Brother

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” - Matthew 9:36-38

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of going to Houston with a few cousins and family friend to attend the Legacy Conference. Although I could write an entire post just about the conference and overall makeup of the event, the central message of that one was left with after listening to all of the workshop presenters and speakers was making disciples for Christ. Through learning to apply how important spending time alone with God, reading and cherishing His Word and truth, it enables us not jus tot genuinely follow Christ with humility, but to also share in fellowshipping with other believers and share the Gospel with others. 

I don't know about you, but I definitely lack in doing the above. For me, I've gotten so caught up in doing (or trying to do) things on my own that I can push others away in the process. Whether it be a short and snappy response that, in the moment, came out harshly and the wrong way, or simply not responding to text messages - yes, not responding at all - our actions can have positive and negative reactions on those around us, particularly those that may not believe in God.

To be honest, for Christians the standard is much higher. I won't sit here and ignore the fact that people who don't believe in what I believe see what I say and do differently. There's a different light that comes from us, and that's the light of Christ that shines through us in what we say and do. However, as soon as we get upset or voice an opinion on a controversial topic, I can hear it clearly now - "I thought you called yourself a Christian?!"

If we are to be the salt of the earth and light of the world (Matthew 5:13-14), how can we, without any hesitation, walk in this spiritually corrupt world knowing that we carry the truth that sets people free without sharing it with others? The thing is, stewarding the Gospel doesn't just apply to when and if we feel like sharing the Gospel, or if it's convenient for us to share. The Gospel is relevant and urgent in every area of our lives. 

Do not be afraid to share the name of Jesus Christ, because through it one gains salvation, liberty and power. 

"The Gospel is offensive. It is uncomfortable and meant to be, because it is a window into our sinful nature, and is the prime authority to guide us through the justification process and to Christ-likeness." - Chelsi Woods

SDG

His Glory Alone

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. - Colossians 3:23-24

May 4, 2013

The day I first published a blog post on The Maze. At that time, it wasn't called The Maze, but went through quite a few name changes trying to find what fit best. I remember one time really close to the beginning (if not at the very start) it was called "Watch Me Live My Life," but I quickly changed that title because it was just too long - I felt that I could get the message across in fewer words.

For me, what's crazy about this year being the fifth birthday of The Maze is that this all started while I was in college, a rising junior in college to be exact. I still had classes and took exams, but through everything, God this talent of writing He's given to be biblically steward and blessed. Growing up, I actually struggled a lot in reading and writing. I mean to the point of falling behind - my mom actually told me a few months ago that back in either kindergarten or first grade, my teachers wanted to hold me back a grade because the felt that I wasn't on grade level with my peers. Through prayers, the hard work of my parents and (sometimes) tears, I've never had to get held back a grade level.

Fast-forward to 2013: A few weeks before I actually started the blog, the idea of starting one kept coming up, in conversation and other ways. By God's conviction and grace, I started writing - I had no idea what to write, but I knew I needed to write! Here's an excerpt from The Maze's very first post:

"What makes me different, unique, strange, and not easily understood to most is God. Point, blank, period. I'm not saying I'm perfect; actually I'm saying the absolute opposite of it. For some reason God blesses this imperfect vessel that He has created to far beyond what I could ever imagine. That's something I'll forever be grateful for.

So, join me in this journey that God has placed me on. I'm going to be perfectly honest with you with everything and support all of what I say with the bible. This journey is definitely going to be bumpy and cause may spiritual bruises, but in the end it WILL be worth it!"

I pray that you continue to be uplifted in your faith, sharing the Gospel to those who are lost. I pray that you'll have discerning minds, recognizing and avoiding false doctrines. Finally, I pray that you will have the unspeakable joy of God's love. I don't know what God will do with these writings, but by faith I pray that He'll give me the courage each day to live my life for His glory and honor alone.

SDG

Hell is Real

“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” - John 3:18-21

To be honest with you all, I really didn't know what to expect when I first picked up this book. Getting this book for free at a church giveaway a few years ago, I immediately picked the book up because of its catchy and bold title. How many pastors do you know have spent a series of sermons, let alone done one entire sermon on the topic of hell? I knew little (rather, nothing) about the author, Brian Jones, besides what was written on the back cover of the book, and I still know little about him. This book, Hell is Real (But I Hate to Admit It), was very easy to ready, but I often found it challenging to get through.

