Many have called or written to inquire what our position is regarding Todd Bentley, Fresh Fire Ministries, and the Lakeland "Revival."
While Dave and T.A. have not written specifically to critique Mr. Bentley's ministry or address the current phenomenon in Lakeland, Florida, they have written extensively on the matters that directly relate to the foundation of Todd's techniques and source of inspiration.
Topics they have addressed repeatedly since the 1980s include: charismatic and evangelical mysticism, the incursion of New Age metaphysics and mind-science occultism into the church, New Spirituality, spiritism, divination, visualization, inner healing techniques, false signs and wonders, false christs, false prophets, false teachers, humanistic psychology, contemplative spirituality, the fallacies of so-called "strategic level spiritual warfare," Kingdom-Now and Kingdom-Dominion theology, false revivals, and other related concerns.
These terms and topics may be researched on our website, and are also found in many books by Dave Hunt and/or T.A. McMahon, including The Seduction of Christianity, which explores and explains the roots of mind-science occultism (illumination and mysticism) prevalent in both charismatic and postmodern teachings; and Occult Invasion, which includes chapters on "Charismatic/Evangelical Occultism," and "Spiritual Warfare and Revival." The former has been in print by Harvest House publishers since 1985; the latter is scheduled for re-release this fall from TBC.
Our general assessment of the events and reported phenomena now occuring in Lakeland--and wherever Todd Bentley and a host of associated neo-prophetic and neo-apostolic "revivalists" gather--is that while the human containers have changed, the ancient doctrines dispensed from these containers have not. What we are witnessing is nothing "new" but simply a perpetuation and expansion of the "Toronto Blessing" and the "Pensacola Outpouring" that is partly fueled by viral marketing (aided greatly by the internet) and self-fulfilling predictions that encourage "hungry" sign-seeking believers to mass-migrate to Benny Hinn-style events.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
What Is In The Closet Reveals What Is In The Heart
What Is In The Closet Reveals What Is In The Heart
Jim Van Gelderen
If you want to live dangerously, open a teenager's closet in their absence. It may be the last thing you do on earth! You might find yourself buried alive. On a more serious note, if want to live dangerously, figuratively open a teenager's closet. Take next Sunday morning to teach a lesson or preach a message on dress and get specific in your application from the Bible. The truth is not only teens, but adults as well, need this kind of message, but can at times react to it. Why? Because someone's clothes is a part of who they are. Proverbs 4:23 warns, "Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." One of those "issues of life" is the clothes one buys and wears. One's wardrobe really does reflect who they are. Let's note a couple of things one's clothes can reveal about what is in their heart.
UNFAITHFULNESS
My father was born in 1924 in Miami, FL. I remember his describing the typical swim attire of his day. The swimming suit would blouse over the shoulder and go down to the elbow. The suit would also go over the torso and down to the knees. Obviously this swimming suit was very modest compared to today. A couple of years ago, I was perusing through a "reminisce type" magazine when I noticed a black and white photo of a crowded beach. I am assuming it came from the early part of the 1900s. I was amazed at how I could look at the photo and there not be temptation by provocative or immodest dress. My point is this, we've changed and the change reveals a change in the hearts Americans.
Every person is either nurturing faithfulness to a present or future spouse or they are nurturing unfaithfulness to a present or future spouse. This can often be discerned by a young ladies deportment and dress. I Timothy 2:8,9 says, "I will therefore . . . that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness . . ." According to Ralph Earle on the word "apparel", "Arndt and Gingrich furnish this definition: ' Deportment, outward, as it expresses itself in clothing . . . as well as inward . . . and probably both at the same time.' " This means that God is not only concerned about the clothes a young lady puts on, but how she carries herself. I have traveled for eighteen years with young men on the Minutemen Evangelistic Team. Why is it that we could go into a Christian school and one of the team members would remark about how he was going to stay away from a young lady because she was "loose"? Christian schools have dress codes. Obviously this kind of girl dresses on the edge, but the issue is also her deportment. Christian young ladies should carry themselves in a manner that is discreet, modest, appropriate and not at all forward or seductive. I wonder where flirting fits in? Maybe this verse of Scripture teaches us it doesn't!
This Scripture also teaches us that women are to dress "in modest apparel, with shamefacedness." John MacArthur* in his commentary on I Timothy gave this definition for "shamefacedness". "At its core is the idea of shame. A godly woman would be ashamed and feel guilt if she . . . contributed to someone's lustful thought." For the female readers this question is in order. How do you react if a man whistled at you in a way that was inappropriate and sensual? Does that cause you to blush or do you like that kind of attention? I remember one day my mother received an obscene phone call while I was listening. As soon as she knew what was going on, she roasted the guy and closed with, "Don't you ever call here again!" With that she slammed down the phone and then stewed in disgust about it for awhile. My mother was shamefaced.
