did not escape when they refused [to listen to] him who warned them on earth [revealing God’s will], how much less will we escape if we turn our backs on Him who warns from heaven? His voice shook the earth [at Mount Sinai] then, but now He has given a promise, saying, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the [starry] heaven.” Now this [expression], “Yet once more,” indicates the removal and final transformation of all those things which can be shaken—that is, of that which has been created—so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, and offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship with reverence and awe; for our God is [indeed] a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:25-29 Amplified Bible - Emphasis QC’s
- “On the whole, I do not find Christians, outside of the catacombs, sufficiently sensible of conditions. Does anyone have the foggiest idea what sort of power we so blithely invoke? Or, as I suspect, does no one believe a word of it? The churches are children playing on the floor with their chemistry sets, mixing up a batch of TNT to kill a Sunday morning. It is madness to wear ladies’ straw hats and velvet hats to church; we should all be wearing crash helmets. Ushers should issue life preservers and signal flares; they should lash us to our pews. For the sleeping god may wake someday and take offense, or the waking god may draw us out to where we can never return.”
- “Watch your step when you enter God’s house. Enter to learn. That’s far better than mindlessly offering a sacrifice, Doing more harm than good. Don’t shoot off your mouth, or speak before you think. Don’t be too quick to tell God what you think he wants to hear. God’s in charge, not you—the less you speak, the better.” Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 The Message
- “When you tell God you’ll do something, do it—now. God takes no pleasure in foolish gabble. Vow it, then do it. Far better not to vow in the first place than to vow and not pay up. Don’t let your mouth make a total sinner of you. When called to account, you won’t get by with ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean it.’ Why risk provoking God to angry retaliation? But against all illusion and fantasy and empty talk there’s always this rock foundation: Fear God!” Ecclesiastes 5:4-7 The Message
- “Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going to come back to haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation.” Matthew 12: 36-37 The Message
- “Oh, so you’re a prophet! Well, tell me this: Our ancestors worshiped God at this mountain, but you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place for worship, right?” “Believe me, woman, the time is coming when you Samaritans will worship the Father neither here at this mountain nor there in Jerusalem. You worship guessing in the dark; we Jews worship in the clear light of day. God’s way of salvation is made available through the Jews. But the time is coming—it has, in fact, come—when what you’re called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter. It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.” The woman said, “I don’t know about that. I do know that the Messiah is coming. When he arrives, we’ll get the whole story.” “I am he,” said Jesus. “You don’t have to wait any longer or look any further.” John 4:19-26 The Message
The following are a few of the major song categories currently popular among hundreds of millions of modern worshipers:
1. Instructive: Songs with lyrics offering insight into Biblical doctrine. Done correctly this can be an insightful way to teach and implement Scripture. Older hymns are often excellent examples. Unfortunately, many if not most of Churchianity’s modern doctrines misrepresent the Bible’s core content and context. Thus, in the long run, doing more harm than good.
2. Declarative: Very common today, this subgroup of songs over accentuates our personal commitment to Christ, given the reality of our lifestyles. The aforementioned epidemic levels of Biblical illiteracy and prayerlessness, Me-ism and sin, paint a far different picture than do such lyrics. While often well meaning and sentimental, they nevertheless engender a false sense of dedication and intimacy. To the point of spiritual dishonesty.
3. Encouraging: Uplifting, such worship is meant to help downtrodden believers to “take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.” Regrettably, today’s versions leave out the kind of repentance and brokeness that Jesus and Paul, James, John, along with all other New Testament authors explain are prerequisites for genuine Holy Spirit strengthening.
4. Repentive: Sadly out of vogue with modern Christianity when needed most, such hymns and songs can yet be found by those appreciating the importance of seeking them out. Another option is simply changing a few key words, turning otherwise dishonest worship into a prayer for greater commitment and intimacy.
These four styles of modern worship reveal a troubling trend. Repentive, the most foundational form, is by far the least popular. Sadly, such neglect jeopardizes all other modes of worship. Reinforcing apathetic presumption, rather than dynamic faith.
As just referenced, it’s crucial to remember that when it comes to acceptable worship Jesus warns, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” Doing so requires two elements crucial to the practice of Biblical Christianity. These are:
1. Diligently Seeking God: "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” By inference, God does not reward those who casually seek Him.
2. Judging with Righteous Judgment: "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." This kind of discernment requires honest and intensive Bible study coupled with dedication to personal and corporate prayer. All resulting in serious discipleship and service.
The crucial role of these two directives cannot be overstated. In fact, without the implementing of both these principles, millions if not billions of “believers” may well be worshipping in vain:
- “Isaiah’s prophecy of you hit the bull’s-eye: These people make a big show of saying the right thing, but their heart isn’t in it. They act like they’re worshiping me, but they don’t mean it. They just use me as a cover for teaching whatever suits their fancy.” Matthew 15:7-9 The Message
- “I can’t stand your religious meetings. I’m fed up with your conferences and conventions. I want nothing to do with your religion projects, your pretentious slogans and goals. I’m sick of your fund-raising schemes, your public relations and image making. I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music. When was the last time you sang to me? Do you know what I want? I want justice—oceans of it. I want fairness—rivers of it. That’s what I want. That’s all I want.” Amos 5:21:24 The Message
Thankfully Omnity, is “gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” Jesus often invited those with ears to learn to hear. As in the 1st century so in the 21st. The final question then becomes, what style of song would God find acceptable from the likes of us?
An immediate transition from superficial songs leading to somewhat dishonest worship, to that of broken repentance leading to radical discipleship, would be as wise as it is unlikely. More achievable is developing a taste for honesty and authenticity by slight edits in lyrics and/or our selection. Many contemporary worship choruses and songs can easily be turned from presumptive to prayerful with modest lyric alteration. The principle can be as simple as substituting a declarative word or phrase with a request. For example:
- Lord, I love You with all my heart.
- Lord, help me love You with all my heart.
- “These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock. But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards.” Matthew 7:24-27 The Message
Your Great Name: by Natalie Grant
Click here for YouTube version
Lost are saved
Find their way
At the sound of Your great name
All condemned; feel no shame,
At the sound of Your great name
Every fear; has no place
At the sound of Your great name
The enemy; he has to leave;
At the sound of Your great name
Jesus, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us
Son of God and Man
You are high and lifted up;
That all the world will praise Your great name
All the weak,
find their strength
At the sound of Your great name
Hungry souls receive grace
At the sound of Your great name
The fatherless, they find their rest
At the sound of Your great name
Sick are healed, and the dead are raised
At the sound of Your great name
Redeemer, My Healer, Lord Almighty
My Savior, Defender,
You are my King
Redeemer, My Healer, Lord Almighty
My Savior, Defender,
You are my King
Jesus, the name of Jesus
You are high and lifted up
And all the world will praise Your great name
Your Great Name: Review Grade: B-
• Pro: Lyrics and melody, particularly the acoustic version, identify humanity’s glaring need for all that the costly atonement of Christ has to offer.
