Secular Music - Good or Bad?

'What you listen to is either who you are, or who you want to be' ~ Mark Halls (Casting Crowns)

The above, is a valid statement!

Recently, with all the musical celebrations in London, from the Jubilee to the Olympics, I have never enjoyed music on such a large, commercial scale. As much fun as it is, it isn't all good news...I feel empty once it's done. The results of these songs are temporary, they leave you craving for more 'cause they never satisfy in the first place.

I know I sound like a 'hater' but please bear with me.

I abandoned secular music two years ago, after I chose to have a serious relationship with the Lord. Trust me, not an easy choice by ANY means! My passion and love for music goes beyond years I can remember - from Classical to Heavy Metal, name it, I'll love it! Sadly, it left me morbid; the aftermath was not as glamorous as the music itself, in fact, it was vile.

Music is the portal that gives you direct access into the artist's heart. Singers and songwriters write songs that obviously mean a lot to them; they express their desires, expose their dreams and share their lives. As music leaves us feeling so empty after, we listen to it over and over again. While it seems almost impossible to memorize a few lines for school, it takes no effort to remember a couple of lines from our favorite song. Why? More than the words impacting us, it's the rhythm. The beats make it easier for our minds to register the data. When we listen to songs, we allow the artist's thoughts to enter, rest and saturate our minds. We are being shaped into them - whether you like it or not, whether you agree with me or not - fact is, our character is shaped by our environment. Sooner or later, you will think like them.

Unfortunately, artists, singers and songwriters are mere humans. Just like us, they're filled with the filth of this world - sexual lust, greed, selfishness, pride, rebelliousness, disobedience and open hatred towards God. Unless they're saved or genuinely searching, their songs are bound to have these themes echoing through them. Do you see the problem?

Don't get me wrong! I'm not hating on secular music. I'm not against it either. I feel that it is enjoyable at times and also helps you understand what others are facing. In addition, there are some secular songs that hold very powerful, humanitarian messages. I encourage listening to such songs once in a while. However, I'm concerned about our generation's exposure to the songs with numerous swear words, unimaginably vivid sexual connotations and imagery; and if that wasn't enough, those that are accompanied by vulgar, pornographic music videos.
Is that what you want to feed your system? Is that what you want to be associated with? Is that what you want to become?

As a Christian, your answer SHOULD be a big, fat, firm "NO!"

Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.

Your goal, as a Christian, should be to please God by obeying His word - living a life that glorifies Him. How on earth do you expect to obey the above command, if all your mind has been fed with, is more filth than what our flesh naturally consists of? I couldn't cope, hence my drastic decision.

I repeat, secular music itself isn't 'bad', unless it consists of debatable lyrics by artists with questionable lives and lifestyles. We, as imperfect beings, 'learn' from our environment, an 'imperfect' environment or one that is worse than our inner spiritual state, isn't magically going to better us! If the language is repulsive, rude or the images portrayed are sexual - FLEE FROM IT 'cause sooner or later, as I found out, you will fall into the same deep pit of sin.

What next?

Simple! Censor what goes in.
I was filled with glee to discover that every imaginable genre, had numerous Christian artists who praise God with their music. You've got to do a bit of research, find the ones that appeal to your musical buds and make them your 'main playlist' - cut the secularism down bit by bit to filter out the filth trying to enter and adulterate your mind.

Yes, you're going to look a bit strange and miss out on the 'fun', but God didn't call you to be 'of' this world - THERE NEEDS TO BE A TANGIBLE DIFFERENCE. Remember, God paid an immeasurable price to save and give you freedom FROM your sins, NOT to give you freedom TO sin! How much do you value His price? Complacency in one area, will surely cost you dear in your spiritual pursuit where you ought to do everything to fortify your relationship with Christ.

Your music defines you. You are what you listen to. It makes a big difference. 

The choice is your's. Choose wisely.

Do You Read Your Bible?

While speaking to some of my Christian friends, I realized eventually that they do not read their Bible - while some regretfully blame a busy schedule, there are others who don't feel they need to! Although they consider themselves to be Christians, they do not regard the Bible as God's word, as God inspired, as infallible or as inerrant! 