I've never done an in depth study on hell - I have read the Book of Revelation and done some studying on Christian eschatology (another topic for another day) - so, when finally deciding to pick up this book to read last year, I was surprised at how Jones, as a pastor, describes his story on how even he didn't initially believe in hell. Through God revealing this truth to Jones, he was able to 1. see hell as a real place, and 2. realize that, in light of this truth, others must know the gravity and heaviness of his truth before it's too late.

The Bible describes quite vividly what hell is like - eternal fire (Matt. 18:8), away from the presence of God (Matt. 7:23), darkness (Matt. 22:13, 25:30), and eternal punishment (Matt. 25:46) to name a few. This sounds pretty harsh, especially since we live in a time where many Christians have this illusion or mental image of God that is only loving, only forgiving and only gracious. Many have been lead astray with the ideology that "If God was loving, why would He send innocent people to hell?" Jones points out a better question, "Practically speaking, if everyone goes to heaven, why bother with Jesus at all?" (Jones, 35). Why would we do what we do if all roads lead to heaven? If we do what we do - evangelize - knowing that we'd still go to heaven, we would only be fulfilling our selfish desires, making sense the notion of hell not existing because there would be no consequences. 

However, if hell is real, that I do believe and that Scripture supports, why aren't we doing everything we possibly can to tell others? In light of God's love towards us as His children, being adopted into His family should we not live our lives with the urgency and awareness that God's wrath is being revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness (Romans 1:18)? Jones calls this form of righteous indignation "apocalyptic urgency". "Apocalyptic urgency is the all-consuming conviction that overtakes you when you realize that hell is real, and that it is within our power to help people avoid going there" (Jones, 34).

And that's when things started to get a little rocky for me, but in a good way. Over the course of the book, Jones' application of the Scriptures in connection to real life stories of evangelism gone wrong had me to reflect on some past experiences of my own that I could have done differently. The only, yet very major (at least to me) drawback to Hell is Real (But I Hate to Admit It) is that in chapter two where Jones begins to talk about apocalyptic urgency, I really wish there was a more clear and in depth presentation of the Gospel. Although Jones hits around the Gospel, and I do realize that the focus of the book is on the reality of hell, but placing myself in the shoes of an unbeliever for a moment - if I picked up this book and got to the part of apocalyptic urgency, there wouldn't be enough for me to see this truth. I would possibly walk away seeing that hell is real, but beyond that, there wouldn't be enough reasoning for me to believe, if that makes sense. 

Overall, I did enjoy the book, and I do recommend you reading it.

Notable Quotes:

"Make all the excuses you want, God sent you into our circle of influence to do a job, and there is no plan B if you don't complete the job." (Jones, 167)

"Christians can negatively impact what another Christian believes. We can influence another Christian to stop believing in hell. The end result of that action is much worse than directing one non-Christian to hell. When one Christian influences another to stop believing in hell, it has ripple effects throughout that person's life." (Jones, 74)

"My answer is simple: Apocalyptic urgency is not about saving your friend form hell. It's about saving your friend from God. Hell isn't your lost friend's biggest problem; God is. Hell is simply the end result of God's justified wrath." (Jones, 132)

SDG

Satisfy

"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." - Colossians 3:1-4 (emphasis added)

Although I know it's been quite some time since the last post back in February, I do believe, I know for sure, that this break from writing has been both necessary and beneficial. I didn't just take a break from writing on this website - I haven't written at all since that last post. Just to give an overview and have an opportunity to be transparent with you all, this break from writing was initially hard to go through, but as I began to see how God was working in the during this time, it slowly began to get easier not having the pressure of writing something consistently once a week or once every other week.

Slowly easier, but not easy at all.

Back in February, after I had posted Lyrical Heresy 2, I wanted to go ahead and come back the next week or the week after with another post, but  I was struggling to come up with something to write. At the time I was about half way through with the book I'll be doing a review on soon, but with coming home and being tired from work, I really didn't feel like reading every night. Usually I will have a running list of topics or partial posts that I've already started working on, but I literally had nothing left.

