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[CatieladyB]

 "Christian" or Not?


I recently read a post on Facebook by a Christian radio station which got me thinking about "Christian" music, particularly "Christian Rock/Metal" music. The post basically stated that there were certain bands they were no longer playing on their station and they went on to name them and give reasons as to why they would not be played anymore.

The station starts off by explaining their definition of a "Christian" band first, saying they believe it is a band whose main goal is to win converts to Christ or to encourage believers and sets an example of Christ in their behavior. Their idea is that if you don't have these goals as a conscious agenda, but still make references to spiritual things, then the band is a "spiritual band" not a "Christian band" which to some extent seems logical.

One of the bands was August Burns Red and the reason was because one of the members had been seen in a video stating that "not to believe in evolution is silly". Upon viewing the video in question, I find that he is acting kind of goofy and doesn't really answer any of the questions posed to him. He does not say anything about Darwin's theory. I believe in evolution myself, but not in that nut case Darwin's theory! I believe in the evolution of man from man, not a monkey! I believe that Adam and Eve were created by God as early man or "cave man", in the beginning and we evolved from them into what we are now, although I do struggle with whom Cain, Abel and their little brother Seth could have married, their sisters?

Another was the band As I Lay Dying, which at one point I never thought of as a "Christian" band anyway, but somehow found its way into the genre. After they heard about the lead singer admitting to his dwindling faith and later he was caught trying to have his wife killed instead of just divorcing her! They dropped them and I can understand why.

Next it was P.O.D. who started out on mainstream radio, my son and his friends were really into them when they first came out, had I known at that time that they were really a "Christian" band, I would have gotten behind them too! They were dropped because on one song they had used the F-word.  Unfortunately they have made several songs for movies using explicit language, but again they were never billed as a "Christian" band, although they seem to have cleaned up their act considerably over the years, their music seems to be less tainted these days! I have also heard Sonny, the lead singer, talk about his faith before and it appears to be very genuine.

I was really disappointed when I learned that Derek Webb, of the well known "Christian" band Caedmon's Call, had gone solo and had used the S-word in a song on one of his albums. I have an earlier album of his that I like, but was really put off when I saw him live at a Christian music festival performing the song in a tent full of adults and young children and he did not omit the word, I had to get up and leave! I don't believe that those kinds of words belong in any song, Christian or otherwise, so I can see having to preview a song's lyrics and possibly the meaning before playing a song. I don't believe that Christian radio stations should have to "bleep out" or sensor songs to play them on the air, if that is necessary then it shouldn't be played at all!
 
Lastly was Jars of Clay. Jars of Clay! Can you imagine that Jars would not be considered a "Christian" band? Why, you say? All because Dan Haseltine made a comment about "gay" marriage! I'm sure that Dan knows it's wrong, but he understands that those kinds of people need love too! We are told to love the unlovable. In the Bible it says to set aside our differences and show respect and kindness to others even when we don't like or agree with the things they do or how they live. We should still be able love them without condoning their lifestyles, how can we disciple them if we shun or ignore them?

I am all for having some kind of filter for the music that gets played on "Christian" radio or any other for that matter; I don't want to hear foul language on mainstream radio either. To me those days are over, I have moved on. But then again if we filter it by Unchristian like behavior or the fact that everyone in a band isn't a believer, aren't we drawing a thin line between Christianity and Legalism? I read an article by Reese Roper of Five Iron Frenzy in which he acknowledged the fact that two people in their current lineup are not believers, does that make their music less relevant? The fact is, I think it's an amazing thing that they can all work together as a unit; maybe there is a lesson in that!

Then, also what happens when Christian bands cover music by mainstream artists? Does that make them less Christian? So many "Christian" bands have covered mainstream music, when I heard the song "Ordinary World" by Red, I thought it was theirs, but it's actually by Duran Duran! Reliant K has covered lots of songs by mainstream artists also, like "I'd Like to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears. On the new Seventh Day Slumber album "We Are the Broken", they covered a song called "Skyscraper" that had been released by mainstream artist Demi Lovato! I told Joseph Rojas, the lead singer, my girls recognized it right away and he said the reason they had chosen it was because the lyrics fit in so perfectly with the rest of the album. The list goes on forever, so many Christian artists have covered so much non-Christian music, but it does not make them believe any less in Christ! Does that mean they shouldn't be played on Christian stations even if the lyrics are clean and the message is sound?

The Jewish religious leaders in the Bible criticized Jesus for spending all of his time with the lowliest of people and not with those they considered worthwhile, but that is what He came for. There are some musical groups made up of believers who have decided to try to reach the unreachable by going to play in bars and clubs instead of Churches, they also have a podcast show and blog where they get down and dirty, discussing all types of issues, from pornography to homosexuality. Emery is one such band. I believe there are bands that are spurred on by their hope of communicating with the lost generation by getting down on their level, by giving them the kind of music that will appeal to them with a message that is truth in biblical terms.