It's just a book written by a bunch of men right?

Men are flawed, thus so are the words and claims it makes.

Those men lived in ancient times, they wrote for their culture, not ours, thus it is irrelevant.

It saddens me that those who belong to the Christian family, hold such views! They have certainly missed the point!

What is the Bible?

The Bible is God's word.

It is His manual to us on how to have a relationship with Him; a manual to find the purpose of our life. The God who loves His creation, who is responsible for our existence and the existence of the world, will surely not leave us - the masterpiece of His design - in ignorance of His purpose, our purpose and laws that'll bring us peace, joy and everything good that we've been striving to acquire as mankind! He wants us to know His plans, He wants us to learn and find what this world is all about, what better way than to leave a tangible 'instruction book' - a divine revelation of the 'basic needed knowledge' that man is incompetent of finding for himself?

It was not written BY men but THROUGH men, BY GOD. Men were merely the 'pens' or 'instruments', if you wish, that God used, to convey and record His word. It's a compilation of 66 different books of various genres - covering a vast spectrum of literature like history, science, poetry and so on. It was written over a period of 1500 years, obviously differing in cultural practices, by over 40 different writers - each from different walks of life, from doctors to tax collectors! To baffle and amaze you further... It was written in three different languages: Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, in three different continents!

Although these authors differed in so many ways - they addressed many controversial issues - from sexuality to atheism, yet they provide EXACTLY THE SAME advice, moral values and laws on these - NO CONTRADICTIONS. How harmonious! This is firm evidence of its divine origin and nature - only if the author was the same, could these diverse selection of writers agree on such controversial matters.

It is a book that contains numerous scientific facts and truths, from physics to biology - it has been at the forefront of modern discoveries and advancements, however scientists seldom recognize it or fathom the truth stated. In addition, it is a historically sound and accurate literature with numerous accurately fulfilled, detailed prophecies - the one book that predicted in advance, the rise and fall of specific nations and governments, and reveals the destiny of humankind. 

If that doesn't convince you of its inerrant nature, its infallibility and the fact that it is GOD BREATHED...I don't know what will!

No mere humanly inspired book could have revealed these amazing events. Such prophecies must have been divinely inspired. It is the book that has changed and touched the most lives, yet is the least understood and most misunderstood! A universal best seller, a book owned by more people than any other, yet one that sadly, NO BODY KNOWS!

Why bother reading it?

If the above section failed to convince you to pick up your Bible and read it, let me reiterate its importance!

While many dismiss reading the Bible, on the basis of cultural irrelevance, they fail to realize that the Bible is not about 'culture'. It is a book about OUR LIFE and not an ancient culture! Yes, it contains stories and records of a variety of cultures and societies, however that isn't the basis - each story or account is designed to help us learn about how we can get closer to God, it serves as an analogy for a greater purpose, we seldom grasp. 

There are many who feel God is harsh or unjust, yes I mean Christians! I've been there! Shocking right! This is purely due to the fact that they have not known God or what He is like; they've never really begun to understand God's word. I have learnt that just because you struggle to understand it, it doesn't make it false or irrelevant!

I hear it being read at church every Sunday, why read it again?

The priest or minister has dedicated his life to understanding and teaching it, I cannot know more than him! 

As I mentioned before, the Bible is the most misinterpreted book - it has been misrepresented and twisted - sadly, by those who profess to hold it dear. Instead of teaching and expounding the obvious, simple, intended meaning, we now have throngs of human interpretations, numerous of which are 'compromised' versions of the truth. Instead of acknowledging the truth, men justify their own ways by perverting it. They fear what people say instead of what God's word says. Cutting a long story short, they yield to the fear of man, to guide them, instead of the fear of God.

If you speak to those who have concentrated their lives with God's word, they would honestly tell you about something truly remarkable! EVERY TIME you read a passage, you gain a different understanding - something that no other book offers! The words don't change, but the message they carry is far beyond our competency to fathom; it is filled with enigma! By restricting yourself to Bibles on Sundays, you're only exposing yourself to the preacher's interpretation - what they've understood. Sadly, that is not enough! God wishes to commune with YOU, INDIVIDUALLY! He wishes to speak DIRECTLY to you. 