• Con: In an attempt to honor the name of the resurrected and glorified Lord of Lords, the lyrics are disingenuous by the use of the word “all.” It’s true that God’s not willing that any should perish, and that “all” is actually God’s holy number. Tragically, it’s obvious that many, if not most, are in fact perishing. All the while we are content to do little or nothing about it.”
• Edit: By simply adding the word “Let” before each use of the word “All” and similar declarations, this song becomes a nearly perfect prayer of worship and intercession.
Shekinah: by Jaye Thomas and Cory Asbury
Click here for YouTube version
We wait for You
We wait for You
We wait for You
To walk in the room
Here we are standing in Your presence
Here we are standing in Your presence
Shekinah glory come down
Shekinah glory come down
Release the fullness of Your spirit
Shekinah glory come
Shekinah glory come
You move, and we want more
You speak, and we want more
You move, and we want more
We want the fullness
Release the fullness of Your spirit
Shekinah glory come
Shekinah glory come
I can't get enough of Your presence, presence
I can't get enough of Your presence, presence
I can't get enough of Your presence, presence
I can't get enough, can't get enough
You move, and we want more
You speak, and we want more
You move, and we want more
We want the fullness
Release the fullness of Your spirit
Shekinah glory come
Shekinah glory come
We want more
We want more
We want more
We want more
We want more
We want more
More of Your spirit
The Lord has given us freedom
Given us freedom
Given us joy
Shekinah: Review Grade: B-
• Pro: This worship chorus begins by rightly recognizing our crucial need of a genuine visitation from God.
• Con: The pretense is in the fact that the vast majority of singers have no intention of waiting even an hour truly embracing authentic anguish of Spirit. A brokenness that Christ exhibited Himself and required of His disciples: “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour?” Once sung, we immediately move on with the business of Churchianity as usual.
• Pro: This song reinforces the centrality of the power and glory of God. A necessary ingredient in every aspect of genuine Christian fellowship. From evangelism to discipleship.
• Con: While “here we are standing in Your presence” is true given the nature of Omnity, the term “in Your presence” is used to suggest a false level of intimacy.
• Con: The chorus ends with a declaration more suitable for a modern generation reminiscent of Philadelphia than Laodicea.
Revive Us, Oh Lord: by Carmen
Click here for YouTube version
We've turned from Your ways
Lord Your fruit we've ceased to bear
We lack the power
We once knew in our prayers
That gentle voice from heaven
We cease to hear and know
The fact that He has risen
No longer stirs our soul
Revive us oh Lord, revive us, oh Lord
And cleanse us from our impurities
And make us holy
Hear our cry and revive us oh Lord
Though we've been unfaithful
We have never been disowned
The spirit that raised Christ from the dead
Compels us to His thrown
Revive us oh Lord, revive us, oh Lord
And cleanse us from our impurities
And make, and make us holy, hear our cry
And revive us
Revive us oh Lord, revive us, oh Lord
And cleanse us from our impurities
And make us holy
Hear our cry and revive us
Revive us oh Lord, revive us, oh Lord
And cleanse us from our impurities
And make us holy
Revive Us, Oh Lord: Review Grade: A-
• Pro: Carmen’s performance of this song is excellent in every way. Both lyrics and melody firmly and friendly draw the singer into an opportunity to begin facing the difficult truth regarding modern levels of apathy and worse.
• Con: Given this is a single selection of a set, it’s unlikely Carmen’s live performance, or that of worship teams, provides the necessary time and direction, opportunity and impetus, to respond appropriately.
Arise Oh Lord: by Vineyard
Click here for YouTube version
Hear us Lord
Hear us now, Lord have mercy
Hear our prayer
Hear our cry for revival
Release your power
Break our chains, set us free
Let us feel
Your joy again, set us free
Lord, come heal us
Arise, oh Lord
Demonstrate your power
Arise, oh Lord
Demonstrate your power
Demonstrate your power
Arise Oh Lord: Review Grade: A-
• Pro: One of the most simple and straight forward worship choruses of the past generation.
• Con: Vineyard music was at the forefront of ushering in the current era of songs presuming historic levels of relational intimacy with God. This among modern Christians with unacceptable lifestyles of functional Biblical illiteracy and prayerlessness, worldliness and sin.
• Pro: This chorus admits the truth that Churchianity is in “chains” and in dire need of being set “free.”
• Pro: Again, this song seems to appreciate the need for God to demonstrate His power on behalf of modern Laodicea.
Refiner's Fire: by Vineyard
Click here for YouTube version
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold. Pure gold
Refiner's fire
My heart's one desire
Is to be Holy
Set apart for you Lord
I choose to be Holy
Set apart for you my Master
Ready to do Your will
Purify My Heart: Review Grade: B-
• Pro: Another excellent Vineyard song. Easy to sing. Easy to play, even for a beginner musician. Link above is to Brian Doerksen's rendition.
• Con: As perviously noted, "My heart's one desire" is rarely if ever true among among modern Christians. Rather, even the better among us suffer from unprecedented levels of dualism and double-mindedness. Not to mention a dramatic lack of personal holiness and sanctification.
• Pro: This chorus wonderfully focuses on our need for improvement in all the above.
• Pro: With the smallest of edits, this become's a perfect worship song and prayer. By merely adding "Let" my heart's one desire be to be holy. And "Help me choose" to be holy.
• Con: An often overlooked consideration is actually getting what we're asking for. Those favoring such song's may well want to consider the actual cost of enduring the process of refining and eliminating impurities from gold and silver.
• Pro: A final upgrade for this and many worship songs would be moving beyond the singular to the plural. As in the "Lord's Prayer" were every identifier is "our" or "us" rather than "my" or "I" Scripture is replete with emphasis on corporate rather than individual faith. While quantum in nature, QC suggests singing it both ways. Easy to do with choruses that so often repeat themselves.
Psalm 51: by David performed by Sons of Korah
Click here for YouTube version
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from all my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Against you only have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.
Surely I was sinful at birth;
Surely I was sinful at birth.
Surely you desire truth in the inward parts;
And you teach me wisdom,
wisdom in the innermost place.
With hyssop make me clean,
wash me whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence, O LORD
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Then I will teach transgressors you ways
and sinners will turn back to you.
Save me from the guilt upon me,
LORD who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness
O LORD the God who saves me.
Open up my lips,
and I will declare your praise.
You do not delight in sacrifices,
or surely I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in offerings, O LORD
but the sacrifices of God are a
broken spirit and a contrite heart.
The LORD will never despise a broken spirit
and a contrite heart.
In your good pleasure make Zion prosper;
build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Then there will be righteous sacrifices,
whole burnt offerings to delight you;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.