I mentioned that in the beginning of this time I found it hard not writing, only because writing had become my norm and comfort for so long. To some extent, I had become dependent on writing. I was viewing writing as a means to bring me joy, but actually it had only became an idol I placed on a shelf in my mind to bow down to and appease.

Somehow, somewhere along the way, my passion for writing overtook my genuine zeal and joy of sharing the Gospel, which is dangerous. When I started this blog May 2013 (Happy 5th Birthday to us!), becoming popular or famous wasn't the goal, and to this day it still isn't. I've been approached by some popular Christian companies that have been declined (or later removed from viewing) because ultimately, at the end of the day, the sanctity of the Gospel is what matters. As John MacArthur once said, "Being Spirit filled starts with being Scripture saturated." If we allow ourselves to become so careless with the very thing God has entrusted to us and commanded us to be His witness - the Gospel of Jesus Christ - we'll gradually, yet easily welcome false doctrines and teachings.

Being away from writing was also initially hard because it felt that I had to write. Writing had become a chore and not a means of proclaiming the glorious truth of God. However, the more I began to see God for who He truly is in my life, the thought of being away became easier to bear. Daily, I am being made content and satisfied in Him, and not in any social media platform, talent, following or "amazing" blog post that I happen to write.

As God continues to work in me, I pray that I will truly see and believe that only Christ can truly satisfy. No following, website, man, hairstyle or diet habit can fill the God-shaped hole in our lives other than God alone.

SDG

Lyrical Heresy 2

Blessed are the undefiled in the way,Who walk in the law of the Lord!  Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, 

Who seek Him with the whole heart!  They also do no iniquity;
They walk in His ways.
You have commanded usTo keep Your precepts diligently. Oh, that my ways were directed
To keep Your statutes! Then I would not be ashamed,
When I look into all Your commandments. I will praise You with uprightness of heart,
When I learn Your righteous judgments. I will keep Your statutes;
Oh, do not forsake me utterly! How can a young man cleanse his way?By taking heed according to Your word. - Psalm 119:1-9

Back during the summer of 2013, I served on a short-term summer missions trip. There was only about 8 or 9 of us girls total that attended the trip, but it seemed as if ALL of them except for me had gotten the memo about this song. Everywhere I went, whether it be going out for Bible Study, volunteering at the YMCA - you name it - this song always seemed to come up. I remember one Saturday afternoon in particular where I was in my shared room and I happened to misplace something at the time. I went over to one of the other girl's rooms, and, you guess, they were listening to this song.

On February 22, 2013, Hillsong United released its album "Zion", containing the hit song "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)". Before going on this missions trip, I had never heard of the song - I had heard only a few Hillsong songs, but I wasn't big into listening to their music. By the end of summer 2013, I had been convinced into not only listening to Hillsong, but also buying their music and (I so regret even saying and doing this now - I'll get into this a little later) Jesus Culture.

Fast forward five years, and my ideas on Christian music, in particular Christian worship has dramatically changed, and I would say for the better. I don't listen to those groups mentioned above anymore (see Part 1). The main reason why I even wrote Lyrical Heresy to begin with wasn't to bash anyone or any artist/group for the music they produce. The purpose of Lyrical Hersey was to specifically target the body of Christ by asking questions that many of us tend to look over or issues we let slide only because we like the artist. I really wanted to clear that up before I began to go further with this discussion.

A Lack of Discernment

Whether it be that I was naive or simply immature in the faith - I'm not completely sure, it could be both - over time, I slowly began listening to more Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) artist such as Hillsong. One thing I hit on very briefly in part one was the stark contrast between feelings/experiences versus biblical truths. From someone who has previously, and still a little now, listen to a lot of CCM, I really find it sad that I can't tell the difference between Contemporary Christian Music and music produced by secular artists. In a interview done by Shai Linne in 2017 with DJ Wade-O, he stated that it's crazy how when you look at the current trend in music, secular artists seem to be speaking about God more than artist that say they are Christians (go watch the entire interview - it's a really good watch!). When we begin to lose focus on our calling - to "go and make disciples" - lines begin to blur, and not in a good way.

