UNDERSTANDING THE PARABLE OF THE 5 WISE & 5 FOOLISH VIRGINS

The topic of the 5 wise and 5 foolish virgins crops up time and time again and is so often misunderstood and/or misinterpreted.  In fact, so many debate the meaning of our Saviour’s words.    So, I thought I would share some thoughts which I hope will be a blessing …

Please take a few moments now, if you will, to read the parable in Matthew 25:1-13

There is one aspect that stands out and can be known beyond any doubt, and that is this – the identity of the Bridegroom – it is JESUS CHRIST – and the parable describes His return.

One of the ways God describes or pictures Himself in the Old Testament is as the “husband” of Israel.  (See Isaiah 54:4-6; 62:4-5 & Hosea 2:19)

In the New Testament, Jesus is pictured as the “Bridegroom” of the Church (see Matthew 9:15, Mark 2:19-20 & John 3:27).   And guess what?   The Church is wonderfully described as the Bride of Christ!  (Read Ephesians 5:25-32)

What then causes there to be a debate about the parable? 
Some scholars believe it refers to the Lord’s return when the Church is caught up to meet Him in the air (the Rapture), whilst others believe it is His return at the end of the Tribulation period, when He comes to set up the Millennial Kingdom.

It is NOT the purpose of this article to try to answer that question.   What IS important is that regardless of which return is being referred to here, the lessons that we learn from this parable are relevant in both cases.

There is much written about the first-century Jewish wedding, and can be sourced from various places (refer to my references below), suffice to say that the virgins who went out to meet the Bridegroom were expected to carry their own lamp.  In addition, their lamps needed to be trimmed and ready for the Bridegroom’s return – individual responsibility.

What then is the overall and easily-identified thrust or message of this parable?
The very clear message that comes through in this parable is that no one knows the day nor the hour when Christ will return, and that His people must ALWAYS be ready!

Being ready means it is essential to prepare for that event – to be in a right relationship with Jesus, keeping our eyes fixed on Him at ALL times and eagerly awaiting His return!   The fact that all 10 virgins were asleep when the call came “‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’”, implies that no matter what we are doing when Jesus returns, we must be ready!   So, whether we are sleeping, working, relaxing, playing sport, having a meal …. We must ALWAYS be ready!   There will not be time to “make things right” when that call comes, and this would certainly apply to the time when Christ comes for His Bride (the Church).

What is the fundamental requisite for being ready when Jesus comes?
There is ONE fundamental need and I put it to you like this …
“What have you done with Jesus?”

If we would are to be ready for Christ’s return, we must be born again through saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ…His death, burial and literal resurrection from the dead (John 3:16; 14:6; Romans 10:9 and 10; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Ephesians 2:1-10).

If you are totally committed to Jesus, there should be a definite desire for greater holiness, seeking to live a life well-pleasing to the Lord in all we do, say and think.   In addition, there should be a consistent and eager expectation of His coming – this should be clear evident in our lives as we await His appearing.    Titus 2:11-14 tells us clearly how our lives should be once we are saved: “For the [remarkable, undeserved] grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to reject ungodliness and worldly (immoral) desires, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives [with a purpose that reflect spiritual maturity] in this present age, awaiting and confidently expecting the [fulfilment of our] blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Christ Jesus, who [willingly] gave Himself [to be crucified] on our behalf to redeem us and purchase our freedom from all wickedness, and to purify for Himself a chosen and very special people to be His own possession, who are enthusiastic for doing what is good.” (Amplified Bible)

A closer look at the 5 Wise and 5 Foolish Virgins

The Wise
–     brought additional oil and had adequate resources to wait the full time for the Groom
–     apparently expected there might be a delay in the Groom’s arrival

The Foolish
–     had insufficient oil – did not make adequate preparation
–     were only concerned with the “external” appearance, for example – having lamps
–     forgot the essence or essential element – so had insufficient oil
–     outwardly similar to the wise but lacked the essential.

