Table of Contents - An Open Letter to
WQCK (92.7 FM) from Pastor Britt Williams
- Introduction
- An Open Letter to WQCK (92.7 FM)
- The
"Christian" Artist - A Critique
- Amy
Grant
- Michael
W. Smith
- DC
Talk
- Ecumenicalism
- Friendship
of the World
- The
Theology of "Christian" Rock and Roll - An Analysis
- WQCK
Radio Log and Results - Statistics
- Previous
E-mail Exchange With WQCK
- Music
From Hell - A Message From a Russian
Bishop.
- Footnotes
Dear Kurt & Staff, 7/2/99
As I promised in my last correspondence with you I have finished my
research of the music frequently aired on WQCK, 92.7FM.
The fruit of this study is contained in the following pages for your
careful and sober examination. You will see that my findings confirm,
rather than disprove, my earlier comments regarding the worldly and
compromising nature of the music that can daily be heard on your
station. Although these assertions express my personal opinions, I
would unashamedly conclude that such sentiments are not without merit
or foundation. Nor would I hesitate to declare that God Himself, based
on the Biblical revelation of His holy character and His hatred for
spiritual mixture, holds to the same views.
You will notice that I took considerable time, upon your request,
to document irrefutable evidence for my original statements which
defined WQCK as a secular, rather than Christian,
station. After speaking with you on the phone Kurt, I felt it was my
duty to supply you with the information that you asked me for -
specific proof that would validate my accusations of worldliness
and compromise. I am convinced that the evidence you
requested is clearly documented in the following analysis. Though this
thesis is quite lengthy I suggest that you carefully read the factual
information contained therein with a teachable heart. The implications
of ignoring such profound and obvious truth would indeed be nothing
short of dramatic. It is my prayer that this information will alarm
and awaken you to the grave danger of being responsible for promoting
spiritual compromise.
"The fact is that we are not today producing saints. We are making
converts to an effete type of Christianity that bears little
resemblance to that of the New Testament. The average so-called Bible
Christian in our times is but a wretched parody on true sainthood. Yet
we put millions of dollars behind movements to perpetuate this
degenerate form of religion and attack the man who dares to challenge
the wisdom of it." A.W. Tozer
May I begin by qualifying my motives in sending you my original
e-mail letter as well as forwarding you the following information. The
Bible says...
Leviticus
19:17 Thou shalt
not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy
neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.
Proverbs
27:5-6 Open
rebuke is better than secret love. 6Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an
enemy are deceitful.
Because I have specifically warned those under my spiritual care of
the dangers of the music aired on WQCK, I felt that it would be
appropriate to personally contact you with my criticisms. I must admit
that I was somewhat surprised when you contacted me after you received
my e-mail message because I was not expecting a reply. This, I might
add, is to your credit. However, I was alarmed at your apparent
flippant attitude regarding the deeper spiritual implications of
promoting impure music under the guise of "ministry." I was even more
shocked at your justifications for such music and the shallow theology
that it communicates. You also expressed regret that I couldn't offer
more "proof" for the allegations which I made. These factors all
contributed to my decision to present you with a more comprehensive
explanation for my statements. Again, may I assure you that I have no
personal vendetta against you, WQCK, or
Bethany World Prayer Center. Bethany World Prayer
Center. My aim is to sincerely and honestly share this startling
information with you in love. Nevertheless, as you read my commentary
on the following topics you may detect my dogmatism regarding this
subject. It is true, I am very passionate about this issue, but do not
misunderstand this as a lack of concern for you, your staff, or the
listeners of your radio station. Primarily, I am concerned for the
honor of the Lord Jesus Christ, the integrity of His pure gospel, and
the spiritual well-being of you and your listeners.
Kurt, considering the time and effort which I have invested in this
correspondence, I would humbly ask that you respect my labor enough to
survey these findings with an open spirit. True Christians never
recoil at Biblical scrutiny, but rather, invite it. Before you and
your staff make light of these arguments please consider the following
verses of Scripture.
Psalm
141:5 Let the
righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it
shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head...
Proverbs
9:8 ...rebuke a
wise man, and he will love thee.
In my second e-mail message to you I
promised to find and document clear examples of three specifics
represented in the music aired on WQCK that would confirm my
conclusions. This is what I stated...
" I endeavor to present you with clear examples within the
'Contemporary Christian Music Industry' of unbiblical theology,
behavior, and music."
Therefore, you will find that this analysis is divided into three
sections, each concentrating on the stated areas of focus:
I. THE ARTIST.
A. The lives of three major industry musicians who are frequently
given air-time on WQCK are critiqued.
B. The widespread ecumenical error of the CCM industry is
addressed.
C. Brief documentation revealing the
pervasive worldliness within the CCM camp.
II. THE MUSIC AND THE THEOLOGY.
A. An analysis of the lyrics of two songs heard on WQCK
which are typical of the modern mind-set within the CCM industry.
III. A RADIO LOG AND EVALUATION OF WQCK.
A. The statistical results of 16 random hours of WQCK
air-time.
It is my prayer that you will humbly study these facts with the
glory of God in mind. If reading this material should provoke any
questions or comments feel free to contact me at the above phone
number, e-mail address, or physical address and we can further discuss
this matter.
Hands to the plow,
Pastor Britt Williams
Document List:
[1] Cover letter. [2] The Artist - critique. [3] The Theology -
analysis. [4] WQCK Radio Log & Results - statistics. [5]
Copies of former/final e-mail correspondence. Note: This
thesis in its entirety, all related correspondence, and a personal
cover letter was also sent directly to Pastor Larry Stockstill,
Bethany World Prayer Center.
Back to
Top
Amy
Grant
The queen-bee of Christian rock is
Amy Grant. Amy's song, "Baby, Baby", was unprecedented
in Gospel Music history topping the chart as the number-one spot on
Billboard magazine. Is the secular world "turning on" to
Jesus? Not hardly. . . this is what a leading magazine had to say of
Amy's video Baby,
Baby, "There's saintly Amy
cuddling some hunky guy, crooning "Baby, Baby" into his ear and
looking pretty SLEEK AND SINFUL. . ." 1 After
all, Amy confesses, "I'm trying to look SEXY to sell a
record . . ." 2
The Bible says in 2 Timothy 2:22, "Flee also youthful
lusts:", but Amy says, "Petting happens . . . As a teenager,
when I gave part of me to someone, I knew I was just going to
flirt, HAVE A LITTLE FUN." 3 Again, Amy says, "I
have a healthy sense of right and wrong, but sometimes, for example,
using foul, exclamation-point words among friends can be good
for a laugh." 4 Amy says, "Why isolate yourself?
Your life isolates you enough. I'm isolated when I walk into a room
and somebody says, She's a Christian and NOBODY OFFERS ME A
JOINT and all the coke (cocaine) disappears. . ." 5
Husband Gary Chapman confessed in People magazine (July 15,
1991 p. 72), of a six-year cocaine and marijuana addiction. Amy also
says, "I remember years ago the first time I smelled anybody
smoking a joint at a concert, I WAS THRILLED. . it meant to me
that obviously this person is not affected by the church peer
pressure." 6
Amy's album, House of Love includes the
environmental-mother-earth song, Big Yellow Taxi, by
new-age-priestess Joni Mitchell. Time magazine tells of Joni
Mitchell's intimate relationship with a muse (a demon spirit) named
Art. Joni says, "I feel like I'm married to this guy named Art, I'm
responsible to my Art above all else." 7 Some of the
words to Big Yellow Taxi, "They paved paradise and put up a
parking lot". How different from the words of the Lord Jesus in
Luke 23:43, "And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To
day shalt thou be with me in paradise." Of course, what's
the Bible and Jesus got to do with "CHRISTian" music?
Amy's latest album, Behind the Eyes goes even further to
"exorcise" any Christian influence. Christianity Today, in
article entitled, "Where's the Gospel?", writes:
"Amy Grant's latest album has thrown the Contemporary Christian
Music industry into a first-rate identity crisis. . . Grant's newest
release, Behind the Eyes, comes as no surprise given the course of her
career since Unguarded (1985), the first of her albums to be
distributed jointly by CCM label Myrrh in the evangelical market and
A&M in the mainstream market. Previous "crossover" projects,
however, had made at least some mention of God or Jesus. The
complete absence of explicitly Christian lyrical content on Behind the
Eyes has renewed a debate in the CCM industry about what constitutes
Christian music." 8
CCM has gotten so far off the track, Amy admits in Christianity
Today, that she doesn't even know what Christian music is "I
DON'T KNOW if Behind the Eyes is a Christian record. Being able to
label it Christian or non-Christian is not the point for me."
9
"I want to play hardball in this business. I want to be on the same
level professionally with performers in all areas of music. I love to
hear Billy Joel, Kenny Loggins, and the Doobie Brothers. Why not? I
aim to bridge the gap between Christian and pop." 10 Amy Grant
CCM is in such a worldly, compromising, money-making, confusing,
mess it's "number-one-star" does NOT even know if her album is
Christian! A CHRISTian is a disciple of Jesus Christ! If it's not
about the Lord Jesus Christ it is NOT CHRISTian! A music buyer for
religious stores mentioned in Christianity Today, truthfully
says of Behind the Eyes, "It's NOT a Christian album. A
Christian album should be clear on the person of Christ, and these
lyrics are not." 11
Christianity Today, makes a keen observation, as it
emphasizes that, incredibly, some songs by secular performers are more
Christian than CCM's! Christianity Today asks the following
enlightening question, in reference to secular, Mary Chapin
Carpenter's, "I Am a Town" "If Carpenter can sing, 'I'm a
Baptist like my daddy, Jesus knows my name,' why does Grant have to be
so discreet about her faith?" Very good question. . . Why does
CCM have to be so discreet about their faith? Why does a
supposed Christian NOT want to sing about the
Lord Jesus Christ? The German reformer and musician, Martin Luther
puts it bluntly:
"We should praise God with both word and music, namely by
proclaiming [the Word of God] through music. He who believes earnestly
cannot be quiet about it. But he must gladly and willingly sing and
speak about it so that others may come and hear it. And whoever
does NOT want to sing and speak of it shows that he does not believe
it." 12
Because of Grant's (and CCM's) obvious UNChristian lyrics,
Christianity Today, writes:
"The Christian music industry has been unsure how to categorize
Grant's latest offering, so much so, in fact, that the GMA and
Christian Music Trade Association (CMTA) initiated a re-evaluation of
existing guidelines for GMA Dove Award eligibility and sales chart
placement."
Not to dare break their
compromising-wordly-commercial-track-record, GMA, did allow Grant's
Behind the Eyes in the Dove Awards and "presto"
Behind the Eyes was the 1998 Dove Award's, Pop/Contemporary
Album of the Year!
Stan Moser, former head of Word Records (the man responsible for
signing Amy Grant) and CEO of Star Song Records, was one of the
pioneers and most important executives in CCM. And after 26 years in
CCM, in November 1995, he walked away from CCM. In an article in
Christianity Today, titled "We Have Created a Monster" about
CCM, Mr. Moser freely admits:
"But to be candid, I look at the majority of the music I hear
today and think it's virtually meaningless." 13
Mr. Moser goes on to make this eye-opening statement:
". . .I would probably be more inclined to call the industry
'commercial Christian music,' rather than 'contemporary Christian
music.'" 14
CCM artist, Michael Card, admits that much of CCM - is NOT
Christian:
"The lyrics of a good number of the songs don't betray
anything specifically Christian - they may have some moral
message, but not a lot of the big songs are identifiably Christian. .
. 'What happens to the message when we start getting the music to
as many people as possible?' There is an essential part of the gospel
that's not ever going to sell. The gospel is good news, but it is also
bad news: 'You are a sinner, and you are hopeless.' How is a
multimillion-dollar record company going to take that? That's a part
of the message, too, and if that's taken out - and it frequently is
in Christian music - it ceases to be the gospel."
15
Michael Card, makes this alarming statement about CCM:
"The direction and value system are getting worse faster than
any of us can imagine." 16
Back to Top
Michael W. Smith
One of the most disturbing performers is Michael W. Smith.
The "idol" of screaming young Christian girls, "His concerts
draw hundreds of thousands of fans each year, mostly teenage girls
who scream out their AFFECTION FOR HIM non-stop
throughout. . . . To his fans, Smith is the "absolute greatest
there is, BAR NONE . . ." 17 THE ABSOLUTE
GREATEST THERE IS, BAR NONE? Can any honest person who has remotely
read the Bible possibly believe God the Holy Spirit is involved in
Smith's idol-worshipping music? What a mockery of the Lord Jesus
Christ, who "made himself of no reputation" (Philippians
2:7). Compare Smith to John the Baptist who said in John 3:30, "He
must increase, but I MUST DECREASE". Or the Apostle Paul in
1 Cor. 4:13, ". . . we are made as the FILTH OF THE WORLD, and are
the offscouring of all things unto this day."
John
12:43, "For they loved the praise of men more than
the praise of God."
Inside Music magazine, interviewing Michael W. Smith, said,
"There's also the influence of such groups as Alan Parsons in your
music. It's especially noticeable on the first record, the Michael
W. Smith Project (named after Alan Parsons's album, The Alan
Parsons Project)." 18 And Smith's reply?
"DEFINITELY!" C'mon Smith! Alan Parsons is among the
most occultic in rock! Alan Parsons has songs titled:
"Lucifer", the blasphemous "Genesis Ch 1 v32" (there is
no Genesis Chapter 1 verse 32!). Alan Parsons, album, Eye In The
Sky on the cover (and back) is the Eye of Horus (also called the
Eye of Lucifer). Not surprisingly, Smith also has an album titled,
I2(EYE). Of course, the name of Jesus is nowhere to be found.
Michael W. Smith's album, Change Your World, has 2819
words the name of Jesus occurs ZERO!
Michael W. Smith's album, I'll Lead You Home, has
2046 words the name of Jesus occurs ZERO!
Compare that to the Apostle Paul (a REAL Christian) in just
the first chapter of 1 Corinthians:
verse 1 Jesus Christ
verse 2 Christ Jesus, Jesus Christ our Lord
verse 3 God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
verse 4 Jesus Christ
verse 6 Christ
verse 7 our Lord Jesus Christ
verse 8 our Lord Jesus Christ.
verse 9 his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
verse 10 our Lord Jesus Christ
verse 12 Christ
verse 13 Christ
verse 17 Christ..the cross of Christ
verse 23 Christ crucified
verse 24 Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
verse 30 Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and
righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
The party-line of the Christian rockers is they're trying to reach
the young people with the gospel of Jesus Christ by using rock as a
tool. But how are they going to reach them with the gospel of
JESUS CHRIST when they won't even mention HIS NAME?
