The Truth Behind Your Favorite Worship Tunes

Transcript

WEBVTT

00:00:01.564 --> 00:00:03.290
Have you ever watched the Wizard of Oz?

00:00:03.290 --> 00:00:12.512
It's not my favorite Oz movie I prefer Return to Oz but I wanted to remind you of a specific scene from the original film.

00:00:12.512 --> 00:00:21.990
Dorothy the Tin man and the Scarecrow are walking into the spooky forest and talking about what scary things could be inside.

00:00:21.990 --> 00:00:28.201
As they walk, they start chanting lions and tigers and bears oh my.

00:00:28.201 --> 00:00:49.341
That quote is exactly what went through my mind in 2020 when I started down this journey of discerning biblical and unbiblical worship music, bethel, hillsong and Elevation oh my, hillsong and Elevation.

00:00:49.341 --> 00:00:49.462
Oh my.

00:00:49.462 --> 00:00:52.649
I mentioned at the start of this season that 2020 was my awakening to all the flaws and false teachings in the church.

00:00:52.649 --> 00:00:56.005
I also told you about my struggles with all the information I received.

00:00:56.005 --> 00:01:03.866
It was painful to realize that my whole upbringing and the Christian things I trusted were not as safe as I thought.

00:01:03.866 --> 00:01:11.209
I was heartbroken and anxious, unsure who could be trusted and who was a wolf in sheep's clothing.

00:01:12.531 --> 00:01:14.881
If you are new to the podcast, welcome.

00:01:14.881 --> 00:01:16.364
I'm glad you're here.

00:01:16.364 --> 00:01:26.030
Make sure you check out the first two episodes from season two so you will have a better understanding of today's episode, also for everyone listening.

00:01:26.030 --> 00:01:37.091
If you like this episode and the podcast, do me a favor and leave a review wherever you're listening or, if your platform doesn't allow that, go to my website and leave one there.

00:01:37.091 --> 00:01:41.371
I appreciate all the feedback and encouragement I get from my listeners.

00:01:41.371 --> 00:01:45.912
It makes my day and helps me to make the podcast better for you.

00:01:45.912 --> 00:01:50.751
So, when the episode is over, please take a few minutes and leave a review.

00:01:52.061 --> 00:02:05.572
Before we jump into the meat of today's episode, I want you to know that it took me several days to re-watch all the YouTube videos and podcasts I originally found between the years 2020 and 2024.

00:02:05.572 --> 00:02:14.674
The information I will share with you is from trusted Christian sources I first found back in 2020 and still follow today.

00:02:14.674 --> 00:02:20.069
This was a long process, but I wanted to have all my sources aligned.

00:02:20.069 --> 00:02:30.348
That way, you know, you could trust what I have to say and if you didn't agree with me, then I could point you in the direction of solid sources so you could do your own digging.

00:02:30.348 --> 00:02:43.106
Today, I will be discussing Elevation, hillsong, jesus Culture and Bethel, with the intent of opening your eyes to the problematic lyrics within some of their music.

00:02:43.106 --> 00:02:54.663
I am aware that I am going to step on some toes with what I am saying, but I do this from a place of love and concern for all who could be led astray by false teachings.

00:02:54.663 --> 00:03:02.104
This subject isn't easy for me to talk about because I don't like confrontation or making waves.

00:03:02.104 --> 00:03:06.854
That's why it's taken me so long to come out and do this episode.

00:03:06.854 --> 00:03:11.229
But as a follower of Christ, I am called to be a disciple.

00:03:11.229 --> 00:03:12.932
So here we go.

00:03:12.932 --> 00:03:23.181
Elevation Alan Parr's YouTube channel, the Beat with Alan Parr, has a video I watched called quote.

00:03:23.181 --> 00:03:27.794
The popular Elevation song is not recommended.

00:03:27.794 --> 00:03:29.197
End quote.

00:03:30.100 --> 00:03:33.548
We will start with Elevation worship song called Praise.

00:03:33.548 --> 00:03:42.929
I have never heard it myself because I stopped listening to them back in 2020, but Alan Parr does share the problematic lyrics in this video.

00:03:42.929 --> 00:03:52.467
Here are the lyrics verbatim Quote because praise is the waters my enemies drowned in.

00:03:52.467 --> 00:03:53.610
End quote.

00:03:53.610 --> 00:03:55.454
What does this mean?

00:03:55.454 --> 00:03:58.710
Does anyone have an answer for me?

00:03:58.710 --> 00:04:03.185
Well, here's Alan Parr's rebuttal to these lyrics Quote.

00:04:03.185 --> 00:04:12.187
Here's Alan Parr's rebuttal to these lyrics Quote when in the Bible book, chapter and verse, does it say we can control demons with our praise?

00:04:12.187 --> 00:04:18.951
We praise God for who he is and what he has done, not what we can get from him.

00:04:18.951 --> 00:04:19.490
End quote.

00:04:19.490 --> 00:04:20.990
He mentions another verse of this song Quote Because praise is a weapon.

00:04:20.990 --> 00:04:21.550
It's more than a sound.

00:04:21.550 --> 00:04:27.514
He mentions another verse of this song quote Cause praise is a weapon.

