The Book of 3 John

Bible Study: The Book of 3 John

1:1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

In 1:2 we can see that John recognizes that Gaius’ soul is prospering (in other words he is laying up treasures in heaven rather than on earth… following the ways of Jesus). John wishes him as much good health and prosperity as his soul has.

1:3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Brethren have reported back to John in 1:3 that Gaius is walking in the truth (John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me). Obviously Gaius is following Jesus’ teachings. In 1:4 when John refers to Gaius as his child, I believe he is referring not to his physical child, but to his spiritual family… John probably lead Gaius to salvation, then making him his child and John his father… John is very pleased that Gaius has continued to walk in the ways of Jesus.

1:5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
1:6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

Gaius does good for not only those he knows and is spiritual brothers with, but also shows his love and kindness to strangers… we need to recognize that only showing that we have Christ in us to those who are already saved doesn’t do any good for those that aren’t saved… we should show our love to all people… look at Christ, who prayed for his enemies while he was hanging on the cross. Jesus has given us the best example of how to live our lives… we need to walk as Jesus walked and do as he did, because this is the way we will do well, not only here on earth, but also in heaven.

1:7 Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
1:8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

Even though you and I may not be good at preaching the word, we should accept the help others may give us in doing this so that we can do our part to get the word out and tell everybody the good news.

1:9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

Diotrephes is the pastor of another church. John wrote him a letter, but Diotrephes, who likes to be the most knowledgeable and be in charge is unwilling to allow John to visit the church.

1:10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

Diotrephes speaks badly of John and his followers, probably out loud to the church congregation (something a good pastor wouldn’t do). Diotrephes won’t even receive John’s followers, Diotrephes fellow brethren, and forbids anybody in his church to receive them. If somebody doesn’t do something Diotrephes likes, he casts them out of the church… this seems like a dictatorship to me, instead of a family. To me this church sounds like it would be an unhappy one.

You know, the Bible talks a lot about doing things that are edifying to God and to the church, instead of to yourself… Diotrephes seems to only want to do things edifying to himself. Romans 14:19 also says, “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” We should try to lift other people up and help them, and not just try to make ourselves look good. Diotrephes doesn’t want John and his followers to pay the church a visit, because he is afraid he will not look as good or as smart if they do.

1:11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

John reminds us that we need to good, not evil. A person who does good is of God, and a person who has evil in his heart and does evil things obviously doesn’t known God… I think you have to wonder about a person who claims to be saved, and yet does evil things. Diotrephes would be an example of one of these people… just reading John’s description of the things he does or refuses to do, I have to wonder if he really accepted Jesus as his savior and Lord of his life… when you become saved, a change takes place within you… not a physical change, but a change in your heart, because the Holy Ghost will be in you, and you will want to do good things, or to change for the better for God. Don’t forget, our flesh will still sin, but our soul will not. It is human nature to sin, but there is a difference between simply sinning, and trying to be better, than to have evil in your heart and want to do evil.

1:12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
1:13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
1:14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

In this epistle (letter) John has shown Gaius an example of a bad role model (diotrephes) and a good role model (Demetrius, who hath good report of all men and of the truth itself).

Having too much to write to Gaius in a letter, he tells him that he will be coming to talk to him in person. He wishes him peace, gives him greetings from friends, and tells him in the end to greet friends by name.

-JW.

The Book of 2 John

Bible Study: The book of 2 John

Note: While there is no reliable source that tells us John the apostle is the author of this book, “The elder” in verse one is traditionally thought to be John. Second John touches on a few things the book of 1 John goes into in more detail.


1:1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;

While some believe “the elect lady and her children” are a noble woman and her family, I think this verse is John addressing a church and the church’s congregation.


1:2 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.


When John refers to “the truths sake” he is referring to Jesus. John 14:6 says: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Jesus tells us he is the “truth” which is obviously what John is referring to here. We also know this because we know that once we are saved, we have the Holy ghost in us, and we will never lose our salvation (“and shall be with us forever”).


1:3 Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.


Here the author is trying to bless the “elect lady” and her children, and is quick to remind us that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.


1:4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.