Here's what a secular reporter in the Birmingham News wrote after
watching a Michael W. Smith concert:
"If you weren't familiar with Michael W. Smith's standing in the
world of contemporary Christian music, you might attend one of his
concerts and come out none the wiser." 19
After a two-hour performance, there is
not even enough of God for the lost world to even know these
"so-called CHRISTian stars" are Christians! What a pitiful excuse
for ministry! Shame on you Smith! Many of these young
people are from broken homes, shattered lives, facing tremendous
peer-pressure, begging for something REAL and you will not even
mention the ONLY REAL HELP in the universe! Shame on
you!
"The people coming into the concerts are
ready to rock. They come out and want to have a good time. Some people
need to get out there and preach to them. Ask them for a decision at
the end, but that's not my calling. The kids I see are just ready to
kick it out and have fun." 20
The Bible is very clear! A Christian
should be separated from the world. Paul says in 2 Cor. 6,
"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, . .
." Ephesians 5:11 says, "And have NO FELLOWSHIP with the
unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." These
Christian stars not only fellowship with "the unfruitful works of
darkness" but guess who produced and played on Michael W. Smith's
album "I'll Lead You Home" Patrick Leonard! In case you don't know
who Patrick Leonard is, he's also the producer for the queen of slut
Madonna!
As far as Christian sanctified living
which the Bible commands, here's what Smith has to say:
". . .you're always going to have
those very, very conservative people. They say you can't do this; you
can't do that, . . . you can't drink; you can't smoke; . . . It's a
pretty bizarre way of thinking." 21 Michael W.
Smith
Of the ten commandments eight were "THOU SHALT NOT..."!
Unfortunately, many respond to such observations with, "But, why
keep bringing up the Bible what does that have to do with it?"
Smith, one of the most popular Contemporary Christian
Musicians, is interviewed in the May 1998 issue of CCM
magazine. The unscriptural mind-set found among the majority of
these musicians is evident throughout the interview. Consider the
following excerpt:
"If Jesus was here today physically, I'm not really sure He'd be
in the churches," he says in soft, measured tones. "He'd be
hanging out at the bars, with the desperate and the lonely. And I
don't think He'd be going in and preaching--I think He'd be going
in and befriending people....For so many years it was like [groaning
in mock tones], 'Oh, a Smitty concert. Preaching. Altar call. Fire and
brimstone.' A lot of people put me in right-wing,
blow-up-abortion-clinic categories. They think all Christians think
that way, and it's not true. So when they see my show, they say, 'He's
legit. I like that. He's not that right-wing guy. But he's spiritual,
and he's got something to say--and he said something that deeply
affected me tonight.' That is what you hope for." 22
Michael Smith is trying to justify his worldly methods and music.
His "cross-over" music albums and concerts are designed to appeal to
both the "saved" and the unsaved. Smith says he's not sure
Jesus Christ would be in churches. This is nonsense, of course, for it
was Jesus Christ who founded the church (Matt. 16:18) and who taught
the Apostles to make the churches the center of the fulfillment of the
Great Commission (see the book of Acts). This is not to say that the
Lord Jesus Christ is pleased with all churches today. He prophesied
that there would be great numbers of false teachers who would lead
people astray into error and false churches (Matt. 7:15;
24:3,4,11,24). The Apostles of Jesus Christ made the same warning (1
Tim. 4:1-4; 2 Tim. 3:13; 2 Pet. 2:1; 1 John 2:18-19; 4:1). Christ and
the Apostles prophesied a great apostasy, or turning from the one true
faith, but they also prophesied that true churches would continue
until Christ returns (Matt. 28:18-20). It is true, therefore, that the
Lord Jesus Christ would not be in many of the churches which exist
today, because they have rejected His Word, but it is not true that
the Lord Jesus would reject all churches. He promised to be with the
true churches until the end, and we can be sure that He is.
Smith also says he doesn't think Jesus would be preaching.
This statement makes us wonder whether Smith has read the
Bible. Christ befriended people, but he also preached, and he preached
continually. Many of his sermons are recorded in the Gospels. When
Matthew summarized the ministry of Christ, he said, "And Jesus went
about all Galilee, TEACHING in their synagogues, and
PREACHING the gospel of the kingdom..." (Matt. 4:23).
Luke summarized his ministry in these words: "And it came to pass
afterward, that he went throughout every city and village,
PREACHING and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of
God: and the twelve were with him" (Luke 8:1). Jesus Christ was a
Preacher! The Apostles and early Christians followed in Christ's
footsteps by preaching wherever they went: "Therefore they that were
scattered abroad went every where PREACHING the word"
(Acts 8:4). The term "preach" appears 141 times in the New Testament,
37 times in the Gospels alone! The man of God is instructed to "preach
the Word" in season and out of season (2 Tim. 4:1-2). We are told that
God has chosen to save men by the foolishness of preaching (1 Cor.
1:21). The passage in 1 Corinthians chapter one reminds us of why
Contemporary Christian Musicians are so often opposed to biblical
preaching. The unsaved hate biblical preaching. The preaching of the
cross is foolish to the proud unsaved mind, and it brings the world's
reproach upon the preacher. The world did not love the Lord Jesus
Christ, and Christ warned:
"If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated
you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but
because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the
world, therefore the world hateth you" (John 15:18,19).
It is possible to "minister" in a compromised, worldly manner so
that the unsaved world thinks one is "cool" or "spiritual," but it is
not possible to obey the Bible and follow in the footsteps of Christ
and the Apostles and the prophets of old and have the unsaved world
think one is cool! The Lord Jesus Christ said:
"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall
revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil
against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for
great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets
which were before you" (Matt. 5:10-12)
Jesus also warned: "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well
of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets" (Luke
6:26).
Smith said the world enjoys his rock music and enjoys the
fact that he does not preach hell fire, and so the world counts him
"spiritual" and "legit" but not preachy. The term "spiritual" as
understood by the world or even by the religious crowd today is
meaningless. The world has no idea what true spirituality is. The
world does not measure "religion" and "spirituality" by the Bible, but
by its own feelings and desires and philosophies. The unregenerate
world hates the preaching of the true Gospel of Jesus Christ and the
true preaching of the Bible because it pronounces that all have sinned
and come short of the glory of God and boldly declares God's
condemnation upon all who refuse Christ. It hates the preaching of the
true Gospel because it says man's own righteousness, his very best
religious, do-good efforts, is as filthy rags before a holy God. The
world hates the preaching of the Gospel because it says there is none
righteous, no not one. It hates the preaching of the gospel because it
warns that every person who is not born again will not see the kingdom
of God but will be tormented forever and ever in the lake of fire.
Yes, the world hates preaching because it says Jesus Christ alone is
the way, the truth, and the life, and there is none other name given
under heaven whereby men must be saved and every other way is false.
The world hates the preaching of the true Gospel because it demands
that a man give up his life for Christ's sake and the Gospel's,
because it demands that a man come out from among the heathen and be
separate, because it demands that we be holy as God is holy. For the
world to count someone as spiritual is meaningless from a biblical
perspective. The world thinks the pope is spiritual and Native
American Indians are spiritual and New Age gurus are spiritual and
Hindu mystics are spiritual and Hollywood entertainers are spiritual.
Back to Top
DC
Talk
The "Christian Rap" band D(ecent)
C(hristian) Talk are currently at the forefront of another wave of
"crossover" in the BILLION dollar-a-year Contemporary
Christian Music industry.
Founding member Toby McKeehan says he
and the other Talkers aren't in it for the money though:
"We didn't get together to be
stars. We share the same call - to use the stage to let people know
about Jesus." 23
At $35,000 per show, that's one expensive stage! 24
Toby Mckeehan says, "Music is our tool. Our MESSAGE is
CHRIST." 25 Remember that last statement "Our
message is CHRIST".
Here's how Dallas Morning News describes a DC Talk "Freak
Show" concert: "As teenagers' shrieks filled the Dallas Convention
Center moments before DC Talk took the stage Friday night, one of the
relatively few grown-ups in the sold-out crowd observed, 'This is
just like the BEATLES.'" 26
"Just like the Beatles" what a
comparison!
The Beatles were some of the most blatant, ANTI-CHRIST
performers the world ever heard!
The press officer for the Beatles, Derek Taylor, said, "They're
COMPLETELY ANTI-CHRIST. I mean, I am anti-Christ as well, but they're
so anti-Christ they shock me, which isn't an easy thing."
27
Paul McCartney said, "We probably seem to be anti-religious. . .
none of us believes in God." 28
John Lennon, in his book, A Spaniard in the Works, portrays
Jesus Christ as, "Jesus El Pifico, a garlic-eating, stinking little
yellow, greasy fascist bastard catholic Spaniard." 29
Lennon also made that infamous statement, "Christianity will go,
it will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue about that. I'm right and
will be proved right. . . .We're more popular than Jesus now."
30
Ray Coleman quotes John Lennon as saying, "I've sold my soul to
the DEVIL." 31
And DC Talk is "JUST LIKE the Beatles"! Don't laugh . . .
Guess which song DC Talk used to open their "Jesus Freak" concerts?
Believe it or not the song "HELP" by the anti-Christ BEATLES!
You think that's bad. . . It gets much
worse!
You'll never guess the song DC Talk uses toward the close of their
"Jesus Freak" concert? Amazing Grace? Blessed Assurance? OH NO!
They do a cover of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana's "All Apologies"!
Kurt Cobain is one of the worst ANTI-CHRIST
blasphemers since John Lennon. Kurt Cobain decorated his home with
blood-splattered baby dolls hanging by their necks! The inside of
Nirvana's album, In Utero, which is the album DC Talk got "All
Apologies" from, is pictures of chopped up babies! Cobain ran
around his neighborhood spray-painting "ABORT CHRIST" and "GOD IS
GAY". Cobain's first band was called "Fecal Matter". 32
Incidentally, Cobain later committed suicide. Not willing to be
satisfied with JUST singing Cobain's "All Apologies" DC Talk drags
the wonderful and holy Lord Jesus Christ into their "rock 'n' roll"
"FREAK AND FILTH" show! One part of the song says "Everyone is gay"
so DC Talk changes it to "Jesus is the way"!
NO CHRISTIAN following the Lord Jesus Christ would be
listening to Nirvana! On their song "Stay Away" they sing "God is
gay"! DC Talk not only listens to, but ACTUALLY sings a
song by a group that say's "God is a homosexual!"
What about the following quotes:
"Smith, who listens MOSTLY to SECULAR MUSIC, would like to see
DC Talk expand its vocabulary. 'not EVERYTHING has to be about GOD.'
he says." 33
Not surprisingly, Toby McKeehan blatantly says in USA Today,
"Sometimes, being labeled a Christian band, we consider that a
NEGATIVE. . ."
Toby McKeehan told Billboard magazine, "Our goal has ALWAYS BEEN
to be out there on a mainstream level. . ." 34
But wait. . . it get's worse!
DC Talk's video "Jesus Freak" is one of the most popular Christian
video's ever recorded. But, how "Christian" is it?
"Jesus Freak" was directed by an Englishman named Simon Maxwell.
And who is Simon Maxwell? Simon Maxwell is video director for
the satanic and blasphemous Nine Inch Nails! DC Talk openly
admitted to watching one of Nine Inch Nails videos, and liked
Maxwell's style. "We had seen some of Simon's work with Nine Inch
Nails", says DC Talk vocalist Toby McKeehan. "HIS STYLE
APPEALED TO US." 35 Have you seen the
"ultra-blasphemous" video "Closer" by Nine Inch Nails? It shows a
monkey crucified on a cross! DC Talk openly admits
to watching this kind of blasphemy!
"If you think I WORSHIP SATAN because of something you see in
the 'Closer' video [with its images of a crucified monkey]- great!"
36 Trent Reznor
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ECUMENI
CALISM
Let us consider for a moment the popular trend among "Christians"
to fellowship, endorse, and in some cases worship with Roman
Catholics. Is this Biblical? Can Roman Catholicism be defined as
Christian?
Roman Catholicism is a pagan imitation of Christianity that is
based on unscriptural principles. Even a modest examination of its
teachings will confirm this fact. Doctrines such as purgatory, praying
for the dead, praying to Saints, the Mass, the exaltation of Mary, the
infallibility of the Pope, confession to priest, salvation through an
elaborate scheme of works/rituals/and sacraments, and many others are
all HERESY! The entire system of Roman Catholicism
promotes IDOLATRY! There is much evidence to support the
idea that this false church is the GREAT HARLOT
described in the book of Revelation, chapter seventeen. This
demon-inspired institution literally holds millions around the world
in bondage. South Louisiana is a prime example of her spiritual
mastery, as multitudes follow her vain traditions in hope of eternal
life. Are we so foolish to believe that God does not hate Roman
Catholicism? Should we not hate error? Should we not be angered with
deception? Isn't it only logical to conclude that if we truly love men
we must therefore also hate what traps them in darkness?
Psalm
119:104 Through thy precepts I get
understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
Proverbs
8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate
evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward
mouth, do I hate.
TRUE SPIRITUALITY HATES WHAT DESTROYS THE SOULS OF MEN!
Have we forgotten the Reformation? Were our Protestant forefathers
mean-spirited deceivers? Without exception, the Puritans, as well as
the great revivalists prior to the mid-twentieth century believed the
Roman Catholic institution to be one of the greatest spiritual evils
on planet Earth. Men like Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley, Charles
Spurgeon, and Charles Finney all held this position. They boldly
proclaimed the errors of Rome and would have nothing to do with it! I
ask you, were men of such spiritual caliber deceived? If Rome has not
changed, and she hasn't, how can we justify forsaking the paths forged
by the reformers and revivalists? Have we forgotten that men lost
their lives so that the Word of God might be noised abroad and that
souls might be freed from the tyranny of Rome? Does martyr's blood
mean anything to us in this hour of gross spiritual accommodation?
Have we thrown all honor for the truth to the wind? We cannot
Scripturally justify fellowshipping with such error. Hear the Word of
God...
Romans
16:17 Now I beseech you,
brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary
to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid
them.