Put another way, the wise virgins were “prepared with the great essential, which the foolish lacked, namely, the Spirit, and spiritual fellowship with the Lord.   A case then of “appearance” versus “substance” (wheat and tares look very similar and initial stages of growth are difficult to tell apart.   It is only at the time of harvest that the true identity is revealed.   As someone once said, “tares do not “magically” turn into wheat, nor wheat into tares! As much as one may resemble the other at any given time, in the end each reveals his true self” (see Matthew 13:24-30)

We need to remember that the relatively small amount of oil initially found within the foolish virgin’s lamps was only sufficient to give the impression of a spiritual life, but lacked true conversion and the power that sustains it!    And that is why when the foolish virgins appealed to the Bridegroom as “Lord”, His chilling reply was: “… ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, I do not know you [we have no relationship].’” and they remained shut out.  (Matthew 25:12 Amplified Bible)

I am sure by now you can see the similarity in response to people who appear religiously active …  but who’s hearts do not belong to Jesus!   How similar the Lord’s response to the five foolish virgins as it is to others who appear to be religiously active and doing works of the Lord in the 7th chapter of Matthew.   They also appealed to Him using the phrase “Lord, Lord.” His response there is, “I never knew you” — revealing again that such as these have never been born of the His Spirit (Mat. 7:21-23).

The lamps of the foolish virgins may appear to be lit for a time, but like three of the four soils in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9), their lamps will eventually flicker and go out. In the end, their destiny is no different than the seed which fell by the wayside, the seed that fell on stony places, and the seed which fell among thorns.

While their lamps shine, it is nearly impossible to distinguish the foolish from the wise. Just as the three types of seed initially sprout forth in what appears to be vibrant life, but eventually are devoured, wilt, or choke.

Tony Garland lists a number of dangers of Religious Activities worth noting …

By doing this he highlights the difference between Relationship versus Religion

Religion

• Performance-based relationship with God.
• External adherence to rituals and certain behaviours
• Works which are motivated by pride, or even fear, but which are expected to mitigate their personal shortcomings.
• A belief that they deserve to go to heaven.
• Belief that they’re a “good person” and merit His acceptance, at least in comparison with others.
• Disdain for the Biblical requirement of being born again to see God’s Kingdom (John 3:3).

The “religious” / foolish virgins all have lamps: forms of faith, ecclesiastical confession and position, but lack the Spirit of Christ.  They have no [continuing] lights, no evidences of love, no hymns of praise to welcome the Lord in His coming.

 

Relationship

A relation-based interaction with God: born of God as His child

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13)

• Works motivated by gratefulness and love in response to the unmerited grace of God given to us.
• A belief that one does not deserve to go to heaven
• A confidence and sense of rest rightly placed in the finished work of Calvary and not on one’s own righteousness (Romans 10:3-4)
• As a result of His righteousness referred to above, we stand clothed in the very righteousness of God Himself (not our righteousness which is no righteousness at all!!) – (2 Corinthians 5:21)
• A willingness and readiness to speak about the time when we were born again of God from above (John 3:7 & 1 Peter 3:15)
• Trusting in the OIL, the HOLY SPIRIT, who brought about our new birth, who now directs our steps. And it is HE who causes our lamps to shine!!!  (John 3:8 & Romans 8:11)

IN CONCLUSION

From our perspective, we may not be able to tell the difference between the wheat and the tares, but rest assured, God looks at the heart and He knows those who are His.   Let us strive to walk the way of holiness and total commitment to our precious Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.   To make sure our lamps are trimmed and full and ready for our Bridegroom’s return.

“But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.  And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.  Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into His glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to Him who alone is God, our Saviour through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are His before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.”
(Jude 20-24 NLT)

References:
“Before the Wrath” -a film by Brent Miller Jr
“The Wise and Foolish Virgins” – Tony Garland.
“An Interpretation of Matthew 24-25” – Thomas Ice
“What is the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Virgins?” – from ‘Got Questions’

HOW TO LIVE IN THE LIGHT OF THE SOON-RETURN OF THE LORD JESUS!