The author is pleased to hear that the elect lady and her children (church and congregation) are keeping God’s commandments and walking in the truth. Because Jesus is the truth, I believe that this also means to follow Jesus and the ways that he has shown us. At every step of Jesus Christ’s life he has shown us how we should live. 1Peter 2:21 tells us, “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.” 1 John 2:6 says, “ He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” We know from the Bible that it is not enough to just say you believe in Jesus. A good example of this would be: If you walked around drunk all the time, and then one day went out to try and save some souls, you are probably going to run into people who have seen you stumbling around drunk, who are then not going to care what you have to say, because you’re not acting very much like Christ. People will think, “How can he be a Christian? They can’t even take care of their own life, why should I trust them to take care of my soul?” So we can see why John is so pleased to hear that this elect lady and her children are walking in the truth, and not simply claiming to be believers.


1:5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
1:6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.


In 1:5 John is pleading with the elect lady to follow God’s commandment to love one another. John admits that this is not a new commandment, but one that we have had from the beginning. In 1:6 John tells us what love is: “that we walk after his commandments.” If we love God, we will try to do as he wants us to, and walk as he walked.


1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
1:11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

John tells us in 1:7 that there are many “deceivers” that are in the world… people who would act as if they are connected to God in some way, but never confess that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior… that he was born as man and died as their sins. He tells us these people who would try to deceive us into believing they are followers of God but never accept Christ are called an “antichrist.”


1:9 tells us that whoever doesn’t abide in Christ’s teachings doesn’t have God and isn’t saved. Remember that once you are saved, your flesh will continue to sin, but your soul is clean, and will not sin… your body doesn’t go to heaven, but if you are saved, your clean soul does go to heaven.


1:10 tells us that if an antichrist comes to you, don’t bid him God speed… I think this is important: why would you bid somebody God speed, or, “May God go with you and help you with your task,” if they don’t have plans to do things for God… people who aren’t saved don’t have God in their hearts, and don’t want to do good things for God. Now that’s not to say it’s not ok to pray for the unsaved. 1:11 tells us that if you bid the antichrist God speed you then become part of his evil deeds. I'm pretty sure this is just like being the getaway driver for a bank robber...

1:12 Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
1:13 The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.


Because John has many things to speak to the “elect lady” he is planning on trying to meet with them instead of writing it all out on paper.


In 1:13 when he says, “The children of thy elect sister greet thee,” I believe this is also a sign that the “elect lady,” and her children refers to a church, and not an actual person. If you think about the word “elect” defined in the Websters 1828 dictionary as: “Chosen, but no inaugurated, consecrated or invested with office; as bishop elect; emperor elect; governor or mayor elect. But in the scriptures, and in theology, this word is generally used as a noun.” And also defined as, “Chosen; selected; set apart as a peculiar church and people; applied to the Israelites. Is.45,” we can see that this elect lady is probably a type of office, such as the one the pastor of a church might hold. If the elect lady and her elect sister were two churches, it would make sense that their children are the congregations of those two churches.


-JW.

Saving Kids

Chick Publications makes some great tracts (easy to read comic strips that lead people to salvation) just for kids. Click on the links below to read some comics about God, heaven, and salvation with your kids. (These comics may seem a little hokey to anybody over the age of 13, but keep in mind the following are made especially for kids).

Lil' Susy
The Little Ghost
Best Friend
One Way
Here Kitty Kitty
Apes, Lies, and Ms. Henn
The Little Bride

When talking about salvation to kids, I think it's important to remember that kids are young, but they're not stupid... they understand a lot more than we give them credit for, but at the same time we need to speak to them in a way that they will understand, which doesn't mean quoting mass amounts of scripture at them. I have tried to talk to my little sisters (4 years old and 8 years old) about salvation and God before, and I found the best way was to show them what I mean. Chick Tracts are one way of doing that, just like a picture book.

-JW.

Speaking in Tongues: Edifying to whom?