Look at the following lyrics:

"This is your time, your moment 

The fire, the fight, you're golden
You've come so far keep going

Here comes the comeback, comeback

You feel the lightning, the thunder, your soul shakes

Under the roar of the heaven, the tide breaks

And from the ashes you will take your place

Here comes the comeback" - Danny Gokey "Comeback" (Air1 Radio)

The reason why I slowly began to stop listening to artists like Hillsong or Danny Gokey (just to name someone specific) was that when I really listened to them - to the message of their songs and their actual lyrics - their lyrics didn't always line up with what's found in the Bible. Their songs are very popular and catchy, but biblically they aren't sound. My thoughts are that what you do reflects what you believe. Meaning, the content of their music was only the surface of what they actually taught, and if I was already having issue with their music, I can't even imagine what they actually taught every Sunday morning (actually, I can imagine, and it isn't a pretty sight).

Where does the standard in CCM lie? Does it rest within our emotions, or based according to the Word of God?

A Lack of Urgency

I've been reading this book called "Hell is Real (But I Hate to Admit It)" by Pastor Brian Jones, and one thing that he mentions in the book that had DEEPLY convicted me is something he calls apocalyptic urgency. It is when we as Christians, knowing the reality of God's wrath, are so deeply moved with compassion and urgency to share the Gospel to those unbelieving (paraphrasing - doing a book review soon). I, for one, know that at times things such as fear of rejection has hindered me from sharing the Gospel with my closest friends and neighbors. That shouldn't be the case. 

If we find the Scriptures sufficient in every way, why are we so afraid to share the Gospel? We know that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Instead of relying on appealing to people's emotions with inspirational/upbeat/make-you-feel-good songs (even messages on Sunday), why don't we share the truth of the Gospel in love.

I'm not here to downgrade anyone for listening to CCM, nor am I here to downgrade its artists. What I am here is to ask meaningful questions for spiritual growth and development. I'm writing this as a call for biblical discernment in all areas of our lives, not just music, although it was the topic of this post. People need to hear the truth, and we must be will to share it.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this - please comment below.

Blessings.

SDG

Minor Setbacks

Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed in His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way unto the Lord. Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light and your justice as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. - Psalm 37:3-7

Last year for this blog, The Maze, didn't end the way that I would have wanted. If you go back in time, the last post for 2017 was at the end of November. Usually in December I do a mini series on Christmas songs and hymns (or songs traditionally sung during the Christmas season), and that never happened. I had a few songs in mind, but nothing that drew me into creating the series for 2017. I at least wanted to publish some kind of end of year reflection post, but that turned into the New Year's 2018 post because I couldn't start working on it in time for it to be complete.

It seemed as if there was always some form of setback that kept getting in the way of what I wanted to do. For instance, I wanted to get better control over my health and fitness, and I feel that I did the complete opposite (I did workout, but nowhere near as much as I wanted/need to do and was used to doing)! Everything seemed to be going the opposite of what I had visioned!

The thing about trials and troubles is that our flesh, Satan and the world will have us believing that those experiences are negative, not important and that God is nowhere to be found in any of those circumstances. However, that's far from the truth. Everything that we go through is for a reason, and only a season. Our current circumstances don't define who we are in Christ, and it should change our view about God. Even on my worst day - in every way possible, God has been more than faithful, longsuffering and merciful to me, and that's something that for Him I will always praise (Psalm 100:4).

Our plans are not God's plans, and although things that we don't like and some things that we wish we didn't have to go through still occurs, remember that God is faithful. He is always good, especially when we far from Him (Romans 5:8), and His truth endures to all generations (Psalm 100:5).

Trust completely in Him.

SDG

A Season of Thankfulness

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations. - Psalm 100: 4-5

Is it me, or did 2017 just go by lightning fast?!

I started 2017 with a kind of "bring it on" mentality and attitude, ready to face whatever the year would bring, but no one knows the future but God, and boy I didn't know I would be this stressed out! Trying to juggle professional, personal and social obligations, all the while trying to write on here and keep my sanity, can be quite demanding for anyone, but this year I just couldn't seem to get my bearings on everything that was coming at me all at once.

In the words of a caller I heard on the radio the other day, "never say 'bring it on', because anything - good or bad - can happen!"

Let's actually go back to the end of 2016 and review the goals that I had for 2017 (not in any particular order):

1. Read more: My goal was to read 10 books on Christian living (theology, doctrine, etc.), and I did read maybe 3?! I don't remember the exact number, but this goal still stands for me in 2018. I intend on doing mini book reviews along the way just to stay on track and a means of updates. Another goal is to completely read through the Bible in a year. I read through it in college, but it was more for academic studies and not for spiritual growth. 