00:04:27.514 --> 00:04:29.194
It's more than a sound.

00:04:29.194 --> 00:04:30.194
End quote.

00:04:30.194 --> 00:04:36.776
Alan Parr says quote Nowhere in the Bible is our praise considered a weapon.

00:04:36.776 --> 00:04:38.117
End quote.

00:04:38.117 --> 00:04:51.139
The next lyric he shares is quote Cause my praise is the shout that brings Jericho down.

00:04:51.139 --> 00:04:51.360
End quote.

00:04:51.360 --> 00:04:57.026
Alan Parr asks the question what are we even talking about here?

00:04:57.026 --> 00:05:00.298
And suggests maybe the writer of the song was referring to the story of the walls of Jericho in the Bible.

00:05:00.298 --> 00:05:04.466
But it's pretty unclear if that is what the song is referring to or not.

00:05:06.548 --> 00:05:09.994
Alan Parr is very fair in his assessment of elevation.

00:05:09.994 --> 00:05:13.103
He doesn't come out and condemn them.

00:05:13.103 --> 00:05:15.189
He makes it known a few times in this video.

00:05:15.189 --> 00:05:25.672
Quote I'm going on record saying I love this song, but it's not good enough for a worship song to be just almost theologically accurate.

00:05:25.672 --> 00:05:26.653
End quote.

00:05:26.653 --> 00:05:33.173
In other words, you wouldn't eat a delicious brownie with just a little poison in it.

00:05:33.173 --> 00:05:38.413
So why are you going to sing a song that is only a little theologically unsound?

00:05:38.413 --> 00:05:51.572
A little theologically unsound is far worse than a little poison, because the poison may kill your body, but the little theologically unsound lyrics will send your soul to eternal damnation.

00:05:51.572 --> 00:06:03.072
Alan Parr's final takeaway from this video is, quote to be discerning as a believer when picking a song to listen to for worship.

00:06:03.072 --> 00:06:06.192
Check out the lyrics, end quote.

00:06:08.201 --> 00:06:14.293
The Lovesick Scribe podcast with Dawn Hill has an episode I listen to called quote.

00:06:14.293 --> 00:06:16.293
He is not jealous for me.

00:06:16.293 --> 00:06:17.139
End quote.

00:06:17.139 --> 00:06:22.872
In this episode she briefly talks about Elevation Worship and some concerns she has.

00:06:22.872 --> 00:06:39.725
There is a concern I have with this particular elevation worship and the concern is that I have heard the senior leader, minister on a couple of occasions say things that were contrary to scripture.

00:06:39.725 --> 00:06:48.776
She mentions that Stephen Furtick said Jesus changed forms, which she says alludes to modalism.

00:06:48.776 --> 00:06:56.709
Here is what she quotes from Stephen Furtick Quote he didn't leave them, he just changed forms.

00:06:56.709 --> 00:06:57.632
End quote.

00:06:57.632 --> 00:07:01.891
Dawn says this means that he changed into the Holy Spirit.

00:07:01.891 --> 00:07:13.658
She also shares other things he has done, like quoting richard rohr, a universalist, and if you want to know more about that topic, check out her full episode.

00:07:13.658 --> 00:07:16.184
It'll be in the show notes link.

00:07:16.184 --> 00:07:25.430
Stephen ferdick helps to write some of elevation worship's music, so if he has funky views, it's important to sniff those out.

00:07:27.742 --> 00:07:29.559
Jesus Culture and Hillsong.

00:07:29.559 --> 00:07:41.353
We will stay with the Lovesick Scribe podcast with Dawn Hill for now, because she discusses Jesus Culture and Hillsong in this same he Is Not Jealous For Me episode.

00:07:41.353 --> 00:07:48.483
She starts the whole episode by speaking a blurb from her blog post about the same subject matter.

00:07:48.483 --> 00:07:53.060
I have a quote from the beginning of that intro Quote.

00:07:53.060 --> 00:08:00.422
Few things breed contention more quickly than touching a beloved worship song that is a personal favorite.

00:08:00.422 --> 00:08:01.302
End quote.

00:08:01.302 --> 00:08:02.685
She's right.

00:08:02.685 --> 00:08:11.651
I know when I first went on this unexpected journey, all my favorite worship songs burst into flames before my very eyes and I didn't like it at all.

00:08:11.651 --> 00:08:18.052
I have grown to love new, biblically sound songs in their place, though.

00:08:19.721 --> 00:08:28.103
She goes on to say, quote we must come to the sobering truth that much has become more experiential and less revered.

00:08:28.103 --> 00:08:41.600
The lyrics are moving further away from sound biblical truth and we have placed ourselves at the center while God pines over us and we have no understanding of the jealousy of God.

00:08:41.600 --> 00:08:42.562
End quote.

00:08:42.562 --> 00:08:46.913
She mentions that God isn't jealous for us like we think of.

00:08:46.913 --> 00:08:53.410
He isn't our languishing boyfriend, as she calls it, in desperate need of us.

00:08:53.410 --> 00:09:01.826
She finishes her opening statement with quote he is God Almighty and he is holy, end quote.