How will you ever know what He wants to reveal to you through His word, if you don't take the time to pick it up and read it?

Furthermore, there are many misinterpretations lurking around in our society - each possessing a fraction of the 'real thing' but totally manipulated. How do you expect to know if you are being fooled? How will you know if you are really fed the truth, or if you are dedicating your life to something that'll merely assure your peril? Like the Berean Jews, God wants us to 'receive the message with great eagerness and examine the Scriptures everyday to see if what [was being] said was true' (Acts 17:11). We are called to test what we hear; we are called to have a speculative approach to God's word.

How to start?

I know that starting off isn't easy! There is always a confusion as to where to begin reading. For more than five years, I was stuck to Genesis chapters 1-20...I never got past them because I never understood them. I would read it, then realized I understood nothing and would rewind back to 'In the beginning...'

I would suggest starting off from the Gospels, preferably John - they're not only easy to understand but contain the key to life, thus the most important part - the first step in beginning a relationship with God. Once you are comfortable with the New Testament, begin to explore the Old - although tricky, it is still applicable and as important as the New. Most importantly, I would strongly encourage you to start your Bible reading with a short prayer, asking God to guide, lead and speak to you. I was amazed by the difference that made! 

While I completely agree with the King James version being the closest to the original, it can at times confuse a person and even bore some! Thus, I recommend reading the King James alongside a credible modern translation, such as the New International or the English Standard, to help you relate to the text. Also, I personally benefit from having a Bible commentary, to help me dig deeper into scripture, especially while reading those head-scratching Old Testament passages where you lose track of what is happening! Finally, remember to read each verse in relation to the chapter, the book, the whole Bible, the culture and then to your life; this will help you discern well and avoid common misinterpretations.

The Bible will mean more to you if you fully fathom its vital relation to your life and its direct connection to current world events, by viewing its history, teachings and prophecies from the vantage point of your current life.

While most people consider reading the Bible as a dull, irksome and uninteresting task, I challenge you to take the first step - read it out of a real desire to learn more and a love for God. Once you begin, and start to understand the Bible, you will find it the most fascinating, the most interesting, as well as the most profitable and enjoyable study of your life! Come on, let's get cracking into God's word! You don't want to miss out do you?

World Peace?

Recently, as part of a course I'm doing with Herbert W. Armstrong College, I have been exploring the 'end times' - a fascinating, mind-blowing, enigmatic topic which leaves one obsessively pondering over the 'signs' and their 'interpretations'.

During the 'end times', we see that world leaders or authorities will promise 'global peace'. Sadly, we read on in prophesies that this is a 'superficial peace'.
'World Peace' is a concept that humanity has yearned for, for decades and centuries; unfortunately it is a dream that some have given up on. Nonetheless, leaders a many, past and present, have sought it, following what they've thought to be right.
However, has anyone successfully achieved it? No! Will they ever successfully achieve it? Sadly, No! ...but Why Not?...

War and war related turmoil, is what cuts short the path to attaining 'World Peace' - history has taught us well that those who have actively sought 'World Peace' have only found themselves creating wars.



James 4:1-2
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.


The root of war, is 'human nature' - the various fleeting desires contrary to God's will and commands, battling within us, conceiving corruption that in turn gives birth to war. We, as humans, are 'stiff-necked' - refusing to submit to authority, God's authority - instead we let our pride, vanity, jealousy, lust and selfishness rule over us.
An increase in knowledge, as the Bible says, directly increases pride if it isn't built on the love of and for God. As those who possess knowledge or authority count themselves 'great' in some form or another, they trust their own judgement and become 'self-reliant'. This is true for those who turn against God and place their love for pleasure (of any kind) before Him.

Proverbs 16:25
There is a way that appears right, but in the end it leads to death.


Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?