1. In the light of Jesus’ soon return, we should be Encouraging Other Believers
We are living in perilous times (as the Bible told us we would in the last days) and the speed and intensity of the convergence of things can become overwhelming at times. So, this is why Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians. exhorts them to encourage one another – not just nice little platitudes BUT with clear and true message of the Lord’s return ….
“For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-180

2. We Should Be Sharing the Gospel – the Good News about Jesus!
As children of the King of Kings, we have been given a task to point others to Jesus. To make disciples. You may not be able to go into all the world (of nations), BUT your world may include your next-door neighbour who needs to get to know who Jesus is and what He has done for them and point them to Jesus, “… the Way, the Truth and the Life” (John 14:6)
There are ways one can do this even if one is house-bound or have limited resources and mobility. The important thing is to be obedient to the Lord’s commission in Matthew 28:19 – “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” As His Word further teaches us “But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)

3. We should be living with Eager Expectancy
NEVER lose sight of the Lord’s imminent return. Some people mock the idea of His return, while others are eagerly waiting for that day when the Trumpet will sound!!
“Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation” “
(2 Peter 3:3-4) Remember this: “so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:28). “And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8)
And Titus 2:11-13 says: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age, as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ”.

4. We need to be about our Father’s Business
“Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. 5And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.”
(2 Timothy 2:4-5)
Have you noticed just how easy it is to get distracted? Far too easy!
It is extremely easy (and a ploy of the enemy) to get distracted and caught up in things we should not be getting entangled with. Paul instructed Timothy in the verse referred to above, to stay focused and be sure to do what God requires him to do. This is what the Word teaches us today too – we must make very sure we don’t get caught up in things that we have no business doing and are not pleasing to God. What we DO need to DO is to ensure our lives are wrapped up in things that bring glory to God and that will draw people to Jesus! Our life should be all about pleasing the Lord, something we should all aspire to when our Jesus comes to catch us up to meet Him in the air.

5. In the light of His soon-return, we should always be Ready to Go!
There are many people – folk who call themselves Christians – who are of the opinion that prophecy is not important AND question why one should be preaching about the return of the Lord and the imminency of His return. Why is it so important?

Well, if one is not made aware of the fact that He is returning and that we need to be ready, it causes folk to drift and compromise and be drawn away by other winds of doctrine. Whereas, if one believes (as one should) that Jesus could return today (and He could), this should have an impact on how one lives and be ready when that trumpet sounds. In years gone by, the term “prayed up” was often used to describe how a Christ-follower should be living in the light of Jesus’ return. It simply meant walking in a right relationship with Jesus, living for Him -totally committed to Him, and allowing the Holy Spirit to help you do what God wants and thus ready to go when He comes. That requirement is still the same – be walking in step with Jesus!

Put differently, seeking to live a holy life, committed to doing His will and to obey Him. This should help you, no matter where you find yourself or what you are doing, to be dressed and ready to go when that trumpet sounds.

So then, in closing, I would like to encourage everyone to make sure you are living in such a way that if He comes today, you are prepared and raring to go!!

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” (Matthew 25:13)

Waiting in the Wings …

Written by Jan Markell, 1 March 2022

Gog is stirring and evil is rising. The bear has always been wicked but now it is as though Mr. Putin is possessed. He is showing aggression not seen in decades. Observers say he has transformed recently into ultimate evil and with the images playing out in front of us, that is obvious.

 

Nuclear forces are now alerted in Russia. Talk about perilous times (II Timothy). Israel is on alert because we know Vladimir Putin will not stop with Ukraine. Much more territory is in his sights, and he longs for the spoil (wealth) stored up in Israel (Ezekiel 38-39).

 

Society became fear-based two years ago with the pandemic, which opened the door for government overreach. More and more, the world longs for a leader, a Mr. Fix-It. Right now, such a person is not prominent. He may be obscure at this time, but he is waiting in the wings.

 

The Church will never know who the Antichrist is and the leader of the Russian invasion is not the Antichrist. But Vladimir Putin is
“Gog-esque.” His ultimate goal could be “the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 38:8). Thanks to this blundering invasion, more than ever, he needs the natural resources and other “wealth” of Israel.

