The devil's lie in Christian music

[DuckieLady]

She was just using Christians singing Snoop Dogg lyrics as an example, as for secular music, some secular stuff is alright, some is not.

As for Snoop Dogg, it's not my cup of tea, I am not a fan of the lifestyle he raps about, even though his music was massively popular in our generation.

Accurate, though I'm going to say it's just not spiritually healthy. God called us to be set apart and if we are putting our likes and dislikes or our own values before God's values, then we aren't much different from the world at all.

In some cases, depending on what level of defiance you're choosing, you may as well join them. Philippians 4:8-9 is clear.

I think the " all acceptance" culture, while probably polite and less controversial, is damaging to the Christian growth and sending people to hell. I don't need everyone to like me. I can tell the truth and still be polite - that's why we're to to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves.

Honesty is a big part of love and the boundaries God set for us was out of His own heart. Why would I argue with His affections for me?

 

[Behold]

It's inspirational to be sure. I can see how believers might find it uplifting, but an unbeliever wouldn't come away from listening with an understanding of his sin or how to be saved. It seems more directed at the Christian market to sell them and profit from it.

Its a praise and worship song......so, its not designed for Sinners.
However, if a sinner is hurting, and all are lost and hurting, then the lyrics in this song, would appeal to them.....also.
This particular song is not specifically designed to be an evangelistic tool, similar to most songs performed every Sunday by the Church Choir or Praise and worship team in a church service which are for the Christian's edification.

 

[Josho]

It's inspirational to be sure. I can see how believers might find it uplifting, but an unbeliever wouldn't come away from listening with an understanding of his sin or how to be saved. It seems more directed at the Christian market to sell them and profit from it.

I really do not get that from those lyrics, it's a modern contemporary Christian song of prayer and a song of power, read the lyrics carefully, I can definitely see how the Holy Spirit can use this song to move and touch the hearts of the lost, especially those who are hurting, if anything it's going to draw people from those places to seek Jesus.

"I speak the name of Jesus over you
In your hurting, in your sorrow
I will ask my God to move
I speak the name 'cause it's all that I can do
In desperation, I'll seek Heaven
And pray this for you
I pray for your healing
That circumstances would change
I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus name
I pray that a breakthrough would happen today
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name, in Jesus name
I speak the name of all authority
Declaring blessings, every promise
He is faithful to keep
I speak the name no grave could ever hold
He is greater, He is stronger
He's the God of possible
I pray for your healing
That circumstances would change
I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus name
I pray that a breakthrough would happen today
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name
In Jesus name
Come believe it
Come receive it
Oh, the power of His Spirit is now forever yours
Come believe it
Come receive it
In the mighty name of Jesus, all things are possible
I pray for your healing
That circumstances will change
I pray that the fear inside will flee in Jesus name
I pray that a breakthrough
Would happen today
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name
I pray for revival
For restoration of faith
I pray that the dead will come alive in Jesus name
In Jesus name"

 

[SavedInHim]

Its a praise and worship song......so, its not designed for Sinners.

I know, it's designed for Christians who are willing to fork over their cash so a record label can cash in, lol.

 

[MatthewG]

In the end wont it be whats in your heart? not what you may listen to?

Yeah music when you are in a disposition can actually enhance the thoughts of the flesh but if you are already in a relationship with God, you can tune out certain things.

Either way, people gonna listen to whatever they want. It's impossible to control people. Even God doesn't control people.


Some have a heart for their selfish actions, while some desire the betterment of others despite their own selfish desires.