1 Cor.
5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye
not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
1 Cor.
5:11 But now I have written unto you
not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a
fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a
drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to
eat.
1 Cor.
10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved,
flee from idolatry.
2 Cor.
6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together
with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with
unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with
darkness?
2 Thes.
3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from
every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the
tradition which he received of us.
2 Thes.
3:14 And if any man obey not our word
by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he
may be ashamed.
1 Tim.
5:22 ...neither be partaker of other
men's sins: keep thyself pure.
HOWEVER, THE "CCM"
CROWD, MANY WHICH YOU GIVE AIR-TIME TO ON WQCK, HAVE BOLDLY DEFIED OR
IGNORED THESE SCRIPTURES!
Kathy Troccoli has been
nominated five times as the Gospel Music Association female vocalist
of the year. Her 1995 album, Sounds of Heaven, spawned five No.
1 singles. She is a national spokesperson for Chuck Colson's Prison
Fellowship. In an interview with CCM Magazine in 1997 she said:
"But I'd been very judgmental toward the Catholic church for years,
and I've recently been able to go back to it without having a chip on
my shoulder. I now have a much greater capacity for--as the album
says--Love and Mercy." Troccoli preaches an ecumenical,
non-judgmental, anti-fundamentalist philosophy:
"To me it's very simple: if the world
doesn't see God's love in us and our love for each other, they're
never going to want what we have. Our dogma and legalism strangle the
love of Christ right out of us" 37
This sounds good to many ears, and there is no doubt about the
importance of Christian love; but it is impossible to obey the Bible
without being deeply concerned about doctrine ("dogma") and obedience
to the details of God's Word ("legalism").
Jude 3 explains that God has given one faith to His people and that
faith, as recorded in the New Testament Scriptures, is to be preserved
and contended for until Jesus returns. It is absolutely impossible to
obey Jude 3 and be ecumenical and non-judgmental at the same time. The
chief thing which divides denominations is doctrine.
Troccoli's 1997 album, Love One Another, has an ecumenical
theme: "Christians from all denominations demonstrating their common
love for Christ and each other." 38 The recording of the
title song involved 40 CCM artists: Amy Grant, Gary Chapman, Clay
Crosse, Sandi Patty, Michael W. Smith, Carman, Tony Vincent, Jonathan
Pierce, Mark Lowry, Phillips, Craig and Dean, Aaron and Jeoffrey, Jaci
Velasquez, Lisa Bevill, Scott Krippayne, Sarah Masen, Babbie Mason,
Sara Jahn, Carolyn Arends, Vestal Goodman, Paul Vann, Billy and Sarah
Gaines, Tim Taber, Sarah Hart, Peter Penrose, Janet Paschal, Beverly
Crawford, Phil Joel of the Newsboys, Kevin Smith of DC Talk, Tai
Anderson of Third Day, plus the members of Out of the Grey,
Beyond the Blue, 4 HIM, Christafari, and Audio Adrenaline.
Like most CCM songs, this one is owned by a secular corporation. It
is copyrighted 1996 by Sony/ATV Songs, Tree Publishing, Pants Down
Music, and Radioquest Music Publishing. The song talks about tearing
down the walls of denominational division.
"Look around the world today/ There is anger there is hate/ And I
know that it grieves His heart/ When His people stand apart/ Cause
we're the only Jesus they will see/ Love one another, and live as one
in His name/ Love one another we can tear down walls by His grace"
("Love One Another").
The broad range of participants who joined Kathy Troccoli in
recording "Love One Another" demonstrates the ecumenical agenda of
Contemporary Christian Music. The song witnessed Catholics,
Pentecostals, Baptists, etc., yoked together to call for Christian
unity. The New Testament repeatedly warns of widespread apostasy among
those who claim to be Christians, yet the ecumenical movement ignores
apostasy and calls for almost unqualified unity among professing
Christians. While there is little doubt that God is grieved by some of
the divisions among Bible-believing Christians, it is not true that
the heart of God is grieved by all divisions within Christianity,
because there are divisions He Himself has commanded. He has commanded
that His people separate from those who follow doctrinal error.
Phil Keaggy made a commitment to Christ in an Assemblies of
God church in 1970, but he has not rejected Roman Catholicism. Note
the following statement from a 1995 interview:
"... the Gospel is preached in many Catholic churches, and the
truth is known there. ... Over the years, I've been a part of many
nondenominational churches and denominational churches, but I have
even a higher regard and respect for my Catholic upbringing, because I
believe it planted the seeds of faith in me. And I read books that
give me a greater understanding of the Catholic faith today. I'm not a
practicing Catholic, but I believe that I'm a true believer who
responds to the truth that is there. Because it's ancient tradition;
it goes way back. I think Martin Luther had some great ideas, and
showed us that we're saved by grace through faith, but he was a
Catholic when he posted all that up! ... I have great fellowship with
my Catholic brethren today. I have some dear friends across the
country that I've made. That's a whole other subject; but I think when
the Lord looks at his Bride, he doesn't see the walls that we use to
divide ourselves from each other. He sees one body, and that body is
comprised of his children, those who he bought and paid for with his
blood ... I love the liturgy; I think liturgy with the Spirit is one
of the most powerful ways of communicating the life of God to us"
39
It is true that Catholicism can plant seeds of faith in God which
can sometimes be watered by the Gospel, but to say that Catholic
churches preach the Gospel is completely untrue. Any Catholic church
which preaches the true Gospel is preaching contrary to what Roman
Catholicism teaches in its official proclamations. The Catholic Church
plainly states that salvation is by grace PLUS works and sacraments.
Not only does the Catholic Church deny the Gospel of the grace of
Christ by its formal declarations, but in many other ways, as well.
The all-sufficiency of Christ's once-for-all atonement is denied by
the Catholic Mass, which alleges to be a continual re-offering of
Christ's sacrifice. The all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ is also denied
by the Catholic priesthood, which alleges to stand between the
believer and Christ. The all-sufficiency of Christ is further denied
by the Catholic sainthood, which alleges to mediate between men and
God. Keaggy says he loves the Catholic liturgy, but it is contrary to
the Bible. There is no mass in the Bible. The Lord's Supper is not a
sacrifice or a priestly ritual, it is a simple memorial meal (1
Corinthians 11). In fact, there are no sacraments in the New Testament
Scriptures. Sacraments are supposed to be channels of grace, but the
ordinances of the New Testament churches are not channels of grace but
are symbols and reminders only.
When Keaggy says that God does not see differences between churches
and denominations, he is discounting the importance of sound doctrine.
The Lord Jesus Christ warned that there would be many false teachers
who would lead many astray from the truth (Matt. 7:15). He warned that
as His return draws nearer, the false teachers would increase (Matt.
24:11,24). The Apostles likewise warned of a great apostasy or turning
away from the true New Testament faith, of the rise of many false
teachers, of the creation of false churches (1 Timothy 4; 2 Timothy
3-4; 2 Peter 2; 1 John 2,4; Jude; Revelation 17). If God sees all
denominations as a part of His one body, where are the false teachers?
Where are the false churches? Where is the spirit of antichrist?
In a joint interview with Religious Broadcasting, Keaggy further
emphasized his ecumenical philosophy and his view that Roman
Catholicism is a legitimate expression of Christianity:
"I think also the unity that is so necessary in the body of Christ
is important. I admire Charles Colson. He got a lot of flack for
writing the book, The Body, and being associated with
Catholics. I was raised Catholic and my mother's influence was
powerful in my life. I came to the Lord when she passed away. She
sowed the seeds in my life for me to become a believer. There are
divisive voices out there. People who thrive on disunity are the ones
[to whom] you've got to say, 'I'm not going to contend with this, I'm
not going to argue, I'm just going to go about my business.'"
40
The Christian life would be much simpler if one could follow
Keaggy's advice and not get involved in contentions about doctrine and
Christian living, but faithfulness to the Word of God does not allow
it. God requires that His people "earnestly contend for the faith once
delivered to the saints" (Jude 3) and reprove the unfruitful works of
darkness (Ephesians 5:11). The Apostle Paul, looking back over his
life, said that he had fought a good fight (2 Timothy 4:7) and
instructed Timothy to fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12).
There is doctrinal fighting to be done. Most of Paul's epistles
contain warnings about false doctrine. In his Pastoral Epistles, Paul
warned of false teachers and compromisers BY NAME 10
times (1 Tim. 1:20; 2 Tim. 1:15; 2:17; 3:8; 4:10,14). Obedience to
such commands does not allow me to follow Keaggy's New Evangelical
advice. Keaggy's unscriptural ecumenical philosophy is perfectly at
home, though, in the world of Contemporary Christian Music.
Michael W. Smith performed at the Catholic-sponsored World
Youth Day in Denver, Colorado, in 1993. Smith and guitarist-songwriter
Billy Sprague performed with Catholic Kathy Troccoli at a concert in
November 1985 in Tampa, Florida. The concert was sponsored by Youth
for Christ and the First Assembly of God of Clearwater, Florida.
41 Smith and Amy Grant are among the CCM artists who
have had interviews published in the Roman Catholic youth magazine
YOU. 42 Kathy Troccoli was the backup singer for Amy
Grant before she began her own recording career in 1982. In 1994 the
Catholic St. John's University gave its highest award, the Pax
Christi, to Grant (Houston Chronicle, May 7, 1994). Pax Christi
is the radical International Catholic Peace Movement.
Margaret Becker claims to have had a religious experience
which has made her more appreciative of her Roman Catholicism. In a
1994 interview she said she began mixing faith with her music and
gained a greater appreciation for her own faith, Catholicism. "Now,
I'm taking that knowledge with me back to the church of my youth.
Becker declared: "The familiar prayers and practices are very rich and
touch me in a different, more intimate way." 43 She
is ecumenical and moves in a wide range of denominational forums. For
example, she was scheduled to appear at the First Assembly of God in
Warrenton, Virginia, in September 1993. That same month she was
featured in a "Margaret Becker Youth Fest" at a large Baptist Bible
Fellowship church, Riverdale Baptist Church, Riverdale, Maryland. She
was scheduled to appear at a Church of Christ in Converse, Indiana, in
March 1994.
Rich Mullins died in an automobile accident in 1997. At the
time of his death he was taking the final steps to enter the Roman
Catholic Church. He was attending mass at least weekly, and the night
before he died, Mullins talked on the phone with priest Matt McGinness
to corroborate that he was ready to say his first confession and be
confirmed. McGinness describes the conversation as follows:
"There was a sense of urgency. He [Mullins] told me, 'This may
sound strange, but I HAVE to receive the body and blood of Christ.' I
told him, 'That doesn't sound strange at all. That sounds wonderful.'
Rich finally sounded like he was at peace with his decision."
44
Mullins' music reflected both his ecumenism and his Catholicism.
The last project he completed was called Canticle of the Plains
and was based on the life and legend of the Catholic St. Francis
of Assisi. The song "Creed" on Mullins' Songs album contains the
words: "I believe in the Holy Spirit/ One Holy Church, the communion
of Saints." This, of course, is from the so-called Apostles Creed, but
Mullins sings the words in a Catholic context. On the booklet
accompanying the CD the lyrics to this song are superimposed on a
photo of a Catholic Madonna.
On the literature accompanying the CD, the lyrics to this song
("Alright ok uhhuh amen") are superimposed on a picture of a Catholic
Madonna holding a Rosary. The Rosary is a prayer to Mary as the Queen
of Heaven.
The very popular Sandi Patty moves freely in ecumenical
circles. She has entertained audiences as diverse as Billy Graham
crusades, Jerry Falwell meetings, Southern Baptist Convention annual
conferences, and Pope John Paul II masses (she performed at a papal
mass in Los Angeles in September 1987).
Sheila Walsh frequently "performs" in charismatic-ecumenical
settings. Together with roughly 20,000 Roman Catholics, she
participated in the North American Congress on the Holy Spirit &
World Evangelization in New Orleans in 1987.
When Pope John Paul II visited the United States in January 1999,
many well-known Contemporary Christian musicians joined hands with
hundreds of thousands of Catholics to welcome him. Featured at a
Catholic youth rally connected with the Pope's visit, were DC
Talk, Audio Adrenaline, Rebecca St. James,
Jennifer Knapp, The W's, and the Supertones.
45 According to Music and Entertainment News,
Jars of Clay was also scheduled to appear, though other reports
did not mention them. 46 Knapp said she was excited about
joining the Pope to "build on the unity of faith." 47 DC
Talk's Kevin Max praised the Catholic youth for coming out to hear
the Pope, describing John Paul II as "someone with something of
substance to say." A large group of nuns and Dominican priests "danced
with abandon" at the Supertones rock music. Each attendee
received a rosary with instructions about how to pray to Mary. This
event portrays how Contemporary Christian Music is helping create the
end times, one-world apostate "church."
"Is it not an absurdity to give to a man a thing which he is sworn
to hate, curse, and destroy? And does not the Church of Rome hate,
curse and destroy liberty of conscience whenever she can do it safely?
I am for liberty of conscience in its noblest, broadest, highest
sense. But I cannot give liberty of conscience to the Pope and to his
followers, the Papists, so long as they tell me, through all their
councils, theologians, and canon laws, that their conscience orders
them to burn my wife, strangle my children, and cut my throat when
they find their opportunity! This does not seem to be understood by
the people today. But sooner or later, the light of common sense will
make it clear to every one that no liberty of conscience can be
granted to men who are sworn to obey a Pope, who pretend to have the
right to put to death those who differ from him in religion." Abraham
Lincoln
"The Roman Catholic Church is a counterfeit... of the worst and
most diabolical kind... a form of the antichrist... to be rejected and
denounced.....
D. Martin Lloyd-Jones
"It is the bounden duty of every Christian to pray against the
Antichrist, and as to what Antichrist is no sane man ought to raise a
question. If it be not the Popery in the Church of Rome there is
nothing in the world that can be called by that name. It wounds
Christ, robs Christ of His glory, puts sacramental efficacy in the
place of His atonement, and lifts a piece of bread in the place of the
Savior.... If we pray against it, because it is against Him, we shall
love the persons though we hate their errors; we shall love their
souls though we loathe and detest their dogmas....