00:09:01.826 --> 00:09:12.736
That is a powerful statement of truth and we all need to reflect on that before singing worship music or doing anything in our lives.

00:09:14.600 --> 00:09:23.054
I mentioned in a previous episode about how we get caught up in the moment and feeling of a song that we don't listen to what we are singing.

00:09:23.054 --> 00:09:30.027
If we did, perhaps we wouldn't sing as many songs as we do, and I'm not just talking about Christian music either.

00:09:30.027 --> 00:09:36.125
She poses some good questions to ask yourself when discerning solid biblical worship.

00:09:36.125 --> 00:09:39.130
Number one is it biblical?

00:09:39.130 --> 00:09:45.230
And number two is it ministering to God or is this song just ministering to me?

00:09:45.230 --> 00:09:53.172
After this she goes into her subject matter, which is the Jesus Culture Kim Walker Smith song.

00:09:53.172 --> 00:09:54.354
He Loves Us.

00:09:54.354 --> 00:10:02.234
I used to listen to this song and sing it at church too, but it was never one of my favorites.

00:10:02.234 --> 00:10:06.571
The sloppy, wet kiss and the unforeseen kiss line always got me.

00:10:06.571 --> 00:10:10.179
Dawn sheds some new light on the lyrics.

00:10:10.179 --> 00:10:13.289
That should give us pause the next time we hear the song.

00:10:13.289 --> 00:10:23.150
She shares the first line of the song quote he is jealous for me end quote and then expands her commentary on it with Bible verses.

00:10:23.150 --> 00:10:27.051
So if you want to know more, you should listen to the full episode.

00:10:27.679 --> 00:10:30.466
It was too long of a segment for me to include here.

00:10:30.466 --> 00:10:48.962
Quote when it becomes us at the focus of the song, then we are in idolatry, we are committing idolatry, we are causing self-worship to happen, self-praise, and we'll attribute a little bit of it to God.

00:10:48.962 --> 00:10:56.445
But really, if we are honest, when we look at the songs we sing, we'll notice how self-centered they are.

00:10:56.445 --> 00:11:00.274
They are much more about us and less about God.

00:11:00.274 --> 00:11:01.261
End quote.

00:11:01.261 --> 00:11:03.446
That's from Don Hill.

00:11:03.446 --> 00:11:07.974
This is a hard truth pill to swallow, isn't it?

00:11:07.974 --> 00:11:11.668
When she said this in her podcast, I was floored.

00:11:11.668 --> 00:11:18.383
It's true, be honest with yourself and truly listen to some of your favorite worship songs.

00:11:18.383 --> 00:11:22.441
They are more me-centered than Christ-centered, right?

00:11:22.441 --> 00:11:25.077
How did I not see this before?

00:11:25.077 --> 00:11:33.203
She showed the difference between self-centered worship songs and God-centered worship songs.

00:11:33.203 --> 00:11:37.160
I loved this part because it was eye-opening for me.

00:11:37.160 --> 00:11:41.913
Worship songs I loved this part because it was eye-opening for me.

00:11:41.932 --> 00:11:46.243
It was a long segment as well, so I did not include the full list here, but I will mention one song and it's from Hillsong.

00:11:46.243 --> 00:11:54.032
The song is a beloved favorite among the Christian community and perhaps a personal favorite of yours.

00:11:54.032 --> 00:11:58.263
It's the song, so Will I a hundred billion times.

00:11:58.263 --> 00:12:07.692
Before I get into this one, I will be fair and say that Hillsong in the past has had many good, biblically sound songs.

00:12:07.692 --> 00:12:09.736
This one just misses the mark.

00:12:09.736 --> 00:12:19.602
I never cared for the song, but I didn't like the song and thought it was just because it was way overused at our church.

00:12:19.602 --> 00:12:22.816
Perhaps the Holy Spirit was helping me to discern.

00:12:24.418 --> 00:12:28.732
Here is the line in the second verse, followed by her thoughts on it.

00:12:28.732 --> 00:12:33.744
Quote all creation evolved in pursuit of God.

00:12:33.744 --> 00:12:35.711
End quote.

00:12:35.711 --> 00:12:40.423
It's alluding to evolution and this goes against creation.

00:12:40.423 --> 00:12:46.220
I'm not sure what the artist meant by it, but evolve is a tricky word.

00:12:46.220 --> 00:12:49.893
That's the end of Dawn's quote from her podcast.

00:12:49.893 --> 00:13:03.599
She goes on to talk about how it's quote problematic and that if you feel the need to skip singing over certain lyrics of a worship song because they are iffy, then that's a problem.

00:13:03.599 --> 00:13:04.801
End quote.

00:13:04.801 --> 00:13:09.933
Here is where it got exciting for me.

00:13:09.933 --> 00:13:15.120
She mentions the song Reckless Love by Corey Asbury.

00:13:16.062 --> 00:13:26.413
This song, you guys, has irritated me since the moment it came on the scene and the irritation only increases each time I hear it and learn more about false theologies.

00:13:26.413 --> 00:13:32.171
Our God is not reckless and everything he does is on purpose and for a purpose.