Spiros Zodiahtes defined "shamefacedness as "an innate moral repugnance to a dishonorable act or fashion." What do you do when you see immodest models or advertisements? Do you wish you could dress that way or do you have a repugnance for the provocative dress? What do you do when you come across a picture of Brittany Spears? Do you blush and turn away or do you think that would be great to dress that way? Do you shop at stores that cater to sensual clothing (like Abercombie and Fitch)? Shamefaced Christians have a innate moral repugnance to a dishonorable fashion.
A woman who is nurturing faithfulness will not want to dress or carry herself in a way that causes men to be drawn to her in an inappropriate manner. She is keeping herself for one. She is shamefaced. Her clothes reveal it. Tragically this inner quality is becoming increasing rare even in our Bible believing churches. Men, if we let our daughters and wives watch these night time "slops" (They are not "soaps". There is nothing clean about them.), they are going to get an appetite to dress like the Hollywood harlots do. It is a man's responsibility to protect the women (wife and daughters) God has given him. Modesty is a great protection from wicked men. Immodestly leaves women vulnerable to wicked men and teaches them to nurture unfaithfulness.
For the men the issue is not as much dress which reveals a faithful or unfaithful heart (though it can be), but what kind of dress are you attracted to. James 4:8 is in a passage that is exhorting the one who has fallen into spiritual adultery because of "friendship with the world" to get right with God. This spiritual "two timer" is challenged with these words, "Cleanse your hands ye sinners and purify your hearts ye doubleminded." If you are doubleminded and you purify your heart, you would no longer be doubleminded but singleminded. This teaches us that the essence of purity is singlemindedness. A man is to keep his mind for his wife entirely. A man who let his mind wander to sensual or immodest images is not nurturing singlemindedness, but multimindedness. That is why defeat in what you watch on the TV, or what Internet sites you visit, or what movies you watch, or what magazines you look at, reveals that you are nurturing unfaithfulness in your heart and are destroying the foundation for a solid marriage (whether or not you are married). It is a big deal!
Are you nurturing faithfulness or unfaithfulness for your future or present spouse? Check your closet, ma'am. Check what fashions your looking at, sir. Why? Because what is in your closet reveals what is in your heart.
WORLDLINESS
A few years ago Abercombie and Fitch changed their marketing plan and began to market on teenage sensuality. Unfortunately it was a huge success (which is an indictment on our culture). It seems though that many Christian kids don't get it, because in the average youth group, Abercombie and Fitch is commonly seen. What ever happened to Romans 12:1 and 2? I have noticed certain styles that are associated with worldly subcultures become prevalent on youth group members. What ever happened to Romans 12:1 and 2? About the mid 90's grunge and alternative rock brought a new wave a hair styles that have not left us. Recently I have seen many youth group kids who look like they are trying to win a Backstreet Boys look a like contest? What ever happened to Romans 12:1 and 2? I have noticed far too many of our Christian college students who look more interested in looking like NSync than looking like "strangers and pilgrims." What ever happened to Romans 12:1 and 2? Some of the new breed of youth pastor has fallen into this as well. If a young man is more interested in looking like the latest pop rock group, he is living in direct opposition to The Word of God.
Romans 12:2 says, "Be not conformed to this world." Kenneth Wuest defines the word, "conformed" as "the act of assuming an outward appearance patterned after some certain thing, an appearance or expression which does not conform and is not representative of one's inmost and true nature. It refers here to the act of a child of God assuming as an outward expression the habits, mannerisms, dress, speech expressions, and behavior of the world out from which God saved him, thus not giving a true expression of what he is …" Conformity is looking on the outside what you are not on the inside. In other words, God is saying if you are saved child of God on the inside, it should be reflected on the outside. The world should not be, as I heard one preacher say, "pressing you into its mold". This is not only dealing with dress but, as Wuest says, also "habits, mannerisms" and "speech expressions." Why is it some Christian always have the latest worldly lingo? Could it be they are more interested in what Hollywood has to say than the Holy Word?
Do you have a love for the world and its look? Check your closet. Because what is in the closet reveals what is in your heart.
CONCLUSION
Although this article may seem to be more geared for teenagers, I would like to challenge the preachers reading this article with this thought. How are the teenagers in church doing? Does the outside reflect the "saved" inside? Perhaps God would use a bold, Scriptural, Spirit-filled message or two to help. A few years ago I heard a well respected Fundamentalist evangelist talk about sitting on the platform of church in the 60s or 70s where he periodically held meetings. He looked out and noticed long hair on some of the men and boys and short skirts on some of the teen girls and adult women. He leaned over to the pastor who was his good friend and pointed out his observation. The pastor had evidently become desensitized to it, but nobly said to the evangelist, "Go after it." At the end of the meeting, men had been to barber shop and the women had been to sewing machine. Spirit led, Scriptural, empowered preaching changes lives!