 

[Kokyu]

1 Corinthians 6:12-20
12 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.
13 Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food, but God will do away with both of them. Yet the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body.
14 Now God has not only raised the Lord, but will also raise us up through His power.
15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take away the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? May it never be!
16 Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a prostitute is one body with her? For He says, "THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH."
17 But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.
18 Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body.
19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
20 For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

Verse 12 in the passage above has the character of a proverb, a common, pithy saying, which Paul appears to be quoting. The proverb doesn't, of course, express the truth. There are many things God forbids and Paul proceeds to point this out. So, then, why is Paul quoting this saying? It may be that the Corinthian believers had been defending their sinful conduct on the basis of the proverb, on its expressed logic: It's not wrong to satisfy a natural impulse. "Food is for the stomach and the stomach for food," right? They're made for each other, obviously, so there should be no objection to filling the stomach with food. Paul describes this reasoning for their sexual sin in verses 12 and 13 in preface to dismantling it.

Except to remind his readers how temporal a thing it is, Paul didn't linger on the question of eating. Instead, he addressed how its underlying assertion - it's not wrong to satisfy a natural impulse - was being applied to sexual immorality by the Corinthian church (see chapter 5). The city of Corinth was infamous for its temple prostitution and it was very likely that many, if not all, of the followers of Jesus in Corinth had once participated regularly in pagan sex rites (including homosexual acts - 1 Co. 6:9-11). And so, Paul spoke to them in terms they would understand, describing them as "temples" of the Holy Spirit and, as such, obliged to glorify God in their use of their bodies and its natural impulses, eschewing sexual sin. In doing so, Paul denied the "all things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable" reasoning he quoted at the beginning of the passage above. How often, though, Christians mistakenly cite verse 12 as a principle of conduct that Paul was enjoining upon his readers.

1 Corinthians 10:23-29
23 All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify.
24 Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.
25 Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions for conscience' sake;
26 FOR THE EARTH IS THE LORD'S, AND ALL IT CONTAINS.
27 If one of the unbelievers invites you and you want to go, eat anything that is set before you without asking questions for conscience' sake.
28 But if anyone says to you, "This is meat sacrificed to idols," do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience' sake;
29 I mean not your own conscience, but the other man's...

Paul repeats the proverb from chapter 6 here, again denying its reasoning as it pertained to how to care for the sensitivities of a fellow believer. Like many Christians today, the Corinthian "carnal babes in Christ" (1 Co. 3:1) put their own interests above caring for the delicacy of their Christian brother's conscience. Paul's response to this was very direct and plain: "Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbour." It was far more important, in Paul's view, that one's fellow believers were edified by one's conduct (in regards to temple meat sold in the "shambles," in this case) than that, on the basis of "All things are lawful...", one should maintain a "Christian liberty" that trampled on their concerns. And so, Paul concluded his thoughts on this matter as follows:

1 Corinthians 10:31-33
31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
32 Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God;
33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.

How far from this is the attitude of many Christians today! Particularly in the realms of speech, dress and music, the "rule of thumb" isn't "Does this glorify God and benefit spiritually those around me?" but "How well does this suit me?" I've met believers who have told me, and other Christians, to "get stuffed," basically, when it came to our objections to their regular use of foul language, or interest in demonic music, or wearing of skin-tight yoga pants and tops with necklines that exposed breast cleavage. If we didn't like their personal preferences, well, tough nuts to us. They did, and that was the end of the discussion, as far as they were concerned.

These believers would have come under sharp challenge from Paul. Certainly, their attitude does not conform at all to what he wrote in the passage above. God's priority for us isn't what suits us but what serves Him (and others). This is what agape love looks like: It seeks the spiritual profit of others even though it costs to do so. See 1 John 4:7-11. If a Christian cannot yield up their rotten language, or offensive music, or preferred attire for the sake of others, they have been brought under the power of these things and cannot, then, properly love and serve God and others, as they are commanded in His word to do.

 

[Behold]

I know, it's designed for Christians who are willing to fork over their cash so a record label can cash in, lol.

I understand your jaded point of view..

However, i also understand that we all own a car that is built by an industry that is cashing in on our need.
We own a House or rent something.... that is originally purchased from a greedy banking system that is cashing in on our need.