00:13:32.171 --> 00:13:40.914
He is not foolish, careless or impulsive, and to sing that he is any of these things feels like a blasphemy.

00:13:40.914 --> 00:13:45.302
Okay, glad I got that off my chest.

00:13:45.302 --> 00:13:57.763
Finally, now we move on to Bethel, the biggest proponent of unbiblically sound music, and we will start with an Alan Parr video called quote.

00:13:57.763 --> 00:14:02.375
This Bethel Worship Song Should Be Avoided by All Christians.

00:14:02.375 --> 00:14:03.296
End quote.

00:14:03.296 --> 00:14:07.104
The title sounds severe, so let's dive in and see why.

00:14:08.690 --> 00:14:14.243
Alan Parr starts his video by sharing the number one music worship music principle.

00:14:14.243 --> 00:14:23.246
Worship music principle Worship songs are just as important as sermons.

00:14:23.246 --> 00:14:29.394
This is true because our lives are supposed to reflect Christ always.

00:14:29.394 --> 00:14:33.842
We are called to worship with voices, yes, but also with our bodies and souls, with our very existence as well.

00:14:33.842 --> 00:14:38.538
The song he references in this video is called Champion.

00:14:38.538 --> 00:14:46.058
Here are the troublesome lyrics, quote when I open my mouth, miracles start breaking out.

00:14:46.058 --> 00:14:47.240
End quote.

00:14:47.240 --> 00:14:51.133
This is not giving God the glory.

00:14:51.133 --> 00:14:53.437
This is a man-centered theology.

00:14:53.437 --> 00:14:56.961
Only God has the power to speak things into existence.

00:14:56.961 --> 00:14:58.684
That's what makes him god.

00:14:58.684 --> 00:15:04.378
We were made in the likeness of god, not created to be a god.

00:15:04.378 --> 00:15:08.870
Another video alan parr has is called quote.

00:15:09.631 --> 00:15:12.995
These popular worship songs contain false theology.

00:15:12.995 --> 00:15:13.856
End quote.

00:15:13.856 --> 00:15:24.879
He starts by saying that worship music must be rooted in truth and that it's impossible to worship God when your worship music is untrue.

00:15:24.879 --> 00:15:29.232
He says we are singing lies to God Ouch.

00:15:29.232 --> 00:15:36.623
Next he gives some examples of lyrics for the songs used to defend his claims.

00:15:37.224 --> 00:15:38.485
Let's take a look at those now.

00:15:38.485 --> 00:15:47.863
Too Good Not To Believe, by Bethel, quote we've seen cancer disappear.

00:15:47.863 --> 00:15:49.990
We've seen broken bodies healed.

00:15:49.990 --> 00:15:52.234
Don't you tell me he can't do it.

00:15:52.234 --> 00:15:55.019
We've seen real life resurrection.

00:15:55.019 --> 00:15:57.582
We've seen mental health restored.

00:15:57.582 --> 00:15:59.750
Don't you tell me he can't do it.

00:15:59.750 --> 00:16:00.994
End quote.

00:16:00.994 --> 00:16:07.232
Now let me say I do believe that God can do miracles and healings if he wants to.

00:16:07.232 --> 00:16:11.340
He is God and he does as he pleases when he wants to.

00:16:11.340 --> 00:16:16.076
However, I do not believe that the believer has these same gifts.

00:16:16.076 --> 00:16:18.602
Call me a cessationist if you want to.

00:16:18.602 --> 00:16:21.919
I don't take that as an insult, but this is what I believe.

00:16:23.029 --> 00:16:27.062
With that said, alan Parr gives four takeaways after reading these lyrics.

00:16:27.062 --> 00:16:37.797
Number one we need to be careful, because most of these places are word of faith and are trying to instill their values in you through their songs, and are trying to instill their values in you through their songs.

00:16:37.797 --> 00:16:43.304
Number two worship should be God-centered, but much of worship music is man-centered.

00:16:43.304 --> 00:16:50.548
Number three the majority of the music we listen to at home and church needs to remember who God is.

00:16:50.548 --> 00:16:54.801
And number four worship should be spirit-led.

00:16:54.801 --> 00:16:58.277
Before we get into some other people's takes.

00:16:58.277 --> 00:17:00.591
I have one more from Alan Parr.

00:17:00.591 --> 00:17:05.921
This video is called quote Bethel, hillsong and Elevation.

00:17:05.921 --> 00:17:07.544
Should we listen to them?

00:17:07.544 --> 00:17:08.830
End quote.

00:17:09.693 --> 00:17:15.450
Alan Parr says quote some of these teachings at these churches are promoting heresy.

00:17:15.450 --> 00:17:16.531
End quote.

00:17:16.531 --> 00:17:22.644
He calls out Bethel's lead pastor, bill Johnson, specifically as having quote.

00:17:22.644 --> 00:17:32.325
He then backs this claim up with evidence straight from a video interview Bill Johnson has on their church website.

00:17:32.325 --> 00:17:35.038
Here is the quote from Bill Johnson Quote.

00:17:35.038 --> 00:17:43.442
Here is the quote from Bill Johnson Quote Jesus performed miracles, wonders and signs as a man in right relationship to God, not as God.

