2 PETER 2:19-"While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage."
IF YOU'RE INDEPENDENTLY MINDED
YOU'RE DISOBEDIENT TO GOD
DELAWARE FEMA PASTOR PREPARES CHURCH FOR ABSOLUTE COMPLIANCE WITH EVIL GOVERNMENT EDICTS
PASTOR TOBE WITMER OF LIGHTHOUSE BAPTIST CHURCH, NEWARK, DELAWARE www.lbcde.org
PREACHES ABSOLUTE OBEDIENCE
PREACHES ABSOLUTE OBEDIENCE
TO GOD'S COMMANDS, BUT FAILS TO INSTRUCT CHURCH
TO PLACE THEM IN PROPER CONTEXT;
BEREAN TYPE INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
NEVER ALLUDED TO; REFORMERS OMITTED;
AVOIDS ROMANS 13, BUT USES KING SAUL
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1 Samuel 15:
"If Saul spare Agag, the people will take liberty to spare the best of the spoil . . . the sins of the great command imitation." (Trapp)
"To spare the best of Amalek is surely equivalent to sparing some root of evil, some plausible indulgence, some favourite sin. For us, Agag must stand for that evil propensity, which exists in all of us, for self-gratification; and to spare Agag is to be merciful to ourselves, to exonerate and palliate [excuse] our failures, and to condone our besetting sin." (Meyer)
FROM: http://www.bibleissues.org/rebellion.html
Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft (1 Sam 15:23). The Bible correctly says so. Many preachers and leaders however, incorrectly apply this to anyone who dares to disagree with or criticize them. In fact many Christians are afraid to question the teachings of their leaders and prominent ministers for fear of “touching God’s anointed”. It is important to know what the Bible has to say concerning rebellion and not what certain people would like us to believe.
SUCH AS:
"If Saul spare Agag, the people will take liberty to spare the best of the spoil . . . the sins of the great command imitation." (Trapp)
"To spare the best of Amalek is surely equivalent to sparing some root of evil, some plausible indulgence, some favourite sin. For us, Agag must stand for that evil propensity, which exists in all of us, for self-gratification; and to spare Agag is to be merciful to ourselves, to exonerate and palliate [excuse] our failures, and to condone our besetting sin." (Meyer)
FROM: http://www.bibleissues.org/rebellion.html
Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft (1 Sam 15:23). The Bible correctly says so. Many preachers and leaders however, incorrectly apply this to anyone who dares to disagree with or criticize them. In fact many Christians are afraid to question the teachings of their leaders and prominent ministers for fear of “touching God’s anointed”. It is important to know what the Bible has to say concerning rebellion and not what certain people would like us to believe.
SUCH AS:
A Love That Obeys (Part 1 of 2); (Don't Expect to Have Victory Over Sin; But That's OK Because You Have Eternal Security):
Pastor Tobe Witmer; http://www.lbcde.org:
GOD'S "NON-NEGOTIABLE COMMANDS"; PASTOR TOBE WITMER QUOTES FROM JOHN PIPER, NEO-CALVINIST & CATHOLIC CONTEMPLATIVE MYSTICISM PROPONENT:
A Love That Obeys (Part 2 of 2):
WITMER'S SELF EXAMINATION FOR HIMSELF AND YOU:
IN SELF IDOLATRY IS THIS YOU?:
QUOTE FROM PART 2: "PRACTICALLY YOU'RE PLAYING THE REBEL AGAINST GOD, LIKE SOMEONE WHO WOULD PRACTICE WITCHCRAFT"?
THIS SO-CALLED FUNDAMENTALIST PASTOR NEVER WARNS HIS CONGREGATION ABOUT
ANTI CHRISTIAN HERESIES, FALSE TEACHERS, FALSE PROPHETS OR FALSE GOSPELS;
NOR HAS HE PREACHED ABOUT BIBLICAL SEPARATION OR SANCTIFICATION; HE EXPLICITLY PREFERS TO ADVANCE "CHRISTIAN UNITY" DESPITE ITS MYRIAD PERILS IN THE CONTEXT OF
ADAPTED CONTEMPORARY "CHRISTIAN" MUSIC.
SUCH AS THE CELTIC IRISH ADAPTATIONS OF THE GETTYS, ETC; HERE IS ONE OF MANY:
"How Suddenly a Baby Cries", Sung by a Church Member:
THE LULLABY OF THE EMERGING CHURCH SOFTENS UP BELIEVERS' CRITICAL SKILLS
FOR THE COMING ONE WORLD CHURCH PARTNERING WITH GOVERNMENT;
INDOCTRINATION INTO MYSTICISM
The lady above and her mother were invited to sing in the back up choir at Carnegie Hall, New York City, for the Getty/Ricky Skaggs Christmas concert, where they sang "How Suddenly a Baby Cries".
Unfortunately, although the song is sung in a lovely manner by a lovely person about the lovely and adorable baby Jesus, it has ecumenical, mystical, Celtic pagan origins by the very own admissions of its Catholic affiliated authors, as shown below. Also unfortunate is the fact that the songs of Keith and Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend, and other Catholic/mystically inclined contemporary musicians have been and continue to be used in group worship, by church musicians, the choir, and soloists like the above, all of whom are likely unwitting promoters of apostasy.
The pastor and music director have blocked our correspondence in a hostile manner, refusing to address their idolatrous focus on Celtic, and/or adapted ecumenical music, when there exists a wealth of other more biblically acceptable sources. The only reasonable explanation for this focus is that Steve Pettit, president of Bob Jones University, and head of his own music oriented "evangelistic association", appears to offer sufficient validation for its continued use by Lighthouse Baptist Church, Newark, Delaware.
We will expose the facts below to demonstrate that all of this approach to doing church, allegedly "fundamentalist" style, is in fact a religious brainwashing technique to make church goers and members more and more compliant with dictatorial government that overrides the will of the people in an ever increasing breadth and depth, reminiscent of the Hitler period. In the case of the Gettys though, it is also an ecumenical brainwashing to accept the Pope as its head.
Please see our previous posts and linked websites about the Gettys, Townend, C.S. Lewis, Catholicism, contemporary Christian music, contemplative mysticism, emerging church, Pettit, Bob Jones University, etc., in their respective categories herein.
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THE TRUE GOSPEL OF SIN AND REDEMPTION
IS NOWHERE IN GETTYS' SONG. SO HOW CAN A "FUNDAMENTALIST" CHURCH SING THIS?
THE GETTYS DESCRIBE THE CREATION OF "HOW SUDDENLY A BABY CRIES" AND SING IT:
EXCERPT/QUOTE FROM ABOVE WEBSITE:
"This is a carol Kristyn wrote about how the coming of Christ affected the lives of individuals in the gospel narrative, as well as how it continues to impact lives throughout history. The melody comes from a traditional Irish folk tune called “The Star of the County Down” (Co Down is a breathtaking area of Ireland). The Irish writer C.S. Lewis once referred "Oxford placed in the County Down" as his idea of heaven. The grand imagery of Ireland later influenced his creation of Narnia - a place which was "always winter and never Christmas" until the Lion roared. The reel Keith and Fionan wrote to accompany “How Suddenly” is aptly named “Narnian Reel.”"
WHEN AN ALLEGED "CHRISTMAS CAROL" BECOMES AN IRISH "REEL DANCE":
"NARNIAN REEL";
C.S. LEWIS, FALSE "RELUCTANT CHRISTIAN
CONVERT" WHO BELIEVED CHRISTIANITY
GREW FROM PAGANISM,
INSPIRES GETTYS' MUSIC:
(The imagery of Ireland went on to influence Lewis' creation of Narnia which was introduced as a place which was always winter and never Christmas - until Aslan returned from over the sea. Thus the reel written by Keith Getty and Fionan de Barra is named "Narnian Reel".)
ASLAN THE LION KING/CREATOR: SEE: http://narnia.wikia.com/wiki/Aslan;
EXCERPTS:
"It is indicated that Aslan exists in all the worlds as some sort of divine figure of good. His manifestation is different in each world, as are his specific attributes and abilities. It is clear that on Earth, Aslan is Jesus Christ. C.S. Lewis writes in The Last Battle that in Aslan’s Country, Aslan no longer looks like a lion. It is unknown what shape he takes there, and in all the other worlds."
WIKIPEDIA: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aslan
"Aslan is depicted as a talking lion, the King of Beasts, son of the Emperor-Over-the-Sea, lord of Narnia; a wise, compassionate, magical authority (both temporal and spiritual); mysterious and benevolent guide to the human children who visit; guardian and saviour of Narnia. The author, C. S. Lewis, described Aslan as an alternative version of Christ; that is, as the form in which Christ might have appeared in a fantasy world."