What we perceive as 'right' surely leads to death if we aren't rooted in the Lord and His word. The heart - 'the center of human thoughts and emotions' - is highly deceitful as it is swayed effortlessly by our flesh's fleeting desires. We also read that it is complicated, hence, incomprehensible. It is probable that one, especially a leader or ruler, is swayed by it, blinded by the thirst for power, popularity and recognition. Thus, their deeds and intentions, are bound to be tainted by their own flawed nature (One of they key reasons, why I strongly believe in good, fervent, praying Christians ruling and leading the country (point will be made clearer)).

Romans 3:16-17
Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery their ways, and the way of peace they do not know.


Isaiah 59:8
They way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks in them will know peace.


Isaiah 33:7-8
Look, their brave men cry aloud in the streets; the envoys of peace weep bitterly. The highways are deserted, no travelers are on the roads. The treaty is broken, its witnesses are despised, no one is respected.


In an attempt to bring about such 'peace' the UN was formed, and world leaders constantly intervene in the affairs of other countries; they've achieved a lot but haven't resulted in much with regards to 'World Peace' - corrupt leaders have always arisen and never cease to arise! It is elucidated that the carnal mind does not know what peace or justice truly means, it just 'thinks' it does. All their ways are tainted by the desires of the flesh - primarily, because it lacks the 'fear of God'.
Human plans for 'peace' always end abruptly causing a lot of pain - they do not provide a lasting solution. However, during the worst point of this pain God promises to intervene, commencing the 'end of the age'. War is always the result of lust and covetousness - a part of our human nature - man cannot 'change' this nature, he cannot transform every heart, let alone his own. World authorities and leaders propose negotiations of various sorts, but they cannot address the problem, thus can NEVER bring about lasting peace.

Isaiah 33:9-10
The land dries up and wastes away, Lebanon is ashamed and withers; Sharon is like Arabah, and Bashan and Carmel drop their leaves. "Now will I arise," says the LORD. "Now will I be exalted; now will I be lifted up."


Ezekiel 36:26(a)
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you...

Only God can change the human heart and nature, he can renew us and give us a 'new' one when we become 'born again'. A ruler or government that focuses on truly fearing, trusting and obeying God will be able to possess a clear, deception free heart led by God, however in our secular society this seems highly improbable; in fact, such a government has never been established and will not be able to thrive, in our present world. Do not be heavy-laden, God certainly promises to intervene. He is the only remedy for wars and turmoil, He is the only solution, the only one who can bring about 'World Peace'. Until He sees it the right time to bring about His kingdom where this phenomenon is possible and can prevail, our efforts are in vain.

Therefore, let us not be fooled by the worthless, empty promises made or assurances given with regards to 'peace'; it is a heavenly nature which we know NOTHING of! Instead, let us continue to evangelize and stand up for the sake of the Gospel in all aspects of life and law, and importantly, let us lift our leaders, authorities, governments and countries in prayer - seeking God's kingdom, His will and for lives to be transformed continually by the Gospel, until He returns. He has promised, He has the power, thus He will fulfill - Fear, Trust and Obey!

Get Your Multicolored Coats On!

Listening to a sermon by Jentezen Franklin, my soul was stirred...

What made Joseph the object of reproach, scorn and hate, in the sight of his brothers?

His dazzling, gorgeous, vibrant, loud, multicolored coat!

Why?

It made him different; unique and special - thus, stand out from the crowd.

That's exactly how we ought to be as Christians! Our lives should be like the multicolored coat...
We ought to challenge and let go of status-quo! Quit trying to fit in, quit trying to be like everyone else!

1 John 2:15
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.


What does it mean to be different?

Ideologies, practices that are obviously sinful, have become fashionable and society's norm - drunkenness, lust, sexual immorality, foul speech...name it! Seriously, do you want to be a part of that? Do you want to be associated with all that filth?
Our Savior has given up His life to save us from our sinfulness, how much do we value the price He paid? We merely insult it, if we willingly take pleasure in indulging in it!
If everyone else spends their weekend getting drunk, say NO, resist yourself. Silence and rebuke the urge in yourself to indulge in sinful talk or behavior. Say NO!
Shouldn't there be a tangible, audible, visible difference in the lives of those inside and those outside the church?

Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will.


The devil has got to HATE you - hate you for not following the crowd; for not conforming to the repulsive, world pattern he has integrated into our society.

Moreover, Joseph's brothers wanted his coat, they were jealous - they longed for the coat to the extent that hatred sprung from their deprivation.
Live a life that dazzles others, baffles others...a life that others want, a life that reflects your Savior and how much you value His sacrifice. Let us pray that God strengthens and equips us to stand out from the crowd, make Him proud and not to give in to external and internal pressures we continuously face.
If there isn't a change in yourself - a vibrant, loud, eye-catching change in the way you live your life - ask yourself, WHY?

If you're not hated, you're not living right!

John 15:19
If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

Dare to be different to make a difference!

Get your multicolored coats on!

Daniel's Bewildering Visions

A couple of days ago I was reading Daniel Chapter 8. It describes one of Daniel's most bewildering visions. What amazed me was its near future, historical relevance and the simultaneous distant future, apocalyptic relevance. Even after Gabriel interprets it, explaining the historical relevance, Daniel is left perplexed and worried, accentuating the complex nature of his visions.

The Historical Relevance

What Gabriel states, in explanation to Daniel, has already come to pass, Biblical prophecies are real, another proof that the Bible isn't just an ordinary book written by a bunch of crazy men - it is God-breathed and was written by men who were inspired by God, they themselves understood very little of what they actually noted down (as depicted by Daniel's baffled response).

The vision commences with the image of a ram with two long horns - however, one horn is longer than the other. The ram established its might in the north, south and the west.  Gabriel later refers to the ram as the Medo-Persian empire. The longer horn clearly refers to the Medians as they emerged first and the later, the Persians. As the map illustrates, the directions in which the Medo-Persian empire extends its dominion historically, is accurate with the Biblical prophecy. Moreover, this also fulfills one more of Daniel's visions as it links to the 'bear with 3 ribs' in Chapter 7 - Medo-Persian empire, having defeated Babylon, Egypt and Lydia, seems to fit the description well.

Historically, the Greek empire followed the Medo-Persian with Alexander the Great actively conquering over and thrashing the Medians and the Persians. Gabriel's interpretation of the goat which follows the ram, therefore is very accurate. It is also, thus, universally agreed that the single horn symbolizes Alexander the Great. After this horn was broken, in its place emerge 4 smaller ones - from one of the four, emerges a tinier one. This beautifully parallels with the four Divisions of the Greek Empire after Alexander's death as the kingdom was divided between his four general successors: Cassander, Lysimachus, Seleucus and Ptolemy.
However, unlike the unanimity in the agreements regarding the interpretation of the other images, the little horn has been the center of many disputes, disagreements and debates - while some outline the possibility of it representing Antiochus of Epiphanes, a Syrian who ruthlessly persecuted Jews; others believed it could represent the Roman Papal Dynasty, due to its predominant influence in laws and other matters which also complied to the description in Chapter 7. (Please check out this article for an in depth analysis of the various interpretations: The 'Little Horn' of Daniel's Sea-Beast)

The Apocalyptic Relevance

Besides the excitement this evokes, we ought not forget the passage's apocalyptic relevance which will affect our future. Gabriel did say, "...seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future." This is the beauty of the Bible, although it was primarily meant for the different era, it is also very contemporary and relevant to our society. The words in it are ever-pertinent, thus significant, and should not be changed!


Many have devised ideas and interpretations trying to surface the apocalyptic relevance the book of Daniel holds, especially this Chapter! (I know that I myself have formed an idea of my own about how this fantastical book relates to the end times - which, for obvious reasons, I will not be sharing here!) But, God is the only One who ultimately knows what these wise words truly mean; our incompetent minds often fail us.

However, one thing is certain. The precision and accuracy rendered historically, automatically implies the same when we take the apocalyptic relevance into consideration. Be weary, search God's word and earnestly seek to fathom its mysteries in prayer. Let us be prepared for the Lord's coming! Are you ready to meet our Lord, the God of the universe?