Obviously we are after a change of heart, but a change of heart will reveal itself in a change of life. Inward transformation is seen in external change. That is why a visit to our closet may reveal what is in our heart.
________________________
*I am not giving a blanket endorsement on John McArthur. I am
quoting him as a Greek scholar.
from ptwm.org
Jim Van Gelderen
If you want to live dangerously, open a teenager's closet in their absence. It may be the last thing you do on earth! You might find yourself buried alive. On a more serious note, if want to live dangerously, figuratively open a teenager's closet. Take next Sunday morning to teach a lesson or preach a message on dress and get specific in your application from the Bible. The truth is not only teens, but adults as well, need this kind of message, but can at times react to it. Why? Because someone's clothes is a part of who they are. Proverbs 4:23 warns, "Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." One of those "issues of life" is the clothes one buys and wears. One's wardrobe really does reflect who they are. Let's note a couple of things one's clothes can reveal about what is in their heart.
UNFAITHFULNESS
My father was born in 1924 in Miami, FL. I remember his describing the typical swim attire of his day. The swimming suit would blouse over the shoulder and go down to the elbow. The suit would also go over the torso and down to the knees. Obviously this swimming suit was very modest compared to today. A couple of years ago, I was perusing through a "reminisce type" magazine when I noticed a black and white photo of a crowded beach. I am assuming it came from the early part of the 1900s. I was amazed at how I could look at the photo and there not be temptation by provocative or immodest dress. My point is this, we've changed and the change reveals a change in the hearts Americans.
Every person is either nurturing faithfulness to a present or future spouse or they are nurturing unfaithfulness to a present or future spouse. This can often be discerned by a young ladies deportment and dress. I Timothy 2:8,9 says, "I will therefore . . . that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness . . ." According to Ralph Earle on the word "apparel", "Arndt and Gingrich furnish this definition: ' Deportment, outward, as it expresses itself in clothing . . . as well as inward . . . and probably both at the same time.' " This means that God is not only concerned about the clothes a young lady puts on, but how she carries herself. I have traveled for eighteen years with young men on the Minutemen Evangelistic Team. Why is it that we could go into a Christian school and one of the team members would remark about how he was going to stay away from a young lady because she was "loose"? Christian schools have dress codes. Obviously this kind of girl dresses on the edge, but the issue is also her deportment. Christian young ladies should carry themselves in a manner that is discreet, modest, appropriate and not at all forward or seductive. I wonder where flirting fits in? Maybe this verse of Scripture teaches us it doesn't!
This Scripture also teaches us that women are to dress "in modest apparel, with shamefacedness." John MacArthur* in his commentary on I Timothy gave this definition for "shamefacedness". "At its core is the idea of shame. A godly woman would be ashamed and feel guilt if she . . . contributed to someone's lustful thought." For the female readers this question is in order. How do you react if a man whistled at you in a way that was inappropriate and sensual? Does that cause you to blush or do you like that kind of attention? I remember one day my mother received an obscene phone call while I was listening. As soon as she knew what was going on, she roasted the guy and closed with, "Don't you ever call here again!" With that she slammed down the phone and then stewed in disgust about it for awhile. My mother was shamefaced.
Spiros Zodiahtes defined "shamefacedness as "an innate moral repugnance to a dishonorable act or fashion." What do you do when you see immodest models or advertisements? Do you wish you could dress that way or do you have a repugnance for the provocative dress? What do you do when you come across a picture of Brittany Spears? Do you blush and turn away or do you think that would be great to dress that way? Do you shop at stores that cater to sensual clothing (like Abercombie and Fitch)? Shamefaced Christians have a innate moral repugnance to a dishonorable fashion.
A woman who is nurturing faithfulness will not want to dress or carry herself in a way that causes men to be drawn to her in an inappropriate manner. She is keeping herself for one. She is shamefaced. Her clothes reveal it. Tragically this inner quality is becoming increasing rare even in our Bible believing churches. Men, if we let our daughters and wives watch these night time "slops" (They are not "soaps". There is nothing clean about them.), they are going to get an appetite to dress like the Hollywood harlots do. It is a man's responsibility to protect the women (wife and daughters) God has given him. Modesty is a great protection from wicked men. Immodestly leaves women vulnerable to wicked men and teaches them to nurture unfaithfulness.