WIKIPEDIA QUOTE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._S._Lewis: "It was during this time that Lewis abandoned his childhood Christian faith and became an atheist, becoming interested in mythology and the occult.""From boyhood, Lewis immersed himself firstly in Norse, Greek, and, later, in Irish mythology and literature and expressed an interest in the Irish language.""His experience of the horror of war confirmed his atheism."
C.S. LEWIS QUOTES:
"A CHRISTIAN CAN LOSE THE CHRIST-LIFE
WHICH HAS BEEN PUT INTO HIM,
AND HE HAS TO MAKE EFFORTS TO KEEP IT.";
"OF COURSE I PRAY FOR THE DEAD";
"I BELIEVE IN PURGATORY";
"GOD PERFECTED THE ANIMAL FORM
WHICH WAS TO BECOME THE VEHICLE OF HUMANITY
AND THE IMAGE OF HIMSELF";
"I HAVE THE DEEPEST RESPECT FOR PAGAN MYTHS,
STILL MORE FOR MYTHS IN THE HOLY SCRIPTURES";
"CHRIST FULFILLS BOTH PAGANISM & JUDAISM"
EXCERPT:
"How Suddenly A Baby Cries: This is a new Christmas lyric written to the traditional folk tune “Star of the County Down,” which most people know as the tune for “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say.” It has always been one of my favorite melodies. The Gettys’ lyrics are a sweeping meditation on the mystery of Christ’s birth and salvation. The first couple of verses are soft and pregnant with anticipation, but then it suddenly picks up and turns into a reel. I lost count of how many verses there are, but it’s a very impressive piece.
Keith said that County Down was one of C. S. Lewis’s favorite places in North Ireland (mentioning it when asked what he thought heaven would be like). So when they were writing a new reel to tack onto their arrangement of the tune, they christened it the Narnian Reel in his memory."
(SEE OUR POSTS ABOUT C.S. LEWIS & HIS INFLUENCE)
"ALL FOREVER CHANGED"???? HOW/WHEN????
"CHILD OF BREATH DIVINE"???? WHAT????
ALLEGORICAL, MYSTICAL, UNBIBLICAL LYRICS
(FROM ABOVE WEBSITE); republished below in full unedited for informational, educational, and research purposes:
Music by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty and Fionán de Barra. Lyrics by Kristyn Getty.
Narnian Reel
Keith Getty and Fionán de Barra.
"How suddenly a baby cries and all forever change
As shepherds leave the angel song to find this holy place,
Where in her young and trembling arms a virgin holds her Son
And in this Child of breath divine our Light has finally come.
She ponders how the Magi kneel before Emmanuel.
With gold and frankincense and myrrh Christ's sacrifice they tell.
A dream would help them flee a king whose pride would cruelly destroy.
As mothers weep God's mercy meets the hunger for His joy.
What wonder still that Anna filled with praise should bless the Lord;
Her aging eyes now looking on the Savior of the world.
For night and day her prayers had filled the temple of our God.
Her heart could tell His saving hand within this gift of love.
Hear Simeon who had waited long draw near to hold the child
To speak of Him who would reveal the many thoughts we hide:
That hearts would rise to know His grace but many fall away;
A sword would pierce His mother's soul upon redemption day.
How suddenly a baby cried and all forever changed.
Through history soul by soul have come to find His healing grace.
He filled my troubled heart with peace, with hope of endless worth.
My voice will join the song of praise that tells Messiah's birth"
Narnian Reel
Keith Getty and Fionán de Barra.
"How suddenly a baby cries and all forever change
As shepherds leave the angel song to find this holy place,
Where in her young and trembling arms a virgin holds her Son
And in this Child of breath divine our Light has finally come.
She ponders how the Magi kneel before Emmanuel.
With gold and frankincense and myrrh Christ's sacrifice they tell.
A dream would help them flee a king whose pride would cruelly destroy.
As mothers weep God's mercy meets the hunger for His joy.
What wonder still that Anna filled with praise should bless the Lord;
Her aging eyes now looking on the Savior of the world.
For night and day her prayers had filled the temple of our God.
Her heart could tell His saving hand within this gift of love.
Hear Simeon who had waited long draw near to hold the child
To speak of Him who would reveal the many thoughts we hide:
That hearts would rise to know His grace but many fall away;
A sword would pierce His mother's soul upon redemption day.
How suddenly a baby cried and all forever changed.
Through history soul by soul have come to find His healing grace.
He filled my troubled heart with peace, with hope of endless worth.
My voice will join the song of praise that tells Messiah's birth"
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HERE ARE CELTIC/IRISH ADAPTATIONS BEFORE THE GETTYS' ADAPTATION:
Orthodox Celts - Star Of The County Down; A Secular Song About An Irish Girl:
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CANTICLE OF THE TURNING:
Uploaded on Dec 9, 2011
Canticle of the Turning is a song written by Rory Cooney based on the Magnificat (Song of Mary). The melody is the popular Irish tune "Star of the County Down" which first appeared as the song "Gilderoy" from Pills to Purge Melancholy by Thomas d'Urfey, published between 1698 and 1720.
This version is sung by Gary Daigle, Rory Cooney & Theresa Donohoo from the album "Safety Harbor".
For other songs that use a similar melody see here:
Keith & Kristyn Getty "How Suddenly A Baby Cries"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpQB1C...
This version is sung by Gary Daigle, Rory Cooney & Theresa Donohoo from the album "Safety Harbor".
For other songs that use a similar melody see here:
Keith & Kristyn Getty "How Suddenly A Baby Cries"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpQB1C...
"CANTICLE OF THE TURNING":
GETTYS ROCKING TO:
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (with GreenGrass Reel):
Published on Dec 11, 2014
Join Keith & Kristyn Getty for "Joy! An Irish Christmas".
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (with GreenGrass Reel)"
Musicians:
Fionan de Barra: Guitar
Zach White: Guitar, Banjo
Peter Wahlers: Upright Bass
Keith Getty: Piano
Garth Justice: Drums
Maggie Estes: Violin
Deborah Klemme: Violin
Shannon Lambert-Ryan: Bodhran
Patrick D'Arcy: Pipes, Whistles
"Joy! An Irish Christmas with Keith & Kristyn Getty" was performed at the Riverbend Centre, in Austin, Texas, on December 10th, 2014.
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (with GreenGrass Reel)"
Musicians:
Fionan de Barra: Guitar
Zach White: Guitar, Banjo
Peter Wahlers: Upright Bass
Keith Getty: Piano
Garth Justice: Drums
Maggie Estes: Violin
Deborah Klemme: Violin
Shannon Lambert-Ryan: Bodhran
Patrick D'Arcy: Pipes, Whistles
"Joy! An Irish Christmas with Keith & Kristyn Getty" was performed at the Riverbend Centre, in Austin, Texas, on December 10th, 2014.
Behold The Lamb (Communion Hymn)
Keith & Kristyn Getty;
Inspired by the Occultic Narnia
Published on May 29, 2013
A communion hymn written by Stuart Townend, Keith Getty and his wife Kristyn. Some of the lines are inspired by C.S. Lewis' Voyage of the Dawn Treader from the Chronicles of Narnia - specifically Aslan's Table in the Island of the Star (also known as Ramandu's Island or World's End).
ASLAN'S TABLE:
Ramandu’s Island
EXCERPT:
"After rescuing Lord Rhoop and sailing east, everyone on board the Dawn Treader is rewarded with a greater revelation – Aslan’s table. Full of fresh food and drink, it also bears the knife that killed him on the Stone Table. This scene is a reenactment of the cross. In the Last Supper, Jesus told his disciples to eat the bread and drink the cup; they are symbols of his broken body and shed blood, just as the knife is the symbol of Aslan’s sacrifice. As a result, in the Lord’s Supper Christians eat bread and drink wine or grape juice. They partake of Christ to have fellowship with him and “proclaim the Lord’s death till he comes” (John 6:53, 1 Corinthians 10:16, 11:26). By eating and drinking at Aslan’s table, Caspian and his friends not only remember Aslan’s sacrifice but also commune with him in his death and resurrection. The events at the Stone Table led to the ransom of the captives, Eustace’s baptism, and Lord Rhoop’s rescue. So Aslan’s table reminds everyone that sacrifice is the fruit of redemption and freedom. However, they cannot stay on the island but must continue east to Aslan’s country."
VIDEO:
CS LEWIS: WITCHCRAFT IN NARNIA;
"REQUIRED READING BY NEOPHYTE WITCHES":
Published on Jan 8, 2014
Further exposing the Taoist philosophy of C.S. Lewis, and rebuking the notion that the character 'Aslan' from the Narnia series is a type of Christ.
http://www.turnfromyouridols.com/
http://www.turnfromyouridols.com/
THEREFORE:
"TOUCH NOT MY ANOINTED"?