So, if we support a Christian artist with our money, who is offering themselves and their art to God, so that we can be blessed and others might find Jesus........then we just have to accept the necessary evil that is "putting their music out there" so that it can be heard........as everything worth having or supporting, comes with a cost.

For example......."Its costs to reach the lost".

 

[DuckieLady]

In the end wont it be whats in your heart? not what you may listen to?

Yeah music when you are in a disposition can actually enhance the thoughts of the flesh but if you are already in a relationship with God, you can tune out certain things.

Either way, people gonna listen to whatever they want. It's impossible to control people. Even God doesn't control people.


Some have a heart for their selfish actions, while some desire the betterment of others despite their own selfish desires.

"A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of."

Watch what you feed your heart through ears, your eyes, your mind.

Have you ever heard the song "Be careful little eyes what you see..." It is in the intro to this while we argue about whether Christian music is good or not. Seems fitting.

The Christian mind is battlefield enough as it is, dig a trench around the border and keep the enemy out.

Adam and Eve had free will and God did not control them, but there were still consequences to disobedience.

 

[MatthewG]

"A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of."

Watch what you feed your heart through ears, your eyes, your mind.

Have you ever heard the song "Be careful little eyes what you see..." It is in the intro to this while we argue about whether Christian music is good or not. Seems fitting.

The Christian mind is battlefield enough as it is, dig a trench around the border and keep the enemy out.

Adam and Eve had free will and God did not control them, but there were still consequences to disobedience.

Thank you for the encouragement, I understand all of this personal but some people may not. All of us have an evil heart, and Yeshua can bring forth the good what we need to give to others what they need and not what we want.



Either way, I struggle every single day just as much as other people... I am my own worst enemy, and know it's only by Gods grace, I get to breathe when I wake up.

I do tend to hate christian music though, it's secular, either way. I can just sing to God myself, or read the bible and sing those words to myself.

 

[DuckieLady]

Thank you for the encouragement, I understand all of this personal but some people may not. All of us have an evil heart, and Yeshua can bring forth the good what we need to give to others what they need and not what we want.



Either way, I struggle every single day just as much as other people... I am my own worst enemy, and know it's only by Gods grace, I get to breathe when I wake up.

I do tend to hate christian music though, it's secular, either way. I can just sing to God myself, or read the bible and sing those words to myself.

I did for a time, too, and while I don't feel that way right now that time has a purpose.


The reason I changed my mind was Mark 9:

"Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”

“Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward."

We can't comprehend what God's plans are or what he will use.

But as for yourself, if that is where God has put you, stay there, because I have found those kinds of things, especially in humility, to be used by God for the supernatural growth of a person- whether other people will agree with it or not.

 

[Kokyu]

This is "recent" Contemporary Christian Music.

Katy is 22 yrs old.

Reader....See what you think about the lyrics and the song itself..

Well, the song Nichole sang was very typical of modern "Christian" music: Very occupied with the individual Christian and their experience and actions rather than with God and His awesome nature, character and will.

Quite frankly, if I don't know what the character is of a person's walk with God, I don't want them praying for me. If their life is filled with secret, willful sin, their prayers are useless (1 Pe. 3:12; Isa. 59:2). If they're holding bitterness, or jealousy, or sinful lust in their heart, God will not hear them (Ps. 66:18). If they're spiritually immature and pray in ignorance of God's Truth and will, and so, perhaps, in contradiction to it, they're prayers will not be answered (Ja. 4:2-4).

Anyway, I don't see that the song properly worships God. It seems, instead, to place the singer front-and-center in the song. This is how most contemporary Christian songs are, the singer (presumably a Christian), or the Christian believer, sharing primary place in the song with God - or eclipsing Him, even. What I feel (excited, joyful, sad, fearful, etc.), how much I labor and hurt, how difficult my road, how faithful I will be to God, how determined and singular my focus upon Him, how intimate and comforting my sense of God is, and so on - these are the frequent preoccupations of modern Christian music rather than God who is supposed to be, ostensibly, the focus of Christian worship. He's become just the religious backdrop to our experiences and feelings set to music. If His name is dropped into a song, if some brief reference to Jesus is made, all else within the song is sanctified and true and Christians will sway and swoon, cheer and weep, to whatever lyrics the singer communicates. It doesn't seem to me, in light of these things, that "worship of God" is what is actually happening in modern "worship" music.