2. Live more: I did get out more in 2017 beyond work, church and home, but barely! 2018 is already looking to be different - more traveling and more time to just enjoy quietness and being alone with God more.

3. Serve more: My goal for 2018 is to biblically steward my talents - that go beyond just writing - to share the Gospel. My talent of writing is good, but there are other talents that I have that should be used for God.

4. Grow more: This one ties a little into reading more, because my goal is to read through the Bible this year, but it even goes beyond that just reading through the Bible. I want to continue to grow in God's truths and apply them to my everyday life.

2017 was a humbling year because of all of the stress and business that was going on all the time. However, with everything that was going on, I saw how God was (and still is) teaching me to be faithful with the things He has given me in this season - to be thankful. No matter how crazy, I mean completely crazy your 2017 was, God is still faithful and is worthy of our praise.

SDG

Burdens Are Lifted

"Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation." - Psalm 91: 14-16

To say that I've been stressed out the last three weeks would be a gross understatement - maybe it would even win the understatement of the year award. As I've stated in posts before, when I get stressed out, I do either a few things: 1. Cry, 2. Get physically sick, 3. Cry and get physically sick, or 4. Explode. Right now, I'm on stage 3, and it's looking ugly. The combination of work and personal stress has created this quiet storm that's been forming inside that is about to wreck my life in more ways than I could ever expect or want to happen right now.

Stress seems to sit on me like a dead weight. You know when you're doing some form of heavy weight workout, such as bodybuilding, you try to go for the heavy weight that's just one step past what you can manage in order to build your strength and endurance. Stress is that weight that we place on our bodies over time that when it comes time to perform some heavy lifting in life, it makes it difficult to perform our duties effectively and efficiently.

The remarkable and amazing thing about God is that He doesn't expect us to carry these burdens around because He already knows that we can't even manage them alone. That brings up the question: "Well God, if you know I can't even handle this without You, why'd You let me have these troubles?!" 

Here's a few things to keep in mind:

1. If we were completely capable of handling and resolving all of our life's issues on our own, in our fleshly strength, what room would God have to work in our situations? - If we were capable of doing everything in our own strength, leaning to our own understanding, how could God's glory and strength be displayed, even through our weaknesses? Despite everything and despite the total deprivation of our spiritual condition, God demonstrated His love towards us (Romans 5:5-8; 12). We can't truly cast all our cares upon Him so He can handle and fight within our situations unless we humble ourselves before Him in reverence (1 Peter 5:6-7).

2. Trials and burdens produce an opportunity to have our faith and trust increased - Let me reiterate the point that we can't save ourselves. There's nothing good in us to bring us in right standing with God (Romans 3:10-18; 23). We're made right with God (meaning, there's no longer any beef between us and God), through God's grace demonstrated through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:16). God gives us the faith to believe in Him for salvation and also the faith to believe that His Word is true and sufficient, allowing in time that through studying His Word we develop a deeper love for God.

The good thing about bodybuilding, or working out in general, is that when you're struggling to bear a particularly challenging weight, your spotter is there to lift the weight from you to prevent injury. However, in the midst of this, with consistent exercise you develop endurance. God alone can satisfy our heart's desires. Although the burden seems too much to bear at times, God knows exactly how much we can bear, and He is able and willing to deliver us in the midst of life's approaching storms.

Find refuge in Him.

SDG

His Strength is Perfect

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:4-6

I have been wanting to write a blog post for some time now, but for reasons only God knows I've been dealing with a terrible bout of writer's block. The last time I've experienced a writer's block of this nature had to be in 2015. I had just graduated from college in that May, and I was having the hardest time finding a job - no prospects were on the horizon. It wasn't until I had gone about six months without having a job in sight that the anxiety and depession truly started to set in and infect every part of my life. I got to the point where I wouldn't talk much, and when I did I would cry uncontrollably. As mentioned before, when I get stressed out about anything, I will have extreme stomach issues - imagine that for six months. I couldn't speak about this (or at least felt I couldn't speak) for a number for reasons: 1. the feeling that no one would care, 2. I had moved back home with my parents after graduation, so any friend that I could possibly call, meet with or reach out to were well over two hours away, and 3. the feeling that if I did speak out about this issue, that no one would listen to my concerns.