SEE: http://www.letusreason.org/Pent47.htm; republished below in full unedited for informational, educational, and research purposes:
Loyalty is a good thing if it is for the right purpose and for truth. One certainly does not want to be loyal and find they have pledged their allegiance to something that is false.
“He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD” (Proverbs 17:150
But for one to find out what is true or false they must look into matter and hear both sides before they make a final judgment. “The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge” (Proverbs 18:15).
In a time of catchy phrases and clichés', Christians can be no different. What does the Bible mean when it says not to touch God’s anointed? It’s not my opinion or yours that matters; but what God’s Word have to say about this that really counts? I certainly wish the people that repeat this phrase would read it in its context, 'the Lord's anointed', is a reference to the kings of the nation of Israel (1Sam. 12:3,5; 24:6,10; 26:9,11, 16,23; 2 Sam. 1:14,16; 19:21; Psalm 20:6; Lam. 4:20). The mention of prophets, is a reference to the patriarchs (Psalm 105:8-15; 1Chron. 16:15-22). It is used exclusively in the Old Testament.
Ps 105:11-15 Saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan as the allotment of your inheritance,” When they were few in number, indeed very few, and strangers in it. When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people, “He permitted no one to do them wrong; yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes,Saying, “Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm.” Notice in this Scripture that God protected His anointed (who was Israel) and His prophets from the enemies of Israel to bring physical harm.
The first thing one should notice is that the word touch actually means physical harm. What it does not mean is saying something about another person publicly that is true. How do we know this? Because that's exactly what David did about Saul. It was David who said he would not harm God’s anointed, who was King Saul at the time but He spoke out publicly about him.
Not only David, but Samuel “touched God's anointed,” as he spoke out against the kings disobedience. God told Saul to “Smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not...” (1 Sam. 15:3). But instead, he spoke a half truth and “spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the Lord...” (v.15). Samuel said it was rebellion like witchcraft and idolatry (v.24). Because he did not obey the Word of the Lord he would be removed being king. Saul admitted he feared the people and obeyed their voice. What a crucial thing to learn of Saul who was God's anointed.
In1 Sam.16:13-16 we find David who was shepherd boy was anointed before God took away Saul’s position. David refused to touch Saul physically but it didn’t stop him from telling everyone the truth about him publicly.
David not raising his hand to touch (harm physically) God’s anointed is used in 1 Sam.26:9,11,23. Look at 1 Sam.26:11: tells us that David would not stretch his hand out to touch him (harm him); instead he sneaked up and took Saul’s spear and water jug. In verse 15 David rebukes Abner for not guarding Saul and says he deserved to die. Saul hears the commotion and comes out, and David rebukes Saul before all his troops, asking why he is pursuing David’s life since he is innocent -- that the king has come out to seek a flea. Saul then repented for his rash behavior and called himself a fool. David returned Saul’s possessions and said, “For the Lord delivered you into my hand but I would not stretch out my hand against the Lord’s anointed.” Notice what this means, not to bring physical harm.
1 Samuel 24:10 “Look, this day your eyes have seen that the LORD delivered you today into my hand in the cave, and someone urged me to kill you. But my eye spared you, and I said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord's anointed.” “And David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against the Lord's anointed, and be guiltless?”(1 Sam. 26:9)
Saul was anointed as King over Israel he had a position of rulership that was soon to be over. Knowing he was next in line David refused to physically touch the king as God’s anointed and remove him from his position prematurely. It was God, not David who would remove Saul from his position (26:8-10).
We should notice an important part in this story, it was Saul who was pursuing David, hunting him down and trying to kill him. The Bible story has Saul whose position was threatened, pursuing to kill David who was innocent. Isn’t this what we see today? Those who are in a greater position of leadership going after people who are anointed that are challenging them in what they are saying and doing as wrong. From their position they have trained people to listen to them and willing to silence their challengers. They do this by going after them with Bible threats such as “don’t touch God’s anointed” or you are committing the “blasphemy the Holy Spirit” when you speak against another “man of God.” Ignoring the fact that blasphemy meant one is saying that Jesus’ miracles were done by an unclean spirit, not about questioning another mans alleged miracles. Those of the flesh are pursuing those who are of the Spirit, just as Saul did to David. Those who are following the Spirit of the Lord go to His Word to keep themselves in the truth no matter what the opposition may say.
It’s interesting that in Rev. 6:9 John writes “When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.” They were killed because they held to the Word against the opposition and so they became martyrs. Those who apostatize from the Word always hate those who keep it.
We find the story of Saul ends with David kept from the Battle that Saul and Jonathan lost their lives in, instead he fought the Amalakites. An Amalakite messenger came back with torn clothes and dust on his head showing he was in mourning, David inquired of him and he told David he killed Saul. “So David said to him, “How was it you were not afraid to put forth your hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?” Then David called one of the young men and said, “Go near, and execute him!” And he struck him so that he died. So David said to him, “Your blood is on your own head, for your own mouth has testified against you, saying, 'I have killed the LORD's anointed.’”(2 Sam 1:13-16) Again it is clear, to touch the anointed means to bring physical harm, most often death. But if you spiritualize it, it can mean anything you want. 2 Sam 1:17-19 David took up this lament concerning Saul and his son Jonathan, and ordered that the men of Judah be taught this lament of the bow (it is written in the Book of Jashar): “Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. How the mighty have fallen!” Each time is about those who were killed. David did not relish the fact that God's anointed was apostate and met his end, he wept.
Since most of these so called anointed teachers that come under their follower’s protection teach the Word out of context, its not surprising that they would quote a verse of Scripture removed from its correct meaning for their own self- protection. Those who shout don’t touch God’s anointed think they are doing God’s work, but they rarely ever look at the facts presented. They listen to their teachers and do not want to hear the other side of the story. They cut themselves off from hearing the truth. And some, even when they are shown false teachings and prophecies do not care, but look to some personality who captured their loyalty. They become enemies of all reason, their own worst enemy. They do not realize they have been trained well, and like Pavlov’s dogs, react the same way each time. It's time to break free!
What are we supposed to do?
Its easy not to confront falsehood today, but it has become easy to confront those who point it out. How many people tell others not to touch the so-called anointed ever check out the claims from someone who has real concerns, and is trying to get them to read about it? I can tell you from experience, very few. Why is this? Because for the most part they can’t read the material, or should I be more specific and say, they are not allowed to. Again I ask why?It was an apostle named Paul who called the Berean’s more noble than the others. For what reason? They looked to the Scripture to see if what Paul was teaching was accurate. Today those who protect their favorite teachers say don’t touch God’s anointed for doing this. Paul never said, “Touch not God’s anointed” or “do my prophets no harm”; you will never find an apostle teach this, nor is this found ONCE in the whole New Testament. I ask again why not? Paul was questioned, why didn’t he say this? The apostle Paul called those who checked out what he said as noble, meaning they were a better stock than the others. How noble are you? Do you go wherever the tide goes? Are you willing to take a stand for the truth of the Word of God despite what people say, or will you follow the rest of the sheep off the cliff.
To tell people not to search the Scriptures and expose false teaching as David exposed King Saul is to be touching God’s anointed. You are stopping people who have God’s anointed word from using it correctly! Even David later on in his ministry as King accepted rebuke and correction from Nathan the prophet. He did not say, “don’t touch God’s anointed” to protect himself, and neither should those who follow their leaders do the same.
Who are the anointed?
John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” Unless someone is speaking the word correctly they are not teaching the truth and it doesn’t matter if they call themselves anointed, or how big or successful a ministry they have, they are WRONG.What do the anointed man and women of God act like? Do they stop you from going to check their teachings or anyone else’s by the Word? Of course not, Titus 1:9 “holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”
No apostle ever said they were anointed, they did not speak in this manner; “don’t touch me I’m God’s anointed.” If someone is truly anointed, they would want to encourage the people to discern what is true and what is not. They would encourage people to pursue truth no matter where it would lead. They would love the sheep enough to protect them from falsehood and want to see them grow. They would allow the sheep to learn and think for themselves. The anointing, who is the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth and someone who has the Spirit of Truth will never run from seeing error but will confront it when necessary. He will give someone the truth from the Word, subsequently leading us away from error.
We also need to ask the question who is anointed? The Bible tells us the whole body of Christ is, not just some certain people in the body. 2 Cor. 1:20-22 “Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee”
Let me ask those who use the phrase “touch not God’s anointed”, do you believe that only a certain teacher is anointed or can you admit that the whole body is anointed? If so, stop using this Scripture from the Old Testament as if there are only certain people anointed, like prophets or kings. Are there only a certain few leaders who are the anointed of God? Use it correctly.