Psalm 51: Review A+
• Pro: This Psalm was written by the great warrior and psalmist, prophet and king David after being overcome by Satan. His inconceivable fall from grace, through his seduction of Bathsheba, may well represent one of the worst betrayals of the Kingdom of Heaven recorded in Scripture. And that planned and perpetrated by none other than God’s “man after My own heart.” The Bible’s most infamous case of adultery continues with the premeditated murder of her faithful husband Uriah, recorded as one of David’s honored bodyguards as well as the betrayal of Bathsheba’s father Eliam, also a honored bodyguard. Not to mention dishonoring her grandfather Ahithophel, David’s wisest advisor. Completely contrary to David’s nature and character, this tragic event would set in motion the eventual destruction of much of his family for generations to come. Doing so would devastate his life’s work of building a strong and unified Israel. All these cursed blessings, eventually effecting millions, resulted from a series of unbelievable acts of entitlement. David had several wives already. Further he had access to add to them any, and as many virgins, as he desired from all of Israel. Rather, he chose to ravage the purity and faith of a married woman and her honored family. Such being the case, the circumstances and wording of this Psalm make it a perfect prayer of repentance for a generation ranking among the most sinful and spiritual insensitive believers in history.
• Pro: QC particularly appreciates the version performed by the modern Christian group Sons of Korah.
Given the tenuous nature of physical and spiritual existence, the wisest way to approach Omnity incorporates praying and praising, petitioning and pleading. As exemplified in Psalm 51 above, the best worship weaves these themes into a unified whole. “Revive Me” is such a song. Loosely borrowed from Psalm 122, the context and content, words and style of this song speak volumes to those developing eyes to see and ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.
Revive Me: Jeremy Camp
Click here for YouTube version
Consider my affliction and please deliver me
Plead my cause and redeem me
Salvation is not for the wicked
For they don't seek your word
Great are your tender mercies Lord
Revive me, according to your loving kindness
Revive me, that I may seek your word
Revive me, according to your loving kindness
Revive me, oh Lord
You give me understanding
According to your word
Great peace for those who seek your face
I long for salvation
My lips shall praise your name
I rejoice in the treasure of your keep
Revive me, according to your loving kindness
Revive me, that I may seek your word
Revive me, according to your loving kindness
Revive me, oh Lord
For all my ways are before you
I let your hand become my help
My soul longs and adores you
Let my cry come before you oh Lord
Revive me, according to your loving kindness
Revive me, that I may seek your word
Revive me, according to your loving kindness
Revive me, oh Lord
Oh, Revive me, Revive me
Revive ME: Review A+
• Pro: In brokenness of lyric and melody, this rendition hits all the high notes. From repentance and intercession, to acknowledging desperate need for Christ to plead our cause for redemption.
• Pro: The Word of God is continually presented as both menu and meal.
• Pro: The all important conditional nature of Scripture’s promises are directly and indirectly reinforced.
• Pro: Easy believism and cheep grace are avoided with the worshiper longing for, rather than simply assuming salvation, wisdom and answered prayer.
• Pro: Worshipful prayer, rather than presumptive declaration, abound.
• Pro: The need for personal, and by extension corporate, revival is highlighted in every verse.
Another QC favorite contemporary worship song is “With All Of My Affection.” Simple in composition and lyrics, it nonetheless beautifully and succinctly captures our appropriate response to the majesty and love of God, with a single lyrical edit.
With All Of My Affection: Brian Doerksen
Click here for YouTube version
With all my affection, all my understanding
Lord, I worship You
With my every action, all my spirit's passion
Lord I worship You
There's no higher call than loving You with my life
There's no higher ground than kneeling down before You,
Lord I surrender, I worship
With All Of My Affection: A-
• Pro: Affection and understanding, action and passion are necessary ingredients of living faith.
• Pro: There is no higher call or higher ground as identified.
• Pro: Composition and performance are complimentary to worshiping God in the beauty of holiness.
• Con: It would be quite rare indeed if any, much less most, of those singing along had a commitment level of “all.”
• Edit: Simply change “I worship you” to “Let me worship you.”
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God: Martin Luther
Click here for YouTube version
A mighty Fortress is our God,
A Bulwark never failing;
Our Helper He amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side,
The Man of God's own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth His Name,
From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim,
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
For lo! his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers,
No thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through Him who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill:
God's truth abideth still,
His Kingdom is forever.
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God Review Grade: A+
• Pro: Doesn't sound much like modern worship. Our forefathers understood the difference between glorifying the Devil vs. revealing his presence and the peril around us. They were careful to neither ignore or "revile angelic majesties.”
• Pro: Careful to give God the glory, Luther is equally adamant of the necessity of such radical discipleship as to be prepared to “Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also; The body they may kill: God's truth abideth still, His Kingdom is forever.”
• Con: Some otherwise great modern versions leave out the key verse referenced above.
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent
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Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand;
Ponder nothing earthly minded, For with blessing is His hand,
Christ our God to earth descendeth, Our full homage to demand.
King of Kings, Yet born of Mary, As of old earth He stood,
Lord of Lords, In human vesture, In the body and the blood;
He will give to all the faithful. His own self for heavenly food.
Rank on rank the host of heaven spreads it's vanguard on the way,
As Light of light descendeth from the realms of endless day,
That the powers of hell may vanish as the darkness clears away.
At His feet the six-winged seraph, Cherubim, With sleepless eye,
Veil their faces to His presence as with ceaseless voice they cry:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Lord Most High!
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent: A+
• Pro: This ancient chant originated in AD 275 and is a perfect wake up call in light of pandemic levels of modern Me-ism and the origin sin of entitlement. It provides an excellent example of combining instructive and encouraging, contemplative and repentive modes of worship. QC particularly appreciates the rendition as performed by Fernando Ortega in his album Storm.
The songs referenced above are deeply rooted in Scripture. A claim most Christian music tends to make. Yet Scripture itself is full of direct and indirect examples of its misuse. Satan himself quoted Scripture when deceiving Eve, and again when tempting Christ in the wilderness. Little wonder. Scripture declares that Satan was once “the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.” And even after his heavenly insurrection still “transforms himself into an angel of light.”
Contemporary Christian music appears well and good. User friendly, it seeks to welcome and inspire, encouraging worshipers to draw nearer to God. Yet, as will be developed in detail, the Bible warns not all attempts to do so end well. In the Old Testament, God summarily executed Aaron’s sons for offering an incorrect incense formula. Uzzah was struck dead for steadying the ark lest it fall. In the New Testament, Ananias and Sapphira were killed by the Holy Spirit for over inflating the cost of their offering to help the poor. And Paul, the apostle of grace, warned taking communion in an unworthy manner was proving deadly.