 

The conflict in Ukraine is an end-time turning point. It is much more than “wars and rumors of wars” predicted in the Bible for the end-of-days. It is further destabilizing a world that is already groaning, fearful and weary.

 

It is impossible to keep up with the signs of the times. But the world lacks a strong, forceful leader. You cannot point to a capital in the world today that reflects leadership. And that’s when tyrants rise.

 

One wonders if it is 1942 or 2022. Watching refugees on the run, having left possessions, people and even pets behind, tears at the heart. One day they had a normal, prosperous life and the next, they were being hunted. The strong, and particularly bullies, always want to destroy the weak.

 

Is this a temporary catastrophe or is it leading to WWIII? How does it fit into biblical prophecy? When will this man who is waiting in the wings, announce his arrival? We have more questions than answers. We just know that God is allowing much to happen so that all things fall into place.

 

The globalist cabal must keep stirring things up with pandemics, wars, economic peril, uncertainty, and more. To reset the world to their New World Order plan, the old must be riddled with confusion and chaos.

 

The wars of this Church Age pale in significance to the mayhem and trauma of the Tribulation. You want no one you love left behind.

 

Signs are a harbinger of His return. We are seeing such events happen closer together, in real time, just as the Bible predicted. You can almost hear the hoof beats of the Four Horsemen, which means the disappearance of the Church via the Rapture is imminent.

 

Are you ready for the Rapture?

 

“For whoever calls on the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, will be saved.” Romans 10:13

Article used with permission of Jan Markell, Olive Tree Ministries– https://olivetreeviews.org/

 

Are we faithful?

God has chosen to work through men (humans).

In the old testament He worked through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

In the new testament, Jesus made His future program the responsibility of His apostles!

And what about NOW? In His Word “God has committed to us the ministry of reconciliation ” (2 Corinthians 5:18) In verses19b-20 we are reminded that we are Christ’s ambassadors.

Theodore Epp in his devotional “Strength for the Journey”, says: “There is no choice in the matter. We are the sovereign appointees of God to represent Him to others. Abraham was faithful. The disciples were faithful. Are WE faithful?”

Your next second is not promised ….

Comfort One Another…

Terry James Prophecy Line

 

This is for those who are believers in Christ and who believe what God’s Word says about things to come. Not that I intentionally want to leave out those believers who don’t study God’s prophetic Word, or those who are lost because they haven’t accepted God’s grace offer of salvation through Christ’s sacrifice.

However, without a firm grasp of what the Bible has to say about things to come, and without acceptance of God’s grace gift by those who are spiritually lost, Heaven’s message contained herein cannot assuage the intensifying fear spreading across the globe.

Because of the dire prospects facing the inhabitants of planet earth, many, perhaps most, turn inward and do their best to ignore the darkening foreshadowing that intrudes upon their lives.

That intruding evil includes such things as supposedly the worst pandemic since that of 1918. And the variants of that disease just keep coming…

View original post 692 more words

4 WAYS TO STIR UP THE SAINTS AROUND YOU!!

Here are 4 practical and challenging ways we can stir up fellow believers (and challenge ourselves in the process!)

Do this when you make contact with them again … and every so often … keeps us all on our toes!!

WHAT ARE YOU EATING?
What are you reading at the moment?
On what are you feeding your soul from God’s precious Word?
Eating therefore = Time listening to God and feeding on His Word (Scripture reading)
“… like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,…“ (1 Peter 2:2)
“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:12-14)

WHAT ARE YOU CHEWING?
What Scripture or Scriptures are you memorizing, hiding in your heart?
On what from God’s Word are you meditating on?
How is God changing you through His Word?
Chewing therefore = Time applying God’s Word to my life (Scripture memory & meditation)
“Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth.”
(2 Timothy 2:15 – Amplified Bible)

ARE YOU BREATHING WELL?
How is your prayer life?
What are you praying about generally?
For what are you beseeching or petitioning God for at the moment?
Breathing therefore = spending time with God in prayer (Prayer-life)
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18)