The New Testament view identifies the anointed as all those who have received Jesus into their hearts and baptized into the body (1 Corinthians 12:13). It is not a certain church or group of people who are supposed leaders over the Church like the kings or prophets in the Old Testament; the whole body of Christ is anointed. When someone insists for people not to say anything when they see something wrong, it is THEY that are coming against the anointed. For everyone shares the same anointing. Before one gives the standard cliché to protect a favorite teacher with “don’t touch my anointed” to someone who is searching what the Scripture actually says, you should think this through. It just may be that it is you who are touching the anointed Jesus, the author of truth, His Word.
The New Testament teaching is that all Christians have the same anointing, the same Holy Spirit. I Jn. 2:27 “But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.” How does he teach? By the Word of God, by this we know what is true and false. Prior to this John wrote “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth” (I Jn. 2:20-21). So if someone speaks something false about Christ (which is what John is concentrating on) or His word they are not speaking by the Spirit and not presenting truth. This is made simple enough for everyone to understand. John says they already know the truth; this was by being born again, by His teaching and the New Testament being circulated throughout the whole church.
We need to ask are they teaching the Bible from the Bible or are they teaching the Bible by another outside interpretation leading you into an experience, or possibly a spirit they think is the Holy Spirit? Doctrine keeps us in communion with Jesus. If they tell you to not bother with doctrine and all you need is love or an experience, run from this because it is a lie. The Bible states “Whosoever transgresses and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, HATH NOT GOD. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son” (2 John 1:9) “That you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:3). Where is the doctrine found? In the Scriptures of course.
Ps. 105:14-15 “He permitted no one to do them wrong; yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes, Saying, “Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm.” He permitted no one to do them wrong. Who is he? God. The whole people of Israel were appointed to be a kingdom of priests and kings unto God; they were set apart to his service, it was God who protected them from physical harm. We know this is the context because v.13 states they went from nation to another, from kingdom to another people.” Prophets and the kings of Israel did not care too much about what others said about them, but they did care about what the enemies said of God. In the same sense, those who are saying this phrase today: are you protecting God’s word or a person?
It is God who protects His anointed, “Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:6-7). “The LORD is their strength, and He is the saving refuge of His anointed” (Psalm 28:8). If you are anointed you don’t have to make threats, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isa. 26:3). Could these anointed men who threaten others be reacting in the flesh and not in His Spirit? Apparently so!
First: we are not to judge a man and his eternal destiny which is left up to God, but if we see their teachings as destructive, the Bible tells us to judge, it is a command. So if you are telling people not to judge by repeating the Scripture “touch not my anointed” you are telling them to be disobedient to God's command. That’s the clear and simple answer to this matter. So it has absolutely nothing to do with this cliché touch not my anointed. To hold to this shows ones immaturity in the Word.
Looking at the purpose of touch not God’s anointed, excludes the concept about judging. Most people who say don’t judge will go ahead and take apart everything someone presents as they explain that we are told to judge according to the Bible. For them to say don’t judge is a judgment in itself. But they cannot see the inconsistency in what they are actually doing.
It is the word of God that we use to Judge someone’s teaching and that is not My personal judgment, but God’s, so by obeying this we are doing EXACTLY what Jesus said, to JUDGE righteously. John 7:24 Jesus said: “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment”, so we see Jesus did tell us to judge. Also if one examines Mt.7:1-5 in context they find that Jesus says if you have removed the same stumbling block from your eye and can clearly then go ahead and help your brother. 2nd it appears many have listened to men more than God, for the Bible scriptures that they are quoting need to read it in context. It is the self appointed leaders have trained people to think this way and by calling themselves anointed, they have made their followers go after people who say anything about them for their protection. The problem is evident; they can only quote a few certain verses that tell people not say anything about anyone.
Peter, Paul and John did a lot of judging the Biblical way. Every second epistle written is a judgment on false teaching explaining the truth by refuting the error. In 2 Timothy 2:17 he warns of the heresies of two men by name. Later in the same epistle (4:10), Paul judges by warning them about a man named Demas. Paul did a lot of judging and evaluating when it came to false teachers. Remember this is inspired by the Holy Spirit; therefore we have a mandate to judge false doctrine. In the epistle to the Hebrews 5:14 tells us that mature believers, those who are of “full age,” are those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern (judge) both good and evil.” It takes time to learn and grow in discernment; it is those who are babes, immature hold the position that we can’t judge. Think about it.
We are not to sit idly by when we see personal spiritual revelations change God’s Word. If men and women cannot hold to the core doctrines and instead make up new revelations or interpret the Scripture from their dreams, visions, visitations from angels or saints we are to point out this is unbiblical teaching. This is what the Bible says, “holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict” (Titus 1:9). It's not opinion, its not chasing down a certain person because of any dislike, its a Bible doctrine that we are to practice. Those who see the error are to remove themselves from those who teach it. “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (Rom 16:17). If you say you love the Lord lets see it by obeying Him on this matter.
God has given us objective truth to live by. He has not made the truth so vague and open ended that it becomes a matter of anyone’s interpretation, the bible is not an open-ended book. He has given us clear-cut instructions that are valid and applicable today. God gave us an objective means to know and walk with Him, by living out His written Word. The sheep hear the voice of the Shepherd found in the Word, not in new words that men claim God gave them. The sheep will be drawn to the Word if they have any questions. When someone says they are “anointed” or “led by the Spirit” but consistently teach contrary to the Word in its accurate context, you can be assured that they’re not being led by His Spirit delivering truth. This is especially important on the core doctrines. This of course does mean we must be able to teach perfectly every time. What I’m trying to convey is that it takes time to study, labor and gain spiritual understanding of the Word correctly, that is our goal. When someone distorts and butchers the word, changing or discarding its meaning, then we can safely assume they have not spent time in the word, they do not care, or should not be teaching . When it gets bad enough, harmful enough, its time to speak up to protect the babes, the immature and the naïve from eating poison food. The only alternative is to address the public of already circulated false teaching that is undermining foundational tenets of our faith. We are supposed to be our brother’s keeper, some are to watch over the Church. To ignore this is to have their blood on our hands (Acts 20:26), to warn them shows the same love and concern that Christ has. It's a matter of love and truth that people do the research to see if what is said is so.
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Getty/Townend and Contemporary Hymns;
SEE: http://www.wayoflife.org/index_files/getty_townend_contemporary_hymns.html; republished below in full unedited for informational, educational, and research purposes:
The following information is from The Directory of Contemporary Worship Musicians, which is available as a free eBook from www.wayoflife.org.
The “contemporary hymns” of Keith and Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townend are widely used among “traditional, non-contemporary” churches, because they are considered relatively safe.
For example, at least eight of their songs are included in Majesty Music’s Rejoice Hymns and 29 of their songs are featured in Hymns Modern and Ancient, published by Heart Publications, a ministry of Steve Pettit Evangelistic Association and compiled by Fred Coleman who heads up Bob Jones University’s Department of Church Music.
KEITH AND KRISTYN GETTY
Their popular songs include “Don’t Let Me Lose My Wonder,” “In Christ Alone” (penned by Keith and Stuart Townend), “Speak, Oh Lord,” and “The Power of the Cross.”
Typically, the lyrics are Scriptural and the tunes are not blaring rock & roll (though the Gettys ca rock hard in their concerts). But the Gettys represent the exceedingly dangerous world of contemporary worship music as definitely as Michael W. Smith or Graham Kendrick.
Their ecumenical, one-world-church goal is to “bring everyone together musically” (www.keithgetty.com). They want to “bridge the gap between the traditional and contemporary” (http://www.gettymusic.com/about.aspx), but Bible-believers should know that this is a “gap” that must not be bridged, as it is a gap between Christ and the world, between the Spirit and the flesh, between true churches and harlot ones.
The Gettys are “modern hymn writers” but their music is syncretistic. They “fuse the music of their Irish heritage with the sounds of Nashville, their newly adopted home.” The Gettys list the Beatles as a major musical influence.
Keith arranged some of the songs on Michael W. Smith’s charismatic Healing Rainalbum.
The Gettys have a close working relationship with Stuart Townend, who is radically charismatic and ecumenical. Not only do they write and publish songs with Townend, but they also tour together, joining hands, for example, in the Celtic Islands Tour 2012.
The “contemporary hymns” of Keith and Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townend are widely used among “traditional, non-contemporary” churches, because they are considered relatively safe.
KEITH AND KRISTYN GETTY
Their popular songs include “Don’t Let Me Lose My Wonder,” “In Christ Alone” (penned by Keith and Stuart Townend), “Speak, Oh Lord,” and “The Power of the Cross.”
Typically, the lyrics are Scriptural and the tunes are not blaring rock & roll (though the Gettys ca rock hard in their concerts). But the Gettys represent the exceedingly dangerous world of contemporary worship music as definitely as Michael W. Smith or Graham Kendrick.
Their ecumenical, one-world-church goal is to “bring everyone together musically” (www.keithgetty.com). They want to “bridge the gap between the traditional and contemporary” (http://www.gettymusic.com/about.aspx), but Bible-believers should know that this is a “gap” that must not be bridged, as it is a gap between Christ and the world, between the Spirit and the flesh, between true churches and harlot ones.