 

[Behold]

Anyway, I don't see that the song properly worships God. It seems,

The Lyrics of the song present Jesus as your help, and She's Praying this, as song lyrics... for the hearer.
That's worship, and praise, and its also true.

so, i'll post the Lyrics and the Reader can decide..
-
-
[Verse 1]

I speak the name of Jesus over you
In your hurting, in your sorrow
I will ask my God to move
I speak the name 'cause it's all that I can do
In desperation, I'll seek Heaven
And pray this for you

[Chorus]

I pray for your healing, that circumstances would change
I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus' name
I pray that a breakthrough would happen today
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus' name
In Jesus' name

[Verse 2]

I speak the name of all authority
Declaring blessings, every promise
He is faithful to keep
I speak the namе no grave could ever hold
Hе is greater, He is stronger
He's the God of possible

[Chorus]

I pray for your healing, that circumstances would change
I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus' name
I pray that a breakthrough would happen today
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus' name
In Jesus' name, oh-oh
You might also like
[Bridge]

Come believe it, come receive it
Oh, the power of His Spirit is now forever yours
Come believe it, come receive it
In the mighty name of Jesus, all things are possible

 

[Dan Clarkston]

We can't comprehend what God's plans are or what he will use.

Every see 1 Corinthians 2:9-16?

1 Corinthians 2:9-16
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Well, the song Nichole sang was very typical of modern "Christian" music: Very occupied with the individual Christian and their experience and actions rather than with God and His awesome nature, character and will.

Yep, seems like we should walk away from ourselves and abide in Christ and live in what He has provided for us

 

[Kokyu]

The Lyrics of the song present Jesus as your help, and She's Praying this, as song lyrics... for the hearer.
That's worship, and praise, and its also true.

How does a song articulating the sorts prayers the singer will make for others constitute worship and praise of God?

Yes, it's appropriate to pray to God about our needs. But God says repeatedly to us in His word that our willful sin plugs up His ears to our prayers. So, then, the singer's prayers for others is only as useful as the holiness of the singer's life. That seems to me a really important thing to note in a song about prayer. But, you know, in the many songs about this subject I've heard, the holiness of the one praying is never brought into view. Strange, that, I think.

so, i'll post the Lyrics and the Reader can decide..
-
-
[Verse 1]

I speak the name of Jesus over you
In your hurting, in your sorrow
I will ask my God to move
I speak the name 'cause it's all that I can do
In desperation, I'll seek Heaven
And pray this for you

Well, let's see, then: In the first stanza, personal pronouns (I, you, my, I'll) are used ten times. "God" and "Jesus" appear once each. God is not described, He is not praised, He is only referred to as the object of the singer's prayers. What is emphasized in this stanza is what the singer will do, and how the singer will do it, and why. "I speak," (x2) "I will ask," "In desperation, I'll seek" "(I will) pray this" - these fill the first stanza, not God.

[Chorus]

I pray for your healing, that circumstances would change
I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus' name
I pray that a breakthrough would happen today
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus' name
In Jesus' name

Who's in view in the chorus? God? Nope. "I pray (x4)" this, that and the other over and for you, the singer declares (but in Jesus's name, of course). Where's the praise and worship of God? Nowhere. It's all about the singer, thus far.