Consider the Old Testament example of the bronze serpent. During their miraculous exodus from Egypt to the promised land, God’s people prayed for and received victory over the Canaanite king of Arad. Just three verses later God sent venomous snakes to bite and kill many Israelites. In response to their repentance, God instructed Moses to make a replica snake and put it on a pole, miraculously healing all who looked upon it. Even so, what had been an symbol of mercy and deliverance became an emblem of profanity and idolatry. One Hezikiah was forced to destroyed:
- “In God’s opinion he was a good king; he kept to the standards of his ancestor David. He got rid of the local fertility shrines, smashed the phallic stone monuments, and cut down the sex-and-religion Asherah groves. As a final stroke he pulverized the ancient bronze serpent that Moses had made; at that time the Israelites had taken up the practice of sacrificing to it—they had even dignified it with a name, Nehushtan (The Old Serpent).” 2 Kings 18:3-4 The Message
- “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” John 3:14-15 New International Version
- “This is the crisis we’re in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won’t come near it, fearing a painful exposure.” John 3:19-20 The Message
- “And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].” Luke 9:23 Amplified Bible (AMP)
While absent from most of today’s worship songs, such stipulations remain in force. Even in the face of growing challenges from spiritual ambiguity and inclusivity. Again as Jesus explained:
- “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24 New International Version
While it’s common to site passages and promises defending Churchianity’s easy believism, affirming Christ’s welcome and continual acceptance of us just as we are, Scripture’s commands and conditions for radical holiness and discipleship are not easily dismissed. While the singular and costly atonement of Jesus might be construed to suggest universal acceptance and salvation, even as liberally offered by the gospel of inclusion, Scripture’s warnings of eternal peril remain resolute. Any and all attempts to claim otherwise reveal dangerous, if not deadly, levels of Christian naïveté. The kind of spiritual insensitivity that affects and infects everything from prayer and worship, to sanctification and salvation itself.
By way of disclaimer, the following reviews are ostensively negative. The explanation as to why is thoroughly developed throughout this book and this chapter, with specific reviews provided as with the preceding songs. Given the popularly of contemporary worship in general, and many of the following songs and artists in particular, it also seems necessary to reiterate that according to the Bible, God’s acceptance and offer of salvation is predicated on a free yet condition gift.
While Scripture is well developed on this issue, one popular point of contention is the account of the penitent thief on the cross. It is often argued that in exchange for his simple confession of faith, Jesus promised the repentive thief paradise. This is in fact true, so far as it goes. The problem arises when extrapolating similar results for everyone in all circumstances. The argument goes, “since the thief did nothing, nothing is required for salvation.”
Such reasoning flies in the face of countless Scripture’s already referenced and far more. In the case of the afore mentioned thief, the question is simple. Did he give nothing or everything he had? The answer is the latter. The thief’s was no convenient death bed confession. Christianity was not the world’s largest religion. Christ had not been received globally by billions. In fact just the opposite. Jesus hung as a false prophet, all but beaten into hamburger meat. Placed there by the leadership of Judaism, the one true religion of the one true God. By the edict of Rome, the greatest military and political, sociological and economic empire of the old world. Just imagine the Pope and a Billy Graham figure orchestrating the crucifixion, having the full religious authority of God and His people behind them. Now imagine the government of 1.5 billion carrying out the sentencing. For the thief to intrust the welfare of his eternal soul to the likes of Jesus, at that particular place and time, would have been unthinkable. The thief’s was a supreme act of faith. Equivalent to trading his all for Christ’s. An offer still on the table. Quite likely the only legitimate offer found in Scripture.
Sadly and for the most part, our presumed familiarity, a trademark of contemporary worship, is not based on obedience to or fear of God. As both Christ and His apostles required. Nor is it reflective of the indescribable glory and consuming fire of Heaven. Rather, it’s religious marketing at a fire sale price, for merely confessing the Lordship of Christ. Something even demons are want to do. For these and other reasons, before getting too cozy in our worship, we do well to take Paul’s advice and honestly examine our faith:
- “Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it.” 2 Corinthians 13:5 The Message
- “He not only avoids all actual adultery, fornication, and uncleanness, but every word or look that either directly or indirectly tends thereto; nay, and all idle words, abstaining both from detraction, backbiting, talebearing, evil speaking, and from "all foolish talking and jesting”…from all conversation that is not "good to the use of edifying,' and that, consequently, "grieves the Holy Spirit of God, whereby we are sealed to the day of redemption.’"
- “Labors and suffers for the profit of many, that by all means he may help some. In spite of toil or pain, "whatsoever his hand findeth to do, he doeth it with his might;" whether it be for his friends, or for his enemies; for the evil, or for the good. For being "not slothful" in this, or in any "business," as he "hath opportunity" he doeth "good," all manner of good, "to all men;" and to their souls as well as their bodies. He reproves the wicked, instructs the ignorant, confirms the wavering, quickens the good, and comforts the afflicted. He labors to awaken those that sleep; to lead those whom God hath already awakened to the "Fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness," that they may wash therein and be clean; and to stir up those who are saved through faith, to adorn the gospel of Christ in all things.”
- Are not many of you conscious, that you never came thus far; that you have not been even almost a Christian; that you have not come up to the standard of heathen honesty; at least, not to the form of Christian godliness?” He then follows, “But, supposing you had, do good designs and good desires make a Christian? By no means, unless they are brought to good effect. "Hell is paved," saith one, "with good intentions."
- “Awake, then, thou that sleepest, and call upon thy God: call in the day when he may be found. Let him not rest, till he make his "goodness to pass before thee;" till he proclaim unto thee the name of the Lord, "The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, and transgression, and sin." Let no man persuade thee, by vain words, to rest short of this prize of thy high calling. But cry unto him day and night, who, "while we were without strength, died for the ungodly," until thou knowest in whom thou hast believed, and canst say, "My Lord, and my God!"
So with all due deference, lets’s continue our examination of popular Christian music, with a constant eye to Christ’s directive, “ Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.” Particularly of interest is whether modern worship more typifies our desperate need for repentance, or the presumption to be anticipated from modern Laodiceans.
We begin with I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe which “earned the Dove Awards for 'Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year' and 'Song of the Year'; Millard earned the Dove Award 'Songwriter of the Year' at the same ceremony. With 2.5 million copies sold, it is the best-selling Christian single of all time, having been certified 3x platinum by the RIAA. As of 2018, it is the only Christian song to reach that milestone.”
To their credit, both the song and movie by the same name are well produced and have clearly stuck a cord with audiences around the world.
I Can Only Imagine: MercyMe
Click here for YouTube version
I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk by your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When your face is before me
I can only imagine…Yeah
Surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for your Jesus
Or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine when that day comes
And I find myself standing in the Son
I can only imagine when all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you
I can only imagine, yeah
I can only imagine
Surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for your Jesus
Or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine…Yeah
I can only imagine
Surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for your Jesus
Or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine…Yeah
I can only imagine
I can only imagine…Yeah
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you
I can only imagine
I Can Only Imagine: Review Grade: D-
• Pro: The tenor of this song seems respectful and even humble. It appears to glorify God and exalt the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
• Con: Unfortunately, an examination of the lyrics reveals incredible presumption based on blinding levels of Me-ism and deception. Ours is the generation of modern Christians who sat idly by as morality was literally inverted. We are the ones who allowed, if not participated in, the aborting of well over a billion, 5-10 times the entire planet’s population in Christ’s day. It’s the height of hypocrisy to suggest we should only be able to imagine various ways Jesus will say “Well done good and faithful servant.” Wouldn’t, What have you done, the innocent blood of a billion of My least brothers “calls out to me from the ground,” be far more likely? And that just for starters.