The Gettys are “modern hymn writers” but their music is syncretistic. They “fuse the music of their Irish heritage with the sounds of Nashville, their newly adopted home.” The Gettys list the Beatles as a major musical influence.
Keith arranged some of the songs on Michael W. Smith’s charismatic Healing Rainalbum.
The Gettys have a close working relationship with Stuart Townend, who is radically charismatic and ecumenical. Not only do they write and publish songs with Townend, but they also tour together, joining hands, for example, in the Celtic Islands Tour 2012.
In July 2012, the Gettys joined Roman Catholic Matt Maher on NewsongCafe on WorshipTogether.com. They played and discussed “The Power of the Cross,” which was co-written by Getty-Townend. The 10-minute program promoted ecumenical unity, with Maher/Townend/Getty entirely one in the spirit through the music. Major doctrinal differences are so meaningless that they are not even mentioned. Spiritual abominations such as papal supremacy, the mass, infant baptism, baptismal regeneration, and Mariolatry were entirely ignored. Jude 3 was despised and Romans 16:17 completely disobeyed for the sake of building the one-world church through contemporary Christian music.
In October 2012, the Gettys joined hands with emerging heretic Leonard Sweet at the National Worship Leader Conference in San Diego. Sweet calls his universalist-tinged doctrine New Light and “quantum spirituality” and “the Christ consciousness” and describes it in terms of “the union of the human with the divine” which is the “center feature of all the world’s religions” (Quantum Spirituality, p. 235). He defines the New Light as “a structure of human becoming, a channeling of Christ energies through mindbody experience” (Quantum Spirituality, p. 70). Sweet says that “New Light pastors” hold the doctrine of “embodiment of God in the very substance of creation” (p. 124). In Carpe Mañana, Sweet says that the earth is as much a part of the body of Christ as humans and that humanity and the earth constitutes “a cosmic body of Christ” (p. 124).
Sweet lists some of the “New Light leaders” that have influenced his thinking as Matthew Fox, M. Scott Peck, Willis Harman, and Ken Wilber. These are prominent New Agers who believe in the divinity of man, as we have documented in the book The New Age Tower of Babel. Sweet has endorsed The Shack with its non-judgmental father-mother god, and he promotes Roman Catholic contemplative mysticism and dangerous mystics such as the Catholic-Buddhist Thomas Merton. (For documentation see the book Contemplative Mysticism, which is available in print and eBook editions from Way of Life Literature -- www.wayoflife.org.)
In October 2012, the Gettys joined hands with emerging heretic Leonard Sweet at the National Worship Leader Conference in San Diego. Sweet calls his universalist-tinged doctrine New Light and “quantum spirituality” and “the Christ consciousness” and describes it in terms of “the union of the human with the divine” which is the “center feature of all the world’s religions” (Quantum Spirituality, p. 235). He defines the New Light as “a structure of human becoming, a channeling of Christ energies through mindbody experience” (Quantum Spirituality, p. 70). Sweet says that “New Light pastors” hold the doctrine of “embodiment of God in the very substance of creation” (p. 124). In Carpe Mañana, Sweet says that the earth is as much a part of the body of Christ as humans and that humanity and the earth constitutes “a cosmic body of Christ” (p. 124).
Sweet lists some of the “New Light leaders” that have influenced his thinking as Matthew Fox, M. Scott Peck, Willis Harman, and Ken Wilber. These are prominent New Agers who believe in the divinity of man, as we have documented in the book The New Age Tower of Babel. Sweet has endorsed The Shack with its non-judgmental father-mother god, and he promotes Roman Catholic contemplative mysticism and dangerous mystics such as the Catholic-Buddhist Thomas Merton. (For documentation see the book Contemplative Mysticism, which is available in print and eBook editions from Way of Life Literature -- www.wayoflife.org.)
STUART TOWNEND
Stuart Townend is charismatic in theology and radically ecumenical in philosophy, supporting the Alpha program which bridges charismatic, Protestant, and Roman Catholic churches. He is a member of the charismatic Church of Christ the King in Brighton, U.K. and supports the “extraordinary manifestations of the Spirit,” which refers to the demonic/fleshly charismatic mysticism such as meaningless gibberish, spirit slaying, holy laughter, and shaking.
His testimony of salvation is extremely weak, as stated in the following biographical sketch from WorshipTogether.com:
“Stuart grew up as the youngest of four children in a Christian family in West Yorkshire where his father was a Church of England vicar. Stuart’s family always enjoyed music and one brother, Ian, went on to become a member of the group Heartbeat. Stuart himself began to play the piano at the age of 7. It was while living in West Yorkshire that at the age of 13 he made his Christian commitment. Then later at the age of 18, when helping to lead a children’s camp in Hand Cross, West Sussex, he had a profound experience of the Holy Spirit.”
Townend is at the forefront of producing TRANSITION SONGS and BRIDGE SONGS designed to move traditional churches along the contemporary path toward Christian rock. From the perspective of the CCM artists involved in this, they aren’t doing anything sinister. They are simply and sincerely trying to “feed” the “broader church.” But from a fundamentalist Bible-believing position, the effect is to draw “old-fashioned” Bible churches into the contemporary orb, and that is most sinister.
Bridge songs include Townend’s “How Deep the Father's Love for Us” and “In Christ Alone” by Townend and Keith Getty.
These songs are doctrinally sound and more soft rock ballad in style as opposed to out-and-out rock & roll, so they are considered “safe” by traditional churches. But by using this music a staunch Bible church is brought into association with the contemporary world that Townsend represents and the contemporary hymns become a bridge to influences that are contrary to and very dangerous to the church’s original stance.
Townend has a false concept of Christ. When asked, “What would Jesus sing?” he replied:
“I think he would be doing thrash metal or hip hop or something where we’d go, ‘He can’t do that!’ Because I think he would be challenging our comfortable perceptions. I don’t know what he would sing or whose songs he would sing, but I believe he would do it in a way that would surprise and probably shock us” (“What Would Jesus Sing?” from an interview with Stuart Townend, TV series Principles of Praise, 2011, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCW0oAAna7c).
So, according to Townend, instead of singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, Jesus would be singing thrash metal and hip hop and trying to shock us with His musical choices. That is not the thrice holy Jesus described in Scripture. It is true that Jesus shocked the religious crowd of His day, but that was not because He was performing worldly musical numbers, gyrating to rap, and screaming out thrash! It was because the religious crowd had rejected God’s Word and He was God’s Word incarnate, so they did not recognize, understand, or appreciate Him. He came to fulfill every jot and tittle of the holy Law of God (Matthew 5:17-19). Jesus was a friend of sinners, but He did not sin with sinners and He was no sort of a party dude. He frequently preached on hell and demanded repentance, and that would put the brakes on any party!
Since the Christian rock crowd loves to shock people, they think Jesus is like them. Christian rockers lose no sleep at the fact that many of the saints are upset and discouraged with their music because they consider it worldly and inappropriate for the service of Christ. Christian rockers have taken over countless once-traditional churches even to the extreme of pushing aside and running over anyone who got in the way of their musical “choices.” Instead of sympathizing with the saints who oppose their music, they slander them as Pharisees and legalists and mindless traditionalists.
This is not the spirit of Jesus. He solemnly warned about offending those who believe on Him (Matthew 18:2-10). Paul, too, issued this warning. “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. ... Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another” (Romans 14:13, 19).
Townend is holding hands with the “broader church” in all of its facets and heresies and end-time apostasies, and his objective in writing the “hymn-like” contemporary songs is ecumenism. (For extensive documentation of the treacherous waters of evangelicalism see the report “Biblical Separatism and Its Collapse among Fundamental Baptists,” which is available as a free eBook from Way of Life Literature.)
Consider the following statement:
“‘How Deep the Father’s Love’ was the first hymn-like song I had written; before that point I had only written modern worship songs in a more contemporary style. ... This melody just kinda popped out of my head one day. ... It had a kind of classic hymn-like element to it. I thought I should just tell the story of Christ on the cross, but tell it perhaps from the point of view of what it cost the Father to give the Son. ... There is lot of talk about the wrath of God and is that right to think that the Father’s wrath was poured out on Christ, and I think that is right to say that. But that is not to say that God is a vengeful God; actually it cost him to give up His son....
It’s been interesting to see the response. It’s quite useful not only in the more modern contemporary churches, but in traditional churches as well because of the style. And I’m kind of exited about that; I am excited about the fact that you can write something that actually feeds the broader church rather than just particular musical pockets of the church. That’s something that motivates me and probably why I’ve thought more and more about writing hymns, is I would like to try and feed the whole church and not just part of it” (Stuart Townend, “Mission: Worship, The Story Behind the Song”).