[Verse 2]

I speak the name of all authority
Declaring blessings, every promise
He is faithful to keep
I speak the namе no grave could ever hold
Hе is greater, He is stronger
He's the God of possible

Well, this is a bit better. God's actually spoken of in this verse. It seems that the singer is being situated almost on an equal footing with God, though. Like a sorcerer wielding borrowed power by speaking a magic spell, the singer speaks "the name of all authority" and "declares blessings" as though the declaration is sufficient to bestow them (which is New Age/WoF nonsense). But, the singer does say that God/Jesus (not named) is "faithful to keep," and "greater, "stronger" and "of possible" (whatever that means).

[Chorus]

I pray for your healing, that circumstances would change
I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus' name
I pray that a breakthrough would happen today
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus' name
In Jesus' name, oh-oh
You might also like
[Bridge]

And... the chorus again, which hold some ideas that I wonder about. What sort of healing does God want for His children? Not physical, first of all, that's for sure. And what if God is allowing circumstances that are difficult, maybe even awful, to crowd a person to Himself and keep them close? What if there are things that can only be learned in pain and trouble? This is certainly a distinct possibility that both Scripture and Christian experience indicate to us. How does God tells us in His word our fear is put to flight? Not by prayer. See 1 John 4:16-19 and Galatians 5:16, 22-23, 25. God breaks through in a person's life in only one basic way: He breaks their pride, self-will and independence. He will only lift up those who first have gone low before Him. See James 4:6-10 and 1 Peter 5:6. Imagine, though praying for God to humble, to bring down the pride and selfishness of the one for whom we're praying? Not pleasant to hear in song, maybe, but totally biblical and right. Do you understand now, a bit, why I think these sorts of songs stink as "praise and worship" and fall very short of properly stating God's truth?

Come believe it, come receive it
Oh, the power of His Spirit is now forever yours
Come believe it, come receive it
In the mighty name of Jesus, all things are possible

Come believe and receive what, exactly? The power of the Holy Spirit works within the believer only under specific circumstances laid out in Scripture. Merely believing one has his power, and expecting to receive it is not at all the basis upon which the Spirit will exert his power in a person's life. As I already pointed out, God only "lifts up" those who go low before Him. And so, we have Romans 6:13-22, Romans 12:1, Matthew 16:24-25 and James 4:6-10. But, you know, I never hear modern choruses that share the truths of these passages. It's only human-centered, tear-jerker stuff - all milk and no meat. We've got a horribly sickly, spiritually-immature Church in North America, full of people who gag on the crucified life (Ro. 6:1-11; Ga. 2:20; 6:14; Col. 2:9-14; 3:1-3, etc.), and the spiritual necessity of suffering (2 Co. 4:7-11; 12:7-10; 1 Pe. 1:6-7, etc.), and the life of constant submission to God (Ro. 6:13-22; Ro. 12:1; Ja. 4:7-10; 1 Pe. 5:6) and these "weak tea" songs aren't helping improve this state-of-affairs at all.

 

[Josho]

Accurate, though I'm going to say it's just not spiritually healthy. God called us to be set apart and if we are putting our likes and dislikes or our own values before God's values, then we aren't much different from the world at all.

In some cases, depending on what level of defiance you're choosing, you may as well join them. Philippians 4:8-9 is clear.

I think the " all acceptance" culture, while probably polite and less controversial, is damaging to the Christian growth and sending people to hell. I don't need everyone to like me. I can tell the truth and still be polite - that's why we're to to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves.

Honesty is a big part of love and the boundaries God set for us was out of His own heart. Why would I argue with His affections for me?

Hmmm, yeah, the truth of it is certainly not everything is spiritually healthy, some secular music may sound good, but when you listen to songs about break ups all the time, it's certainly not good for you, it can put you in a negative mood, and can encourage stress. It doesn't matter how good it sounds or how trendy that artist is.

And definitely secular songs glorifying drugs, one night stands and degrading women, are things Christians should try to avoid listening too, (and Christians definitely should steer clear of songs that promote other spiritualities and religions) and it's not just a music thing, this applies to movies and video games too.

In saying all that everyone has free will, however not everything is good for us.

However the people involved in making this type of entertainment need prayer.

