By Justin Edwards
For the sake of personal friendships, I have rarely posted anything about Steven Furtick's seeker-friendly megachurch, Elevation Church of Charlotte, NC. Neither will I elaborate on this post today except to ask, how is this "worship" music possibly bringing glory to God as it conforms to the world rather than conforming to the likeness of Christ. God has called us to worship in spirit and in truth, not conform to the leftist anarchist music of Rage Against the Machine. Bulls on Parade? Where is the discernment? If you go to Elevation, I hope you consider how problematic this is. The music video below epitomizes the fallen state of the post-modern American church.
Lyrics to Bulls on Parade below video.
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.- 1 John 2:15-17
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. - Romans 12:1-2
Lyrics to Bulls on Parade:
Come wit it now!
Come wit it now!
The microphone explodes, shattering the molds
Ya either drop tha hits like de la O or get tha f*** off tha commode
Wit tha sure shot, sure ta make tha bodies drop
Drop an don't copy yo, don't call this a co-opt
Terror rains drenchin', quenchin' tha thirst of tha power dons
That five sided fist-a-gon
Tha rotten sore on tha face of mother earth gets bigger
Tha triggers cold now empty ya purse
Come wit it now!
The microphone explodes, shattering the molds
Ya either drop tha hits like de la O or get tha f*** off tha commode
Wit tha sure shot, sure ta make tha bodies drop
Drop an don't copy yo, don't call this a co-opt
Terror rains drenchin', quenchin' tha thirst of tha power dons
That five sided fist-a-gon
Tha rotten sore on tha face of mother earth gets bigger
Tha triggers cold now empty ya purse
They rally round tha family! With a pocket full of shells
They rally round tha family! With a pocket full of shells
They rally round tha family! With a pocket full of shells
They rally round tha family! With a pocket full of shells
Weapons not food, not homes, not shoes
Not need, just feed the war cannibal animal
I walk tha corner to tha rubble that used to be a library
Linin' to the mind cemetery now
What we don't know keeps tha contracts alive an movin'
They don't gotta burn tha books they just remove 'em
While arms warehouses fill as quick as tha cells
Rally round tha family, pockets full of shells
Rally round tha family! With a pocket full of shells
They rally round tha family! With a pocket full of shells
They rally round tha family! With a pocket full of shells
They rally round tha family! With a pocket full of shells
Bulls on parade!
Bulls on parade!
Bulls on parade!
Bulls on parade!
Bulls on parade!
(HT: The Museum of Idolatry)
WHOA!!!! Is this really Sunday morning "worship" I'm not shocked yet totally shocked...
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous, it's really not too shocking in this day and age. Nevertheless, God's Word never changes and in James 4:4 we find,
ReplyDelete"You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God."
It is time for Christians in these churches to come out from among them and be separate. No more compromise!
Wow. This is so not good. How can this church even defend it?
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of garbage is this in a church that claims to be following Christ???? and what's worse is the sheep lacking discernment! satan is laughing his face off right now, how sad!!
ReplyDeleteJustin my brother, you do well to point it out and call it what it is, satan's music!
i'm not an adherant or defender of Elevation. But it appears that that the lyrics you printed and the ones that are being sung in this video are vastly different. Martin Luther, as well as John and Charles Wesley were also criticized for taking worldly melodies and putting Christian Lyrics to them. Now some of our greatest "old" hymns.
ReplyDeleteJust sayin'.....
Hi Anonymous, yes that was made clear in the OP. A few changes were made to the song but that really makes no difference. Would you endorse Tool or Marilyn Manson in the same manner? This is what happens in a postmodern age when the church conforms to the world for the sake of being "relevant", rather than being separate as we are called. To compare this antic to the evolution of "old hymns" is a bit, well, careless. I'm sure you don't propose in 100 years Blessed Assurance played to the tune of Metallica's Unforgiven would be acceptable and glorifying to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
ReplyDeleteANY melody played with a pure heart and intention of Worship ( in Spirit and Truth) is glorifying to the Name of the Lord Jesus.....Whether it sounds like Metallica or Bill Gaither. The question is this... is there really such a thing as Christian music? which notes are sanctified and which are not? which drum beat or bass riff qualifies as holy and which do not? Really now....there are only Christian Lyrics...
ReplyDeleteWe each have convictions about certain things that make us make a decision to engage or not to engage in that "thing". All things are legal but not all things are expedient.... But we have to be careful that we do not project our convictions onto others... if it is sin to you and your concsience then do not do it, listen to it, play it, ..whatever... but be careful to not condemn another believer who has crossed into YOUR grey area..... Relationship with the Risen Christ is always the key. When I read the Gospels, I see that the only people that Jesus became angry with were those who expanded and extended the LAW (built on God's Love and Holiness) into man's traditions ( built on keeping a list of rules)....
anything that appeals to the flesh such as Rage is not worshiping in spirit and in truth.
ReplyDeleteLet me ask you, what do you think was the purpose in playing Rage? This isn't exactly being equally yoked.
music of any genre "appeals to the flesh". It is written and performed by people, for people. If an old revival tune is played in church and I start tapping my toes or clapping my hands, or dancing... have I lapsed into the flesh? NO... but it appeals to the human physical, and emotional part of my being. We are three part beings mind, body, and spirit. God created us this way... ... my only point is that you cannot subjectively say what music is holy and what is not... regardless of who wrote the original song. I have witnessed the "cultural and worship" wars in the church for over thirty years. There is no fruit in it. Nor does it create a pure and holy church. There is only division and strife. Your desire to root out worldly influences in the church is commendable and we do need to be "on guard" all of the time. But let's keep the Gospel pure and love God and People like there is no tomorrow, and forget about the music.... it's a waste of time. If this Elevation Church is not preaching/teaching/and modeling the pure and unadulterated Gospel of Jesus Christ then I would take issue with them. But I would never call them out on their music. Just Sayin....