00:17:44.162 --> 00:17:54.528
If he performed miracles because he was God, then they would be unattainable for us, but if he did them as a man, I am responsible for pursuing his lifestyle.

00:17:54.528 --> 00:17:55.667
End quote.

00:17:55.667 --> 00:18:00.490
Did you catch the heresy?

00:18:00.490 --> 00:18:01.693
Alan Parr asks, after quoting Bill Johnson.

00:18:01.693 --> 00:18:17.840
He then sums up Bill Johnson's false theology like this Quote basically, when Jesus did miracles, he did them as a man, not God, so he could show you and I what a man that's in a right relationship with God is able to do.

00:18:17.840 --> 00:18:18.923
End quote.

00:18:18.923 --> 00:18:36.941
This is wrong and puts Jesus in a box he has no business being in If Jesus was only a man when he was on the earth and wasn't God, then how could he be the perfect, spotless lamb we needed to break the chains of sin and death while on the cross?

00:18:36.941 --> 00:18:40.791
I get so irritated when God is misrepresented.

00:18:42.796 --> 00:18:51.497
Alan Parr then reminds those listening that Hillsong, bethel, jesus Culture and Elevation all promote the prosperity gospel.

00:18:51.497 --> 00:19:00.103
For those of you who don't know what that is, the prosperity gospel is the idea that it's always God's will for us to be healthy and wealthy.

00:19:00.103 --> 00:19:09.237
This, my friends, is not accurate theology and I will be revisiting this doctrine in another season, so make sure you stay tuned for that.

00:19:09.237 --> 00:19:13.474
He then moves on and raises another point to back his claim that these churches promote false teachings.

00:19:13.474 --> 00:19:29.113
Another point to back his claim that these churches promote false teachings he tells us that some of the practices at Bethel are unbiblical and he goes into a little detail about a few of them, starting with grave soaking, quote.

00:19:29.113 --> 00:19:52.239
It's the idea that if you are a believer, you should go to the graves of prominent Bible teachers and leaders who are anointed and literally physically lay on the dead person's grave, and by doing so you will be able to soak up the anointing of the dead leader and get some of that transferred to you.

00:19:52.239 --> 00:19:53.201
End quote.

00:19:53.201 --> 00:19:58.500
I don't know about you, but that sounds very mystical and unbiblical to me.

00:19:59.170 --> 00:20:01.478
Which brings us to the next Bethel practice.

00:20:01.478 --> 00:20:05.819
He discusses the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry.

00:20:05.819 --> 00:20:08.699
The name sounds like something from Harry Potter.

00:20:08.699 --> 00:20:27.441
Alan Parr explains a little of what they teach at this quote-unquote school Quote of what they teach at this quote-unquote school Quote they teach you how to do miracles and all the supernatural things of that nature, and one example of this is called prophecy on demand.

00:20:27.441 --> 00:20:50.667
It's the idea that people can set appointments with you and whenever they want a word of prophecy spoken over their lives, all they have to do is set an appointment with you and then you have the ability, if you have gone to the school, to basically, on demand, speak a word of prophecy for that person's life End quote.

00:20:50.667 --> 00:21:03.945
He also references their healings on demand practice, where they believe that if you are sick, all they have to do is pray over you and you can get healed right away, in that very moment.

00:21:03.945 --> 00:21:10.363
Or if someone is dead, they believe that since God could raise the dead, they also have that power.

00:21:10.363 --> 00:21:16.742
Friends, these are serious flaws with basic biblical theology.

00:21:18.811 --> 00:21:26.000
Let's move on to our next source for why these bands and their theology could be leading you down a path to the wrong God.

00:21:26.000 --> 00:21:31.722
Our next source is from Gospel Partners Media and Wrecked Podcast.

00:21:31.722 --> 00:21:35.690
They have a video on YouTube called quote.

00:21:35.690 --> 00:21:40.580
Justin Peters Exposes Truth About Hillsong and Bethel music.

00:21:40.580 --> 00:21:41.403
End quote.

00:21:42.289 --> 00:21:47.403
Justin Peters is a phenomenal resource for learning more about false teachers and doctrines.

00:21:47.403 --> 00:21:57.191
He takes the time to research and investigate deeply into this subject, so if this is something you want to dive deeper into, I suggest you check out his channel on YouTube.

00:21:57.191 --> 00:22:06.354
In this video, justin Peters is asked why he believes people should stay away from Bethel and Hillsong music.

00:22:06.354 --> 00:22:07.355
Quote.

00:22:07.355 --> 00:22:12.347
They use their music as their primary tool of evangelism.

00:22:12.347 --> 00:22:17.480
Their goal is to enlarge their reach and to bring people into their church.

00:22:17.480 --> 00:22:23.200
They use their music as a hook to bring unsuspecting people into their false theology.

00:22:23.200 --> 00:22:26.333
These churches are wolves end quote.

00:22:26.333 --> 00:22:29.157
That's a pretty serious charge, right?

00:22:29.157 --> 00:22:44.869
He has a lot of information and sources to back this claim up, so I encourage you to check this 13-minute video out and also go on to his YouTube channel if you want to know more.