The first comment we would make is that Townend openly states that his objective is to bridge “traditional” churches with contemporary ones. After “How Deep the Father’s Love” popped into his mind and he turned the “hymn-like” tune into a soft rock “modern hymn,” he realized that this type of music could be a powerful bridge. In his own blog he says “I don’t go home at the end of a busy day and put on a hymns album! So I don’t think of hymns as where I’m at musically at all!” (http://blog.stuarttownend.co.uk/2010/05/how-deep-fathers-love.html). Townend is a rock & roller, pure and simple. He wants to use the soft CCM to bring together the “broader church.”
It is largely the “traditional” churches that are interested in “soft” CCM, and by using it they are the ones that are in danger of being influenced and changed. When “traditional” churches borrow Townend’s “soft” CCM, the contemporary churches are in no danger of being “traditionalized,” but the traditional churches are most definitely in danger of being contemporarized.
The second observation is that Townend is committed to serious heresy. He states that God is not vengeful, whereas the Bible plainly, repeatedly, and forcefully states that Godis vengeful. The Psalmist says that God will “execute vengeance upon the heathen” (Psa. 149:7). The prophets warn of the coming of the “day of the Lord’s vengeance” (Isa. 34:8; Jer. 46:10; Mic. 5:15; Nahum 1:2). It was God’s holy vengeance that fell upon Christ, and it is His vengeance that will fall upon every sinner outside of Christ. The apostle Paul said that Christ will exercise God’s vengeance on all who obey not the gospel (2 Thess. 1:8).
One concerned pastor wrote:
“Keith and Kristyn Getty advertise themselves as ‘Modern Hymn Writers’ and are deceiving many into the Rock Genre by this very innocent title and the more conservative Praise Soft Rock music. But the fact is, that they are not modern hymn writers because they are putting out Rock Music which is not spiritual at all but carnal and thereby fulfilling the desires of the flesh and not the spirit (spiritual part of us yielding to the Holy Spirit).”
The frightful thing is that the average Independent Baptist pastor and the people in charge of music in the typical church don’t have the foggiest idea that they are being manipulated and that they are walking on a BRIDGE that leads to a place they say they are against, which is full blown CCM and its enticing philosophy of “don’t be so strict and uptight; relax; enjoy life; live the grace.”
Townend says that God loves electric guitars and drums (“Stuart Townend: The Journey Gets Stronger,” ChristianityToday.com, April 7, 2011). He is referring to electric guitars and drums used to create rock music. This is a presumptuous statement that is not supported by the Bible.
In July 2012, Townend joined the Gettys and Roman Catholic Matt Maher on NewsongCafe on WorshipTogether.com, as previously mentioned.
Stuart Townend is charismatic in theology and radically ecumenical in philosophy, supporting the Alpha program which bridges charismatic, Protestant, and Roman Catholic churches. He is a member of the charismatic Church of Christ the King in Brighton, U.K. and supports the “extraordinary manifestations of the Spirit,” which refers to the demonic/fleshly charismatic mysticism such as meaningless gibberish, spirit slaying, holy laughter, and shaking.
His testimony of salvation is extremely weak, as stated in the following biographical sketch from WorshipTogether.com:
“Stuart grew up as the youngest of four children in a Christian family in West Yorkshire where his father was a Church of England vicar. Stuart’s family always enjoyed music and one brother, Ian, went on to become a member of the group Heartbeat. Stuart himself began to play the piano at the age of 7. It was while living in West Yorkshire that at the age of 13 he made his Christian commitment. Then later at the age of 18, when helping to lead a children’s camp in Hand Cross, West Sussex, he had a profound experience of the Holy Spirit.”
Townend is at the forefront of producing TRANSITION SONGS and BRIDGE SONGS designed to move traditional churches along the contemporary path toward Christian rock. From the perspective of the CCM artists involved in this, they aren’t doing anything sinister. They are simply and sincerely trying to “feed” the “broader church.” But from a fundamentalist Bible-believing position, the effect is to draw “old-fashioned” Bible churches into the contemporary orb, and that is most sinister.
Bridge songs include Townend’s “How Deep the Father's Love for Us” and “In Christ Alone” by Townend and Keith Getty.
These songs are doctrinally sound and more soft rock ballad in style as opposed to out-and-out rock & roll, so they are considered “safe” by traditional churches. But by using this music a staunch Bible church is brought into association with the contemporary world that Townsend represents and the contemporary hymns become a bridge to influences that are contrary to and very dangerous to the church’s original stance.
Townend has a false concept of Christ. When asked, “What would Jesus sing?” he replied:
“I think he would be doing thrash metal or hip hop or something where we’d go, ‘He can’t do that!’ Because I think he would be challenging our comfortable perceptions. I don’t know what he would sing or whose songs he would sing, but I believe he would do it in a way that would surprise and probably shock us” (“What Would Jesus Sing?” from an interview with Stuart Townend, TV series Principles of Praise, 2011, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCW0oAAna7c).
So, according to Townend, instead of singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, Jesus would be singing thrash metal and hip hop and trying to shock us with His musical choices. That is not the thrice holy Jesus described in Scripture. It is true that Jesus shocked the religious crowd of His day, but that was not because He was performing worldly musical numbers, gyrating to rap, and screaming out thrash! It was because the religious crowd had rejected God’s Word and He was God’s Word incarnate, so they did not recognize, understand, or appreciate Him. He came to fulfill every jot and tittle of the holy Law of God (Matthew 5:17-19). Jesus was a friend of sinners, but He did not sin with sinners and He was no sort of a party dude. He frequently preached on hell and demanded repentance, and that would put the brakes on any party!
Since the Christian rock crowd loves to shock people, they think Jesus is like them. Christian rockers lose no sleep at the fact that many of the saints are upset and discouraged with their music because they consider it worldly and inappropriate for the service of Christ. Christian rockers have taken over countless once-traditional churches even to the extreme of pushing aside and running over anyone who got in the way of their musical “choices.” Instead of sympathizing with the saints who oppose their music, they slander them as Pharisees and legalists and mindless traditionalists.
This is not the spirit of Jesus. He solemnly warned about offending those who believe on Him (Matthew 18:2-10). Paul, too, issued this warning. “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. ... Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another” (Romans 14:13, 19).
Townend is holding hands with the “broader church” in all of its facets and heresies and end-time apostasies, and his objective in writing the “hymn-like” contemporary songs is ecumenism. (For extensive documentation of the treacherous waters of evangelicalism see the report “Biblical Separatism and Its Collapse among Fundamental Baptists,” which is available as a free eBook from Way of Life Literature.)
Consider the following statement:
“‘How Deep the Father’s Love’ was the first hymn-like song I had written; before that point I had only written modern worship songs in a more contemporary style. ... This melody just kinda popped out of my head one day. ... It had a kind of classic hymn-like element to it. I thought I should just tell the story of Christ on the cross, but tell it perhaps from the point of view of what it cost the Father to give the Son. ... There is lot of talk about the wrath of God and is that right to think that the Father’s wrath was poured out on Christ, and I think that is right to say that. But that is not to say that God is a vengeful God; actually it cost him to give up His son....
It’s been interesting to see the response. It’s quite useful not only in the more modern contemporary churches, but in traditional churches as well because of the style. And I’m kind of exited about that; I am excited about the fact that you can write something that actually feeds the broader church rather than just particular musical pockets of the church. That’s something that motivates me and probably why I’ve thought more and more about writing hymns, is I would like to try and feed the whole church and not just part of it” (Stuart Townend, “Mission: Worship, The Story Behind the Song”).
The first comment we would make is that Townend openly states that his objective is to bridge “traditional” churches with contemporary ones. After “How Deep the Father’s Love” popped into his mind and he turned the “hymn-like” tune into a soft rock “modern hymn,” he realized that this type of music could be a powerful bridge. In his own blog he says “I don’t go home at the end of a busy day and put on a hymns album! So I don’t think of hymns as where I’m at musically at all!” (http://blog.stuarttownend.co.uk/2010/05/how-deep-fathers-love.html). Townend is a rock & roller, pure and simple. He wants to use the soft CCM to bring together the “broader church.”
It is largely the “traditional” churches that are interested in “soft” CCM, and by using it they are the ones that are in danger of being influenced and changed. When “traditional” churches borrow Townend’s “soft” CCM, the contemporary churches are in no danger of being “traditionalized,” but the traditional churches are most definitely in danger of being contemporarized.
The second observation is that Townend is committed to serious heresy. He states that God is not vengeful, whereas the Bible plainly, repeatedly, and forcefully states that Godis vengeful. The Psalmist says that God will “execute vengeance upon the heathen” (Psa. 149:7). The prophets warn of the coming of the “day of the Lord’s vengeance” (Isa. 34:8; Jer. 46:10; Mic. 5:15; Nahum 1:2). It was God’s holy vengeance that fell upon Christ, and it is His vengeance that will fall upon every sinner outside of Christ. The apostle Paul said that Christ will exercise God’s vengeance on all who obey not the gospel (2 Thess. 1:8).