Today when you walk into a church, and hear people in the congregation, or the preacher even, speaking in a different language (mostly words you don't understand) that makes no sense at all, this is what we call speaking in "tongues." Mostly these people who speak in tongues are called "Charismatics," well, because they are charismatic about their faith. You may find yourself asking, what exactly is tongues, aside from speaking a bunch of mumbo jumbo? Well, let's take a look at what the Bible says:

• Act 2:4-11 - And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
  

• Basically the disciples of Jesus stood up in front of a crowd of men from many different places that spoke many different languages, and the Spirit of God filled them and when they spoke the Word of God, every man understood the disciples, even though they all spoke in one language... now how amazing is that? I think that's pretty cool. But you'll notice that the scriptures say: And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? The many people didn't here mumbling and words that they didn't understand... what they heard was the disciples speaking the word of God in their own language... every person there understood every word being said. Now that's a little different than speaking in tongues today. Today when people speak in tongues, it is speaking in words that do not mean anything, that nobody understands.

• So, what else does the Bible say about speaking in tongues?

• 1Corinthians 14:5 - I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

• In 1Corinthians 14:5 we see that it is better to not speak in tongues, but to prophesy instead... and if you have something to do with speaking tongues, you should be interpreting what the person speaking in tongues is saying so that the church may be edified... that's not to say you should jump up and say, "I know what he's saying!" when a person starts speaking in tongues, so that you can receive the credit... it is lying to say you know what is being said if you don't know. Jeremiah 23:31 says Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. God clearly does not like people who lie about what he says... if God today did cause somebody to speak in tongues, and somebody else jumped up and said, "he is saying this, this, and this," and you don't know what is being said, God isn't going to be happy.

• 1Corinthians 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

• While 1Corinthians 14:12 doesn't speak directly to us about speaking in tongues, it does say that while we want to have spiritual gifts, such as speaking in tongues, or healing powers, we should always seek to edify the church, not ourselves. I find that most people say or act like they have a spiritual gift, because they want the credit for having it, not giving the credit to God. We need to realize, that if a person does have a spiritual gift, it isn't because they are special, it isn't because they have done something great or can do something amazing, it is because God is an amazing God and has blessed that person with a gift, from Him. Not because the person was worthy of the gift from God, but because God is good, and gave the person that gift. 1Corinthians 15:10 says But by the grace of God I am what I am.

• 1Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

• 1Corinthians 14:26 asks how come each one of us, or most of us seem to speak in tongues, or have a revelation about God, or know how to interpret tongues, or seem to have some kind of spiritual gift? We need to realize that God doesn't bless everyone with spiritual gifts, and it's ok for us not to have one. God blesses all of us in different ways. And if we do have a gift, again, it should be used to edify the church, not ourselves.

• 1Corinthians 12:1-14 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.

• 1Corinthians 12:1-14 tells us that there are many different blessings that God gives us, and that even being saved and confessing Jesus is a blessing from God. It also tells us that no matter what gift God gives you, it is God who gave you that gift, and that it is the same God who has blessed other people with other gifts. It also says that once you are saved, you are not the only one... you, and everybody else is baptized into one body, the body of Jesus Christ... we are all one after we are saved. This again works into edifying the Lord, and edifying the church... see, if you are edifying the whole body, you are also then edifying yourself, but if you only work to make yourself look better, and lift yourself up, you aren't helping anybody but yourself.

• 2Corinthians 12:19 - Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
  

• Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
  

• Ephesians 4:29 is telling us that we need to speak the truth, not corrupt words or mumblings. We need to speak so that others can understand, so that we can tell them of the grace of God, and lead them to Him. What good is it if you are there "speaking in tongues" and nobody can understand you? Will that really help lead somebody to God?

• Acts 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.

• In Acts 10:46, we see that they spoke in tongues to "magnify" God, or to praise God and lift him up so that others may see how great he is. When they spoke in tongues, they weren't thinking about their reputation in the church, and they weren't thinking about how special they were because they had been blessed with this gift. They were only thinking about God, which is what we should be doing, whether we speak in tongues or not.

• Acts 19:6 - And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
  

• Now, if you are saved, you have the Holy Ghost in you... you don't need to speak tongues to have the Holy Ghost in you, so it is ok to not speak in tongues. But to speak in tongues, you must have the Holy Ghost come on you as the scripture says... God has to give you this gift. This isn't something you can give yourself.