Charles H. Spurgeon
"John Foxe was an eyewitness and earnest historian of this fierce
persecution [Bloody Mary's Inquisition]. His book Foxe's Book Of
Martyrs gives detailed accounts of many public trials and
executions. After Queen Mary's demise a copy of that classic was
chained to every pulpit in England to make it available to all [lest
they should forget martyrs blood]." 48 Dave Hunt
The Bridge FM exists to unite genders, races,
denominations, and generations through music, ministry, prayer,
and social outreach. 49
Back to
Top
FRIENDS OF THE
WORLD
"Never had the Church so much influence over the world as when she
had nothing to do with the world!" 50 L.E. Maxwell
I have browsed many, many web sites of the musicians who are
regularly aired on WQCK. What I found was a shocking, yet common
practice among these artists - they readily admit to enjoying and even
being inspired by secular rock music. Many of them do cover songs of
their favorite worldly musicians. The Bible says...
James
4:4 Ye adulterers and
adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity
with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the
enemy of God.
1 John
2:15-16 Love not the world,
neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world,
the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world, the lust
of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not
of the Father, but is of the world.
Allow me to pose this question to you. Would you agree with me that
the music of Led Zeppelin, the Beatles, and Jimi Hendrix is worldly?
If you say yes, as ANY TRUE CHRISTIAN would, then you find yourself in
a perplexing dilemma. Why? Because you must also agree that DC Talk
and many other popular CCM stars are enemies of God. You may ask, "How
can you say this?" Because they have befriended the world by listening
to, being inspired by, and performing their songs. You will either
admit this or endorse secular music as acceptable to God. You can't
have it both ways. You cannot condemn secular rock-n-roll and at the
same time defend these compromising "Christian" musicians who are
inspired and entertained by those you condemn. To do so would be
hypocritical, illogical, and cowardly.
"Any spirit that permits compromise with the world is a false
spirit. Any religious movement that imitates the world in any of its
manifestations is false to the cross of Christ and on the side of the
devil." A.W. Tozer
Using this spiritual logic we may also conclude that the following
musicians are also brazen enemies of God according to James 4:4 and 1
John 2:15-16: Because...
Amy Grant plays Joni Mithchell. Petra plays Argent (ditto KISS).
77's plays Led Zeppelin. DC talk plays The Doobie Brothers, The
Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and REM, et. al. Audio Adrenaline
plays Edgar Winter. Point of Grace plays Earth, Wind and Fire. Jars of
Clay plays Ozzy Osbourne. Rez Band plays The Who, and Jefferson
Airplane. .Holy Soldier plays The Rolling Stones. Rachel, Rachel plays
Kansas. Deliverance plays Black Sabbath. MXPX plays Buddy Holly. Phil
Driscoll plays The Beatles. And the list could go on and on and
on.....
"We are so worldly-minded we would rather be indecent than
different...until we personally take ourselves in hand we need not
wonder at the false doctrine, the modernistic ministry, the poor
church discipline (or none), and the corrupt practices in the church.
The whole root of our ruin is found in worldliness." 51
L.E. Maxwell
Information, Quotes,
and excerpts taken from the following articles:
"Christian Rock - Blessing Or Blasphemy?" by Terry Watkins
"Welcome to the Freak Show!" by Jeff Godwin
"RELIGIOUS ROCK... The music of devils in the CHURCH!"
By Alan Yusko and Ed Prior
The Theology of "Christian" Rock and Roll - An Analysis
II. The Music & The
Theolog
y.
Another statement which I made in my first correspondence with you
was...
"Gentlemen, to be very candid and honest with you [please don't
misconstrue these statements as facetious or arrogant]; I was unable
to decide whether the music was "Christian" or not! Who are these
people singing about? Jesus? His name is rarely mentioned or even
alluded to! For all the listener knows, these folks could be singing
about their mother, girlfriend, pet, or mistress! Much of what I heard
was merely silly love[?] songs that do violence and disgrace to the
transcendent nature of this marvelous and wonderful covenant! Jesus is
pure and Holy. The Spirit of God is the author of peace, order, and
righteousness. The rhythms and spirit of the music which I heard today
on your radio station can only be described as Satanic. It was often
oppressive, sin-excusing, sensual, and haunting."
The gospel message is the beginning of all sound doctrine. If the
foundation is faulty then there will be grave inconsistencies and
errors in the system of truth that it supports. The current gospel
message preached in many American evangelical churches is a gutted and
watered-down counterfeit of the first century fire-bathed message of
repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us that on the
day of Pentecost, "they were pricked in their heart" when they
heard Peter's message [Acts 2:37]. This meant that the Word pierced
the very core of every listener's being. On that monumental day the
innermost motives of the heart were revealed under the thundering
power of the gospel message! The Spirit of God used Peter's
authoritative Pentecostal sermon to bring exposing conviction upon all
those that heard. Unfortunately, today's "gospel" rarely scratches
deeper than the surface. Love, mercy, and forgiveness are emphasized
while repentance and the necessity of the cross are either overlooked
or completely excluded. This produces a feel-good and world-pleasing
message that fails to bring men to the Biblical Christ. It has been
rightly labeled "easy believism." The "gospel" expressed through the
music aired on WQCK is a perfect example of this crossless and
bloodless false message.
"The trouble is the whole 'Accept Christ' attitude is likely to be
wrong. It shows Christ applying to us rather than us to Him. It makes
Him stand hat-in-hand awaiting our verdict on Him, instead of our
kneeling with troubled hearts awaiting His verdict on us. It may even
permit us to accept Christ by an impulse of mind or emotions,
painlessly, at no loss to our ego and no inconvenience to our usual
way of life 52.....We have simplified so Christianity
amounts to this: God is love; Jesus died for you; believe, accept, be
jolly, have fun and tell others. And away we go- this is the
Christianity of our day. I would not give a plug nickel for the whole
business of it. Once in a while God has a poor bleeding sheep that
manages
to live on that kind of
thing and we wonder how." 53 A W Tozer
It is amazing to parallel the theology conveyed through the lyrics
of the music frequently aired on WQCK and that which the Holy
Ghost inspired in God's Word. In the Bible - God is exalted and sin is
abased by the salvation that is offered through the pure gospel of
Jesus Christ. In the Bible - victory over sin through the Word, the
blood, and the cross is always promoted [Rev. 12:11]. In the Bible -
Jesus is glorified through the testimony of His overcoming saints. On
the other hand, after listening to WQCK I was left with the
impression that the Christian experience is one of being dominated by
sin. This is a Christ-dishonoring lie [Rom. 6:14]. Hour after hour
on WQCK I heard music programming which featured songs
glorifying the overwhelming struggles and endless faltering of
apparent "Christians" in their sins. The picture painted with the
brush of the music and the paint of the lyrics is one of an endless
cycle of falling and then forgiveness. There was little or no hope of
ultimate freedom communicated, only pardon. Victory is hardly ever
sung about, but rather, failure. Sinful men, their guilt, and pain
have replaced Jesus Christ and His liberating gospel as the
centerpiece of the message. This is not surprising for He is seldom
ever mentioned and His Word is rarely, if ever quoted. 54
"They [hypocrites] insist that sin is inexcusable, yet quite as
vehemently insist that no Christian lives without sinning; thus they
charge God with excusing the inexcusable and the Christian with
deliberate dabbling in that which he could avoid." 55
Richard Taylor
To substantiate the above claims I would like to briefly cite two
songs that are regularly aired on WQCK: Show You Love,
by Jaci Velasquez, and We Fall Down, by Bob Carlisle. We will
examine the lyrics of these two songs and thereby expose the false and
misleading theology they communicate. However, even though I offer
only two examples it is important for us to understand that these
songs represent what is commonly expressed in much of Christian music
today. The theology presented in the vast balance of Contemporary
Christian Music is faulty, if not extremely detrimental to true
Biblical Christianity.
Show You Love
by Jaci Velasquez
Please forgive me If I come on too strong. I get a
little anxious When I talk about God's love. Hold me back now, Stop me
if I start to preach, 'Cause I don't want to be the one To push you
out of reach. The way to give love Is how you
live love; That is what I'll do. You cannot fight
it, You can't deny it. Love will get to you.
[Chorus] Don't wanna get up in your face, Don't
wanna put the pressure on, Don't wanna make you run away, Just wanna
show you love. Don't wanna beg you to believe, Don't wanna take you
for a ride, Don't wanna sell you anything, Just wanna show you love,
Show you love; Just wanna show you love. Love, love, love.
I won't convince you With anything I say. But maybe
you will see His love In how it is portrayed. An act of kindness,
A loving sacrifice; Simple little things that have
The pow'r to change your life. There's no surprises, And no
disguises; Just the blessed truth. No obligations,
No complications; Just a gift for you.
Don't wanna get up in your face, Don't wanna put
the pressure on, Don't wanna make you run away, Just wanna
show you love. Don't wanna beg you to believe,
Don't wanna take you for a ride, Don't wanna sell you anything,
Just wanna show you love, Show you love; Just wanna
show you love.
Oh, oh, oh, oh. Love's gonna get you. Oh, oh, oh,
oh. Love's gonna get you. The way to give love Is how you live
love; That is what I'll do. You cannot fight it,
And you can't deny it. Love will get to you. (Get to you)
[Chorus] Don't wanna get up in your face, Don't
wanna put the pressure on, Don't wanna make you run away, Just wanna
show you love. Don't wanna beg you to believe, Don't wanna take you
for a ride, Don't wanna sell you
anything, Just wanna show you love, Show you love,
Show you love, Show you love, Show you love. Live love,
that's how you give love. Live love, that's how you
give love.
First of all, there are many unscriptural aspects in the lyrics of
this song. The artist brazenly states that she is unwilling to
PREACH to the listener. Amazingly, she also implies that
preaching would be the cause of pushing someone away
from the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a reoccurring and common theme
throughout the CCM camp - the utter HATRED for an
authoritative declaration of God's Word. Rock-and-roll is
characterized by REBELLION and this generation has
desperately sought to bring this music into God's house. Many in the
CCM crowd will "sing" but they refuse to preach because preaching
often offends. Incidentally, NO WHERE IN THE N.T. IS MUSIC EVER
USED TO EVANGELIZE! The Bible clearly states that God has
CHOSEN and ORDAINED "preaching" to
communicate the gospel.
1 Cor.
1:18, 21 For the
preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us
which are saved it is the power of God...21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew
not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save
them that believe.
Throughout the N.T. the Greek words translated preach means
to proclaim, to herald, and to publicly cry out. Jesus Christ Himself
COMMANDED that we should, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the
gospel to every creature." This statement by Ms. Velasquez
is a direct and bold refusal to do as Jesus commanded in the Great
Commission.
"Preaching can have no substitute or rivals; to discount or retire
it is to discount and retire God."
E.M. Bounds
Later in the song, Ms. Velasquez gives the listener the impression
that there are no "obligations" in the gospel message. Indeed, the
impression that the entire song communicates is that there are no
conditions one must fulfill in order to receive and experience God's
love. This is a lie. Jesus said in Luke 13:3, "I tell you nay, except ye repent, ye shall all
likewise perish." Repentance, or the turning away from of all
sin, is a condition for salvation. This is taught throughout the N.T.
Again, Jesus encouraged all to count the cost of discipleship before
making a commitment to follow Him [Luke 12:28]. He also said, "If any man will come after
me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and
whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it"
[Matt 16:24-25]. We cannot have eternal life unless we are
willing to submit ourselves to Jesus to be used for His glory. We
cannot continue to do as we please and at the same time confess that
Jesus is our Lord. WE CANNOT HAVE THE LIFE OF JESUS UNLESS WE
ARE WILLING TO LAY DOWN OUR OWN! Many such things did Jesus
say regarding the duty of man concerning his response to the gospel.
To suggest to anyone that man has no "obligation" in the call to
follow Jesus Christ is to literally pervert the gospel. This is to
promote another gospel and another Jesus!
"The great miracle of God is that He forgives sin, and it is the
death of Jesus Christ alone that enables the Divine nature to forgive
and remain true to itself in doing so. It is shallow nonsense to say
that God forgives us because He is love. When we have been convicted
of sin we will never say this again. The love of God means Calvary and
nothing less; the love of God is spelt on the cross and nowhere else.
The only ground on which God can forgive me is through the Cross of my
Lord. There His conscience is satisfied. Beware of a kind and pleasant
view of the Fatherhood of God - God is kind and loving that He will
forgive us. This sentiment has no place whatever in the new Testament.
The only ground on which God can forgive us is the tremendous tragedy
of the Cross of Christ; to put forgiveness on any other ground is
unconscious blasphemy." Oswald Chambers
However, aside from the humanistic lyrics is the incredibly sensual
manner and spirit in which this song is communicated. The quality and
tone of the entire song is saturated with suggestive, provocative, and
erotic implications. To assume that the Spirit of God has moved upon
Ms. Velasquez to communicate "God's love" in such a manner is to
reveal an incredible spiritual blindness. The Holy Ghost is pure,
holy, and innocent; He would never inspire such carnality. If anyone
could dare believe that this song was inspired by God I would wonder
if such a person could discern the difference between a Sunday School
class and a whore house. To present the love of God as something
fleshly, rebellious, and sensual is a misrepresentation of the person
of God and the gospel of His dear Son, Jesus Christ. This constitutes
blasphemy.
We Fall Down
by Bob Carlisle
The words to the chorus are sung over and over...
"We fall down we get up [repeat] - the saints are just the
sinners who fall down and get up."
Just the title of this song conveys an incredible unbelief in the
delivering power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Turn the pages of time
back a generation and the church was singing STANDING ON THE
PROMISES, today we're singing WE FALL DOWN!
Incredible! Such songs epitomize the sin-excusing theology of
the false church at large. The Bible clearly teaches that the object
of the gospel is to literally deliver men from ALL their
sins. We are instructed to trust Christ to deliver us from all
disobedience and rebellion and to have faith in the keeping power of
God!
Romans
6:11 Likewise
reckon [believe] ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin,
but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
2 Thes.
3:3 But the Lord
is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from
evil.
Jude
1:24 Now unto
him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you
faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding
joy...
This song also promotes an unbiblical
concept which is contrary to the very spirit of true repentance. True
repentance is to turn from all sin. It is to confess and to forsake
all disobedience and to make covenant with God to abstain, by His
grace, from all that the Bible calls sin.
Proverbs
28:13 He that
covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and
forsaketh them shall have mercy.