Sometimes when a kid is raised in a broken family, they really struggle to do what is right, we can go slamming them all we want, but it's only going to pour salt on their wounds, and other times a church may have treated them wrong, sadly.... In other cases it could be a cult's doing....



And I am no evangelist, but I know as Christians we got to be careful in how we approach the lost, they need to hear the loving Gospel of Jesus, the testimony of Jesus.

They do not need to be metaphorically chased with batons & torches or burnt alive at the stake, they do not need to be accused by us, as we know in the word of God, Jesus says "Let Him without sin cast the first stone".

They need to learn & know about the love of God, the love of Jesus and the Holy Spirit will teach them the rest one way or another as they grow closer to Jesus.

 

[Josho]

How does a song articulating the sorts prayers the singer will make for others constitute worship and praise of God?

Yes, it's appropriate to pray to God about our needs. But God says repeatedly to us in His word that our willful sin plugs up His ears to our prayers. So, then, the singer's prayers for others is only as useful as the holiness of the singer's life. That seems to me a really important thing to note in a song about prayer. But, you know, in the many songs about this subject I've heard, the holiness of the one praying is never brought into view. Strange, that, I think.



Well, let's see, then: In the first stanza, personal pronouns (I, you, my, I'll) are used ten times. "God" and "Jesus" appear once each. God is not described, He is not praised, He is only referred to as the object of the singer's prayers. What is emphasized in this stanza is what the singer will do, and how the singer will do it, and why. "I speak," (x2) "I will ask," "In desperation, I'll seek" "(I will) pray this" - these fill the first stanza, not God.



Who's in view in the chorus? God? Nope. "I pray (x4)" this, that and the other over and for you, the singer declares (but in Jesus's name, of course). Where's the praise and worship of God? Nowhere. It's all about the singer, thus far.



Well, this is a bit better. God's actually spoken of in this verse. It seems that the singer is being situated almost on an equal footing with God, though. Like a sorcerer wielding borrowed power by speaking a magic spell, the singer speaks "the name of all authority" and "declares blessings" as though the declaration is sufficient to bestow them (which is New Age/WoF nonsense). But, the singer does say that God/Jesus (not named) is "faithful to keep," and "greater, "stronger" and "of possible" (whatever that means).



And... the chorus again, which hold some ideas that I wonder about. What sort of healing does God want for His children? Not physical, first of all, that's for sure. And what if God is allowing circumstances that are difficult, maybe even awful, to crowd a person to Himself and keep them close? What if there are things that can only be learned in pain and trouble? This is certainly a distinct possibility that both Scripture and Christian experience indicate to us. How does God tells us in His word our fear is put to flight? Not by prayer. See 1 John 4:16-19 and Galatians 5:16, 22-23, 25. God breaks through in a person's life in only one basic way: He breaks their pride, self-will and independence. He will only lift up those who first have gone low before Him. See James 4:6-10 and 1 Peter 5:6. Imagine, though praying for God to humble, to bring down the pride and selfishness of the one for whom we're praying? Not pleasant to hear in song, maybe, but totally biblical and right. Do you understand now, a bit, why I think these sorts of songs stink as "praise and worship" and fall very short of properly stating God's truth?



Come believe and receive what, exactly? The power of the Holy Spirit works within the believer only under specific circumstances laid out in Scripture. Merely believing one has his power, and expecting to receive it is not at all the basis upon which the Spirit will exert his power in a person's life. As I already pointed out, God only "lifts up" those who go low before Him. And so, we have Romans 6:13-22, Romans 12:1, Matthew 16:24-25 and James 4:6-10. But, you know, I never hear modern choruses that share the truths of these passages. It's only human-centered, tear-jerker stuff - all milk and no meat. We've got a horribly sickly, spiritually-immature Church in North America, full of people who gag on the crucified life (Ro. 6:1-11; Ga. 2:20; 6:14; Col. 2:9-14; 3:1-3, etc.), and the spiritual necessity of suffering (2 Co. 4:7-11; 12:7-10; 1 Pe. 1:6-7, etc.), and the life of constant submission to God (Ro. 6:13-22; Ro. 12:1; Ja. 4:7-10; 1 Pe. 5:6) and these "weak tea" songs aren't helping improve this state-of-affairs at all.