00:22:49.490 --> 00:22:51.092
Justin Peters gives a warning to people that Bethel comes with NAR teachings.

00:22:51.092 --> 00:22:52.513
Nar stands for New Apostolic Reformation.

00:22:52.513 --> 00:23:03.306
They also practice word of faith, health and wealth, prosperity, gospel theologies rooted in metaphysical cults like Christian science, new Age and Gnosticism.

00:23:03.306 --> 00:23:07.339
They have very aberrant views of God and man.

00:23:07.339 --> 00:23:19.151
Aberrant means departs from accepted standards, standards he mentions.

00:23:19.151 --> 00:23:23.979
They teach that we are all little gods, the idea of positive confessions and that we can speak things into existence.

00:23:25.000 --> 00:23:32.397
Justin Peters refers to a story out of Bethel Church back about four years ago, the story of Baby Olive.

00:23:32.397 --> 00:23:40.534
Not sure if you have heard about this or not, but it was a huge news story about a two-year-old who passed away.

00:23:40.534 --> 00:23:49.858
Her parents, who are part of the church worship team, and the church did a week-long service where they prayed for resurrection.

00:23:49.858 --> 00:23:59.364
I'm going to link the video on this from one of the sources I trust and they can give you more information on that.

00:23:59.364 --> 00:24:03.297
But back to Justin Peters and his reference to this situation.

00:24:03.297 --> 00:24:10.737
He says quote when Olive died, the church spent a week trying to raise her from the dead.

00:24:10.737 --> 00:24:16.917
They weren't asking God to raise Olive, they were commanding her to come out of the grave.

00:24:16.917 --> 00:24:17.820
End quote.

00:24:18.789 --> 00:24:28.334
Now, at this point in the video, the facilitator asked Justin Peters if he has any examples of songs from these churches that are unbiblically sound.

00:24:28.334 --> 00:24:34.540
So Justin Peters shares two from Bethel worship.

00:24:34.540 --> 00:24:38.144
The first one is called Closer.

00:24:38.144 --> 00:24:39.507
Here are the lyrics.

00:24:39.507 --> 00:24:49.411
Quote your love has ravished my heart and taken me over, and all I want is to be with you forever, with you forever.

00:24:49.411 --> 00:24:52.233
So pull me a little closer, take me a little deeper.

00:24:52.233 --> 00:24:52.775
I want to know your heart.

00:24:52.775 --> 00:24:53.655
Take me a little deeper.

00:24:53.655 --> 00:25:01.044
I want to know your heart, because your love is so much sweeter than anything I have ever tasted.

00:25:01.044 --> 00:25:02.885
I want to know your heart.

00:25:02.885 --> 00:25:11.601
I don't know about you, but this song sounds awkward and I don't feel comfortable singing it to my Heavenly Father.

00:25:12.811 --> 00:25:24.843
There's been a running joke since I was in high school that if you replace Jesus' name with your boyfriend's name, you can turn any worship song into a love song, and this song proves that joke easily.

00:25:24.843 --> 00:25:28.355
Here's another example he gives.

00:25:28.355 --> 00:25:31.522
The song is called we Dance, also by Bethel.

00:25:31.522 --> 00:25:35.355
Quote you steady me slow and sweet.

00:25:35.355 --> 00:25:36.297
We sway.

00:25:36.297 --> 00:25:39.020
Take the lead and I will follow.

00:25:39.020 --> 00:25:45.817
Finally, ready now to close my eyes and just believe that you won't lead me where you don't go.

00:25:45.817 --> 00:25:57.214
When you, when my faith gets tired and my hope seems lost, you spin me round and round and remind me of that song, the one you.

00:25:57.214 --> 00:26:03.219
Again, you steal my heart again and I breathe you in like I've never breathed till now.

00:26:03.219 --> 00:26:03.699
End quote.

00:26:18.849 --> 00:26:24.963
Again, it's a little unsettling to sing this kind of love song to your heavenly father, don't you think?

00:26:24.963 --> 00:26:29.279
I used to wonder why pastors said men didn't like singing at church.

00:26:29.279 --> 00:26:30.442
Now I get it.

00:26:30.442 --> 00:26:33.398
As a man, I wouldn't want to sing these songs.

00:26:33.398 --> 00:26:37.101
As a woman, I don't feel comfortable singing these songs.

00:26:37.101 --> 00:26:42.338
They are too romantic and I am supposed to praise him, not date him.

00:26:44.402 --> 00:26:57.623
After these two examples, justin Peters reminds us that every time a church sings any of the music from these churches in their worship set, the church pays a royalty fee to the group who made the song.

00:26:57.623 --> 00:27:08.460
He makes a rather outlandish comparison on this subject to illustrate his point about false doctrines in music, which is guaranteed to make some of you angry.

00:27:08.460 --> 00:27:12.253
But bear with me till the end of the quote Quote.

00:27:12.253 --> 00:27:25.403
If Planned Parenthood decided to make Christian music that passes the doctrinal smell test, would you sing it, knowing that money goes back into Planned Parenthood every time you sing it?