Repentance is a condition for
regeneration [Luke 13:3-5]. Where there is no repentance there can be
no regeneration. True repentance forsakes sin, gains the victory, and
resists the very thought of returning to iniquity. However, Mr.
Carlisle, in his song We Fall Down, promotes exactly the
opposite idea - one in which the saint [Christian] never forsakes sin
but in reality sins again and again without apparent remedy. After
listening to his song one is left with the impression that we should
expect to fall in and out of sin. This represents a false repentance
that the Bible describes as worldly...
2 Cor.
7:10 For godly
sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the
sorrow of the world worketh death.
"A person who is continually and
repeatedly repenting for the same sins does not differ from those who
have never believed, except that the unbelievers are not aware that
they are sinning. And I don't know which of the two is worse. So the
frequent asking of forgiveness for those things in which we
continually transgress is not true repentance. It is merely the
semblance of repentance." Clement
"When there is no fear, there is no
change of conduct. Where there is no change, there is only a vain
'repentance.' For it lacks the fruit for which God purposed it - the
salvation of man." 56 Tertullian
As one would expect, this produces a sin-excusing theology that can
only be described as antinomian...
ANTINO'MIAN - One of a sect who maintain, that, under
the gospel dispensation, the law is of no use or obligation; or who
hold doctrines which supersede the necessity of good works and a
virtuous life. 57
This faulty and blasphemous spiritual posture perfectly mirrors the
current mind-set of multitudes of religious hypocrites who scoff at
Christ's message of deliverance from all sin. We live in an age were
antinomianism reigns. Just read the bumper stickers of the
professing Christians as they drive by at break-neck speeds -
"Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven." Such
demon-inspired theology has spawned a generation that lampoons
holiness, chafes under God's demand of a pure life, and arrogantly
labels obedience as "legalism." "Everybody sins!" they piously, yet
ignorantly, cry. They appear to be unfamiliar with what the Bible
says...
Romans
6:2 God forbid.
How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer
therein?
2 Tim.
2:19 ...The Lord
knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of
Christ depart from iniquity.
1 John
2:4 He that
saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and
the truth is not in him.
1 John 3:6,
9-10 Whosoever
abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him,
neither known him...9Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed
remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
10In this the children of God are manifest, and the children
of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither
he that loveth not his brother.
1 John
5:18 We know
that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of
God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
They exalt sin as if it were more
powerful and potent than the blood of Jesus Christ. They say,
"NO ONE CAN STOP SINNING! WE WILL ALL FALL AS LONG AS WE
LIVE!" Again, they err, not knowing the Scriptures nor the
power of God.
Romans
6:14 For sin
shall not have dominion over you...
2 Peter
2:14 Having eyes
full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling
unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices;
cursed children...
Incidentally, the second chapter of the second epistle of Peter
describes false teachers and their followers. False teachers and their
converts always constitute the "false church." This verse tells us
that an attribute of the counterfeit church will be their inability to
cease from sin! Considering this Scriptural truth we can logically
conclude that the true Church of Jesus Christ are those, who through
God's grace, live obedient and holy lives.
Any doctrine that makes provision for sin or seeks to redefine a
Scriptural truth is a false doctrine. We Fall Down is a
song that promotes teaching which does both - it depicts falling in
and out of sin as a normal experience for the born-again believer and
it seeks to redefine what the Bible teaches regarding the character of
a saint. Nowhere in the Bible does the Holy Ghost even remotely define
saints as sinners. In fact the Bible says in...
Galatians
2:17 But if,
while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found
sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God
forbid.
What does the Bible say about the saint? It certainly doesn't leave
one with the impression that the saints are those who moment by moment
and day by day fall in and out of sin.
H Saint: {Greek} hag'-ee-os, Sacred, physically pure, morally
blameless, consecrated, and most holy. 58
Psalm
97:10 Ye that
love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he
delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
Ephes.
5:1-6 Be ye
therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath
given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a
sweetsmelling savour. 3But fornication, and all uncleanness,
or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as
becometh saints; 4Neither filthiness, nor foolish
talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of
thanks. 5For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person,
nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the
kingdom of Christ and of God. 6Let no man deceive you with vain
words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the
children of disobedience.
Rev.
14:12 Here is
the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments
of God, and the faith of Jesus.
Rev.
19:8 And to her
was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white:
for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
It is songs like We Fall Down that breed and
strengthen the popular antinomian gospel that is preached in
most evangelical/charismatic churches today. This gospel is another
gospel. It is spawned by the father of all lies and careful
examination will show his finger-prints are all over this fraudulent
message [John 8:44]. Why? Because God has never promoted or excused
sin; on the other hand, this is the devil's specialty. Unfortunately,
while singing songs like this we've produced a generation of
professing Christians who hate holiness. For the genuine believer who
is burdened to see God the Father exalted through His chosen people
this gut-wrenching scenario is grievous indeed.
Psalm
119:136 Rivers
of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy
law.
"John Wesley [the father of Methodism] defines antinomianism
as 'the doctrine that makes void the law through faith.'"
59 Richard Taylor
The theology that is presented in Bob
Carlisle's song, We Fall Down, is false and devilish. In
essence, it teaches that the only difference between the unregenerate
world and the believer is one of forgiveness alone, rather than
complete deliverance. THIS IS A FALSE DOCTRINE OF THE MOST
DANGEROUS MAGNITUDE! Again, we ask ourselves, "Is this what
the Scriptures teach?" The Bible defines the difference between the
Christian and the worldling is not merely forgiveness alone, but
something that can be discerned, detected, and clearly seen -
THEIR MORAL BEHAVIOR!
Matthew
7:16-20
Ye
shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or
figs of thistles?
17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good
fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit,
neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit
is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know
them.
Luke
6:46
And
why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I
say?
John
14:23-24 Jesus
answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and
my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode
with him. 24He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings:
and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent
me.
1 John
1:6 If we say
that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do
not the truth...
1 John
2:29 If ye know
that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness
is born of him.
1 John
3:10 In this the
children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever
doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his
brother.
This analysis may seem cold,
calculating, and void of mercy but please do not understand it to be
so. We are talking about the GOSPEL and how this current
generation is communicating the message and person of Jesus Christ.
There can be no room for personal taste, entertainment, or fleshly
bias. Are we really preaching the same gospel that the Apostles
preached? Jesus is searching for pure vessels who will accurately
represent Him in the earth.
An Actual Log With
Entry Data Is Furnished For Your Scrutiny
"There is no greater fallacy than to think that you need a gospel
for special types of people." 60 D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Kurt, when you and I spoke on the
phone you asked me for specifics that would verify my allegations
regarding the lack of true spirituality in the music aired on
WQCK. When I could not recall the names of the songs or the
artists which I cited as worldly, you asked if I would "judge
your station" on the basis of merely a few songs. Therefore, I have
provided in the following pages, a detailed analysis of 92.7FM based
on 16 random hours of listening time. I took pen and pad with me
everywhere I went in my automobile. As I listened to your station I
took careful and meticulous notes. The names of the songs, the artist,
the messages of the songs, any details of interest to my survey, the
times and dates, and the active DJ's were all recorded if they were
known [see the end of this section for a duplicate of this detailed
log].
The Qualifying Keys
in my survey were: Praise & Worship, The
Name of Jesus, The Blood of Jesus, The
Cross
of Jesus,
Repentance, The Resurrection of Christ,
The Return of Christ, and The Last
Judgment.
My aim in this survey is to prove
that the contents of most of the music aired on WQCK is
anything but Christian. To do this, I established a standard whereby
each song was to be judged without prejudice. There were eight themes
with which I judged each song. If a song contained any
ONE of these words, phrases, or characteristics [in the
case of Praise & Worship] then the song qualified in my survey as
"Christian." You will notice that the criteria for this survey was
extremely liberal. Remember, a song only had to mention one of these
phrases or words to quality. Keep in mind that I would never allow
much of the music that qualified to be used in my own church, nor do I
personally believe that they are indeed Christian songs. However, I
sought to be very gracious so as to avoid the bias of personal taste.
So if the song contained these words or phrases, they qualified,
regardless of my personal opinion of the true spirit of the song. All
that was required to qualify a song as a Praise & Worship song was
if such words as praise, worship, exaltation,
honor, or glory were used in the lyrics. If the song could
be categorized as vertical (sung directly to God), rather than
horizontal (sung to man about God) then it met the P&W
criteria.
You might ask why I did not include the word Love as one of
the key words that would qualify a song as Christian. It is clear to
me that although love is indeed a major theme throughout the
Bible, the word love could not be defined as distinctly
Christian. In other words, songs containing the word love would
not characterize the song as unmistakably Christian. I believe it
would be safe to say that love is one of the most popular, if
not the most popular, theme in secular music. Hence, to use the term
love so as to judge a song's spirituality would be faulty.
Whereas, terms and phrases like the blood of Jesus, or the
cross of Christ are rarely, if ever, mentioned in worldly music
and therefore could possibly set a song "apart" as spiritual.
Furthermore, in this hour many false doctrines are masked under the
term "love." It is apparent to any serious student of the Bible that
the love of God is grossly misunderstood today. Many speak of
God's "love" but in essence they actually promote an unbiblical and
humanistic "tolerance." They offer God's promises of forgiveness,
restoration, and fellowship without clearly communicating the Biblical
conditions of repentance, faith, and obedience. God is not tolerant,
but loving. There is a vast difference between tolerance and love. In
His love, God sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross so the sinner
could be set free from his sins. Nevertheless, if sinners refuse God's
love by the rejection of the gospel of Jesus Christ then they must
face God's wrath. If we leave men with the impression that God will
not judge them for their sins then we do them a great spiritual
disservice and misrepresent God's character as revealed in Scripture.
Exodus
34:7 Keeping
mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin,
and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the
iniquity of the fathers upon the children...
Nahum
1:2-3 God is
jealous, and the Lord revengeth; the Lord revengeth, and is furious;
the Lord will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth
wrath for his enemies. 3The Lord is slow to anger, and great
in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked...
If you were to ask most Christians in
America to sum up the gospel in five words or less they would reply
without hesitation, "Jesus Loves You." No real Christian will deny the
fact of God's love expressed to mankind through the person of Jesus
Christ. However, Jesus Himself, nor the Apostles ever uttered these
words as they preached the gospel. A close examination of the N.T.
will reveal that the TRUE gospel message and the method
in which it was delivered is much different than our current "much
improved and inoffensive version." Jesus was indeed motivated by love
but He only speaks of God's love for humanity in SIX
verses of the four gospels. In contrast, Jesus mentioned hell,
judgment, condemnation, and wrath in 163 verses in the same four
gospels. The Book of Acts [which records more public proclamation of
the gospel than any other book in the Bible with the exception of the
gospels] NEVER mentions the love of God. Not in one
public sermon by either Paul, Peter, Philip, or Stephen did they ever
mention God's love. However, they mentioned the fear of God six times
and repentance several times. Let me ask you, are we wiser than Jesus
and the Apostles? Are our methods Scriptural? Whose gospel is out of
balance? May we learn that it is more important for us to be
'motivated' by love than to speak of love. The Bible says in
1 John
3:18 My little
children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and
in truth.
Likewise, many today boast of their
"love for God" and yet rarely manifest any clear Biblical fruit to
validate such a claim. Our love for God is not a
warm-fuzzy-feeling-inside but a COMMITMENT to accomplish
His perfect will and keep His Word! In this hour many who claim to
love God are only interested in what God can do for them. Tragically,
they deceive themselves if they believe that this constitutes a
genuine love for God.
"The language of love and the language of seduction are basically
the same; The one who wants a woman for a wife and the one who wants
her just for the night both say, 'I love you'....but they mean totally
different things. One speaks of commitment the other of
gratification." Richard Wurmbrand
Luke
6:46
And
why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I
say?
1 John
5:3 For this
is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his
commandments are not grievous.
Back to Top
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WHAT
ARE THE FINAL RESULTS OF THIS SURVEY?
Total: 223 songs - 16 hours of listening
time.
THE WORD OF GOD: This
is difficult to believe but the DJ's did not quote one Scripture verse
in sixteen hours of playing time! In fact, the only Scripture verse I
heard was John 3:16. It was sung once by Jaci Valasquez in a song
entitled, The Love of God. How can there be ministry
without the Word of God?
Total qualifying songs:
43 = 19.2% Less than 2 out of 10 songs even mention terms
synonymous to the gospel. This translates into 80% of the time the
music is so ambiguous that it does not communicate Biblical
terms.
Name of Jesus: 28 =
12.5% Only 1 out of 8 songs mention the name of Jesus.
Unbelievable! How can you exalt Christ without mentioning His
name?
Blood of Jesus: 3 =
1.3% This means you would have to listen to nearly 100 songs on
WQCK to even hear the blood of Jesus mentioned! Don't you find
this incredible? A man would have to listen to WQCK
approximately, according to my calculations, between 7 and 10 hours
before he would even hear about the blood of Jesus!
THE Cross: 8 = 3.5%
Less than 4 times in 100 songs is the cross of Jesus Christ
mentioned. This is terrible. Will you still contend that WQCK
is a Christian radio station?
Repentance: 1 =
0.4% Again, this is hard to believe, but I had to listen to 16
hours of listening time to hear the word repent ONE
TIME! Incidentally, this is the first spiritual theme Jesus
preached [Matt. 4:17]!
Resurrection: 3 =
1.3% Again, I would have to tune in to 92.7FM for the
equivalent of a full work day to hear that Jesus was raised from the
dead!
THE Return of Jesus: 2
= 0.8% Less than one in one hundred songs mentions the return
of Jesus Christ.
Judgment: 1 =
0.4% 16 hours of listening time and only one hint of divine
judgment for sinners.
Praise & Worship: 7
= 3.1% Only 3 out of 100 songs were Praise & Worship.
Meaning they were vertical songs - songs written and sang directly to
God in praise, worship, or adoration.