One concerned pastor wrote:
“Keith and Kristyn Getty advertise themselves as ‘Modern Hymn Writers’ and are deceiving many into the Rock Genre by this very innocent title and the more conservative Praise Soft Rock music. But the fact is, that they are not modern hymn writers because they are putting out Rock Music which is not spiritual at all but carnal and thereby fulfilling the desires of the flesh and not the spirit (spiritual part of us yielding to the Holy Spirit).”
The frightful thing is that the average Independent Baptist pastor and the people in charge of music in the typical church don’t have the foggiest idea that they are being manipulated and that they are walking on a BRIDGE that leads to a place they say they are against, which is full blown CCM and its enticing philosophy of “don’t be so strict and uptight; relax; enjoy life; live the grace.”
Townend says that God loves electric guitars and drums (“Stuart Townend: The Journey Gets Stronger,” ChristianityToday.com, April 7, 2011). He is referring to electric guitars and drums used to create rock music. This is a presumptuous statement that is not supported by the Bible.
In July 2012, Townend joined the Gettys and Roman Catholic Matt Maher on NewsongCafe on WorshipTogether.com, as previously mentioned.
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An Examination of Sovereign Grace Ministries and Getty-Townend For Use in Fundamental Christian Churches (Part 3 of 3):
EXCERPTS:
Text, Theology, Philosophy
With regard to lyrics, Keith Getty articulates well his conviction regarding the theological significance of words put to song: “What we sing becomes the grammar of what we believe.”[1] Again, he notes, “What we sing affects how we think, how we feel and ultimately how we live.”[2] This conviction spawns a theological intentionality and robustness that distinguishes GTM songs from many in the SGM venue,[3] with an emphasis upon Christian doctrine over Christian experience.[4] Whereas Getty grew up Presbyterian and today leads worship at Parkside Church (a non-denominational church in Cleveland, Ohio, pastored by Alistair Begg), Stuart Townend grew up Anglican, and today leads worship in a NewFrontiers church in England (a neocharismatic apostolic network of evangelical, charismatic churches). Their goal is to write music that brings believers of different geographical, theological and musical backgrounds together in worship.
The primary danger comes not in their explicit theology, but in their implicit philosophical tendencies toward an evangelical approach to culture and a charismatic approach to worship.
At the same time, some lyrics are quite vague or are clearly Charismatic in their approach to God, thus making them inappropriate for fundamental, dispensational congregations. As with any other hymn text source, we should be careful that we select texts that reinforce our doctrine.
Group or Movement
Both GTM and SGM are at the forefront of what is being heralded as an idea or movement known as the “New Calvinism.”[8] In fact, the Time magazine article that broaches the subject identifies music at the very core of its emergence.[9] Mark Driscoll (identified as one of the three primary personae of the movement) lists four main differences between Old and New Calvinism:
- Old Calvinism was fundamental or liberal and separated from or syncretized with culture. New Calvinism is missional and seeks to create and redeem culture.
- Old Calvinism fled from the cities. New Calvinism is flooding into cities.
- Old Calvinism was fearful of the Holy Spirit and generally cessationist (i.e., believing the gifts of the Holy Spirit such as tongues and prophecy had ceased). New Calvinism delights in the Holy Spirit and is generally continuationist with regard to spiritual gifts.
- Old Calvinism was fearful and suspicious of other Christians and burned bridges. New Calvinism loves all Christians and builds bridges between them.[10]
A subtle shift is taking place within Christendom today, as the meetings of the church (Greek for “assembly”) become more about evangelism than about worship – that is, more about those “outside” the assembly, than about those “within.” With this shift, increasing emphasis is placed upon being “authentic” rather than upon being “holy,” resulting in an “inauthentic” gospel, devoid of victory over sin (Rom 6:14), and devoid of victory over the world (1 Jn 5:4).
Regarding GTM, we are cautiously optimistic about using selected songs in a non-pop/rock performing style. Some of the associational issues are real, especially while the songs remain so closely tied to their original source. For this reason, the authors have chosen, thus far, to not include GTM songs in our ministries, although we are not as opposed to GTM as we are to SGM. It is likely that when we believe the inclusion of GTM songs in our ministries will be a source of edification, without bringing danger to weaker brethren, we will use selected songs. This is the pattern the authors follow with all music choices from all music-publishing ministries.[12]
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John Piper, Tobe Witmer
and the Golden Calf of C.S. Lewis
Published on May 16, 2013
Download available (for Show 92) here at:
http://podOmatic.com/r/pC17
http://www.facebook.com/MegiddoRadio
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John Piper's Desiring God National Conference 2013 will exalt C.S. Lewis with the title of this year's conference being: 'The Romantic Rationalist: God, Life, and Imagination in the Work of C.S. Lewis'. Is this more of the same from John Piper, as he has in recent years invited people like Rick Warren and Mark Driscoll; but does this represent something even worse? Paul discusses this and looks at the teaching and theology of C.S. Lewis. Was the theology of C.S. Lewis orthodox or heretical and outside of the faith once delivered? If his views were heretical, why are so many evangelicals worshipping this golden calf in the modern church?
http://podOmatic.com/r/pC17
http://www.facebook.com/MegiddoRadio
---
John Piper's Desiring God National Conference 2013 will exalt C.S. Lewis with the title of this year's conference being: 'The Romantic Rationalist: God, Life, and Imagination in the Work of C.S. Lewis'. Is this more of the same from John Piper, as he has in recent years invited people like Rick Warren and Mark Driscoll; but does this represent something even worse? Paul discusses this and looks at the teaching and theology of C.S. Lewis. Was the theology of C.S. Lewis orthodox or heretical and outside of the faith once delivered? If his views were heretical, why are so many evangelicals worshipping this golden calf in the modern church?
John Piper, Passion 2012 and Catholic Mysticism
Uploaded on Jan 13, 2012
Paul discusses the recent news of how John Piper lead a "Lectio Divina Lite" contemplative prayer with Beth Moore at Passion 2012.
http://apprising.org/2012/01/06/beth-...
http://apprising.org/2012/01/06/beth-...
SEE:
ON JOHN PIPER AND LECTIO DIVINA…
http://apprising.org/2012/01/09/on-john-piper-and-lectio-divina/
Would We Have Been Friends?
Tim Keller and John Piper on C.S. Lewis
KELLER ON C.S. LEWIS: "HE THOUGHT THE PAGANS HAD GOOD DREAMS":
JOHN PIPER EFFUSIVE ABOUT C.S. LEWIS:
"HE LOVED THE WISDOM OF THE AGES":
The MIND of CS LEWIS vs TRUTH of GOD'S WORD
Published on Dec 9, 2013
C.S. Lewis had a big imagination, and a high regard for the occult. Combined, these make for a dangerous blend of Theosophy, pagan myths, and an unbiblical worldview. This video compares his views to the Holy Bible. Sadly, they do not match up. 1John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.http://www.turnfromyouridols.com/
http://www.gospeltext.org/
WIKIPEDIA QUOTE FROM: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theosophy
http://www.gospeltext.org/
WIKIPEDIA QUOTE FROM: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theosophy
The three characteristics of theosophy are listed below.
Theosophy:
- Divine/Human/Nature Triangle: The inspired analysis which circles through these three angles. The intradivine within; the origin, death and placement of the human relating to Divinity and Nature; Nature as alive, the external, intellectual and material. All three complex correlations synthesize via the intellect and imaginative processes of Mind.
- Primacy of the Mythic: The creative Imagination, an external world of symbols, glyphs, myths, synchronicities and the myriad, along with image, all as a universal reality for the interplay conjoined by creative mind.
- Access to Supreme Worlds: The awakening within, inherently possessing the faculty to directly connect to the Divine world(s). The existence of a special human ability to create this connection. The ability to connect and explore all levels of reality; co-penetrate the human with the divine; to bond to all reality and experience a unique inner awakening.
JRR Tolkien & CS Lewis - Occult Affiliations Pt 1:
Published on Nov 11, 2013
http://www.crossroad.to/Excerpts/book...
C. S. Lewis called Charles Williams, a man whose mind was steeped in occult rituals and demonic forces, "his dearest friend." This close friendship made an impact on Lewis and his writings -- especially on fantasies such as That Hideous Strength.
"Among its first initiates was a coroner who allegedly performed necromantic rites... while another early member was black magician Aleister Crowley, the self styled Great Beast.... But the Order of the Golden Dawn also included persons of less outlandish ways, such as W. B. Yeats, whom Williams met during the period of his membership, one or two clergy with a taste for the mystical, and A. E. Waite himself.... It was this group that Williams joined.