Salvation, healings, miracles, deliverences, breakthroughs, and even the raising of the dead were and still are all part of Jesus's ministry, after Jesus ascended, the Apostles continued the work of Jesus Christ and it's still happening today by the Power of the Holy Spirit.

 

[Kokyu]

Salvation, healings, miracles, deliverences, breakthroughs, and even the raising of the dead were and still are all part of Jesus's ministry, after Jesus ascended, the Apostles continued the work of Jesus Christ and it's still happening today by the Power of the Holy Spirit.

Yes, lost folk are being saved today. And in the odd instance, God still heals miraculously. Sometimes, too, he frees people from demonic oppression and possession. But raising the dead? No. And there are no apostles living today; for there haven't been any since the first (and only) apostles died.

Mostly, I think the N.A.R./Word of Faith/Prosperity Gospel/New Thought stuff is all basically the same, coming straight out of the demonic, with a "Christian" veneer mimicking pagan experiences, doctrines and practices and horribly blaspheming the Holy Spirit. There is none of the Spirit in any of it, only the "angel of light" at work, sowing poisonous doctrine, sensuality and selfishness among believers, moving them far from God while they grow more certain He is present.

If you want to experience the Holy Spirit in the way God in His word has said that you can, the way to doing so is not through the sensual, or the hyper-emotional, or miraculous but through death to Self (Matt. 16:24-24; Jn. 12:24-25; Ro. 6:11; 8:12; Ga. 2:20; 5:25; 6:14, etc.) constant submission to God (Ja. 4:6-10; 1 Pe. 5:6; Ro. 6:13-22; 8:14, etc.), and careful study of His Truth (Ps. 1; 119; Matt. 4:4; Phil. 4:8; 2 Ti. 3:16-17; 1 Pe. 2:2, etc.) in which you live all the time. The Holy Spirit "shows up" in and through lives transformed so that the Person of Jesus Christ is manifested more and more (Ro. 8:29; Ga. 22-23; Eph. 5:8-13), not in sessions where the Holy Spirit is made a pot bong, or a bottle of liquor, or a hot tub, or where the Holy Spirit induces shivers and warm oozies, and tingles over a person's body, or where the Spirit of peace, truth and love throws a person upon the ground in violent "spiritual" convulsions and hysterics. None of this stuff is of the Spirit at all, but is drawn directly from pagan religious practices.

 

[Grailhunter]

Over a hundred scriptures about singing hymns to the Lord.

What Does the Bible Say About Singing?

Bible verses about Singing

www.openbible.info

 

[Kokyu]

Over a hundred scriptures about singing hymns to the Lord.

I don't think anyone in this thread thinks we shouldn't sing praises to the Lord. But what passes as such these days is, I think, far from actual praise of the Lord.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

I cuss. So what? Just because someone doesn’t, doesn’t mean I have to follow suit with them. Back in Jesus day, he basically cusses the Pharisees out by calling them brood of snakes.

Cussing doesn’t bother me. It bothers other people, when my friends mom said call down on the f word, I stopped using it and continued talking to her. She didn’t shun me, or tell me to go away. She was patient and kind. Must be the Holy Spirit going through her.

I cuss too. In considering cussing. To me it’s not the words but the spirit behind to words that fly for me. When the f-word starts flying for me is when I’ve reached the edge and I’m spitting angry. When I have turned bitter. Either I’ve become frustrated and usually full of wrath. Point is I’m not so concerned that I said the words but that I escalated to a dark place inside. Where all control over what I say is gone. It’s not only the cuss words that come but also a condemning spirit comes up, where I do speak death.