• Con: When it comes to acceptable worship, much less salvation, one can only imagine the shock and eternal sorrow of such New Testament notables as the “Five Foolish Virgins” and those crying “Lord, Lord.” The Rich man in the story of Lazarus and Rich Retiree. The Dutiful son and those prone to wonder. The angry and slow to forgive. The lukewarm and spiritually compromised. Those failing to produce fruit and those failing to endure.
• Con: Such atrocious societal reversals and sheer numbers of eternal souls lost might be forgivable had Churchianity arisen to fight, or even hit their knees in massive and continual desperate prayer. Instead we read the Bible and pray less than any previous generation. We twist Christian teaching and doctrine, worship and prophetic words to excuse our preference for worldly wisdom and wealth to the rigors of discipleship and activism. When it comes to the clashes between the kingdoms of darkness and light, it’s one thing to fight and fail and quite another to fail to fight.
Again it takes nothing more than a quick review of the complaints and warnings Jesus leveled against comparatively poor and uneducated, inexperienced and persecuted 1st century believers to imagine what Christ will say to the likes of us. That is without immediate and radical repentance leading to global revival. If not reformation.
Jesus is far from blind to imperfections among His early churches. Much less a nearly endless list of sin willfully committed by modern Christians. All the more so when by comparison, Churchianity may be a thousand times more culpable. Surely given the canonization of Scripture and two millennia of church history, we have at least ten times the spiritual insight. With the rise of modern technology, we’ve been given at least ten times the wealth of riches and understanding. And sadly, with the inversion of morality and all it’s trappings, we’ve ten times the sin.
As is true for all aspects of Christianity, the efforts of some are better than others. This includes the work of contemporary Christian artists. Third Day is recognized world wide as among the most talented and trustworthy of song writers and performers. In fact, in the true spirit of QC we’ve listed them and their work on GodBlog.net favorites. Nonetheless, what is vaunted by Churchianity may miss the mark in regards to the kind of worship God requires in this day and age.
Call My Name: Third Day
Click here for YouTube version
"It's been so long since you felt like you were loved
So what went wrong?
But do you know there's a place where you belong
Here in My arms?
When you feel like you're alone in your sadness
And it seems like no one else in this whole world cares
And you want to get away from the madness
You just call My name and I'll be there
You just call My name and I'll be there
The pain inside has erased your hope for love
But soon you will find
That I'll give you all that your heart could ever want
And so much more
When you feel like you're alone in your sadness
And it seems like no one else in this whole world cares
And you want to get away from the madness
You just call My name and I'll be there
You just call My name and I'll be there
Oh, you just call My name
If you just call My name
Call My name, say it now
I want you to never doubt
The love I have for you is so alive
Call My name, say it now
I want you to never doubt
The love I have for you is so alive
You just call My name
You just call My name
You just call My name
The love I have for you is so alive
The love I have for you is so alive
You just call My name
You just call My name
Call My Name: Review Grade: D
• Pro: As demonstrated by the official music video featuring scenes from Mel Gibson’s famous Passion Of The Christ, the obvious intent of this song is evangelism. Yet evangelism into what? Churchianity?
• Con: Full of whitewashed Me-ism. Reducing the Gospel’s call to repentance in this way is like offering unlimited religious methadone, if not pure heroine, to spiritual addicts. Of course, some suggest this as a kind of pre-evangelism. Perhaps an acceptable excuse, if genuine brokenness and whole life sanctification were ever embraced.
• Con: As noted, the Book of Revelation reveals that when leading the armies of Heaven against the regime of sin on Earth, emblazoned on the thigh of the Conquering Christ are the titles “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” Glaring absent is Churchianity’s favored phrase Personal Savior. Not only is such a title never used in Scripture, but it’s symptomatic of a deeply entrenched reversal. Contrary to popular belief, we do not accept Christ. Rather, He accepts, or rejects us. A fact repeatedly reinforced throughout the New Testament, but perhaps nowhere more profoundly than in His terrible parable of the Ten Virgins.
When it comes to worship, surprisingly another far less obvious example of “placing the emphasis on the wrong syllable” can be found in one of Christendom’s most treasured Hymns:
Great Is Thy Faithfulness: MercyMe
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"Great is Thy faithfulness," O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not,
As Thou has been, Thou forever wilt be.
"Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!"
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,
"Great is Thy faithfulness," Lord unto me!
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness,
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
"Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!"
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,
"Great is Thy faithfulness," Lord unto me!
Great Is Thy Faithfulness: Review Grade: D- (for modern Christianity)
• Pro: Clearly the intent to laud God, as both Creator and Savior, is a noble one. It was no doubt used so by a large percentage of its original audience in the 1920’s. The gross sin of the Roaring Twenties notwithstanding. Sandwiched between WWI and WWII, and written just prior to the onset of the Great Depression, surely this honored hymn buoyed the faith of millions during trying times of doubt and despair.
• Con: This rightly cherished hymn was comprised from only three verses of Jeremiah’s Book of Lamentation 3:22-23. As such, its manner of composure is systematic of violence done to the nature of the passage’s author and content. Like the Book of Jeremiah, Lamentations or Weepings is lightly if ever read. And for good reason. It is among one of the Bible’s most difficult reads. A haunt with no place for Churchianity to tread. For example, the same chapter from which this song snatches a few verses starts and continues for nearly its entirety much differently: “I’m the man who has seen trouble, trouble coming from the lash of God’s anger. He took me by the hand and walked me into pitch-black darkness. Yes, he’s given me the back of his hand over and over and over again. He turned me into a scarecrow of skin and bones, then broke the bones. He hemmed me in, ganged up on me, poured on the trouble and hard times. He locked me up in deep darkness, like a corpse nailed inside a coffin. He shuts me in so I’ll never get out, manacles my hands, shackles my feet. Even when I cry out and plead for help, he locks up my prayers and throws away the key. He sets up blockades with quarried limestone. He’s got me cornered. He’s a prowling bear tracking me down, a lion in hiding ready to pounce. He knocked me from the path and ripped me to pieces. When he finished, there was nothing left of me. He took out his bow and arrows and used me for target practice. He shot me in the stomach with arrows from his quiver. Everyone took me for a joke, made me the butt of their mocking ballads. He forced rotten, stinking food down my throat, bloated me with vile drinks. He ground my face into the gravel. He pounded me into the mud. I gave up on life altogether. I’ve forgotten what the good life is like. I said to myself, “This is it. I’m finished. God is a lost cause.” I’ll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness, the taste of ashes, the poison I’ve swallowed I remember it all—oh, how well I remember— the feeling of hitting the bottom. But there’s one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over). He’s all I’ve got left.” Lamentations 3:1-24 The Message
• Con: If one of the most righteous men to ever walk the Earth spent himself weeping over his condition and the sins of others, perhaps modern Christianity ought to be composing songs more in keeping with the fuller context and content of this and other such chapters. Just imagine the above verses set to the meter and melody of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” I dare you to take a moment and give it a try.