Excerpts from The Inklings: C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Charles Williams and their friends by Humphrey Carpenter (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1979), pages 80-84.
"...a fundamental element in Charles Williams's character, the thing that he was trying to express when he told a friend: 'At bottom a darkness has always haunted me.' What was this darkness? ...
"...by the time he was in his late twenties he was making some study of the beliefs and practices of that semi-magical branch of Christianity known as Rosicrucianism. [An occult system using a blend of Egyptian and Christian symbols] During this period he read books by the Rosicrucian writer A. E. Waite; he entered into correspondence with Waite, and at Waite's invitation was initiated (in 1917) into an organization called the Order of the Golden Dawn....
"Among its first initiates was a coroner who allegedly performed necromantic rites... while another early member was black magician Aleister Crowley, the self styled Great Beast.... But the Order of the Golden Dawn also included persons of less outlandish ways, such as W. B. Yeats, whom Williams met during the period of his membership, one or two clergy with a taste for the mystical, and A. E. Waite himself.... It was this group that Williams joined.
"As a neophyte aspiring to be initiated into the Golden Dawn he would apparently have had to declare: 'My soul... seeking for the Light of Occult Knowledge... [I chose not to include this oath].' He also had to take an oath to keep the rites secret, on penalty of a 'hostile current' which would be set against him if he broke faith.... Probably they were harmless enough [they were not harmless], based as they seem to have been on Waite's enthusiasms for freemasonry, vaguely Christian mysticism, and Rosicrucianism, a system of occult beliefs which combines the symbolism of Christianity with the terminology of alchemy...." [This is a demonic counterfeit of Christianity, yet it seems to be influencing the church through the popularity of mysticism, spiritual experience, and postmodern disinterest in God's unchanging Word]
"Waite's own explanation of Rosicrucianism comes as near to lucidity as does any account of this opaque subject: 'The Cross is the sign or symbol... of the Brotherhood in its inward dedication, of pure mystical wisdom. Its red colour represents the mystical and divine blood of Christ.... There is placed in its centre a Rose 'of the colour of Blood' to indicate the work of Sacred and Divine Alchemy...'" (A. E. Waite, The Brotherhood of the Rosy Cross (William Rider,1924), pp. 107—8.)...
"Certainly membership of the Golden Dawn involved the performance of rituals, which Williams, with his love of rite and ceremony, entered into wholeheartedly... he had always taken care to learn by heart the words of any Golden Dawn rite.... There does not seem to have been anything in Waite's 'temple' of the Golden Dawn which was opposed to Christianity. [Everything there opposed Christianity!] Indeed Waite, who had been brought up a Catholic, believed its practices to be part of what he called the 'Secret Tradition' of Christianity, the tradition that besides the overt meaning of Christian doctrine there is also a hidden series of truths revealed only to an elect few. Waite remarked of this gnostic tradition, and apparently of his 'temple'... 'It is not in competition with the external Christian Churches....' Waite also made a special study of talismans and of the Tarot cards.... These and other details of occult knowledge were to play a major part in Williams's novels."
[The next sentence refers to Kabbalah:] "In one of Waite's books he also encountered the 'Sacred Tree of the Sephiroth,' a symbolic diagram based on the Jewish mystical Zohar....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crowd_ps...
http://www.gardnerian.de/artikel/howa...
http://www.annwn.hu/osvenyek/dr-leo-l...
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Evils%...
http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/soc...
C. S. Lewis called Charles Williams, a man whose mind was steeped in occult rituals and demonic forces, "his dearest friend." This close friendship made an impact on Lewis and his writings -- especially on fantasies such as That Hideous Strength.
"Among its first initiates was a coroner who allegedly performed necromantic rites... while another early member was black magician Aleister Crowley, the self styled Great Beast.... But the Order of the Golden Dawn also included persons of less outlandish ways, such as W. B. Yeats, whom Williams met during the period of his membership, one or two clergy with a taste for the mystical, and A. E. Waite himself.... It was this group that Williams joined.
Excerpts from The Inklings: C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Charles Williams and their friends by Humphrey Carpenter (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1979), pages 80-84.
"...a fundamental element in Charles Williams's character, the thing that he was trying to express when he told a friend: 'At bottom a darkness has always haunted me.' What was this darkness? ...
"...by the time he was in his late twenties he was making some study of the beliefs and practices of that semi-magical branch of Christianity known as Rosicrucianism. [An occult system using a blend of Egyptian and Christian symbols] During this period he read books by the Rosicrucian writer A. E. Waite; he entered into correspondence with Waite, and at Waite's invitation was initiated (in 1917) into an organization called the Order of the Golden Dawn....
"Among its first initiates was a coroner who allegedly performed necromantic rites... while another early member was black magician Aleister Crowley, the self styled Great Beast.... But the Order of the Golden Dawn also included persons of less outlandish ways, such as W. B. Yeats, whom Williams met during the period of his membership, one or two clergy with a taste for the mystical, and A. E. Waite himself.... It was this group that Williams joined.
"As a neophyte aspiring to be initiated into the Golden Dawn he would apparently have had to declare: 'My soul... seeking for the Light of Occult Knowledge... [I chose not to include this oath].' He also had to take an oath to keep the rites secret, on penalty of a 'hostile current' which would be set against him if he broke faith.... Probably they were harmless enough [they were not harmless], based as they seem to have been on Waite's enthusiasms for freemasonry, vaguely Christian mysticism, and Rosicrucianism, a system of occult beliefs which combines the symbolism of Christianity with the terminology of alchemy...." [This is a demonic counterfeit of Christianity, yet it seems to be influencing the church through the popularity of mysticism, spiritual experience, and postmodern disinterest in God's unchanging Word]
"Waite's own explanation of Rosicrucianism comes as near to lucidity as does any account of this opaque subject: 'The Cross is the sign or symbol... of the Brotherhood in its inward dedication, of pure mystical wisdom. Its red colour represents the mystical and divine blood of Christ.... There is placed in its centre a Rose 'of the colour of Blood' to indicate the work of Sacred and Divine Alchemy...'" (A. E. Waite, The Brotherhood of the Rosy Cross (William Rider,1924), pp. 107—8.)...
"Certainly membership of the Golden Dawn involved the performance of rituals, which Williams, with his love of rite and ceremony, entered into wholeheartedly... he had always taken care to learn by heart the words of any Golden Dawn rite.... There does not seem to have been anything in Waite's 'temple' of the Golden Dawn which was opposed to Christianity. [Everything there opposed Christianity!] Indeed Waite, who had been brought up a Catholic, believed its practices to be part of what he called the 'Secret Tradition' of Christianity, the tradition that besides the overt meaning of Christian doctrine there is also a hidden series of truths revealed only to an elect few. Waite remarked of this gnostic tradition, and apparently of his 'temple'... 'It is not in competition with the external Christian Churches....' Waite also made a special study of talismans and of the Tarot cards.... These and other details of occult knowledge were to play a major part in Williams's novels."
[The next sentence refers to Kabbalah:] "In one of Waite's books he also encountered the 'Sacred Tree of the Sephiroth,' a symbolic diagram based on the Jewish mystical Zohar....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crowd_ps...
http://www.gardnerian.de/artikel/howa...
http://www.annwn.hu/osvenyek/dr-leo-l...
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Evils%...
http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/soc...
JRR Tolkien & CS Lewis - Occult Affiliations Pt 2:
Laurance Justice-C.S. Lewis is a false teacher:
Published on Nov 28, 2012
This is a very well documented expose on the false teachings of C.S. Lewis, given by Laurence Justice. C.S. Lewis is very much loved by many, but people seem to fail to recognize his universalism and ecumenical stance he took and the fact that he had a very shallow and heretical way in which he viewed the scriptures.
C.S. LEWIS BIBLE
Heretic C.S. Lewis exposed Part 1 by Dr. Scott Johnson:
Uploaded on Dec 18, 2011
Apostate C.S. Lewis, a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Dr. Scott Johnson's website-
http://www.contendingfortruth.com/
http://cftresources.com/welcome/mp3-d...
Dr. Scott Johnson's website-
http://www.contendingfortruth.com/
http://cftresources.com/welcome/mp3-d...
PART 2:
SPECIFICALLY:
"How mysticism and the Occult are changing the Church":
Excerpts from books by C. S. Lewis:
The Magician's Nephew (First book in the Narnia series) by C. S. LewisThe Abolition of Man by C. S. LewisMere Christianity by C. S. LewisSurprised by Joy, personal testimony by Lewis, dedicated to his friend Bede Griffiths (blended Hinduism, Theosophy & Catholicism)
Articles:
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Keith Getty and Alistair Begg Joking Around:
(Both are C.S. Lewis admirers) SEE our post:
John MacArthur on Contemplative Prayer