For the men the issue is not as much dress which reveals a faithful or unfaithful heart (though it can be), but what kind of dress are you attracted to. James 4:8 is in a passage that is exhorting the one who has fallen into spiritual adultery because of "friendship with the world" to get right with God. This spiritual "two timer" is challenged with these words, "Cleanse your hands ye sinners and purify your hearts ye doubleminded." If you are doubleminded and you purify your heart, you would no longer be doubleminded but singleminded. This teaches us that the essence of purity is singlemindedness. A man is to keep his mind for his wife entirely. A man who let his mind wander to sensual or immodest images is not nurturing singlemindedness, but multimindedness. That is why defeat in what you watch on the TV, or what Internet sites you visit, or what movies you watch, or what magazines you look at, reveals that you are nurturing unfaithfulness in your heart and are destroying the foundation for a solid marriage (whether or not you are married). It is a big deal!
Are you nurturing faithfulness or unfaithfulness for your future or present spouse? Check your closet, ma'am. Check what fashions your looking at, sir. Why? Because what is in your closet reveals what is in your heart.
WORLDLINESS
A few years ago Abercombie and Fitch changed their marketing plan and began to market on teenage sensuality. Unfortunately it was a huge success (which is an indictment on our culture). It seems though that many Christian kids don't get it, because in the average youth group, Abercombie and Fitch is commonly seen. What ever happened to Romans 12:1 and 2? I have noticed certain styles that are associated with worldly subcultures become prevalent on youth group members. What ever happened to Romans 12:1 and 2? About the mid 90's grunge and alternative rock brought a new wave a hair styles that have not left us. Recently I have seen many youth group kids who look like they are trying to win a Backstreet Boys look a like contest? What ever happened to Romans 12:1 and 2? I have noticed far too many of our Christian college students who look more interested in looking like NSync than looking like "strangers and pilgrims." What ever happened to Romans 12:1 and 2? Some of the new breed of youth pastor has fallen into this as well. If a young man is more interested in looking like the latest pop rock group, he is living in direct opposition to The Word of God.
Romans 12:2 says, "Be not conformed to this world." Kenneth Wuest defines the word, "conformed" as "the act of assuming an outward appearance patterned after some certain thing, an appearance or expression which does not conform and is not representative of one's inmost and true nature. It refers here to the act of a child of God assuming as an outward expression the habits, mannerisms, dress, speech expressions, and behavior of the world out from which God saved him, thus not giving a true expression of what he is …" Conformity is looking on the outside what you are not on the inside. In other words, God is saying if you are saved child of God on the inside, it should be reflected on the outside. The world should not be, as I heard one preacher say, "pressing you into its mold". This is not only dealing with dress but, as Wuest says, also "habits, mannerisms" and "speech expressions." Why is it some Christian always have the latest worldly lingo? Could it be they are more interested in what Hollywood has to say than the Holy Word?
Do you have a love for the world and its look? Check your closet. Because what is in the closet reveals what is in your heart.
CONCLUSION
Although this article may seem to be more geared for teenagers, I would like to challenge the preachers reading this article with this thought. How are the teenagers in church doing? Does the outside reflect the "saved" inside? Perhaps God would use a bold, Scriptural, Spirit-filled message or two to help. A few years ago I heard a well respected Fundamentalist evangelist talk about sitting on the platform of church in the 60s or 70s where he periodically held meetings. He looked out and noticed long hair on some of the men and boys and short skirts on some of the teen girls and adult women. He leaned over to the pastor who was his good friend and pointed out his observation. The pastor had evidently become desensitized to it, but nobly said to the evangelist, "Go after it." At the end of the meeting, men had been to barber shop and the women had been to sewing machine. Spirit led, Scriptural, empowered preaching changes lives!
Obviously we are after a change of heart, but a change of heart will reveal itself in a change of life. Inward transformation is seen in external change. That is why a visit to our closet may reveal what is in our heart.
________________________
*I am not giving a blanket endorsement on John McArthur. I am
quoting him as a Greek scholar.
from ptwm.org
You Can’t Judge Someone’s Spirituality
You Can’t Judge Someone’s Spirituality
Jim Van Gelderen
Recently, I was at a meeting where some preachers were discussing a coming ministry project. When the conversation turned to music, the comment was made, “You can’t judge someone’s spirituality by their music.” Although the statement didn’t seem quite right, it wasn’t until a bit later that I was struck with how wanting the statement was when matched up against the Scripture.
All of us are familiar with the command God has given each one of us to “be filled with the Spirit.” What we may not readily remember is that this mandate is followed by five participles. Each of these participles hinges off the verb “be filled.” There is a language like here. I believe they are participles of result. Perhaps a Greek scholar would argue for another usage, but that is not the point. The action of “speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” is related to being “filled with the Spirit.” In other words, Spirit-filled believers are involved with “spiritual songs.”