I do believe that we as believers and followers of Christ should have more conversations on the topic of mental health, amongst other topics. We're called to bear the image of Jesus Christ among those who are lost and dying, physically and spiritually. Through one man's sin (Adam), sin entered into the world, causing death through sin, spreading to all men (Romans 5:12). Because of sin, we're now faced with sin's consequences, consequences that effect us spiritually & physically, of which includes anxiety, depression, having to wear glasses & other health issues. 

Although trials are certain to come in life, the indescribable peace of God provides comfort and protection for all who seek Him.

Three Points on Depression for the Christian:

1. Although you may feel like you're alone and no one is on your side, you're never alone (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5-6; Joshua 1:9). - I remember back in 2015, I would try to talk to my mom about some of the issues I was having at that time. Some conversations would go well, and yet there were those talks that would leave me regreting asking for her advice. The one verse that gave me comfort during this time was Hebrews 13:5b. You're never alone. God is with you and will guide you in His truth. He will give you understanding to know that your depression now is serving a greater purpose, to bring glory to His name.

2. Find comfort in the cross of Christ (1 Peter 5:7) - There's nothing more comforting than being able to take off something that you've worn all day long that has just been a constant burden. That's where the Cross comes into picture. Jesus became our sin, who Himself knew no sin, that through Him we may become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). Through Jesus' death and resurrection, we can lay down those heavy weights of guilt, shame, depression and defeat and cling to Him with faith. 

3. Reach out to others - Don't go through this alone. We're not called to live this Christian life alone. Speak with someone you know well that you trust - your pastor, close friend, parent, sibling - and share what you're going through. 

I pray that this post has help someone, anyone in dealing with depression or any struggles that you may be going through. I pray that God will continue to be with you, but most importantly, I pray that you won't close yourself off to God and those around you. I'm here for you, but God is with you and He'll ever leave you.

SDG

The Importance of Sound Doctrine

"As I urged you when I went into Macedonia - remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith." - 1 Timothy 1:3-4

During my junior and senior years of college I attended Grace Church on the campus of NC State - I could literally walk from my dorm room and be at church in ten minutes! I really enjoyed attending Grace - great people, Biblically sound sermons of grace & conviction, and amazing programs to further Christian education.

One Sunday after service, some friends and I went out for lunch, and for reasons that only God knows, the conversation took a sharp turn towards talking about Christian music and popular Christian teachers. Although at the time I had only been exposed to a handful of preachers that my home pastor endorsed as being scripturally sound, my friends and I talked about how a lot of popular Christian music groups were associated with certain churches, pastors and practices.

This was when my lightbulb went off.

Believe it or not, as painful as this sounds, a LOT of modern evangelical churches in America are currently being influenced by false doctrine. It's not right in the open - it's subtle, permeating its way through our music, the sermons on Sunday, and even the "Christianese" lingo now has this undertone of false doctrine. False doctrines have its way of being almost true enough to sound like the real deal, but if you look just under the surface, it denies many basic truths about God, Jesus Christ and the Gospel.

Here's two important points to keep in mind of why sound doctrine is critical for believers:

1. To diminish disputes - Rather, prevent divisions in the body of Christ. Many denominations have started simply because of lack of  discernment and grace. There's a difference here with what I'm talking about. The divisions that qualify here are the type of divisions such as the differences in Baptists, Methodists and Sovereign Grace churches - they all have most of the same foundation when it comes to the Gospel, but it's carried out in different manners. These divisions are NOT the same as Reformed Theology and Catholicism or Baptist and Mormons - COMPLETELY different beliefs (go do some research on these groups!).

The seductiveness of false doctrine can sink its teeth so deeply in one's self and within a local church body to the point where confusion becomes the new normal. No longer is biblical truths taught and practiced. Church members begin receiving a weekly checklist of "behavior modification" tasks to complete. People speak from personal conviction and not based on God's Word. I wouldn't mention these examples if I hadn't experienced them or had someone close to me experience them. 

Sound doctrine, based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, gives us foundation to defend our faith.

2. To promote godly edification - To edify means to instruct or teach. Sound doctrine provides godly edification in faith in that you're able to grow in your relationship with God and allow the overflow from that to affect the lives of those around you. How can you learn about God if you don't study His Word?