WHERE ARE YOU GOING?
Who are you seeking and sharing or wanting to share the Gospel with?
Are you seeking to draw much closer to Jesus and be what HE wants you to be?
Going therefore = time sharing Gospel and deepening our spiritual walk (Witnessing & Spiritual Growth)
“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)
“And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], … I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us stay true to what we have already attained.”
(Philippians 3:10 & 14-16 – Amplified Bible)

As we see the day of our Saviour’s return drawing very close, we need to be cultivating these 4 things in our own lives and encouraging our brothers and sisters in Christ to do the same. As the world around us is fast disintegrating, we need to keep our lamps trimmed and ready. Let others see Jesus in us and be faithful Ambassadors for Christ.

_{(I based this article on a tremendous message I heard by Dr John Barnett, an excellent Bible Teacher for the last 30 or more years -the full message can be viewed at https://youtu.be/HcFdR5rJeKg}

Fact-checked and found TRUE!

Some time back I received an email with a fantastic message and a reminder of another sudden change that is due to happen any day now. And so today, I am basing this post on Jan’s article. The article, “In a Twinkling of an Eye” was written by a wonderful child of God, a Jewish Christian, Jan Markell from Olive Tree Ministries.

IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE “For you yourselves know that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, ‘Peace and safety!’, then sudden destruction will come upon them like labor pains upon a women with child, and they will not escape.” (I Thessalonians 5:2-3)

Last days’ events happen quickly. Even suddenly. The word “quickly” (Greek word: tachos) is used at least eight times in the Book of Revelation. Think of an automobile tachometer which measures the working speed of an engine typically in revolutions per minute. And it revs up.

We often see sudden destruction falling upon the wicked in the Bible. The unrepentant living during Noah’s time, experienced a sudden and catastrophic flood (Gen. 6-9). They had 120 years to repent as Noah preached to them, but they chose to ignore him and judgment suddenly fell (Gen. 6:3-7).

Did you notice how in 2020, everything happened suddenly, and all the changes subsequently came about suddenly and are changing all the time (causing much confusion in the process)? The Bible tells us that “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33 – NKJV) – so we can see who the author of confusion is …… So whatever has happened, one thing is for certain, our fairly ordinary world suddenly vanished…

• Stores sold out suddenly & they’re starting to run out again now! Just look at the transport and fuel issues currently around the world. US, UK, other parts of Europe and China, to mention a few.
• Fear gripped America—and the world—suddenly!
• People were ordered to suddenly totally change their lifestyles
• People lost businesses of a lifetime suddenly.
• People lost their jobs – in jobs where working from home was not an option
• Reality became surreal suddenly.
• Cities turned into ghost towns suddenly. Although this has changed at present – some countries are permitting a type of freedom which is not really freedom at all. Other countries, eg Australia are being extremely heavy-handed in preparation for the New World Order …. plenty info available about it from reliable sources online.
• Mankind became lovers of self, treacherous, and without self-control suddenly.
• Cries for global government suddenly emerged – only a one-world system could slow down the wreckage they said. This call is becoming increasingly strong
• Virtual became the new way of doing all things … suddenly.
• The economies globally are being affected one way or another with escalating prices and inflation rising steadily.
• Churches went from essential to irrelevant in the eyes of the world … suddenly – and many that “closed their doors” have become “woke churches” since re-opening their doors!!!
• Order turned to chaos suddenly with racial tensions globally
• That tension suddenly turned to lawlessness.
• Lawlessness turned to anarchy suddenly.
• The cry for police protection suddenly turned to “abolish the police.”
• Common sense simply turned suddenly to strong delusion.
• Steadily TRUTH has become the lie, and the lie has become TRUTH!!

Is there a message in all of this? Something else will happen suddenly—the Rapture of the Church. It will take place in the twinkling of an eye. That is so fast it can hardly even be measured. And even as we speak, a LIE is ready and very likely to be used to explain away the disappearance of masses at the Rapture – the Harpazo – the catching away of the Bride of Christ!