One of the earmarks of a Spirit-filled believer is that his music is spiritual and not carnal. Often in the New Testament the word “spiritual” is contrasted with the word “carnal.” Obviously when God by inspiration put the adjective “spiritual” on the noun “songs,” it was for a reason. Spirit-filled people are not involved with carnal, fleshly or sensual songs especially in a worship context. They are involved in singing “spiritual songs.” Someone might well ask, “What is spiritual music and what is fleshly music?” Simply put, spiritual music appeals to the spirit and fleshly music appeals to the flesh. Why does a barroom use the music it does? It is because that music is consistent with its appeal to the flesh. Why does a nightclub use the music it does? It is for the same reason. Think how humorous it is to imagine John Phillips Souza playing in a barroom. The music is obviously inconsistent with the atmosphere. In 1975 Time magazine did a poll of 1,000 unmarried girls in North Florida. The poll “revealed 984 of the 1,000 unmarried girls sampled had become pregnant listening to pop songs -during fornication, of course.” That is astounding! The tragedy is the pop style of the 70’s is what is being played in our churches. And as a result the flesh is being fed right in our churches. Of course this is not new. In Exodus 32 you find the golden calf incident. The New Testament calls it idolatry. Why was it called idolatry? I Corinthians 10:7 answers that question. “Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” Note what God called idolatry. It was not the making of the golden calf. It was their sensuality in the context of worship. “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” Remember, this was “a feast to the Lord.” Folks, when we bring the flesh and sensuality into so-called worship, it is idolatry!
That means if one is involved in listening to or performing or singing sensual, carnal music, he is not Spirit filled. That is God’s Word. People “filled with the Spirit” use “spiritual songs.” One might say, “Well, I went to this Christian concert and 100 teens were saved. How can that be wrong?” Or, “I feel so close to God after listening to this music. How can it be wrong?” And the answer is obvious. It does not matter how we feel or what are the visible results. Objective truth of God’s Word supersedes the vacillating subjective experiences of man.
One may be sincere. He may be genuine. But if he is involved with carnal songs, he is not filled with the Spirit, and therefore he is not spiritual. You see, you can judge a person’s spirituality by their music. Ephesians 5:18-19 tells us so.
from www.ptwm.org
Jim Van Gelderen
Recently, I was at a meeting where some preachers were discussing a coming ministry project. When the conversation turned to music, the comment was made, “You can’t judge someone’s spirituality by their music.” Although the statement didn’t seem quite right, it wasn’t until a bit later that I was struck with how wanting the statement was when matched up against the Scripture.
All of us are familiar with the command God has given each one of us to “be filled with the Spirit.” What we may not readily remember is that this mandate is followed by five participles. Each of these participles hinges off the verb “be filled.” There is a language like here. I believe they are participles of result. Perhaps a Greek scholar would argue for another usage, but that is not the point. The action of “speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” is related to being “filled with the Spirit.” In other words, Spirit-filled believers are involved with “spiritual songs.”
One of the earmarks of a Spirit-filled believer is that his music is spiritual and not carnal. Often in the New Testament the word “spiritual” is contrasted with the word “carnal.” Obviously when God by inspiration put the adjective “spiritual” on the noun “songs,” it was for a reason. Spirit-filled people are not involved with carnal, fleshly or sensual songs especially in a worship context. They are involved in singing “spiritual songs.” Someone might well ask, “What is spiritual music and what is fleshly music?” Simply put, spiritual music appeals to the spirit and fleshly music appeals to the flesh. Why does a barroom use the music it does? It is because that music is consistent with its appeal to the flesh. Why does a nightclub use the music it does? It is for the same reason. Think how humorous it is to imagine John Phillips Souza playing in a barroom. The music is obviously inconsistent with the atmosphere. In 1975 Time magazine did a poll of 1,000 unmarried girls in North Florida. The poll “revealed 984 of the 1,000 unmarried girls sampled had become pregnant listening to pop songs -during fornication, of course.” That is astounding! The tragedy is the pop style of the 70’s is what is being played in our churches. And as a result the flesh is being fed right in our churches. Of course this is not new. In Exodus 32 you find the golden calf incident. The New Testament calls it idolatry. Why was it called idolatry? I Corinthians 10:7 answers that question. “Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” Note what God called idolatry. It was not the making of the golden calf. It was their sensuality in the context of worship. “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” Remember, this was “a feast to the Lord.” Folks, when we bring the flesh and sensuality into so-called worship, it is idolatry!