Biblically sound doctrine is meant to edify the body of Christ and strengthen our personal relationship with God by learning His truths, according to the Scriptures. I know I've only scratched the surface with this post, but I pray that you'll use this as a jumping point to dig deeper and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)

SDG

Lyrical Heresy

"Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of all peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Thessalonians 5:21-23

"I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and teaching. For a time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, don the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." - 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Every few weeks or so, I find myself traveling on the road for extended periods of time for work, and every time I get into the car to go to my destination, which is usually at least an hour away, I'm faced with the same problem - music! I don't know about you, but I can't drive longer than about 20-30 minutes without some music, or at least a background beat!

The problem that I've been dealing with for some time now is that the musical selections that are played on the radio - in particular modern Christian radio - are quite often sub-par, inadequate, heretical and sadly in some cases, blasphemous. This article isn't written to call out any singer or group of singers/writers, but to encourage all of us as believers to be watchful and discerning in all things.

Sadly, Christian music - songs written to praise and worship God and His goodness, righteousness and glory - have fallen by the wayside. Instead of singing of the mercy, love, goodness, justice and wrath of God, how Jesus' death and resurrection was necessary for the forgiving of sings, we now have songs played on repeat of how God makes us feel good, how God's love wraps us up and makes us feel warm inside. Christian praise and worship songs have become so diluted that the message of the Gospel of Jesus is barely visible, if it's even present to begin with.

Unfortunately, this is just the tip of the iceberg as related to what's actually going wrong behind the scenes. Like I've mentioned above, this isn't targeted towards any writer or singer(s) specifically - this is just a plea to all Christians, no matter what talent God has given us, to be biblical stewards of the gifts and talents God has entrusted us with.

When it comes to society and its standards, we tend to go with what's popular and relevant - what's current at the time. However, that's not what God wants or designed things to be. Our life's mission is to seek to glorify God in all that we do and to magnify the name of Jesus Christ to the ends of the world. Music is only one aspect of worship, not worship in itself. Music can be part of worship, but that doesn't mean that music is the only means of worshiping God. 

Here are my concerns for modern, contemporary Christian music (CCM):

1. The desire for CCM artists to "become all things to all men" by collaborating with and having songs written by secular artists, and/or those that aren't doctrinally sound - The phrase "become all things to all men" comes from Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. In this passage, Paul speaks of how he made himself different capacities such as a servant, a Jew, and one without the law, all in order to win more souls for Christ. Paul did this all for the advancement of the Gospel throughout the world. 

Just because you can do something, doesn't always mean that you should. Just because working with a secular artist will allow the Gospel to be shared with many and more at a faster rate, doesn't mean the actual purpose of what you intended (the Gospel) is being conveyed. Doctrinal differences, even among Christians and denominations opens up another can a worms.

2. Another problem with modern CCM is how liberal it is in accepting things in direct opposition to the Bible and promote it as a fact - This includes songs that romanticize one's relationship with Jesus, songs that are repetitive in nature and have no point or purpose, and songs that are just plain theologically out there! Read the following lyrics of a very popular CCM group:

 "Your love has ravished my heart

And taken me over, taken me over

And all I want is to be

With You forever, with You forever

Pull me a little closer

Take me a little deeper

I want to know Your heart

I want to know Your heart

`Cause Your love is so much sweeter

Than anything I've tasted

I want to know Your heart

I want to know Your heart" - Closer, by Bethel Music

If I heard this song in any church I visited, not only would I be uncomfortable about how the relationship of a believer with Jesus is described as this romantic, intimate relationship, but I would be highly troubled and disturbed. Worship is meant to unify the body of Christ under the same stance rooted in the Gospel, but is also meant to edify and teach the body of Christ of His truths. This song, amongst a sea of other unfortunate songs that are being categorized as "Christian" and "Gospel" only brings down the body.

The point: not all contemporary Christian music is horrible and heretical, but there's also some really bad CCM songs being played widely on the radio. A good example of a popular yet biblical song would be Chris Tomlin's "How Great is Our God". Don't throw out all CCM, because there is some good in there; however, be discerning - check to see if what someone says and does matches the Word of God.

*sorry for the very long post

SDG