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And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. Acts 12:7 |
It is time for me to officially
announce my
"Answer to the Call"
concerning...
...The Biblical
Perspective of Music!
Does this mean I will resign from the pulpit at Touchet?
No. God may have different plans for the future,
but I don't see that as the plan at this time.
For now, if you are interested, may I encourage you to read this 'testimony' in it's entirety.
This testimony is written in four parts as it came
together in four parts!
(click each one or read it all in its entirety)
Introduction - Why
Such a Concern About Music?
1. My general personal background;
2. My eyes being opened in regard
to being an offence to others;
3. My need to arise from my
chains and go quickly;
4. My desire to enjoy one last
giant step of faith in my life!
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What is my drive for this preaching & teaching stuff on music, you may ask? Well, with what I have come to learn from the Book these past years, I have grown to truly hate to see the devil getting his way in our KJB churches. In order for us to be thankful and to praise Him, etc. we can't let the devil get that fleshy music into our KJB doctrinally sound Bible Believing churches - but it is happening all over our nation and into mission fields as well.
I believe that if the devil can't get us to mess up in doctrine - if he can't get the brethren to ruin each other - if he can't get the finances to crumble - etc. then he can still mess with those who are willing to walk 'after' the flesh (we are saved thus we can't ever walk 'in the flesh' anymore) with their 'favorite' music - and I most certainly believe the devil is doing that with great success in KJB homes and churches across the nation!
The bottom line is that most pastors and church people have NO IDEA as to what the Bible says about music! Secondly and as a result of the first point, pastors and church folks don't see what the devil is doing with music in our KJB churches and homes!
I have also read a number of good materials and watched some good videos on music for a Christian, but I have yet to see a complete work on what the Bible SAYS about music. If people would only read all that the Bible says about music, the Holy Spirit can do its job through it all.
I had figured lately that God was probably through with
me in fighting that music battle, though.
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Since I was a little boy in Huron, SD, sitting on a crumbled curb at the corner of 3rd and Colorado - next to Skeeziks Grocery Store, drinking a bottle of Nehi Grape, keeping track of the different car license plates as people from across the country drove through town on their way to Mount Rushmore, I always fearfully wondered if I was ever going to be able to leave this town and get out and 'see the world.'
Looking back, I continue to see how God has truly led that kid around!
After I had graduated from college in 1972, I have lived in two towns in Southern Minnesota as well as in Las Vegas, Nevada; Pocatello, Idaho; Rochester, New York, back to the Black Hills of South Dakota and now here in the state of Washington. I have traveled into every state with the exception of the Deep South & lower East Coast. I have even traveled up into Canada and down into Mexico - yet always being so relieved when I would return to American soil.
Now that isn't too bad for a kid who was scared he was never going to be able to 'get out of a small town!' Sure, I realize that most of you have traveled more than that, but for me, this is almost a miracle, especially if you were to ever know the details of each move and each new lifestyle those moves created.
I once even had a map of America in my school office with all the major
highways highlighted
that God had allowed me to drive. I looked with amazement at
that map for years!
You see, in all of my years involved with instrumental practice, God would always see to it that I never would get 'too' good. Seriously - I know of a specific event in 6th grade where if I had played what I was planning that night in that school program, my 'fame' would have been established on the piano from that moment on - however, it got snuffed by being inadvertently left out of the program - thus, no fame ever came of me.
As I went on to college, I was never able nor was I even
willing to really concentrate on any particular instrument - thus I never
did get very accomplished on any particular instrument; but I did receive
that "all around" musical instrument teaching education. I
did enjoy learning to play all the instruments - even the marimba &
accordion, but like I said, I never really became greatly accomplished
on any of them. I could teach them, but I could never "woo" the world
with any playing talents.
I then became involved in a KJB Believing Church where
I started a Christian school in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was there where
I did my first and last stint at administrating as well as teaching history
and English in grades 4-12.
However, at that time, a movie called Sheffy came along
and showed me that I could to be loyal to the word of God, not just to
some organization; and after that movie, my life would never be the same
again.
Piece by piece, I have watched it all develop into charts, sermons, bible studies, powerpoint messages and now I hope, into a mission field aimed at those Believers in churches who are seeing music suddenly 'destroy' the spirit in their church, in their family and even in their own personal lives.
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To start this whole series of events from this past week,
the comments below are from a sermon I had just recently heard. I
will say that the results of this little study on being an offence should
help explain why this is all happening to me.
Well, God suddenly perked an interest in that for me! Knowing that my background of teaching comes from a man who is known for being quite offensive over the years - and even more nowadays - so embarrassingly offensive, in fact, I thought I would check to see if this man had any 'notes' on this point in verse 9.
I found in his notes that he taught that we are not to be an offense to God and used Acts 24:16 to illustrate his point.
However, (and what an eye-opener for me) the verse does not really say what he teaches that it says. The verse actually says: ... to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. It doesn't say not we are to not be an offence to God; it says void ofoffence TOWARD God. Looking up the word offence we see that we are not to be angry and/or show any displeasureTOWARD God.
But the real eye-opener came was when I also read the REST of the verse... TOWARD MEN!
As we know the truth of the KJB will certainly offend people no matter how we preach it or witness with it - and even just our showing up will offend people. Having a Bible in our hand when we visit friends and family, etc. will quite often just 'offend' people. Such a thing, eh!