That means if one is involved in listening to or performing or singing sensual, carnal music, he is not Spirit filled. That is God’s Word. People “filled with the Spirit” use “spiritual songs.” One might say, “Well, I went to this Christian concert and 100 teens were saved. How can that be wrong?” Or, “I feel so close to God after listening to this music. How can it be wrong?” And the answer is obvious. It does not matter how we feel or what are the visible results. Objective truth of God’s Word supersedes the vacillating subjective experiences of man.
One may be sincere. He may be genuine. But if he is involved with carnal songs, he is not filled with the Spirit, and therefore he is not spiritual. You see, you can judge a person’s spirituality by their music. Ephesians 5:18-19 tells us so.
from www.ptwm.org
Is CCM Idolatry?
Is CCM Idolatry?
Jim Van Gelderen
The scene must have been awesome –Moses coming down from the mount with the dew of heaven on his brow. The awe of the presence of the Almighty surely filled his heart. If he was ever walking with God, would it have not been then? The prophet comes upon a scene of utter debauchery. Not only does he see a graven image, he sees dancing, sensual dancing at that. Righteous indignation wells within his breast. His nostrils flare as he takes the tablets and casts them down. Why such a response? Moses had just witness idolatry.
What was it about the golden calf incident that made it idolatry? Was it because the children of Israel were worshipping a heathen deity? At first glance one may think so, but a closer investigation reveals that in their thinking they were worshipping Jehovah God. Aaron said in Exodus 32:5, “Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord.” Some may ask, “What about the comment, ‘These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.’ Doesn’t this comment prove they were worshipping a heathen deity?” The answer is an emphatic “no!” The word for “gods” is Elohim. This is the same word translated “God.” In fact Nehemiah 9:18 recounting this incident says, “Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God that brought thee up out of Egypt…” Notice the singular demonstrative pronoun. This passage reveals that the people were calling the golden calf, “God.”
So what made the golden calf incident idolatry? The best commentary on this is found in I Cor. 10:7 “Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” Note what Scripture Paul cites to prove they were idolaters. It was not a quotation that talks of the golden calf or a graven image. It is a text that talks about their sensuality in the context of “worship” of Jehovah God. “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” The commentator Bush calls this conduct “wanton.” Davis comments, “The nakedness of the people (v. 25) further substantiates the fact that the activity associated with the worship of the golden calf included sensuous fertility practices common to the people about Israel.” As Davis mentions, the word “naked” does make the sensuality aspect clear. A quick word study validates this claim even more. Also, remember that “Moses’ anger waxed hot” when “he saw the calf, and the dancing.” Given the context this “worship” dancing had to have been sensual. And it caused God’s man to burn with righteous indignation.
When you include sensuality in your “worship” you have stepped into idolatry. You have changed your concept of God to condone something the God of the Bible condemns. The golden calf incident included music. Not only was there “dancing,” but also there was music. Did not Moses say, “It is…the noise of them that sing do I hear”? Thus it follows, when you allow sensual music into your “worship” you have stepped into idolatry. You have changed your concept of God. You may call your god “Jehovah,” but if he winks at what God hates, he is false.
Years ago I was talking to some unsaved young men I was trying to reach with the gospel. Their music was blaring so I asked them, “Why do you like this stuff?” One young man quickly responded, “It’s great for picking up the girls.” He was honest about the sensual aspects of his music. When you use this kind of music to “worship,” you have stepped into idolatry.
Some will say, “Well I don’t think sensual thoughts when I listen to CCM. It doesn’t bother me that way.” The question I would then ask is this: “What would you tell a Ted Bundy, who said that he could look at soft-core pornography, and it would not even bother him?” If you’re thinking, your response would be something like this: “Well, he obviously has been desensitized to the pornography.” Exactly, and that is the problem with the response, “It doesn’t bother me that way.” That kind of person has so listened to that style of music that it doesn’t bother him anymore. I personally find it grossly offensive to hear sensual music in church. Some will say, “Well, that’s your problem.” If we could take a fourteen-year-old boy from Puritan New England, and put him on the average American beach during the summer, would he have a problem. Yes, he would. Is that his problem? Obviously not. He has never been exposed to that kind of sensual dress before. He has not become desensitized. He should be protected not mocked. I plead for the same kind of sane thinking for those who are bothered by the sensual beat of CCM. There have been times where I have been very uncomfortable with the sensuality of so-called Christian music in church services. The problem is not mine, but those who have brought the sensuality into the church. My contention is this. CCM has changed their “God” so he not only winks at sensual music, he desires it in “worship.” CCM’s “God” is not the Holy One of the sacred page. Some will say that such a thing has not happened to CCM. Over a decade ago I picked up a CCM newspaper produced by WORD. One of the articles was by John Fischer. The newspaper described Fischer this way: “John Fischer is probably the most well-known pioneer of what is now called ‘contemporary Christian music’ –pop music of various genres with pro-Christian and pro-moral lyrics.” Fischer gives a testimony of how contemporary Christian music began. His concept of God should leave you aching.