00:27:25.403 --> 00:27:33.722
I will submit to you that singing Bethel and Hillsong when you are sending money to these churches is worse.

00:27:33.722 --> 00:27:39.810
End quote to these churches is worse.

00:27:39.810 --> 00:27:40.231
End quote.

00:27:40.231 --> 00:27:42.857
I know that stings, but if you can get away from the visceral reaction to what he is saying.

00:27:42.857 --> 00:27:45.523
First, I think you can agree that he has a point.

00:27:45.523 --> 00:27:49.901
It goes back to something I said earlier about the poisoned brownie.

00:27:49.901 --> 00:28:05.334
After he gives the scathing comment, the host plays devil's advocate and poses a comment to Justin Peters that his critics might say quote you're just being too critical, we're just singing songs.

00:28:05.334 --> 00:28:05.955
Lighten up.

00:28:05.955 --> 00:28:06.940
End quote.

00:28:07.589 --> 00:28:11.556
Justin Peters' rebuttal comes with a verse, psalms 138, 2.

00:28:11.556 --> 00:28:28.636
Quote.

00:28:28.636 --> 00:28:30.417
God holds his name and his words above all things.

00:28:30.417 --> 00:28:30.597
Quote.

00:28:30.597 --> 00:28:37.000
He also adds when we do the musical aspect of worship, we have an audience of one.

00:28:37.000 --> 00:28:40.942
We have one person to please and that is God.

00:28:40.942 --> 00:28:44.163
He takes worship very seriously.

00:28:44.163 --> 00:28:53.008
He is thrice holy and I assure you God is not honored by worship that is from false churches that blasphemes his name.

00:28:53.008 --> 00:28:54.209
End quote.

00:28:54.209 --> 00:29:00.430
There's more to the quote, but you can check out the whole video if you want the full enchilada.

00:29:01.332 --> 00:29:07.598
Okay, now we move on to Redeemer Church in Arizona and their podcast called Redeeming Truth.

00:29:07.598 --> 00:29:14.417
They have an episode called quote why we Don't Sing Bethel Music in Our Church.

00:29:14.417 --> 00:29:15.340
End quote.

00:29:15.340 --> 00:29:21.423
It's a short but sweet episode about the church's convictions on this subject.

00:29:21.423 --> 00:29:26.622
So if what I have to say sounds interesting to you, check out the link for the episode.

00:29:26.622 --> 00:29:34.023
This episode featured Kosti Hinn, dale Thackrah and Kyle Swanson.

00:29:34.930 --> 00:29:40.582
Kosti starts by saying quote Passion can be essential but it's not always reliable.

00:29:40.582 --> 00:29:41.384
End quote.

00:29:41.384 --> 00:29:49.644
His co-host, kyle Swanson, comes in and adds this quote truth is most important.

00:29:49.644 --> 00:29:54.961
If we are worshiping the wrong Jesus, we're outside the grace of God.

00:29:54.961 --> 00:29:57.519
So we have to be focused on truth.

00:29:57.519 --> 00:30:01.381
And if we are passionate, we have to be passionate about the truth.

00:30:01.381 --> 00:30:08.287
Dale Thackra comes in after and says quote we get a lot of pushback on this.

00:30:08.287 --> 00:30:12.593
You are judging motives, but we don't need to judge motives.

00:30:12.593 --> 00:30:14.095
We are judging doctrine.

00:30:14.095 --> 00:30:15.916
We are judging what it is.

00:30:15.916 --> 00:30:26.512
I know if you are a big fan of these bands, you might be feeling deflated and annoyed right now, but I want to encourage you.

00:30:27.474 --> 00:30:37.143
It has been agreed upon with all my sources and also myself, that some of Bethel, hillsong and Elevation's music is doctrinally sound.

00:30:37.143 --> 00:30:40.459
It has catchy beats and makes us feel good.

00:30:40.459 --> 00:30:45.662
However, don't let that get you carried away to where you check your discernment at the door.

00:30:45.662 --> 00:30:52.579
Kosti Hinn in this video says Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

00:30:52.579 --> 00:30:58.712
The devil ain't coming to deceive people with all lies, doesn't he use some truth?

00:30:58.712 --> 00:30:59.193
End quote.

00:30:59.836 --> 00:31:06.031
Costi also poses a question on behalf of some people who push back on their no Bethel stance.

00:31:06.031 --> 00:31:12.733
Quote why do you sing hymns where the people who wrote them had doctrines that weren't always biblically sound?

00:31:12.733 --> 00:31:13.675
End quote.

00:31:13.675 --> 00:31:26.036
His answer to this question was good but too long for me to showcase on here, but I will mention one piece of his response because it was insightful and could be helpful for everyone listening now.

00:31:26.036 --> 00:31:32.012
We aren't commanding this of other churches or other people.

00:31:32.012 --> 00:31:34.038
These are our convictions.

00:31:34.038 --> 00:31:37.425
Our convictions don't need to be your commands.

00:31:37.425 --> 00:31:43.541
However, we should all fairly and clearly understand why people have the positions they do.

00:31:43.541 --> 00:31:44.644
End quote.