We must remember that when God begins to move, He doesn’t waste a moment. But He does take time to warn before He judges. And He seems to be telling us that things are going to change for Eternity suddenly via the Rapture of the Church. So what should we as believers be doing ….

We must remember that we are living in the times of the great set-up to the great re-set (operating on many levels), therefore we must …

• Prepare your hearts!
• Live holy lives!
• Share the Gospel
• Disciple new believers
• Warn People about what is coming!!!

Why? Because, along with most prophecy teachers, I believe we are on the cusp of something happening suddenly – quickly (as the Bible says it will!)

Prepare your hearts
Prepare for the return of the Lord for His Bride!

_{[based on an article by Jan Markell, Olive Tree Ministries, and some thoughts from John Haller, Attorney and Bible Teacher]}

PS: If you want to understand more about the rapture of the Church, let me know!

Day Ashton, 10,2021

4 THINGS TO REMEMBER AS WE AWAIT HIS APPEARING!

As we await the Lord Jesus’ appearing, which is getting VERY close (based on what Scripture teaches us!), we need to remember these important points:

1. Look forward with great expectancy to the Blessed Hope
   “as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13 – Berean Study Bible[BSB])
   
   
2. Look forward to the city He has prepared for us!
   “In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-3 – BSB)
   
   
3. Keep your focus on the Lord (and not on things around us)!
   “Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]“(Colossians 3:2 – Amplified Bible)
   “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 – BSB)
   
   
4. His power is released as we trust Him! I can do all things in His strength.
   “... I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength…” (Ephesians 1:18-19 – BSB)

Be encouraged … it won’t be long, and we’ll be leaving here!! Any day now – we’ll be going Home!!

If there is anyone reading this is short article and you’re not sure if you are really ready to meet Jesus as Saviour, please follow this link and /or contact me for further Spiritual help.

Are Modern Worship Songs de-Christianizing God’s people?

Just recently I wrote an article about Christian mysticism and touched on the fact that much of the modern worship songs that are sung today are very much centred on “me/my/I” etc.   Having been asked for examples of some of these songs, I felt it more appropriate to write an article about this topic, so as to give a broader picture and perspective.

I am sure you are all familiar with that beautiful worship song “In Christ Alone” – beautiful and with clear Bible-based lyrics.  The writer of that song, Keith Getty, very recently warned church leaders about the trend of the modern worship movement which he described as being “culturally relevant” and “utterly dangerous”.  He went on to say how this movement is contributing to the “de-Christianizing of God’s people”.   I am in one hundred percent agreement.

He was interviewed by The Christian Post and shared how that so many of the modern worship songs, rather than focusing on sound doctrine and spiritual truths, focus on emotionalism. As a result, he states that this leads to a generation “ill-equipped to understand or defend the Christian faith”.

Take a look at this …. More than 75 percent of what we know as the great hymns of the faith speak about eternity, Heaven, Hell, Holiness and that we can have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ.   BUT NOW, not even 5 percent of the modern worship songs mention eternity, leave alone any of the other ultra-important doctrines of the precious Word of God!! They concentrate on this Earth, and as I mentioned in my previous article, “me”, “my” and “I”!!

It is so important to convey the message of the Gospel, the Cross, our future Hope, the glorious and blessed Hope in our worship songs.  

And, this is another one of my big issues too – much of the music is so tuneless it is difficult to hum them or sing them.   Just think back a bit in time….  When words were set to music with a real and melodious tune, it was easy to learn, to memorize and uplift the precious Name of Jesus.    Now it is heavy, repetitive and monotonous – nothing worshipful about it at all.   Makes one wonder whether the true and real object of Worship is understood!

Many of the words used in modern lyrics are unscriptural and do not befit worship of a Holy and Righteous God.    As Keith Getty puts it: “The idea that Christianity is cool or easy is not biblical. It’s a misnomer for our generation. Through music, we want to build deep believers who know and love Christ”

LET US LOOK AT A BIT CLOSER AT THE MUSIC ….