“For me, and in some ways for you too, contemporary Christian
music began in that car. It was a warm night, and I had been to
church enjoying by friends. I remember feeling particularly close
to God when I got in the car and started up the engine to drive
home. As I turned the key, the radio blared right where I had left
it, and the energy of Beatlemania filled the car.
“My first impression was embarrassment for God; He was certainly
not interested in listening to this. But as I reached to turn off the
radio, He had a surprise for me. The closest I can come to expressing
what happened in the next instant would be for you to imagine God
appearing next to me in the car as George Burns in the movie ‘Oh God!’
“‘Wait a minute, kid,’ He said dryly. ‘Leave it on. You know, I kind of
like this stuff.’ I watched in shock as He smiled at me through a
casual puff of cigar smoke and swayed His head ever so slightly with
the music…‘She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah.’
“He leaned toward me so He could speak more carefully and still be
heard over the music. ‘Do you really think all I want to hear are the
funeral dirges they play for Me in church every Sunday? Really. Who
made the music in the first place? Who gave these guys the ability
to do what they do? Look kid, if four mop heads from Liverpool can
capture the world for their own glory and a good time, imagine what
you can do for My sake. Think about it.’ I drive home half crying, half
laughing, knowing my life and future would be greatly affected by that
moment in my Dad’s ’57 Ford.”
Folks, that is idolatry. It is blasphemy to use George Burns as a caricature of the Almighty. This picture of “God” is not the God of the Bible. If this is the beginning of CCM, maybe it should tell us something about its “God.”
Is CCM idolatry? If it changes its concept of God to include the sensual in “worship,” the answer is yes. If it changes the concept of God to that of a carnal lover the answer is yes. If it changes the concept of God to that of George Burns, the answer is yes. If it changes the concept of God to anything that is not biblical, the answer is yes.
Jim Van Gelderen
The scene must have been awesome –Moses coming down from the mount with the dew of heaven on his brow. The awe of the presence of the Almighty surely filled his heart. If he was ever walking with God, would it have not been then? The prophet comes upon a scene of utter debauchery. Not only does he see a graven image, he sees dancing, sensual dancing at that. Righteous indignation wells within his breast. His nostrils flare as he takes the tablets and casts them down. Why such a response? Moses had just witness idolatry.
What was it about the golden calf incident that made it idolatry? Was it because the children of Israel were worshipping a heathen deity? At first glance one may think so, but a closer investigation reveals that in their thinking they were worshipping Jehovah God. Aaron said in Exodus 32:5, “Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord.” Some may ask, “What about the comment, ‘These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.’ Doesn’t this comment prove they were worshipping a heathen deity?” The answer is an emphatic “no!” The word for “gods” is Elohim. This is the same word translated “God.” In fact Nehemiah 9:18 recounting this incident says, “Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God that brought thee up out of Egypt…” Notice the singular demonstrative pronoun. This passage reveals that the people were calling the golden calf, “God.”
So what made the golden calf incident idolatry? The best commentary on this is found in I Cor. 10:7 “Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” Note what Scripture Paul cites to prove they were idolaters. It was not a quotation that talks of the golden calf or a graven image. It is a text that talks about their sensuality in the context of “worship” of Jehovah God. “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” The commentator Bush calls this conduct “wanton.” Davis comments, “The nakedness of the people (v. 25) further substantiates the fact that the activity associated with the worship of the golden calf included sensuous fertility practices common to the people about Israel.” As Davis mentions, the word “naked” does make the sensuality aspect clear. A quick word study validates this claim even more. Also, remember that “Moses’ anger waxed hot” when “he saw the calf, and the dancing.” Given the context this “worship” dancing had to have been sensual. And it caused God’s man to burn with righteous indignation.
When you include sensuality in your “worship” you have stepped into idolatry. You have changed your concept of God to condone something the God of the Bible condemns. The golden calf incident included music. Not only was there “dancing,” but also there was music. Did not Moses say, “It is…the noise of them that sing do I hear”? Thus it follows, when you allow sensual music into your “worship” you have stepped into idolatry. You have changed your concept of God. You may call your god “Jehovah,” but if he winks at what God hates, he is false.
Years ago I was talking to some unsaved young men I was trying to reach with the gospel. Their music was blaring so I asked them, “Why do you like this stuff?” One young man quickly responded, “It’s great for picking up the girls.” He was honest about the sensual aspects of his music. When you use this kind of music to “worship,” you have stepped into idolatry.