There are mainstream bands too, like U2 with a similar need to make music that has a purposeful meaning, encouraging and up lifting, another such band is Collective Soul. Their hit song "Shine" is about asking Heaven to shine a light on man! Lead singer, Ed Roland's father was a preacher and Ed writes music that shows his love for his father and for his father's faith! Even going so far as to write a song called "Hymn for My Father" in which he states he will follow his father's teachings, I believe Ed is referring to both his earthly father (now in Heaven) and his Heavenly father.

There might even be such things as "closet Christian" bands that don't label themselves as Christian, but actually have Christian beliefs that they openly share in their music. I believe its ok to not have to label ones music, just to be honest and make sure whatever music you are presenting, is edifying and glorifying to God or at least presentable to the rest of the world!

So although I will miss hearing August Burns Red, P.O.D and Jars of Clay playing on their station, I will still listen to it along with many others in order to get my fix of "Good Christian" music!

[rickyz]

I have found that I can find out alot about a musician or band when I see them live and hear what they speak to their audience between songs. While this may not be completely accurate, this would be a perfect platform to share their faith. I've seen bands that not only share their love for Jesus but actually have an in place alter call and prayer. I am not ashamed to say the name of Jesus and will use every opportunity I am given to testify to the Gospel. But that's just me!!!

[CatieladyB]

That would be a good sign if a band played at a small venue and was the only one to preform, then they would have time to do so. Most of the bands I've seen have been at big festivals that last several days and it's group after group with only time to change the previous band's equipment on the stage. They offer a meet and greet at another place so bands can sign merchandise and talk to people if they want. It's a lot easier these days to find out on social media whether a band once known as "Christian" has left the fold as so many have! I appreciate that tom has taken the time to weed out the failing ones! 👍👍

[rickyz]

Words of Jesus:
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. Matthew 7:15-20
   This is how I try to look at any situation. If Jesus isn't being lifted up, I don't wanna be there. And I definitely need to be careful. Again, that's just me. Sometimes though, its very hard to tell the sheep from the wolf. I pray His Holy Spirit gives me His discernment. And yes, thank you Tom for your looking out for us in this regard.

[CatieladyB]

I understand how you feel, knowing Biblical truth doesn't always make it easy to pick out the wolves, especially in these dark and confusing times. We just have to have faith that God is in control even when we can't see it, we don't know His reason for letting things happen, but we need to look to Him and His word to find the right path to follow. He shows His love for us in so many ways, big and little! ❤️🙏

[CatieladyB]

How the Virus Stole Easter

By Kristi Bothur
(With a nod to Dr. Seuss)


Twas late in '19 when the virus began
Bringing chaos and fear to all people, each land.
People were sick, hospitals full,
Doctors overwhelmed, no one in school.

As winter gave way to the promise of spring,
The virus raged on, touching peasant and king.
People hid in their homes from the enemy unseen.
They YouTubed and Zoomed, social-distanced, and cleaned.

April approached and churches were closed.
"There won't be an Easter," the world supposed.
"There won't be church services, and egg hunts are out.
No reason for new dresses when we can't go about."

Holy Week started, as bleak as the rest.
The world was focused on masks and on tests.
"Easter can't happen this year," it proclaimed.
"Online and at home, it just won't be the same."

Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the days came and went.
The virus pressed on; it just would not relent.
The world woke Sunday and nothing had changed.
The virus still menaced, the people, estranged.

"Pooh pooh to the saints," the world was grumbling.
"They're finding out now that no Easter is coming.
"They're just waking up! We know just what they'll do!
Their mouths will hang open a minute or two,
And then all the saints will all cry boo-hoo.

"That noise," said the world, "will be something to hear."
So it paused and the world put a hand to its ear.
And it did hear a sound coming through all the skies.
It started down low, then it started to rise.

But the sound wasn't depressed.
Why, this sound was triumphant!
It couldn't be so!
But it grew with abundance!
The world stared around, popping its eyes.
Then it shook! What it saw was a shocking surprise!

Every saint in every nation, the tall and the small,
Was celebrating Jesus in spite of it all!
It hadn't stopped Easter from coming! It came!
Somehow or other, it came just the same!

And the world with its life quite stuck in quarantine
Stood puzzling and puzzling.
"Just how can it be?"
"It came without bonnets, it came without bunnies,
It came without egg hunts, cantatas, or money."

Then the world thought of something it hadn't before.
"Maybe Easter," it thought, "doesn't come from a store.
Maybe Easter, perhaps, means a little bit more."
And what happened then?

Well....the story's not done.
What will YOU do?
Will you share with that one
Or two or more people needing hope in this night?
Will you share the source of your life in this fight?

The churches are empty - but so is the tomb,
And Jesus is victor over death, doom, and gloom.
So this year at Easter, let this be our prayer,
As the virus still rages all around, everywhere.

May the world see hope when it looks at God's people.
May the world see the church is not a building or steeple.
May the world find Faith in Jesus' death and resurrection,
May the world find Joy in a time of dejection.
May 2020 be known as the year of survival,
But not only that -
Let it start a revival.