ReplyDeleteThis isn't about a cultural war in music. If this song was an original that would be one thing (not that I would ever think this would be acceptable on a Sunday morning), but they have taken a song from an anti-government, anti-God, humanist rock band and tried to conform worship to it. We will have to disagree Anonymous, but this in no way brings glory to God.
ReplyDeletep.s. the name of the current 2-week series at the church is called "F-bomb". Need I say more?
As to the music... you just made my point. We can disagree because of the difference of our convictions. It is important, however to not become an "accuser of the bretheren" based on your personal convictions of what can be sanctified and "bring glory to God". We (those who believe and repent) are all still part of the same family of God, bought by the blood of Jesus Christ and transformed by the Holy Spirit, sanctified and being sanctified ( Phil 1:6 ) by His great work in our life. I have the assurance of my salvation based on the fact that I have believed on the one whom the Father has Sent; and that the Holy Spirit resides within me giving witness that I indeed belong to Him as a son crying Abba Father. This transformation and growth is what ultimately Glorifies God in my life! NOW to your PS.)Yes... I also was not in agreement with using such a direct referrence to an explitive as a sermon title to get attention. As time permitted I did listen to a large portion of that message this week and found that it is a fine ( to the extent that I had time to listen) message on forgiveness. This does go back to the fact that this preacher is evidently not convicted as you and I are about using such titles. Personally I think he should have used a title like "sinners in the hands of an angry God" That would have gotten just as much attention. :-) Great talking with you friend! You have a great zeal for the Lord! Do not let up or back down! Love your family! Reach the lost, Disciple the believers and help the poor and oppressed! Time is shorter than when we first believed!! God Bless You!
ReplyDeleteWhat is the difference between lust of the flesh and of the eyes? Also, are there any secular songs that can be used in worship? 2 examples-
ReplyDelete1) the old theme to the real american hero the tv show with connie selecca was one we sang at youth camp. Certainly a kid friendly song. I now remember it from camp and tv.
2) some argue u2 has religious themes in some songs...worship? I dont know
Do the songs cause contemplation of the words or does the familiarity of the secular song overwhelm any conceivable worship purpose and a watered down effort at worship? Is there danger of mindless singing or does it spawn enthusiasm? With words like the ones posted i would fear repeating familiar words by accident.
It's amy bell justin for the last anonymous post. Having computer issues.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait until this legalistic argument is over. I Cor. 9:19-23
ReplyDeleteGod was truly glorified in this amazing rendition of Bulls on Parade.
Anonymous from August 4: the conversation was far from being legalistic and finished over 2 weeks ago.
ReplyDeleteThe passage of Scripture you posted might hold water if these folks were not conforming to the world as Scripture clearly teaches to the contrary. We can certainly be among the lost for the sake of sharing the Gospel (as Paul did), but not at the expense of compromising it. "Worshiping" to Rage Against the Machine isn't exactly worshiping God in reverence and awe:
Hebrews 12:28-29 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.
Other passages to consider:
Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you[b] are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
“ I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.”[c]
17 Therefore
“ Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”[d]
18 “ I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the LORD Almighty.”[e]
One more thing anonymous, I suppose you think using "F-bomb" is ok to promote the sermon series? I mean, what a way to draw the crowds than with something as shocking and peaking curiosity as using the most perverse word in the English language - I admire Furtick's coolness. {sarcasm off}
ReplyDeleteJustin I think you really need to evaluate your motives here bro. Why are you arguing this so hard core. I know you think you are defending Jesus and i honor the attempt you're making. But you obviously have not gone to Elevation for any extended period of time. The purpose of Elevation church is "So people far from God will be filled with life in Christ". Elevation does not try and minister to the old school Christians and i know a lot of people will have a problem with that and call it shallow or surface level and thats what i thought when i first saw it too. Then i realized that this church really just has a hart for those "Far from God" and that everything they do is intentionally geared to minister to the same crowd that Jesus our Lord and Savior was constantly surrounded by. And as far as calling it a "seeker church"... thats 100% a compliment my friend. Jesus drew huge crowds of 1000's of people seeking some sort of truth, so feel free to bash a church because of its size, or because its in the world and culturally relevant, but be carful when you say its "of" the world. As a Christian leader on this website Jesus is going to hold you to a standard of leadership that you have put yourself in and thats a very serious thing my friend. God Bless
ReplyDeleteJoshua
Hi Joshua, thanks for the comment. My motives are pure I assure you and is why I have not previously posted anything regarding Furtick because I wanted to make sure that was the case. But if you cannot see the compromise in covering a Rage Against the Machine song (albeit with tweaked lyrics) or calling a sermon series "F-bomb", then I'm afraid you are lacking discernment in this area.
ReplyDeletePlease take a moment to read what is meant by "seeker sensitive", it wasn't exactly a compliment: http://www.gotquestions.org/seeker-sensitive-church.html
Jesus came to save sinners, but He did not come to be like them. Moreover, no one seeks God, it is God who seeks us.