• 1Corinthians 13:1-4 - Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up...

• You can speak in tongues, and do miracles, and have a great amount of faith, but if you don't have charity (love) in your actions, you have nothing, and are nothing... love envies not, love is not full of itself, and love does not try to build itself up. 1John says, "God is love." God doesn't build himself up... if you are pretending to have a gift of God... speaking tongues, interpreting tongues, prophesying, and God has not given you this gift, you have nothing... you know you have nothing if you are trying to build yourself up instead of edifying the church, and edifying God. When John says, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal," he's telling us that if you don't have God in you... if God hasn't given you the gift of tongues (speaking in one language that people of many languages all understand... in otherwise, not mumbo jumbo) that you will only speak mumbo jumbo, or words that don't make sense (sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal... not words). Can you play a set of drums, and not say a word, and all the sudden everybody around you knows what you were thinking about God and salvation? Of course not... people who claim to speak in tongues today are doing just as much good as just going up to an unsaved person and playing drums without saying a word.

• 1Co 14:2-4 - For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

• When people prophesy it is in a language that other people can understand, so it is edifying to the other people. When you speak in a language others don't understand, you are only building yourself up.
  

• 1Corinthians 14:6 - Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
  

• Again, what does it do for other people if you are walking around speaking in tongues and it doesn't match doctrine, and they can't even understand you and what God is trying to say through you?

• 1Corinthians 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

• Telling people who are unbelievers about prophecies of God does nothing to bring them to God, but to teach God's prophecies to believers is a good thing. 1Corinthians 14:22 also says, that to speak in tongues in front of a bunch of people who are already saved does no good... speaking in tongues is supposed to be a sign to unbelievers that God is there, and that God is real, just like in Acts when the disciples spoke in tongues to a large group of unbelievers, and each person heard them speaking in their own language so that they understood... again, they weren't speaking words that didn't make any sense to anybody. Wouldn't you believe in God if you were standing in a group of people, and some were Americans who only spoke English, and some were Germans who only spoke German, and some were French, who only spoke French, and a Spanish man who only spoke Spanish walked up and began preaching to you about God and his Word in Spanish, but you all understood him as if he were speaking your own language?

• 1Corinthians 14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

• 1Corinthians 14:23 is very important... if you are in a church speaking in tongues, and a non-believer walks in to see what God and church is all about, he or she is going to think you are all crazy and walk out, because they are going to hear you saying, "halalujia chemloliki blachmoogo boogo googo..." instead of hearing you say, "God has a plan for you. God loves you. God wants you to be in heaven with him for eternity so he gave his only begotten son, Jesus Christ so that you could get there and be with him in the end."

• 1Corinthians 14:14-17 - For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

• Again, if you pray, or sing, or speak in a language others don't understand, you aren't helping others at all, only yourself.

• 1Corinthians 14:27-28 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

• The above verse states that if you do speak in tongues, it should be only one or two words at a time, and you should only speak in tongues if there is somebody to CORRECTLY interpret what you are saying. If there is no interpreter, the person speaking in tongues should remain silent, and speak to themselves and to God only, not to others around them or in the church, or at least not while they are still speaking in tongues, again, because it is not edifying to the church to speak in tongues. The Bible has quite a lot to say about speaking in tongues and doing things that are edifying to you vs. doing things that are edifying to the church.

• In summary:

• For the record: speaking in tongues is not speaking in a way that other people don't understand, it is speaking in your own language, but other people in their own language understand you.

• When you prophesy you are edifying the group as a whole, including God. When you speak in tongues, you are only edifying yourself, even if you aren't trying to.

• All things should be done unto edifying God and the church, not yourself.

• God does not like it when you claim to know what somebody speaking in "tongues" is saying when really you do not, because that is saying you know what God is saying, and you are probably going to say something different than what God is trying to say.

• God gives the gift of tongues, not people. You can't give yourself the gift of tongues.