Some will say, “Well I don’t think sensual thoughts when I listen to CCM. It doesn’t bother me that way.” The question I would then ask is this: “What would you tell a Ted Bundy, who said that he could look at soft-core pornography, and it would not even bother him?” If you’re thinking, your response would be something like this: “Well, he obviously has been desensitized to the pornography.” Exactly, and that is the problem with the response, “It doesn’t bother me that way.” That kind of person has so listened to that style of music that it doesn’t bother him anymore. I personally find it grossly offensive to hear sensual music in church. Some will say, “Well, that’s your problem.” If we could take a fourteen-year-old boy from Puritan New England, and put him on the average American beach during the summer, would he have a problem. Yes, he would. Is that his problem? Obviously not. He has never been exposed to that kind of sensual dress before. He has not become desensitized. He should be protected not mocked. I plead for the same kind of sane thinking for those who are bothered by the sensual beat of CCM. There have been times where I have been very uncomfortable with the sensuality of so-called Christian music in church services. The problem is not mine, but those who have brought the sensuality into the church. My contention is this. CCM has changed their “God” so he not only winks at sensual music, he desires it in “worship.” CCM’s “God” is not the Holy One of the sacred page. Some will say that such a thing has not happened to CCM. Over a decade ago I picked up a CCM newspaper produced by WORD. One of the articles was by John Fischer. The newspaper described Fischer this way: “John Fischer is probably the most well-known pioneer of what is now called ‘contemporary Christian music’ –pop music of various genres with pro-Christian and pro-moral lyrics.” Fischer gives a testimony of how contemporary Christian music began. His concept of God should leave you aching.
“For me, and in some ways for you too, contemporary Christian
music began in that car. It was a warm night, and I had been to
church enjoying by friends. I remember feeling particularly close
to God when I got in the car and started up the engine to drive
home. As I turned the key, the radio blared right where I had left
it, and the energy of Beatlemania filled the car.
“My first impression was embarrassment for God; He was certainly
not interested in listening to this. But as I reached to turn off the
radio, He had a surprise for me. The closest I can come to expressing
what happened in the next instant would be for you to imagine God
appearing next to me in the car as George Burns in the movie ‘Oh God!’
“‘Wait a minute, kid,’ He said dryly. ‘Leave it on. You know, I kind of
like this stuff.’ I watched in shock as He smiled at me through a
casual puff of cigar smoke and swayed His head ever so slightly with
the music…‘She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah.’
“He leaned toward me so He could speak more carefully and still be
heard over the music. ‘Do you really think all I want to hear are the
funeral dirges they play for Me in church every Sunday? Really. Who
made the music in the first place? Who gave these guys the ability
to do what they do? Look kid, if four mop heads from Liverpool can
capture the world for their own glory and a good time, imagine what
you can do for My sake. Think about it.’ I drive home half crying, half
laughing, knowing my life and future would be greatly affected by that
moment in my Dad’s ’57 Ford.”
Folks, that is idolatry. It is blasphemy to use George Burns as a caricature of the Almighty. This picture of “God” is not the God of the Bible. If this is the beginning of CCM, maybe it should tell us something about its “God.”
Is CCM idolatry? If it changes its concept of God to include the sensual in “worship,” the answer is yes. If it changes the concept of God to that of a carnal lover the answer is yes. If it changes the concept of God to that of George Burns, the answer is yes. If it changes the concept of God to anything that is not biblical, the answer is yes.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Rules for Daily Life
Begin the day with God;
Kneel down to Him in prayer;
Lift up thy heart to His abode.
And seek his love to share.
Open the Book of God,
And read a portion there;
That it may hallow all thy thoughts,
And sweeten all they care.
Ho through the day with God,
Whate'er thy work may be;
Where'er thou art--at home, abroad,
He still is near to thee.
Converse in mind with God,
Thy spirit heavenward raise:
Acknowledge every good bestowed,
And offer grateful praise.
Conclude the day with God,
Thy sins to him confess;
Trust in the Lord's atoning blood,
And plead His righteousness.
Lie down at night with God
Who gives His servants sleep;
And when thou tread'st the vale of death,
He will thee gaurd and keep.
Kneel down to Him in prayer;
Lift up thy heart to His abode.
And seek his love to share.
Open the Book of God,
And read a portion there;
That it may hallow all thy thoughts,
And sweeten all they care.
Ho through the day with God,
Whate'er thy work may be;
Where'er thou art--at home, abroad,
He still is near to thee.
Converse in mind with God,
Thy spirit heavenward raise:
Acknowledge every good bestowed,
And offer grateful praise.
Conclude the day with God,
Thy sins to him confess;
Trust in the Lord's atoning blood,
And plead His righteousness.
Lie down at night with God
Who gives His servants sleep;
And when thou tread'st the vale of death,
He will thee gaurd and keep.
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