For additional examples of good to excellent work by contemporary Christian, and even secular artists, follow the links below:
- Keith Green: Perhaps the most influential Christian artist of 20th Century, Keith Green's Last Day’s ministries music is as timeless as it is troubling. He was and is Christ's singing prophet, calling modern Christianity to repentance and renewal. Keith's manner and message were unique among his generation. Compassionate and cutting, his heartfelt lyrics and simple yet soulful melodies stirred millions to awake from their "Sleep in the Light." Songs like, "My Eyes are Dry" and "Make My Life a Prayer to You" were cries of brokenness for genuine Christians to live holy lives. Softening hard hearts to the plight of the perishing all around them. His classic, "The Sheep and the Goats" was a well needed warning of Christ's standards concerning the fast approaching judgment of all mankind. "A Billion Starving People" and "Commanded to Go" highlighted the need for believers to spend their lives and worldly riches for eternal purpose. To show and tell the true faith by practically interceding in issues like poverty and abortion.
- Jars Of Clay: True to their name, for decades Jars of Clay has been producing and performing recordings embracing both the hope and sorrow inherent in human life. Noting the importance of brokenness, their lyrics and music videos often tell tales of Christians yearning to push through the silence and distance of God. Even when struggling with issues such as morality, temptation and sanctification. As their "Two Hands" ballad laments: "I use one hand to draw You closer, the other to push You away. If I had two hands, doing the same thing..." Other QC favorites include: Flood, Unforgetful You, Work, Crazy Times, Love of a Jealous Kind and Silence.
- Third Day: Christianity's all about bridging the gap between a loving holy Creator and His fallen creation. With a raspy street beat, Third Day proclaims God's love, mercy and faithfulness found in the atonement purchased by Christ. Cuts from this Grammy Award winning band such as "Your Love Oh Lord" and "Cry Out to Jesus" offer the promise of hope, "for the helpless, rest for the weary, love for the broken heart. Grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing to meet you wherever you are..." Videos like "Consuming Fire" and "You Make Me Mad" reflect the paradox of life and the quantum nature of seeking, serving and approaching the Omni Awe-full God.
- Creed: Perhaps more impressively than any famous crossover band, Creed communicates the message that mankind's broken faith with God. Becoming popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Creed released three consecutive multi-platinum albums, with their Human Clay album having been certified diamond. Creed has sold over 28 million records in the United States, and over 53 million albums worldwide, becoming the ninth best-selling artist of the 2000s. Releases such as "One Last Breath" and "My Own Prison" (original video - acoustic version) brought the specter of death and Divine judgment to the mind of millions. "Who's Got My Back" hauntingly warns, "Run hide. All that was sacred to us, sacred to us. See the signs. The covenant has been broken by mankind. Leaving us with no shoulder, with no shoulder, to rest our head on..." With the departure of their lead singer, Creed became Alter Bridge. With a new lead singer, videos such as "Broken Wings" carried a similar theme. Reunited, the original Creed's "Overcome" might be seen as a tribute to commitment and endurance. Hopefully in the right way and for the right reason.
- Thrice: A well known hard hitting rock band of unusual depth and perception, the music of Thrice cuts a wide path. From 2002 their studio albums made the charts in the U.S. and U.K.. Thrice's Alchemy Index Volumes 1-4 charted number 1 in the U.S. Indie genre. The band has sold 30 million albums worldwide. Generous, Thrice donates a portion of it's proceeds from each of their sales to different charities. By mixing Christian themes from Scripture and such icons as C.S. Lewis into their music, these artists often address the cares of modern life in an entertaining and inspiring manner. Releases such as "Come All You Weary" are as haunting as they are well produced. "Stare At The Sun" captures the cry of a generation often alienated or even at issue with God, inwardly praying they're "due for a miracle, I'm waiting for a sign..."
• Almost
• Moody Blues
• Won’t You Come Down
• Funny How It Is
• Another Day In Paradise
• Unanswered Prayers
• Off-line
Only a fraction of a percent of modern believers will agree with most, much less all, the above analysis of the state of worship today. Yet the truth may be far worse. Nevertheless, it’s all too apparent that from David Wilkerson’s crying Ichabod (God’s glory has departed) there’s been a downward spiral of contemporary Christian entertainment and worship, culture and lifestyles. Both inside and outside the church.
Given such circumstances, combined with imminent and immanent judgment against ubiquitous levels of apathy and worse, some unpleasant albeit necessary truths seem clear.
Such as, actions speak louder than words. Overestimating our commitment to whole life sanctification and radical discipleship is dangerously disingenuous. A critical concern easily demonstrated by passages from both the Old and then New Testaments.
1. Aaron’s sons: During the Exodus, God’s glory and presence was powerfully present among His people. So much so Egypt, perhaps then the preeminent military and socioeconomic, political and religious power on Earth, was brought to it’s knees. After which Israel destroyed all who opposed them with hardly a scratch. Nevertheless, before the miraculously delivered nation would enter the promised land, because of disobedience nearly every adult having escaped the slavery of Egypt would perish. Either by God’s hand or during forty years of wondering the wilderness:
- “Remember our history, friends, and be warned. All our ancestors were led by the providential Cloud and taken miraculously through the Sea. They went through the waters, in a baptism like ours, as Moses led them from enslaving death to salvation life. They all ate and drank identical food and drink, meals provided daily by God. They drank from the Rock, God’s fountain for them that stayed with them wherever they were. And the Rock was Christ. But just experiencing God’s wonder and grace didn’t seem to mean much—most of them were defeated by temptation during the hard times in the desert, and God was not pleased. The same thing could happen to us. We must be on guard so that we never get caught up in wanting our own way as they did. And we must not turn our religion into a circus as they did—“First the people partied, then they threw a dance.” We must not be sexually promiscuous—they paid for that, remember, with 23,000 deaths in one day! We must never try to get Christ to serve us instead of us serving him; they tried it, and God launched an epidemic of poisonous snakes. We must be careful not to stir up discontent; discontent destroyed them. These are all warning markers—danger!—in our history books, written down so that we don’t repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel—they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don’t be so naive and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it’s useless. Cultivate God-confidence.” 1 Corinthians 10:1-12 The Message - Emphasis QC’s
- “Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. Moses then said to Aaron, ‘This is what the Lord spoke of when he said: “Among those who approach me I will be proved holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.’ Aaron remained silent.” Leviticus 10:1-3 New International Version
2. Uzzah and the Ark: In his joy and zeal in returning the Ark of the Covenant to Israel, the warrior and king, psalmist and prophet David also found treating the sacred too commonly a deadly mistake. Rather than transporting the standard of God’s presence on the shoulders of a single clan of Levites as prescribed, he chose another way:
- “David mustered the pick of the troops of Israel—thirty divisions of them. Together with his soldiers, David headed for Baalah to recover the Chest of God, which was called by the Name God-of-the-Angel-Armies, who was enthroned over the pair of angels on the Chest. They placed the Chest of God on a brand-new oxcart and removed it from Abinadab’s house on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, Abinadab’s sons, were driving the new cart loaded with the Chest of God, Ahio in the lead and Uzzah alongside the Chest. David and the whole company of Israel were in the parade, singing at the top of their lungs and playing mandolins, harps, tambourines, castanets, and cymbals. When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, so Uzzah reached out and grabbed the Chest of God. God blazed in anger against Uzzah and struck him hard because he had profaned the Chest. Uzzah died on the spot, right alongside the Chest. Then David got angry because of God’s deadly outburst against Uzzah. That place is still called Perez Uzzah (The-Explosion-Against-Uzzah). David became fearful of God that day and said, “This Chest is too hot to handle. How can I ever get it back to the City of David?” He refused to take the Chest of God a step farther. Instead, David removed it off the road and to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite.” 2 Samuel 6:1-11 The Message
3. Ananias and Sapphira: Observant students of Scripture appreciate the quantum nature of the interplay between Old and New Testaments. As St. Augustine observed, “The new is in the old concealed; the old in the new revealed.” Exemplifying this reciprocity, the New Testament continues warning against presumption, if not profanity; i.e. treating the holy as common.