• If you don't speak in tongues, even though other people you know may have that gift, that's ok, because God gives different people different gifts, because God has different purposes for different people. Even just being saved, is an enormous gift from God.

-JW.

Christian Music: God Honoring?

To me music is a very powerful thing... sometimes it makes me feel, think, and act. Music can deliver a powerful message to masses of people. What better way to preach the message or tell others of God's love in such a powerful way, than with a song that they can stick into their CD player, walk around listening to on their MP3 player or drive around listening to on the Radio? Unfortunately today our definition of "Christian" music has begun to include songs that are not God honoring, and are instead just considered "nice" and without cuss words. Yes, it is good to give your kids something to listen to without cuss words, but that doesn't mean it should be classified as Christian. Being a Christian is more than just using nice, appropriate language... it's about loving and honoring God with all your heart, and all your actions.

I'd like to give you a few examples of "Christian" music that is God honoring, and not God honoring.

First lets start with two God honoring songs below. Included is the lyrics and videos:

This song is taken from the WOW Hits 2008 CD. "Tears of the Saints" by Leeland. Listen to video below and see lyrics below video.

1)



Lyrics: There are many prodigal sons
On our city streets they run
Searching for shelter
There are homes broken down
People’s hopes have fallen to the ground
From failures

This is an emergency!

There are tears from the saints
For the lost and unsaved
We’re crying for them come back home
We’re crying for them come back home
And all your children will stretch out their hands
And pick up the crippled man
Father, we will lead them home
Father, we will lead them home

There are schools full of hatred
Even churches have forsaken
Love and mercy
May we see this generation
In it’s state of desperation
For Your glory

This is an emergency!

Sinner, reach out your hands!
Children in Christ you stand!
Sinner, reach out your hands!
Children in Christ you stand!

And all Your children will stretch out their hands
And pick up the crippled man
Father, we will lead them home
Father, we will lead them home

This song is obviously "God" honoring for numerous reasons: First it talks about reaching out your hands to help those in need, and not only in need of help physically, but also spiritually. It is a definite call to all of us to lead the "prodigal sons" of this world, back to Christ. According to Jesusfreakhideout.com "Leeland Mooring says it was a Sunday afternoon during a quiet devotional time that he sensed what he calls a presence of God. “I was playing piano, just worshiping, and I asked in prayer, ‘God, just give me your heart for the lost.’” It was a hope to feel the longing God feels for people struggling to find their way. “And then I started crying—it was as if God gave me a little glimpse of his heart,” Leeland continues. “‘Tears of the Saints’ came out, and it’s about how for every person who is out there lost there is probably about five people praying for them.” More, the track illuminates the vision the band has for its ministry. “We want to see kids saved,” the songwriter affirms. “What’s awesome about this song live, is how it touches people,” bassist Jake Holtz adds. “The Lord is just blessing people. You can see change coming across their faces. It’s nothing we’re doing. God’s just working through us with this song.”

2) Another Christian song that could be considered "God" honoring would be East to West by Casting Crowns.



Lyrics:

Here I am Lord and I’m drowning, in Your sea of forgetfulness
The chains of yesterday surround me, I yearn for peace and rest
I don’t want to end up where You found me
And it echoes in my mind
Keeps me awake tonight
I know you’ve cast my sin as far as the East is from the West
And I stand before You now as though I’ve never sinned
But today I feel like I’m just one mistake away
From You leaving me this way

Chorus:
Jesus can you show me just how far the east is from the west
‘Cause I can’t bear to see the man I’ve been
Rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
‘Cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other

I start the day, the war begins
Endless reminding of my sin
And time and time again
Your truth is drowned out by the storm I’m in
Today I feel like I’m just one mistake away
from You leaving me this way

I know You’ve washed me white
Turn my darkness into life
I need Your peace to get me through
To get me through this night
I can’t live by what I feel
About the truth Your word reveals
I’m not holding on to You
But You’re holding on to me
You’re holding on to me

Jesus You know just how far the east is from the west
I don't have to see the man I've been
rising up in me again
In your arms of Your mercy I find rest
cause You know how far the east is from the west
from one scarred hand to the other