What irrefutable conclusions can be
drawn from this analysis? Only 3 in 100 songs can be described as
Praise & Worship. Only one out of eight songs even include the
name of Jesus and 80% of the music aired on WQCK doesn't even
MENTION words that represent ESSENTIAL
elements of the gospel and sound doctrine. You profess to be a
ministry don't you? After reading such evidence wouldn't it be more
honest to admit that you are only interested in COMMERCIAL
ENTERTAINMENT? Is this Scriptural? What little truth is
contained in the music that airs merely presents a CROSSLESS,
BLOODLESS, LAWLESS gospel that ignores the justice of a holy
God. Just because the terms "love" or "god" are mentioned does not
constitute truth. For example, these terms can be readily found in the
speech and writings of every major cult on planet earth. YET
THEY ARE CHARACTERIZED BY IGNORING THE PERSON OF JESUS and HIS ATONING
BLOOD AND POWER! The message presented on WQCK leaves
one with the impression that the rift between God and sinful man is
merely a misunderstanding. As if all that is needed is for man to
simply understand God's "unconditional love." The sinner is made to be
the victim of sin rather than the author of it, wholly
responsible. Such a gospel replaces the true Biblical call for
repentance with -- "Now, now - you are hurting and falling, Jesus
loves you and He is deeply concerned about you, won't you come and let
him take away your pain?" This is not the gospel message!
"The man who does not know the nature of the Law cannot know the
nature of sin, and he who does not know the nature of sin cannot know
the nature of the Savior." John Bunyan
"They will never accept grace until
they tremble before a just and holy law."
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
"Deal with the sin and not with the sinner is a maxim of popular
acceptance, but like most popular maxims when adopted by the pulpit it
makes havoc of truth and righteousness. The sin and the sinner are
inseparable. Sin is not an abstract entity. It has its being through
the sinner. Sin is not an accountable thing. The sinner is accountable
for the sin. The only way to destroy the sin is through the sinner.
Our gospel is a personal gospel. 'Thou art the man' is the epitome of
its purpose. To separate and purge the person from his sins is the
chief aim of the gospel." 61 E M Bounds
Whereas the old hymns like Power
In The Blood are rich in Biblical theology, these new songs
reflect a hodge-podge, piecemeal, quasi-religious, and humanistic
philosophy. Overall, the qualifying songs accounted for 19.2% of the
whole, or, less than 2 out of every 10 songs aired. This means 80.8%
of the music could not be distinguished from secular music. THIS
IS APPALLING!
Do you still suppose that it is unfounded, unfair, or illogical for
me to conclude that 92.7FM is not a Christian radio station? What if
you came to my church and I never quoted the Bible while I professed
to be "ministering?" Suppose you visited my church and I preached to
you for 16 hours and rarely mentioned terms synonymous with gospel?
What would you think of my ministry? Gentlemen, please be honest -
WQCK cannot logically be referred to as Christian! To continue
to promote yourselves as Christian in light of this overwhelming
evidence to the contrary would be nothing short of fraudulent.
Jeremiah
48:10 Cursed be
he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully...
In Conclusion, The
Primary attitude That appears to Fuel WQCK And It's Associated
Ministries Is A "MEn-Pleasing" SPIRIT!
Galatians
1:10 For do I
now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet
pleased men, I should not be the servant of
Christ.
Brethren, I encourage you to apply
the words of one of America's greatest evangelists to the motives of
your heart regarding the driving aim and purpose for the existence of
your radio station. Remember, you will stand before God and give an
account for the spiritual quality of your "ministry." Listen to Mr.
Charles Finney as he describes the marks of an unspiritual and
fruitless ministry. 62
How to preach so as to convert
nobody:
[1] Let your supreme motive be popularity rather than salvation.
[2] Study to please your congregation and to make a reputation rather
than to please God. [3] Take up popular, passing and sensational
themes to draw the crowd, and avoid the essential doctrines of
salvation.
[4] Denounce sin in the abstract, but pass lightly over sins that
prevail in your congregation. [5] Preach on the loveliness of virtue
and the glory of heaven, but not on the sinfulness of sin. [6] Reprove
the sins of the absent, but make those who are present pleased with
themselves, so that they will enjoy the sermon and not go away with
their feelings hurt.
[7] Make the impression on worldly church members that God is too
good to send anyone to hell, even if there is a hell.
[8] Preach the universal Fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man
so as to show that no second birth is really needed.
May God open YOUR EYES TO SEE THAT YOU MIGHT REPENT!
5/11/99 7:00PM - 7:15PM 6 2 The name of Jesus was mentioned
in one song. The name of Jesus + His Blood was mentioned
in another song (remake of the old hymn Nothing But The Blood).
5/11/99 10:00PM - 11:00PM 14 2 The name of Jesus was
mentioned in two songs.
One of the DJs for this
session on 5/11/99 was Tiffany Elliot. There were no
songs that could be viewed as Praise & Worship. No
Scripture verse was quoted during these time frames. Various artist
were mentioned, including some of the following names: Layton
Howerton, Clay Crosse, Cindy
Morgan, DC Talk, Wes King, Rhonda Gun, and Wayne
Watson.
5/12/99 1:30PM - 3:45PM 29 5 The name of Jesus was
mentioned in two songs. The Cross was mentioned in another
song. Two songs could be considered Praise & Worship
(one was a remake of El-Shaddi).
5/12/99 4:00PM - 4:30PM 7 1 The name of Jesus was
mentioned in one song.
5/12/99 11:20PM -
5/13/99 12:20AM 14 0 There were no qualifying songs.
The name of the DJ for a
portion of the 5/12/99 session was Peter Kay. The other
DJs are unknown. No Scripture verses were quoted during these time
frames. One worldly song was noted, a remake of the Kenny
Loggins song - You're The Biggest Part Of Me along with
another suspicious song, United We Stand, Divided We Fall.
Various artists were mentioned, including some of the following
names: DC Talk, Bob Carlisle, Steven Curtis Chapman, Rebacca St. James,
Caroline Arrons, Jaci Velasquez, and Newsong.
5/13/99 2:30PM - 3:00PM 7 2 The
name of Jesus was mentioned in one song and the Cross in
another.
5/13/99 4:00PM - 4:30PM 7 2 The Cross was mentioned
in one song. The name of Jesus, and The Return Of Jesus,
and the Resurrection of Christ in another (this was a remake of
the song Midnight Cry).
5/13/99 5:40PM - 6:40PM 13 3 One song mentioned Jesus
another the Blood. One song was Praise & Worship.
The name of one of the DJs on 5/13/99 was Tim
Sinclair. Pastor Stockstill was heard offering a short
message encouraging "Order," however, no Scriptures were quoted, nor
was a clear gospel message presented. John 3:16 was sang in a
song by Jaci Velasquez, The Love
Of God. Otherwise, no Scripture verses were quoted verbatim during
these time frames though there was a portion of one mentioned in a
song (be still and know that I am God). Several artists were
mentioned including: Steven Curtis Chapman, Clay Crosse, Natalie
Grant, Michelle Tumes, FFH, Jaci Velasquez, Phil Keaggy, Matthew Ward,
Michael W. Smith, Susan Ashton, David Messe, and Rebecca St.
James.
5/14/99 1:00AM - 2:00AM 15 4 Two songs mentioned the name of
Jesus, one mentioned the Resurrection, and another the
Cross.
5/14/99 7:00PM - 8:00PM 13 2 One song was a Praise
& Worship song that mentioned Repentance &
Judgment and another the name of Jesus and His
Blood (Again, the remake of the old hymn, Nothing But The
Blood).
5/14/99 8:45PM - 9:15PM 7 1 One song mentioned the
Cross.
5/14/99 10:00PM - 10:30PM 5 2 One song was Praise &
Worship and another mentioned the name of Jesus.
5/14/99 11:30PM - 12:00M 7 1 One song mentioned the name of
Jesus.
One of the DJs who worked during these time periods was Tiffany
Elliot. There were no Scripture verses quoted. I heard a remake of
the old worldly song, Shower The Ones You Love With Love.
Various artists name were mentioned including: Steven Curtis
Chapman, Virtue, Sierra, Michael W. Smith, Wayne Watson, 4Him,
Susan Ashton, Newsong, Jaci Velasquez, BeBe Winans, Rich Mullins,
Anointed, Margaret Becker.
5/15/99 12:00M - 12:30AM 8 2 One song mentioned the name of
Jesus and another the name of Jesus and the
Cross.
5/15/99 1:20PM - 1:40PM 4 1 One Praise & Worship
song.
5/15/99 7:40PM - 8:50PM 17 2 The name of Jesus was
mentioned in one song. The name of Jesus and the Cross
mentioned in another.
Two of the DJs who worked during these time periods were Tim
Sinclari and Tiffany Elliot. There were no Scripture verses
quoted. Various artists names were mentioned including: Michael W.
Smith, Bryan Duncan, Chris Rice, Avalon, DC Talk, Kathy Troccoli, Clay Crosse, Natalie
Grant.
5/17/99 1:20PM - 1:45PM 6 0 There
were no qualifying songs.
The DJ for this session is
unknown. There were no Scriputre verses quoted. Various artists names
were mentioned including: DC Talk, Newsong, and Bob
Carlisle.
5/18/99 5:00PM - 5:15PM 5 0 There
were no qualifying songs.
5/18/99 6:35PM - 7:00PM 5 3 The
name of Jesus was mentioned in three songs.
5/18/99 11:15PM - 11:30PM 4 0
There were no qualifying songs.
The DJs for these time
periods were Tim Sinclair and Tiffany Elliot. There were
no Scripture Verses quoted. Various artist names were mentioned
including: Amy Grant, DC Talk, Rebecca St. James, Daryle Evans,
Michael W. Smith, Out Of The Grey, Marc Robinson, and Bryan
Duncan.
5/20/99 12:00N - 12:15PM 4 2
There were two songs that mentioned the name of Jesus.
5/20/99 6:50PM - 7:10PM 5 1 The
Cross was mentioned in one song.
5/20/99 10:00PM - 10:40PM 10 2
One song could be considered a Praise & Worship song and
another mentioned the name of Jesus.
One of the DJs for these
sessions was Tiffany Elliot. There were no Scripture Verses
quoted. Michael English sang one song, a man who admitted to
adultery and who now also sings secular music. Other artist who were
mentioned were: Jaci Velasquez, City Of Gold, DC Talk, and
Kathy Troccoli.
5/24/99 8:50PM - 9:35PM 11 3 The
name of Jesus, The Resurrection, and The Return Of
Christ was mentioned in one song. There were two other songs that
mentioned the name of Jesus.
The DJ for this session was
Tiffany Elliot. No Scripture verses were quoted although Ms.
Elliot did describe the musical selections as, "..music to help
you chill out." The names of various artist were mentioned including:
Michael W. Smith, Point Of Grace, and Jamie
Slocum.
NOTICE A
COMPARISON WITH OTHER "CHRISTIAN" STATIONS IN THIS AREA
The following is regarding 88.5FM
WJFM:
5/19/99 2:35PM - 3:45PM 11 10
Eight songs mentioned the name of Jesus while also mentioning
Repentance, Judgment and the Cross. One song
mentioned the Blood and another could be considered a Praise
& Worship song.
The Djs for this session
are unknown. Several verses of Scripture were read.
Total songs:
11
Qualifying songs:
10 = 90.9%
The following is regarding 89.7FM
- WPAE.
5/19/99 10:30AM - 11:00AM 7 4 Two
songs mentioned the name of Jesus. One song mentioned the name
of Jesus and the Blood and another the Cross and
the Blood.
6/12/99 4:30PM - 4:45PM 5 5 Three
songs mentioned the name of Jesus. One the Blood of
Jesus and finally one was a Praise & Worship song.
One of the DJ for this
session was Willie Kennedy. There was one verse of Scripture
quoted. The name of
one artist was mentioned,
Philp Willis.
Total Songs:
12
Qualifying Songs:
9 = 75%
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
E-Mail Message #1
May
1999
WQCK
Christian Contemporary Radio
92.7FM "The Bridge"
Dear Sirs,
Choice greetings in the wonderful
name of Jesus Christ! I am a pastor in Woodville, Mississippi, which
is just across the state line and within your broadcasting range. I am
originally from Baton Rouge and can remember listening to your radio
station when I was a young Christian in the mid/late 1980's. However,
over the years I have sensed an incredible shift in programming,
especially in the type music which is aired. Several years ago I
ceased listening to your radio station because of this very
reason.
Today, I briefly turned on
92.7FM and was shocked and appalled by what I heard. Gentlemen,
to be very candid and honest with you [please don't misconstrue these
statements as facetious or arrogant]; I was unable to decide whether
the music was "Christian" or not! Who are these people singing about?
Jesus? His name is rarely mentioned or even alluded to! For all the
listener knows, these folks could be singing about their mother,
girlfriend, pet, or mistress! Much of what I heard was merely silly
love[?] songs that do violence and disgrace to the transcendent nature
of this marvelous and wonderful covenant! Jesus is pure and Holy. The
Spirit of God is the author of peace, order, and righteousness. The
rhythms and spirit of the music which I heard today on your radio
station can only be described as Satanic. It was often oppressive,
sin-excusing, sensual, and haunting. I realize that such criticisms
will generally garner the "rolling of the eyes," but I beg you to
consider what you are peddling and apparently palming-off as pure
Christianity. Jesus is not a rock-n-roller. Jesus is not a
head-banger. Jesus is no punker. And Jesus is not a rapper. Jesus is
the Risen Lord and he needs no one to dress him in the worldly garb of
popular culture to win the hearts of the wicked and the hypocrite.
Jesus has never appealed to the masses and He never will. Jesus sits
with no one at the bargaining table of eternity. He commands all men
to repent and follow him. He demands total submission. In this age of
ready-made-and-user-friendly-evangelism we would be wise to
remember that HE IS CREATOR and we are the creatures. He
made us, we don't make Him. No one has the right to fashion a Jesus
after their own liking. NO ONE! Why can't you see this?
Please, if there is someone, ANYONE among you with "ears
to hear" I encourage you to separate from this leavened and
compromising false spirit.
1 John
4:5-6 They are
of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth
them. We
are of God: he that
knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby
know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.6
The only way to describe such music
and the spirit that it promotes is "worldliness." If this is not
worldliness then what would constitute it? The music you promote
sounds like the world, looks like the world, acts like the world, and
is accepted by the world! Jesus has always been hated by the
unregenerate. He has not changed. If there is no violent hatred
exhibited by the world for something which professes to be "Christian"
then this indicates that something is deeply amiss.
John
15:18-21 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it
hated you. 19If ye were of the world, the world would love his
own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of
the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20Remember the word that
I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they
have persecuted me, they will also persecute you...
I would dare say that God utterly
hates the music that I heard today. If this is not true, and in fact
the music I heard was inspired by God, then I am certainly filled with
the most grievous devil. You may ask, "How, sir, do you come to such a
drastic conclusion?"