For millions dismissing Old Testament warnings as those referenced above, the Book of Acts offers what may be an even more disturbing account. On the heals of the birth of the Church at Pentecost, incredible miracles primed the pump for equally unusual acts of generosity:
- “While they were praying, the place where they were meeting trembled and shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak God’s Word with fearless confidence. The whole congregation of believers was united as one—one heart, one mind! They didn’t even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, “That’s mine; you can’t have it.” They shared everything. The apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Master Jesus, and grace was on all of them. And so it turned out that not a person among them was needy. Those who owned fields or houses sold them and brought the price of the sale to the apostles and made an offering of it. The apostles then distributed it according to each person’s need. Joseph, called by the apostles “Barnabas” (which means “Son of Comfort”), a Levite born in Cyprus, sold a field that he owned, brought the money, and made an offering of it to the apostles.” Acts 4:31-37 The Message
- “But a man named Ananias—his wife, Sapphira, conniving in this with him—sold a piece of land, secretly kept part of the price for himself, and then brought the rest to the apostles and made an offering of it. Peter said, “Ananias, how did Satan get you to lie to the Holy Spirit and secretly keep back part of the price of the field? Before you sold it, it was all yours, and after you sold it, the money was yours to do with as you wished. So what got into you to pull a trick like this? You didn’t lie to men but to God. Ananias, when he heard those words, fell down dead. That put the fear of God into everyone who heard of it. The younger men went right to work and wrapped him up, then carried him out and buried him. Not more than three hours later, his wife, knowing nothing of what had happened, came in. Peter said, “Tell me, were you given this price for your field?” “Yes,” she said, “that price.” Peter responded, “What’s going on here that you connived to conspire against the Spirit of the Master? The men who buried your husband are at the door, and you’re next.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than she also fell down, dead. When the young men returned they found her body. They carried her out and buried her beside her husband.” Acts 5:1-10 The Message - Emphasis QC’s
The shocking nature of this story may best be illustrated by how differently contemporary Christianity might handle the same scenario. Having served as a charismatic pastor and familiar with clergy of various denominations, a modern day rendition of this event would clearly unfold far differently. First, were today’s leaders spiritually sensitive enough to discern and concern themselves with Ananias' duplicity, the conversation would certainly follow along more merciful lines: “Ananias, I sense that you may have actually sold the land for more than you’re saying. If so, I want you to know that your generosity is greatly needed and appreciated. I’d also like to assure you that over reporting is completely unnecessary. The fact that you feel the need to do so suggests underlying issues of low self esteem. I’d like to set up an appointment for you and Sapphira to meet with a Christian counselor to work through any self worth issues you may be suffering from. Before I do, let’s take a moment to confess this mistake and ask the Lord’s forgiveness, confident that ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ Afterward let’s take a few minutes and pray through some great verses describing God’s unconditional loving acceptance for you and your family. As well as His wonderful future plans for your lives and ministry!”
Far from heresy or hyperbole, the above re-write is exactly the kind of response one would and should expect from modern Christian leadership. Clergy or otherwise. The question is why such a horrific disconnect between 1st and 21st century style and outcome? Those expert in artful doctrinal apologetics, not to be confused with authentic Biblical exegesis, might suggest we enjoy a dispensation of grace the likes of which Ananias and Sapphira were not privy. Other’s maintain that in such cases the power and demonstration of the Spirit, so prevalent in the apostolic age, demanded greater obedience.
Yet, what if just the opposite of these lines of reasoning proves closer to the truth? Based on a myriad of passages, not the least of which being Christ’s already referenced warning, “Much is required from those to whom much is given, for their responsibility is greater” it may be we, rather than the infant church of the Book of Acts, who are actually accountable to greater scrutiny. If not condemnation. A reasonable case can be made that hundreds of millions of well meaning Christians each week repeat a from of Ananias and Sapphira’s costly error by declaring their complete devotion to God, while holding back a substantial portion of their hearts, minds and wills.
Entangled in worldly habits and besetting sins, we sing and speak as if enjoying unfettered relationship with God. Done well, this produces feelings of warmth and fellowship, to the point of at least temporarily convincing ourselves. Yet all the while, hundreds of millions of believers remain all but prayerless and Biblically illiterate, worldly and disinterested in the vital interests of the Kingdom of God.
4. Paul and Communion: Another New Testament passage highlighting the crucial need for honesty and reverence can be found in conjunction with the all important act of communion. Here Paul joins with Jesus and His apostles in pointing out the virtue of godly fear among believers. The word fear is used over 400 times throughout Scripture, including more than 100 times in New Testament.
Given so many references, we do well to work out our salvation with fear and trembling as Paul recommends, rather than presuming and suffering the consequences. Good advice for all Christian endeavors, up to and including participating in the most intimate of sacraments:
- “Anyone who eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Master irreverently is like part of the crowd that jeered and spit on him at his death. Is that the kind of “remembrance” you want to be part of? Examine your motives, test your heart, come to this meal in holy awe. If you give no thought (or worse, don’t care) about the broken body of the Master when you eat and drink, you’re running the risk of serious consequences. That’s why so many of you even now are listless and sick, and others have gone to an early grave. If we get this straight now, we won’t have to be straightened out later on. Better to be confronted by the Master now than to face a fiery confrontation later.” 1 Corinthians 11:27-32 The Message
Paul reinforces the fact that our presumption grieves God to the point of either hindering the genuine gifts of the Spirit, including that of miraculous healing or worse, actively moving God’s hand against His own as demonstrate in the previous passages.
The rise of technology has enabled instantaneous access to information and media. This in turn, coupled with unprecedented free time and energy made possible by modern life, is producing exceptional expertise in a variety of fields. This holds true of Churchianity in a variety of ways, including the rise of contemporary Christian music. With past annual revenues nearing $700,000, and hundreds of million of modern worshipers enjoying unlimited listening within personal and church settings, little wonder many of today’s performers have honed their craft to near perfection.