00:31:45.627 --> 00:31:50.478
One last quote from the Redeeming Truth podcast comes from Dale Thackara Quote.

00:31:50.478 --> 00:31:53.183
This is such an important issue.

00:31:53.183 --> 00:31:57.012
Jesus talks about it in his first sermon, matthew 7.

00:31:57.012 --> 00:32:00.315
Beware of false prophets who come to you.

00:32:00.315 --> 00:32:01.336
In End quote.

00:32:01.336 --> 00:32:04.117
All we are doing is saying listen to what Jesus is saying.

00:32:04.117 --> 00:32:22.189
End quote.

00:32:22.189 --> 00:32:40.355
Now that you have heard evidence for the tough reality that our worship music isn't as safe as you may have believed, I hope you don't feel discouraged for too long, like I did, but rather I hope you feel empowered, knowing that the scales are off your eyes and your discernment meter is firing on all cylinders.

00:32:41.238 --> 00:32:45.073
Let's recap a little of what we discussed in the episode today.

00:32:45.073 --> 00:32:49.144
Our lives are supposed to reflect Christ always.

00:32:49.144 --> 00:32:54.355
We are called to worship God with our voices, but also with our very existence.

00:32:54.355 --> 00:32:59.765
Worship music should be God-centered, not man-centered.

00:32:59.765 --> 00:33:06.942
Is it right to sing worship songs in your church when they aren't 100% biblically sound?

00:33:06.942 --> 00:33:08.951
Does that honor God?

00:33:08.951 --> 00:33:11.693
Remember the quote from Kosti Hinn?

00:33:11.693 --> 00:33:15.917
Quote even a broken clock is right twice Quote.

00:33:15.917 --> 00:33:16.858
End quote.

00:33:16.858 --> 00:33:30.481
And number four If Jesus told us to beware of false prophets, then we should listen and obey.

00:33:30.481 --> 00:33:33.859
Don't forget James 4.17,.

00:33:34.631 --> 00:33:38.422
If you know what you ought to do and don't do it, you are sinning.

00:33:38.422 --> 00:33:48.915
Armed with this new information, it's time to take the next step, and that will look different for each individual and or church group.

00:33:48.915 --> 00:34:05.055
Some of you may choose to do what I have chosen to do, which is stay away from these worship bands altogether, but maybe some of you might not be ready for that step and may choose to stop listening to the specific songs brought up in today's episode instead.

00:34:05.055 --> 00:34:17.264
Both ideas are fine and maybe in time the Holy Spirit will continue to help you discern biblically and unbiblically sound music as you go along your life, as has been the case with me.

00:34:17.264 --> 00:34:24.023
Whichever way you choose to swing, just remember to be discerning, not legalistic or passive.

00:34:24.023 --> 00:34:29.922
Our faith and the way we worship matters to God and determines our lifestyle choices.

00:34:29.922 --> 00:34:36.541
Be vigilant always in discerning truth from deception, not just in music but your daily life.

00:34:37.643 --> 00:34:41.655
I would like to send out a strong caution to worship leaders as well.

00:34:41.655 --> 00:34:46.632
Make sure you are vigilant when picking music for your congregation to sing.

00:34:46.632 --> 00:34:52.432
You never know who is in the audience, so don't knowingly lead people astray just because you like the songs.

00:34:52.432 --> 00:34:55.798
Thank you for listening.

00:34:55.798 --> 00:35:00.934
Make sure you share this episode with someone you know who would benefit from hearing this.

00:35:00.934 --> 00:35:07.416
Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode and, while you are there, leave a review.

00:35:07.416 --> 00:35:14.858
That way, the podcast can go up in the ranks and be shared with many others who could benefit from the podcast content.

00:35:14.858 --> 00:35:23.255
If you want to go deeper, the links to everything referenced in today's show will be available in the show notes, along with my website.

00:35:23.349 --> 00:35:33.219
Should you have any questions, comments or prayer requests, I'm going to pray us out and say goodbye, lord God, thank you so much for this day.

00:35:33.219 --> 00:35:36.297
Thank you for everyone who's listening right now.

00:35:36.297 --> 00:35:44.793
I pray, heavenly Father, that you would be with each and every one of their hearts.

00:35:44.793 --> 00:36:00.036
Let them be softened, let their ears be open to hear what you have said today, and I pray that they would be able to learn how to discern right from wrong, theologies within their music and within whatever they choose to do in regards to reading, books, movies, all those things.

00:36:00.036 --> 00:36:06.099
We need discernment all the time, through every area of our life, because we are here on this earth to glorify you.

00:36:06.099 --> 00:36:14.579
I pray that people would not let their pride and their feelings get in the way of standing firm in truth.

00:36:14.579 --> 00:36:17.885
Lord Jesus, in your name, I pray amen.

00:36:17.885 --> 00:36:20.235
God bless you.

00:36:20.235 --> 00:36:22.865
Have a good week, bye.

The Truth Behind Your Favorite Worship Tunes

Follow:

Support Small Church

Want to be a guest on the Show?

Religion & Spirituality Episodes

Recent Episodes

Related to this Episode

The Truth Behind Your Favorite Worship Tunes