If one had to define a “worship song”, how would YOU define it?
To me and to those of us who understand what Scripture teaches about worship, we would expect the song to uplift the Name of Jesus; to be sung TO or ABOUT the Triune God!

We need to take note of what we sing. We should ask the following questions …
– Who is the song being sung to – who is being worshiped?
– What is the song about?
– Who is the supposed singer or worshiper?

Take for example the beautiful song, “How deep the Father’s love for us”

A song being sung by those who know the Lord Jesus as Saviour, reminding brothers and sisters in Christ of God’s incredible love for us.   For unbelievers present, it presents the Gospel in a nutshell! This brings glory to Jesus who made everything possible!

Generally, in SO many modern worship services there are so many songs which are not directed at the worship and adoration of our triune God. The message of the songs in most cases do not point to the need to be saved or of repentance, nor about Jesus being the only Way, the only Truth and the only Life.   So, unbelievers who come to the church leave without hearing the Truth.

One song I was recently “introduced” to … and it is one of Bethel Music’s songs (more about that in a moment!) ….  “No longer slaves” – Bethel Music, Jonathan David Helser, Melissa Helser.  Let me hasten to add – I believe the writers were very sincere in what they were writing and sharing … I heard their testimony.   But sadly when analyzing the words, it was very disappointing …

Take a look at the lyrics:
You unravel me
With a melody
You surround me with a song
Of deliverance
From my enemies
‘Til all my fears are gone

I’m no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God
I’m no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God

There is no mention whatsoever, of the saving grace of God – “you unravel me with a melody ….”
No acknowledgement of sin
No mention of repentance
No mention of sins forgiven …
It continues … “I am a child of God” – how did that come about? 

It continues …
From my mother’s womb
You have chosen me
Love has called my name
I’ve been born again
Into Your family
Your blood flows through my veins

Part truths mentioned but not the complete picture.   Yes, we were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. And as John 3:16 says, “God so loved us that He gave His only begotten Son that whosever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”.  No mention of the cross, saved from sin, repentance, etc.   The whole emphasis is very much on “I” and being set free from fear without getting to the reason for fear, etc.   So, someone coming in to that service and listening will unfortunately not realize the need to repent of sin so as to be born again, and to thank God for His amazing grace and salvation.  

Most songs as said earlier, play on the emotions – feel good.
Listening and watching “worship sessions” in many churches is like being “entertained” with music that quite honestly is not dissimilar to that heard in the world and in clubs and worldly concerts.   There is no peace, no true joy and certainly nothing that brings about or allows the Holy Spirit entrance, for peace or to bring conviction.  Many churches dim the lights and make use of light effects.

I referred to Bethel music earlier.   Along with Bethel music, I include Hillsong. There are other examples too, but these

two need to be highlighted.  At this point I would agree with what Justin Peters says, God is not honoured by music that comes out of false churches.

As so much has been shared about these churches and the music, I will put excellent links to this information below.  Whilst they have produced some really beautiful songs historically – most of the music/lyrics coming forth in recent years is not Scripturally sound at all.   For further information about their music and their beliefs, I highly recommend you follow the links given below and find out more.  

As Keith Getty also said: “Beautiful art lasts. …  At the end of the day, a song you sing for 50 years is more valuable than one you sing for 50 months. We live in the most exciting generation to be a Christian, but it’s also the most challenging generation.”

Remember, as the Word teaches us … “But test all things carefully [so you can recognize what is good]. Hold firmly to that which is good.” (1 Thes 5:21) “Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind–permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:16-17) [all 3 verses from the Amplified Bible]

FOR FURTHER INFO RE CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP MUSIC & CHURCHES WITH FALSE DOCTRINE

1. Why your church should not play Bethel and Hillsong music: Todd Friel & Justin Peters
   https://youtu.be/Y0uFSYHVSRk
2. Ex Bethel student tells all: Lindsay Davis Testimony
   https://youtu.be/winCHM9yuY4
3. Thinking Biblically about “Reckless Love” by Mike Winger
   https://youtu.be/79rjZLjh-cI