This is simple. The Spirit that
dwells within me was completely disgusted and repulsed by what I
listened to today on your station. This Spirit is the same Spirit that
delivered me from all manner of sin and rebellion some 12-13 years
ago. I believe it is the Spirit of Jesus Christ!
As a Christian and a Pastor I will
continue to warn other believers to avoid your radio station. I will
boldly declare to the unsaved that the music aired on FM 92.7
presents an impure reflection of the true Biblical Christ. I warn you
that to misrepresent Jesus Christ is a grave and serious offense.
Please, prayerfully consider your ways. I felt it would be appropriate
to contact you and let you know my complaints. I have no personal
vendetta against you, I merely can not understand how anyone who
claims to be a Christian could endorse such blatant compromise and
mixture. May God open your eyes.
Sincerely,
Pastor Britt Williams
Consuming Fire
Fellowship
E-Mail Message #2
May
1999
Mr. Kurt
Wallace
Station
Manager
WQCK
92.7 FM
"The
Bridge"
Dear Brother,
After our brief conversation on the
phone recently I am compelled to offer a more extensive and exhaustive
explanation for my opinions regarding the music programming of your
radio station. After all, this is what you requested and I feel an
obligation to attempt to answer your legitimate questions. Like
yourself, my time is very limited, so please be patient with me as I
endeavor to present you with clear examples within the "Contemporary
Christian Music Industry" of unbiblical theology, behavior, and music.
I intend on forwarding you my observations within the next several
weeks via e-mail and/or U.S. Mail. After reading my arguments please
feel free to contact me and offer your ideas or objections.
I have often wondered how anyone
could defend the spirituality of such music as is often aired on
WQCK. It has been my opinion in times past that such people
would naturally possess a wrong attitude of heart. Why? In my
estimation, to seek and justify immodesty, sensuality, wholesale
rebellion, and brazenly worldly entertainment would logically and
Scripturally [James 4:4; 1 John 2:15] reflect deeper spiritual
problems. The contemporary music industry abounds with such examples
and it will not be difficult to document these unspiritual
discrepancies even among the most respected "stars." However, I do
recognize that often times sincere and honest people become innocently
entangled in deception. I do not question the sincerity of many of
these musicians or those who are entertained by them, only their lack
of truth as presented by Scripture. Nevertheless, we should note that
sincerity never negates the consequences of deception because the end
result is always the same - DESTRUCTION!
In actuality, it is due to the
spiritual weakness of the modern church that the current fleshly and
worldly music is accommodated. When the church was vibrant, say some
90 years ago, DC Talk would not have been allowed to perform
even among unbelievers in small-town-America, much less the church.
Are we wiser than the church of ages past? Why has such music been
introduced only in this hour? Isn't it because the church-world at
large will simply not be content with an uncomplicated, loving, and
obedient relationship with Jesus as Lord? Everywhere the cry is a
demand for ENTERTAINMENT, HAPPINESS, and
PROSPERITY! Jesus is no longer enough. The deeper
problem, and ultimately the greater blame, I believe, lies at the feet
of today's preachers. In this hour the pulpit has become a place of
popularity and a platform where the aim is to please men. Instead, it
should be a solemn place where men fearfully, yet boldly speak, "thus
saith the Lord!" Because it is not, the church languishes in spiritual
decline.
You may expect a letter from my hand
within the next month, possibly sooner, which will bring to light the
less than spiritual aspects of the music which is frequently aired on
92.7FM. I look forward to speaking with you further regarding
this topic.
Because He lives,
Brother Britt Williams
Consuming Fire
Fellowship
E-Mail Message
#3
June 1999
WQCK - 92.7FM
"The
Bridge"
Kurt Wallace -
Station Manager
Dear Kurt & Staff,
You will recall that I promised you a
more extensive and exhaustive explanation for my opinions regarding
the music programming of your radio station. In addition, I assured
you that I would send this information to you within a month. In the
next few days a month will have expired since I made these
commitments. I have indeed completed my research, however, I have been
extremely busy in the last month with other matters, many of which
were unforeseen when I last wrote you. Please accept my apologies for
the delay and I will forward you my findings as soon as possible.
Perhaps within the next 2 weeks. Thank you for your patience.
In Him,
Pastor Britt Williams
E-mail Messages
#4
July 8, 1999
Brother Britt,
I received your thesis on CCM
today. I will take some time to look through it and, Lord willing,
get back to you.
Two quick questions before I go. Why
did Jesus speak to the people in parables? Have you researched the
lives of the artists on WJFM and WPAE. You may be
surprised what you find.
In Christ,
Kurt Wallace, WQCK
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Brother Kurt,
Thanks for your quick reply. Let me
briefly answer your two questions.
[1] Why did Jesus speak to the
people in parables?
I assume you are citing the Lord's
use of parables to possibly justify the use of music to share the
gospel. If I've misunderstood your question please forgive me and
disregard the following reply.
Jesus indeed used parables in His
earthly ministry. A parable is merely a natural illustration to
communicate a spiritual truth. However, His method of communication
was through the medium of PREACHING, not music. This is
the Biblical pattern. Are we wiser than Jesus? Certainly, music was as
highly appreciated when Jesus was on earth as it is today. Why didn't
Jesus EVER use this medium to communicate His message?
Do you really believe that if Jesus were on earth today that He would
be hip-hoping, rapping, and head-banging? Do you sincerely believe he
would form a band? Do you believe he'd charge $18 -$20 to attend one
of His concerts? Kurt, honestly, can you see Jesus scantly dressed,
prancing around a stage, singing to hundreds of emotionally drunk and
screaming teenagers? Have we lost all sense of spiritual reality? I
have long seen the tendency in modern-day evangelical leadership to
stretch the Bible to their own liking. This is extremely
dangerous.
Incidentally, Jesus' parables
communicated the truths that I sought to find expressed in the music
on WQCK, namely, THE PERSON OF JESUS, REPENTANCE, THE
CROSS, THE BLOOD, THE RESURRECTION, THE RETURN OF CHRIST, AND THE
JUDGMENT TO COME. Unfortunately, the music I heard on WQCK
conveyed no such truth. As I've pointed out, many times it is
almost impossible to conclude "who" or "what" these musicians are
singing about. My survey clearly and irrefutably points this out. The
music I heard appears to be packaged to sell and please - not to
provoke individuals to sell-out to Jesus.
Why can't we just do things the way
that Jesus did in the gospels and the Apostles did in the book of
Acts? The problem with man is still the same - SIN.
God's solution has never changed - JESUS [and we know
that He never changes - Hebrews 13:8]. Furthermore, God's mandate for
spreading the gospel is still relevant today - GO YE INTO ALL
THE WORLD AND PREACH THE GOSPEL. As I pointed out in my
thesis, singing cannot, with any honest and logical treatment of the
definition, fulfill the call for the church to preach. Music
has its function and preaching another.
Ephes.
5:19
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual
songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the
Lord...
Col. 3:16
Let the word of
Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one
another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in
your hearts to the Lord.
This is the Word of God.
Tragically, we've become pragmatic.
We say, "If it works it must be God." "If it draws big numbers, it
must be God." This is a formula for compromise, deception, and finally
apostasy. The true Christian is primarily concerned with being
faithful to the Word of God, not necessarily with "success." Remember,
Jesus and the Word are synonymous [Jn 1:1]. We can't say we love Jesus
and at the same time lightly esteem His Word.
Kurt, I am 38 years old. When I was
born-again in 1987 the music that I CONSTANTLY listened
to was Rock-N-Roll. I am also a musician, a guitar player.
Please do not assume that I am opposed to the music on
WQCK simply because of my own personal taste. My
personal opinions and preferences had to be brought to the cross of
Christ long ago. When I became a Christian I sought to bring my entire
life, music included, under the submission of Jesus Christ according
to His Word. This cost me many things that were dear to my heart. My
opinions and personal taste mean nothing. The only thing that matters
is - WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY! In all things, we must be
able to validate our actions and ministry by the Bible. I've given you
the clear BIBLICAL reasons why this music should be
rejected, avoided, and exposed. It has nothing to do with my personal
taste.
I don't believe that the Bible
forbids using music in certain evangelistic contexts. For example,
playing a few songs before someone preaches would be fine, however,
music should never replace preaching as God's means to evangelize the
world. This is what has happened in this hour.
[2] Have you researched the lives
of the artists on WJFM and WPAE. You may be surprised what you
find.
No I haven't. I'm sure there is much
sin in many of these artist's lives. However, does this justify or
excuse what I've brought to your attention? Would these facts change
the Bible or God's standard? I don't care who it is, or what style
music they sing, if they don't live right or their music is
unspiritual they shouldn't be in ministry and no Christian should open
themselves up to them, period. I don't regularly listen to either of
these stations nor do I endorse their ministry or their music. My
point in including a comparison between WQCK and
WPAE/WJFM was merely to show you that the "content
alone" of much of the music aired on these stations is far superior to
what is aired on WQCK. Don't miss the point, brother, if
what I've revealed to you is true, then your programming is promoting
compromise. If these things be so, and they are, then you and Pastor
Stockstill will give an account to God Almighty. On the day of
judgment you will answer for the "ministry choices" you have made and
you will not be excused because WJFM or WPAE
were possibly guilty of the same compromises. Let me use an
example. Suppose you learned that I was guilty of frequenting a porn
shop. In Christian love you approached me and pointed out that, as a
Christian and a pastor, this was unacceptable behavior. Imagine your
alarm if my response to your loving concern was, "Kurt, have you read
what Jimmy Swaggart has done recently?" Not a good answer, right? I
believe you get my point.
I hope to hear from you soon.
In Him,
Brother Britt
E-Mail
Messages #5
July 9,
1999
Hey Britt,
This dialogue is good. I will respond
in length at some point, but until then, ponder this. The core of our
listeners are already saved (unless you think that because they are
listening to the Bridge they are hopelessly
lost!).
What we do is encourage believers.
Just like your congregation who are saved, a message of salvation week
after week, is not going to help them grow in the faith. Believers
need positive reinforcement during their daily walk along with
practical life application lessons. We provide that through the music
and back it up weekdays from 9 to 11:30am through the teaching
ministries of Focus on the Family, Larry Stockstill, Family Life
Today, Michael Usted, and Joyce Meyer. Do you understand my
point?
I think your time could be spent
better on positive messages to your congregation about others than
tearing down other believers and thus separating us! Agreed?
Love ya man! Have a great weekend and
may God use you mightily from the pulpit!
Kurt Wallace
92.7 The Bridge
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Brother,
Yes, I agree the dialogue is good,
this is why I wrote you...but what about the concerns at hand?
I believe you may be missing the
point of this entire exchange. I made accusations. You asked for
proof. Now, I offer clear reasons for my comments and you seem
surprised.
If you were to offer me irrefutable
proof that my ministry could be leavened, I would be alarmed,
deeply concerned, and yet thankful for the truth. Please, brother do
not see this as a heartless attack but a deep desire to see the Body
of Christ live, walk, and minister in HOLINESS! Maybe
Jesus shouldn't have concerned Himself with the condition of the
temple? I think one of the reasons we find ourselves in such a poor
spiritual condition today is this incredible neglect of examining
issues that are indeed important to God. This topic is of the utmost
importance. Music is the leading IDOL of this
generation, even Christian music. If it is an idol it must be cleansed
from our midst.
I assume that you've not yet read my
thesis entirely. I realize that "evangelism"is not the only issue,
though it is a concern. However, it is something I address because you
and others seem to bring it up to justify the music. Whether the topic
is musical "evangelism" or "edification" isn't really the major
concern, but rather, the spirituality of the music we're examining.
When I've discussed this issue with many Christians they simply don't
like to face the reality of God's Word concerning this topic. They
simply refuse to address the legitimate concerns with a logical and
biblical response. Why is this? Because there is none. Much of the
music that is aired on WQCK is fleshly, devilish, unspiritual,
and embarrassing. Nothing in the Bible will refute this, but rather,
confirm it!
Again, remember, if the music is
unspiritual it won't communicate TRUTH no matter who is
listening, saints or sinners. Of course, as you might suspect, I have
grave misgivings about the purity of the "teaching" of many of the
"ministers" and "ministries" you mentioned daily air on WQCK.
This of course, is another topic altogether.
Regarding the profitable use of my
time: I am not engaging in this because I find it entertaining.
Remember, I simply wrote a short e-mail message to you expressing my
opinions; opinions that will not change without a clear Biblical
response from you proving to me that I am mistaken. When you called,
it was you who questioned me for "proof." I am only providing you with
what you asked me for in our conversation over the telephone. Will you
fault me for this? I am only doing what any loving and honest man will
do when asked to articulate his convictions. This, I propose, is
consistent with Biblical Christianity. I am "tearing down" no one, I
am exposing error - which is my duty as a Pastor. This can spiritually
be defined as edifying the true Body of Christ. Remember, the
Bible says...
Acts
20:30-31 Also of
your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw
away disciples after them. [31] Therefore watch, and remember, that by
the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day
with tears.
1 Peter
3:15 But
sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an
answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in
you with meekness and fear...
Jude 1:3
Beloved, when I
gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was
needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should
earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the
saints.
When you fully read what I've written
then we can discuss this topic further, Amen?
Hands to the plow,
Brother Britt
PS: When you get through with the
thesis, if you like, I'll drive down to Baker and we can have lunch
together. This way we won't misinterpret the tone of one another's
e-mail messages. Amen?
E-Mail
Message #6
July
29, 1999
Dear Pastor Stockstill, Kurt Wallace,
and Radio Staff,
Nearly a month has passed since I
sent you my thesis regarding WQCK and the music that it
airs. Can I expect a Biblical response for my concerns? I patiently
await some explanation for what obviously appears to be gross
compromise. I respectfully ask you to promptly inform me of your plans
concerning answering these charges - will you respond or not? Will you
repent?
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Britt Williams
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No reply
E-Mail
Messages #7
August
9, 1999
Dear Pastor Stockstill, Kurt Wallace,
and Radio Staff,
It has been over a month since I sent
you a thorough spiritual evaluation of your radio station. As you
know, this analysis reveals compelling evidence of compromise. Do you
intend on answering or ignoring these allegations? If you wish not to
respond to these charges please communicate this to me. However, if
you have a Biblical explanation that would clarify your position I
would be interested in learning how you can justify your "ministry." I
recently learned that your radio station continues to promote the
music and concerts of two of the more reprehensible musicians that I
critiqued in my thesis, DC Talk & Michael W. Smith. I could be wrong, but this appears to indicate that you have
ignored the information that I sent to you. If so, this reveals a
startling spiritual blindness and a shameful disregard for the souls
of literally thousands of young people in Baton Rouge and the
surrounding areas. Can you defend your actions by the Bible?