As of June 2017, Bethel Church’s Jesus Culture has sold more than 1.3 million albums, has 3.8 million followers on social media and more than 206 million audio and video streams with over 82 million streams on YouTube. One example of excellence is the Revelation Song made famous by lead singer Kim-Walkers' artistry. Scriptural in content, this far better than average worship melody is beautifully and humbly performed in both music and style.
Even so, all many not be well. In the Bible’s book by the same name, we find the scalpel of Jesus’ judgment of His Seven Churches cutting extremely close to the bone. So what might the resurrected and glorified Christ, at who’s feet John “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (author of the Book Of Revelation) fell all but dead, say about such performances? Again, a principal concern is the meteoric rise of inappropriately intimate worship lyrics among a generation that has all but broken Christianity through sins of commission and omission, up to and including unprecedented levels of immortally and abortion (outside and inside the Church) not to mention Biblically illiteracy and prayerlessness. In this regard, the Revelation Song fares better than most.
Another critical issue is the New Testament’s handling of the role of women within the church. Scripture addresses gender equality vs. responsibility through it’s high regard as to the value of women, while declaring the foolishness of adopting Dr. Dolittle pushmi pullyu (two headed) style leadership roles.
Nearly universally marginalized and ignored are the instructions along these lines by the apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, “As [is the practice] in all the churches of the saints (God’s people), the women should be silent in the churches, for they are not authorized to speak, but are to take a subordinate place, as the Law says. If there is anything they want to learn [that is, if they have questions about anything being said or taught], they are to ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to talk in church. Did the word of the Lord originate from you [Corinthians], or has it come to you only [so that you know best what God requires]? If anyone thinks and claims that he is a prophet [a true spokesman for God] or spiritually astute [filled with and energized by the Holy Spirit], let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. If anyone does not recognize this [that it is a command of the Lord], he is not recognized [by God].” 1 Corinthians 14:33-38 AMP.
This command is all the more salient in the modern world where temptation and immorality, entitlement and worldliness is nothing short of a global catastrophe. Not only spiritually but socially. Eroding, if not all together eliminating, the foundations of both modern forms of society and Christianity. A dilemma so drastic in nature and scope as to necessitate a reformation in thought and attitude, dress and behavior. For all concerned. Men and women, teens and children. In this case dress includes jeans which are designed to accentuate the female form in ways anathema to New Testament persons and authors, including Christ who warned, "Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.”
Seaworthy Metaphors
With Hell to loose, and Heaven to gain, few questions in life are as important as where God draws the line in regards to Biblical Salvation. What does Scripture teach we must do to be saved? Is following Christ, the authentic Jesus, different in the the modern world than the 1st century?
When aboard a massive ocean liner, in certain respects it doesn’t seem as if you’re moving. Because you’re not, when judged by those around you aboard ship. To plot your course and speed, you need a waypoint off ship.
The same holds true for entire generations. There may be no sense of momentum, because we’re all aboard the same massive ocean liner. But actually, we may be moving at a rapid pace, into dangerous waters. Or in our case, questionable if not heretical doctrine and worldly lifestyles.
As noted above, few recognize the growing gap between 1st century Biblical Christianity and 21st century Modern Churchianity. Or even the requirements of salvation popularized by a pair of well known sermons by two of the primary architects of the 18th century First Great Awakening.
Jonathan Edwards’ Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God may simultaneously be the most famous and infamous sermon of all time. Lightyears from the “cheap grace” of modern Christianity, it’s as interesting as it is a difficult read.
While not religiously correct, the God of the Bible is simultaneously awe-full and awful, and should be approached as such. While Churchianity considers itself exempt from judgment, Jesus and His apostles tell a different story.
Fully grasping the message and exacting meaning of this sermon is crucial if we are to recover even a fraction of what has been lost. Beginning by developing living faith rather than presumption, whereby we assume salvation rather than seeking and serving God acceptably by means of serious sanctification and radical discipleship. All necessary foundational requirements should we realistically hope to experience Biblical Revival, much less Kingdom Reformation, in our generation.
Instead of reading GodBlog's classic 18th Century version, we highly recommend downloading "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God: Updated to Modern English Kindle Edition" by Jason Dollar. It can be read for $2.99 on any device by downloading the Kindle app or simply on the Amazon cloud. It is a far easier and meaningful read when updated into modern language and format. The author also includes a balanced introduction and second sermon entitled "Love The Sum Of All Virtue" to present Jonathan Edwards in a more accurate light.
Nevertheless, reader be warned. When Edwards uses the phrase “Born Again” in the 18th century, it is not with the same flippancy as in the 21st, whereby we erroneously grant blessing to have our cake and eat it too. Doctrinally justifying continuing our pursuit of the Christian/American Dream, while living mostly worldly lives.
To understand the difference, you will need a sermon by his contemporary, John Wesley, founder of the once puritan Methodist Church, entitled "The Almost Christian.”
Another crucial consideration is that of the Cruise Vs. Battleship analogy. While you won't find it taught in seminaries or churches, Conflict Theology is actually the underlying context of Scripture. Widely recognized for nearly two thousand years, the modern world long ago changed course, sailing far from puritanical definitions of repentance and morality, faith and discipleship and sanctification and holiness. The result has been the nearly wholesale substitution of assumed salvation for repentance, presumption for faith and inappropriate worship for sanctification.
Decades old, the increase of temptation and deception, has resulted in a devilishly cunning strategy of incrementalism that over time has all but uprooted millennia of spiritual and sociological gains. Part and parcel of the dramatic and disastrous deterioration in the Times and Seasons in which we live, and vastly worse on the horizon. Evidence of the spirit of the Antichrist terraforming the entire planet for the beginning of Divine judgment and Great Tribulation.
If Christianity’s a cruise ship, sailing merrily from here to Heaven, then certainly Christ’s costly atonement is more than sufficient passage. The cross of Jesus is indeed all anyone could ever need. If however, Heaven and Earth are at war with fallen angels and devils, Christianity is a battleship and we must follow our Commander and Chief’s example and directives by daily shouldering our own.
Even if Christianity could be likened to a pleasure cruise, given Churchianity’s collision course with so many modern temptations and deceptions, up to an including immorality and the blood red mountainous iceberg of abortion, in certain respects might even many well intended ministries be reduced to simply arranging deck chairs on the Titanic?
So is Christianity a cruise or gunship? We must decide. And do so quickly and carefully. Military directives and drills, cramped quarters and sea rations, would be absurd on a pleasure cruise. So too, civilian itineraries and activities, opulent suites and sumptuous banquets, would be anathema during a time of war.
Click here to read QC's parable, "Water World: Cruise Vs. Battleship."
Much has been lost and our situation dire. Nevertheless, QC dares to hope against hope that while as in the account of Christ's debut miracle at the wedding feast of Cana, we have clearly run out of wine, still today Mary's perfect intercession, through timely and appropriate brokenness and repentance, yields insight as to how we may yet find Jesus has once again saved the best for last.
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