[CatieladyB]

A Near Death Experience

Some pretty weird things happen in life, like when your dog is barking in the wee hours of the morning. You get out of bed, let the dog out and after awhile you call him in, but he doesn't come. You look around for him and then you notice he's walking around something on the ground. It looks as though he's picking it up and shaking it, just like he does to his stuffed toys, so you go out to get him and you see a small furry creature lying on the ground. You're not sure, but in the dark of night it looks dead, its fur is all mangled and it's body twisted, so you put the dog away. You come back, put it in a plastic bag, then stick it in the garbage can and go back to bed.

You wake up the next day still feeling unsure as to whether it's really dead, so you take a peek in the garbage can as you're walking to your car on your way to church. Lifting the lid you see movement in the bag, its little head is turning, its little eyes looking around! So you carefully take the bag out of the garbage, it goes limp again and dump the little furry body in the bushes by the tree in your front yard! When you come home after church, the body is gone! Then you realize you've just had your first "hands on" experience with Possum playing possum! Very wild!

It was probably very thankful to its creator that it received a second chance at life by playing dead! Unfortunately it doesn't always end the same way the second time as was the case with this youngster, some dogs play a little too rough!

We as humans tend to play dead also, we say we have died to our old self and have become a new Creation in Christ, but it never really shows in our behavior. We go to Church every Sunday, then come home and go back to our old ways, use foul language, watch adult programming, treat others in a demeaning manor etc., not Christ like at all! Doing away with the old self is a day to day battle, the evil one is always there taunting us, but if we truly have Christ in our heart we can make headway!

[CatieladyB]

God's Perfect Gift

God sent to earth a perfect gift,
From His heavenly home above:
Unique and special in every way,
A gift of His undying love.
Born of a virgin called Mary,
God chose her, His Son to bear.
Instructed to call His Name Jesus,
A gift for all people to share.
Born in a stable with animals,
Placed in a manger with straw:
Mary wrapped Him in warm clothing,
Sent as Redeemer and Savior for all.

No gift was ever so perfect,
Sinless and pure as could be:
All we have to do is receive Him,
And forever our soul will be free.
From a manger to a cross at Calvary,
Obeying His Father's total will:
Now reigning by His Father in Heaven,
Still sinless, alive, and so real.

                   By
       Frances Culp Wolfe

[Tom Johns]

"A dead thing can go with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it."
― G.K. Chesterton, The Everlasting Man

[CatieladyB]

TRUE! Makes so much sense!

[CatieladyB]

A thoughtful suggestion from the Skit Guys (Tommy & Eddie):

Something that should be done daily!

        Thank God - for all He has done for you
        Ask God - for His help
        Listen to God - spend time in His Word
        Keep talking to God - all day, everyday

Sounds like good advice!

[rickyz]

I like the skit guys.

[CatieladyB]

Me too, I first saw them on a Christian channel JTV! I loved that station because it was like the Christian version of MTV! Music videos, shows and movies, everything you could want! Sadly when we changed our TV subscription it wasn't on there. I miss it so much, there is just to much trash on TV these days!

[rickyz]

JTV - I remember that station. I wish it was still available. I was introduced to P.O.D. for the first time on video on JTV.

[CatieladyB]

..Blood Bought..

I hate you satan!
I hate you now!
To take the joy
From me somehow...

I bought your lies
I drank them in
I walked your walk
Just like your kin

Foul breath of hell
breathes down my neck
Your only aim
All YOU can get

Lies! Lies!
All you are is lies!

I once gave heed
To such as this
The love of God
Foolishly missed

"You're all alone!"
"Not good enough!"
"Just leave your God!"
"And cling to stuff!"

"Just one drink!"
"Just one smoke!"
"Take these pills!"
"Now take a toke!"

And once I'm weak
Near dead inside
It's then you strike
So deep So wide

"God's not here!"
"It's all HIS fault!"
"Just click away!"
...sexual assault...

It doesn't end
Until I bend
To him again
Then make amends

Down and up
And round and round
You bash my head
Against the ground

But what is this that I have found??

Jesus Christ
comes to my aide!
My feet He cleans
No more to wade

In deaths dark sea
Of deepest woe!
Be gone from me!
TO HELL YOU'LL GO!!

I hate you satan!
I hate your lies!
I hate your filth!
Your ways, despise!

Your WEAK! Vile creature!
Compared to MY God!
You'll never again
Walk where angels trod!

Your head is crushed!
His heal but bruised!
My soul delights!
To hear the good news!

"My redeemer lives!
He lives in me!
My home his breast!
For eternity!"

Next time you come around to me..
Remember this! Listen closely!

I am my beloved's
And my beloved's mine!
He lives to intercede for me
From now to the end of time!

You've got nothing.
My soul is His.
Next time you seek to trip me.
Stop and take this quiz.

Who conquered the grave?!
And rose from the dead?!
Who's seated above?!
Who died in my stead?!

Although you may trip me
Confound all my thoughts
He'll never release me
For I am blood bought.

By John Bosse