Gentlemen, I urge you to reconsider the truth that I presented to you
or at least offer me a Biblical argument that will clearly validate
your behavior. Furthermore, in doing so, you would provide me with
information that may enlighten me to the errors of my position if I am
deceived. I certainly believe that it is possible that I be mistaken
but without a Biblical response from you how am I to discover the
deficiencies in my logic? Let sound reasoning and Biblical truth offer
the final word and resolve this disagreement.
Matthew 5:41-42
And
whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
42Give to him that asketh thee...
1 Peter
3:15 But sanctify the
Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to
every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with
meekness and fear...
Kurt, in the beginning of our
correspondence you asked me by what grounds did I make certain
condemning statements regarding the music aired on WQCK. I felt
it was my duty to answer your question, therefore, I spent several
weeks endeavoring to construct a thesis that would provide a sound
Biblical response for your concerns. Won't you do the same for me? If
God has ordained and blessed WQCK it should not be difficult to
logically and Biblically refute the complaints expressed in my letter
to you. I have no desire to badger you for a response, however, I
would respectfully request that you inform me of your plans to either
repent, ignore, or answer my arguments with the Bible.
Concerned for the cause of
Christ,
Pastor Britt Williams
Consuming Fire
Fellowship
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Britt,
Thanks for your concern. I still feel
it is unfounded though. As far as The Bridge promoting a
Michael W.
Smith and DC
Talk concert, don't know
who is feeding you the info. but we are not. It seems your charges are
based on rumor or untruths. Perhaps your time would be better spent
going door to door in your neighborhood sharing the gospel with those
the Lord has placed in your community. Please let me know when you
have accomplished that!
What we do here at WQCK is
provide a positive "Christ Centered" Alternative to other radio
stations in Baton Rouge. We serve as an encouragement to believers and
an entry to those who would never walk through the doors of your
church or any other for that matter. While you may feel called to
further divide the Church by making statements about this ministry
from your pulpit, we continue to pray for unity within the body of
Christ. Britt, we have Baptist, Methodists, Pentecostal, Catholics,
Presbyterians, Assembly of God and many other denominations who listen
to this broadcast ministry every day. We have people who meet here
weekly to pray for the ministry and the many prayer request that are
called in daily. God has put us in this position and we take it very
seriously.
I am wondering, should I pull the
music of the "shameful" artist you have listed in your thesis, would
you go before your people and let them know that is now "safe" to
listen to WQCK? Or will you find something else to be critical
about? What is the end game here?
I pray about each song that is added
and played. These songs minister to people, maybe not in the
traditional manner, but they do! In the last ten minutes while I have
been at the computer, I have heard "When God's People Pray" by Wayne
Watson and "Free" by Ginny Owens a song that speaks of the Freedom we
have in Christ. We are not bound by the "law" but have been freed to
serve Christ without the fear of condemnation.
"Therefore there is now no
condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ
Jesus, the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin
and death! [PTL]" Romans 8:1-2 (NIV)
Listen sometime without a critical
spirit. I think you'll find that through the lyrics and music
Contemporary Christian music is making a positive difference in the
lives of those who listen for encouragement in their daily walks with
Christ.
I love you brother. And would like
nothing better than to work together for the cause of reaching the
thousands in this area who do not know the incredible grace and mercy
we have been given through our personal relationship with Jesus
Christ. What is the address of your church? Perhaps I'll come hear you
preach some Sunday.
In Christ's Service,
Kurt Wallace
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Kurt,
I'm disappointed that you have chosen
to evade responding to my concerns with a clear Biblical argument. I
had hoped for an open heart but feared this would be the case. Kurt,
even if I possessed a wrong spirit how can you justify such
unchristlike music? Unfortunately, one day you'll apparently be amazed
to learn that God Almighty is indeed very critical of
EVERYTHING that is outside of His prescribed Biblical
pattern. Your citing of Romans 8:1-2 is a gross perversion of
Scripture to justify unbiblical actions [2 Peter 3:16]. You may also
take note that such wonderful promises as are given in Romans 8 are
never without conditions. Case in point:
Romans
8:1-2 There is
therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,
who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2For the law of
the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of
sin and death.
The music aired on WQCK is
riddled with a fleshly and carnal nature [as evidenced by their lack
of Scriptural truth as I irrefutably revealed by my survey] and will
reap nothing but the greatest condemnation. Your faulty view of the
"law" leaves one with the impression that we have no moral obligation
under the covenant of grace. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Notice what the Apostle Paul tells us in the succeeding
verses...
Romans
8:3-4 For what the law
could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his
own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in
the flesh: 4That the
righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after
the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Grace does not free us from moral
obligation, but rather, literally fulfills the standards of the law in
the life of every true believer by a faith that works by love
[Gal. 5:6]! Your statements only confirm that you promote
an antinomian gospel that excuses sin and undermines moral obligation.
Woe unto the man who subtly sabotages the fear of God. This mindset is
one of the most dangerous and heart-rending errors in modern
Christendom. Remember the original lie of the serpent...
Genesis
3:3-4 But of the fruit
of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye
shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
4And the serpent
said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die...
2 Cor.
11:3 But I fear, lest
by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so
your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in
Christ.
Regretfully, you haven't answered
even one of my concerns or questions nor have you quoted the Bible to
validate your actions. Rather, you've simply accused me of having a
"wrong spirit" and possessing a "preoccupation with the unprofitable"
and thereby conveniently side-stepped the issues. It is clear to me
that you simply do not want to face the obvious facts. Kurt, it is a
very, very dangerous thing to reject light. I beg you to ponder the
eternal consequences of shunning the truth...
John
3:19-21
And this is
the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved
darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither
cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds
may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
2 Thes.
2:10-12 And with all
deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they
received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11And for this
cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a
lie: 12That they all
might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in
unrighteousness..
Nevertheless, I warned you and Pastor
Stockstill and you will both be accountable for the truth that was
presented to you. You will only be able to run from the truth while
hiding under the false accusation of "criticism" for so long. One day
you will stand before a Holy God under the most brilliant,
scrutinizing, and critical light imaginable! Contrary to popular
opinion you will find Him to be extremely critical...
Hebrews
4:12-13 For the word
of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the
joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of
the heart. 13Neither is
there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things
are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to
do.
The Greek word translated into the
English word discerner is krit-ee-kos. The word literally means to be decisive,
critical, or discriminative. This suggests that Jesus
Christ, who is the living Word of God, is critical [this fact is
eluded to in verse 13 in the personification of the Word, i.e., "his
sight"]. This idea refutes the modern, popular, and yet worldly
philosophy which teaches that criticism is always wrong.
You may ignore the Bible now, but one
day you will be forced to face it under the most sobering of
atmospheres. May God grant you mercy to see your great responsibility
as a professed overseer of a "ministry for Christ."
With such an obvious disregard for
Biblical truth now confirmed I will continue to zealously and
passionately warn others of the spiritual poison daily spread by
WQCK. I simply pray that you will one day gain clear revelation
of the true Biblical Jesus.
Grieved beyond words,
Britt Williams
PS: Incidentally, regarding the
charge of the use of "rumors" - I learned about the concert I
mentioned by personally listening to a spot on WQCK advertising
a concert at Astroworld featuring the two artists mentioned, Michael W. Smith
and DC Talk. Furthermore, I believe I am correct in
saying that you still air music performed by both of these musicians.
Therefore, my charges of "promoting the concerts and music" of these
two performers is not innuendo, but facts based on what I have heard
with my own ears.
E-Mail
Messages #8
August
10, 1999
Britt,
Thanks for the warning. You obviously
have your opinions, I have mine. We do not play un-Christlike music.
God is using this ministry for His purposes. Touch as many folks in
your community and if you must spread your poisonous words from the
pulpit and further divide the body of Christ, then you will have to
give account for it when you stand before your God!
Hey, am I invited to your church
sometime or not?
Praying for you!
Kurt Wallace
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kurt,
You certainly are invited to attend
any of our services. Sunday morning 10:00AM, Sunday evening prayer @
7:00PM and Wednesday night @ 7:30PM. Woodville is straight up Hwy 61,
25 miles north of St. Francisville. Take a left at the main
intersection, this takes you directly into town on Main St., we are
just past the town square on the right, next to the Farm Bureau - 632 Main St. I too, will pray for
you.
In Him,
Brother Britt
MUSIC FROM HELL!
From the "Head of the
Unregistered Union of Churches in Russia" appeared in
"Life", dated 21,
May, 1992
For thirty years we have suffered
intense persecution. Now freedom is bringing another great harm to our
churches. This damage is coming from Christians in America who are
sending rock music and evangelists accompanied by rock bands. Our
young people do not attend those meetings because we have all
committed not to participate in secular entertainment.
This is a great burden to our hearts.
Many come with Bible in hand and rock music. We are embarrassed
by this image of Christianity. We do not know what
words to use in urging that this be stopped. We abhor all
Christian rock music coming to our country.
Rock music has nothing in
common with ministry or the service to God. We are very much against
Christian Americans bringing to our country this false image of
"ministry" to God. We need spiritual bread... not false cakes. It is
true that rock music attracts people to the church, but not to Godly
living.
We were in prison for fifteen years
for Christ's sake. We were not allowed to have Christian music,
but ROCK MUSIC was used as a weapon against us day and night to
destroy our souls. We could only resist with much
prayer.
Now, we have a time of more openness.
We are no longer taken to prison. However, now it is Christians from
America who damage our souls. We do not allow this music in our
church, but these "evangelist" rent big stadiums and infect teenagers
and adults with their rock music. We, the leadership and congregations
of the Unregistered churches urge you to join with us, and we advise
you to remove rock music from America.
Do not desecrate our teenagers
with it. Even the unbelievers recognize it is unholy music. We call
this music, "music from hell." We urge all Americans to stop giving
money for the organizations of such concerts in Russia. We only want
traditional Christian music in our churches.
This is the unanimous decision of all
our leaders. Peter Peters and Vasilij Ryzhuk, Unregistered Union of
Churches, Moscow, Russia, April 15, 1992
Footnotes
1 People magazine (July
15, 1991 p.71).
2 Rolling Stone, (June
6, 1985 p. 10).
3 Bob Millard, Amy
Grant, (New York, 1986, p. 30).
4 Ladies Home Journal
(December, 1985, p. 100).
5 Bob Millard, Amy
Grant, (New York, 1986, p. 169).
6 Bob Millard, Amy
Grant, (New York, 1986,p. 30).
7 Time magazine,
(December, 16, 1974, p.63).
8 Christianity Today,
(Dec., 8, 1997, "Where's the Gospel?").
9 Ibid.
10 Time
(Mar/85).
11 Christianity
Today, (Dec., 8, 1997, "Where's the Gospel?").
12 Don Cusic, (The
Sound of Light, p. 15).
13 Christianity Today,
("We Have Created a Monster", May 20, 1996 p. 27).
14 Ibid.
15 Christianity
Today, (Can't Buy Me Love, May 20, 1996, p. 25).
16 Christianity
Today, (Can't Buy Me Love, May 20, 1996, p. 22).
17 Inside Music,
(Jan/Feb 91).
18 Ibid.
19 The Birmingham News,
(Feb. 12, 1993 p. 5c).
20 CCM, ( June
1986).
21 The Birmingham News,
(Feb. 1993, p.1b).
22 CCM magazine,
"Michael W. Smith Engages Culture," (May 1988, p. 38).
23 People, (January 24,
1994, p.8).
24 Ibid.
25 The Birmingham
News, Aug. 9, 1996 p.2h).
26 Dallas Morning
News, (April 27, 1996).
27 Saturday Evening
Post, (Aug. 8, 1964).
28 Hit Parader,
(Jan 1970, p.15).
29 A Spaniard in the
Works, (p.14).
30 San Francisco
Chronicle, (April 13, 1966, p.26).
31 Coleman, Ray,
(Lennon p.256).
32 Des Barres, Pamela,
(Rock Bottom, pp.54-55).
33 Flint Michigan
Journal, (March 15, 1996, p.b19).
34 Billboard,
(Nov. 11, 1995).
35 Ibid.
36 People, (Feb. 6,
1995).
37 CCM Magazine,
(June 1997).
38 Dave Urbanski, "Chatty
Kathy," CCM Magazine, ( June 1997).
39 Phil Keaggy, cited by
Tom Loredo, "Phil Keaggy in His Own Words," Way Back Home,
(December 1995).
40 Saran E. Smitha and
Christine Pryor, "Integrity Times Two: Michael Card and Phil
Keaggy," (Religious
Broadcasting, National Religious Broadcasters, July-August
1995).
41 St. Petersburg
Times, Florida, Religious Section, (Nov. 9, 1985, p. 3).
42 The Fundamentalist
Digest, (May-June 1992).
43 The Fundamentalist
Digest, (May-June 1994).
44 Terry Mattingly, "Rich
Mullins--Enigmatic, Restless, Catholic".
45 CCM Magazine,
(April 1999, p. 12).
46 Music and
Entertainment News,
(http://www.theenews.com/news/slug-12599_dctalk-pope.html).
47 CCM Magazine,
(op. cit.).
48 Dave Hunt in 'A
Woman Rides The Beast'.
49 The Bridge Web
Page (Statement of purpose).
50 Born Crucified,
(p. 41)
51 Born Crucified,
(p. 35)
52 Michael L. Brown ,
How Saved Are We? ( p. 16)
53 Rut, Rot Or Revival,
(p. 172)
54 See Radio Log for
documentation of this fact.
55 A Right Conception
of Sin, (p. 122)
56 The Pilgrim
Road, by David Bercot, (p. 64).
57 Webster's 1828
Dictionary
58 Strong's Greek and
Hebrew Dictionary (Greek #40)
59 A Right Conception
of Sin, (p. 41)
60 Preaching &
Preachers, (p. 130)
61 Powerful &
Prayerful Pulpits, (p. 94)
62 Principles of
Victory, (p.14)
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