**---------------****------------------**
And now let's take a look at a few songs found on Christian CD's that are not very God honoring, if at all:

(This song can be found on the WOW hits 2008 CD) Hawk Nelson - The Show

1)


Everywhere i go its all being taken
pick me up a book about new sensations
take me to a place with no frustration
back it up before i lose my patience

here we go lets take them to the show wo-oh
come on turn on your radio wo-oh
lets go take them to the show wo-oh
come on turn up your radio

call me on the phone or two way pager
won't be coming home so see ya later
you can keep your cars and your jet black hummer
you won't see me again until next summer

here we go lets take them to the show wo-oh
come on turn on your radio wo-oh
lets go take them to the show wo-oh
come on turn up your radio

come on if your feeling, if your feeling alright
come on if your feeling, if your feeling alright
come on if your feeling, if your feeling alright
come on if your feeling, if your feeling alright
come on if your feeling, if your feeling alright
come on if your feeling, if your feeling alright
come on if your feeling, if your feeling alright
come on if your feeling, if your feeling alright
come on if your feeling, if your feeling alright
come on if your feeling, if your feeling alright
come on if your feeling, if your feeling alright
come on if your feeling, if your feeling alright

yeh yeh yeh yeh

here we go lets take them to the show wo-oh
come on turn on your radio wo-oh
lets go take them to the show wo-oh
come on turn up your radio

here we go lets take them to the show wo-oh
come on turn on your radio wo-oh
lets go take them to the show wo-oh
come on turn up your radio

its a party
come on ya'll
do you feel good
oh oh feel good

clap your hands

its a party come on yeh yeh yeh yeh

Now, not that the above is a bad song, or that it speaks about bad things (although it does speak a lot about living to feel good (something sinners do rather than living to be fulfilled by God) it says nothing whatsoever about God, His message, or being a Christian. I can not see a single thing that makes this song a Christian song, so I find myself asking, what is it doing on an all Christian CD?


2) This is a song from the CD: Nothing is Sound by Switchfoot, a CD I bought in a Christian store in the Christian music section. "The Blues" by Switchfoot:



"The Blues"

Is this the New Year or just another night?
Is this the new fear or just another fright?
Is this the new tear or just another desperation?

Is this the finger or just another fist?
Is this the kingdom or just a hit n' miss?
A misdirection, most in all this desperation

Is this what they call freedom?
Is this what you call pain?
Is this what they call discontented fame?

It'll be a day like this one
When the world caves in, When the world caves in, When the world caves in

I'm singing this one like a broken piece of glass
From broken arms an' broken noses in the back
Is this the New Year or just another desperation?

You're pushing till you're shoving
You bend until you break
Till you stand on the broken fields where our fathers lay

It'll be a day like this one
When the world caves in, When the world caves in,When the world caves in
When the world caves in, When the world caves in, When the world caves in

There's nothing here worth saving,
Is no one here at all?
Is there any net left that could break our fall?

It'll be a day like this one
When the sky falls down and the hungry and poor and deserted are found
Are you discontented? Have you been pushing hard?
Have you been throwing down this broken house of cards?

It'll be a day like this one
When the world caves in, When the world caves in, When the world caves in

Is there nothing left now?
Nothing left to sing
Are there any left who hasn't kiss the enemy?
Is this the New Year or just another desperation?

Does justice never find you? Do the wicked never lose?
Is there any honest song to sing besides these blues?

And nothing is okay
Till the world caves in, Till the world caves in
Till the world caves in, Till the world caves in, Till the world caves in
Until the world caves in, Until the world caves in, Until the world caves in
Until the world caves in ,Until the world caves in Until the world caves in

Again, another nice song, but not very God honoring, and yet still considered "Christian". This song says nothing about God, His Word, His Message, or being Christian. What then makes this song Christian music?

These are just my thoughts on the subject. When I think about a non-believer picking up a Christian CD and not being able to hear any kind of Message about God and Salvation, it makes me sad to know that as "Christians" we have failed miserably. It's ok to have "family friendly" music out there, and I encourage it, but we shouldn't label all of that "nice" music, as Christian.

-CBSB