But here we are being told that a 'mature' Christian will not show anger, displeasure, any attack, etc. TOWARD anyone.
No wonder he shorted that explanation.
This man HAS been and still IS an offence TOWARDS men - and even moreso
nowadays, even towards the brethren.
That observation has caused me to
suddenly review the website as well as my own ministry.
I needed to consider if I am an offence TOWARD men!
Read the next section to see what God has done with as a result of my self-examination as a Christian in regards to possibly either being an offence TOWARD others - and even knowing about those who are.
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As a result of my recent observations in regards to being an offence to others, God apparently will NOW try to awaken me to His service!
Let's go to Acts chapter
12 beginning at verse 1
and let's read until verse 18.
I will include it here with a few comments in between as they need to be
included - but I would recommend that you listen to the audio testimony
in regards to this sudden change in ministry. I can't really type
what I speak, nor can I speak only of what I type so if you are truly interested
in this testimony, then use these written notes but listen to the audio.
Brother Bonner was preaching a missions conference for
pastor Thomas Mowery and was preaching on Acts 12:1-8. Brother Bonner
had no idea this is going on within my heart - but here is how God personally
applied this message to me. Afterwards, God carried this message
further to me using verses 9-18 while
I was back at my office.
We are made free no doubt, and we figure we will not really be set free until either death or the rapture, but God can surely set us free from the prison we put ourselves in - especially as members of the Laodicean churches of America.
When this particular sermon (preached by Bobby Bonner) had even just begun, I knew already what was coming. I had been dealing with this issue for years anyway. The Holy Spirit had already begun the convincing work in my heart! I knew it was going to be time to 'get out of prison!'
But how could that be? Write
a book? Travel to other churches? Who even wants to hear this
stuff, Lord? And the money? To buy a laptop and projector for
the powerpoint sermons? What about this little church and all the
needs and burdens that exist here? And I am 53 years old!
It must be that some of our friends,
church members and even some from the past have been also praying, and
hopefully will continue to pray for me, for my family and for this adventure
in faith!
1) The way I looked at it was there was no chain of ignorance for me. God had already removed that one. Through these last 7 years of preaching and pastoring, God has taught me much in regards to 'doctrine,' other 'camps', etc. etc.
God has also shown me more than just about "good and bad" music and all that other common musical discussion that the common Christian talks about. God truly has shown me what He has to say about music IN the King James Bible - and it isn't what most folks even know about music and the Bible.
For me, that chain of ignorance had finally been removed - although, even up to my last meeting, I still continue to learn more and more. In fact, at this last meeting that I preached at in Philadelphia, He taught me just in time to preach about what music God does consider to be PERFECT music to His ears! God concluded my years of musical study with that very sermon. It has been marvelous! But ignorance? No, that chain was gone.
2) The chain of independence? Well, sure - of course. I am pastoring a church. I have pastoral concerns and 'burdens' for God's people. We are doing fine here - we are not without a bunch of bruises from fighting the battles of modern laodicean church of today. But I do have concerns and burdens not only of my own church people but for people I meet from our website family.
Add to that, through these past four years, our son was in the marines - off into Iraq & Liberia - stuck on a ship with NO fellowship from the brethren - having his own unique challenges, etc. However, at this time, he was just about ready to be getting out. He has a whole future in front of him and neither of know exactly what it is at this time. I have my typical dad concerns such as "Will he truly follow the leading of God at such a young age and reject all the junk that will be thrown at him? Well, he stayed clean in the marines and for a Bible Believing Christian, that is a miracle -I pray the miracle continues! But my heart had been heavy for the last 4 years for him and will continue to be so for him in these next hard months and years.
And our daughter - having her fourth baby soon - and living in Denver area and all the challenges they have regarding their church music, etc. etc. and more etc.
I have been so concerned about others - my own flock as well as the website family - that I found myself getting locked up! Just tight on the inside! There was so much I knew about that I couldn't really do anything about.
So yes - I needed to realize that all that God has taught to me in these 7 years in the pulpit as shown me that I am NOT independent - I must be TOTALLY dependent on Him! I am NOT to live 'independently!'
He has done so much for me - He has paid so much for me - He has shown me so much in that Bible. Some of the deep things of God have been made available to me.
He bought me! I can not do what I want - and I can no longer refuse to do what He wants me to do!
So now I saw that both of my chains were off - they were gone!
I have recently come to understand that we follow Jesus by following Paul. Yes, this is all starting to make sense to me!
9:
And he went out, and followed him...
Well, it wasn't that easy for me!
In fact, I just let the sermon go on and be completed - knowing all the
time that God was hitting me on the side!
So after the sermon ended, I was just truly torn up on the inside - nervous - you know, that stuff called conviction - the Holy Spirit was convincing me!
Bummer, I knew I had finally come to the time that I had to do something with this music stuff - I always had even wanted to - some day! But...
and wist not that it was true
which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
I knew I had not seen a vision
- I knew exactly what was going on.
In fact, when the time of invitation came, I was asked to play the piano as the regular pianist was in the nursery. Sure - no problem. I just played the song in the manner that I always do.
Well, the song leader was interested in how it sounded and how I played it. He and his wife had been making some serious decisions about their music - they were both serious musicians. Pastor Thomas asked me afterwards to put a little jazz riff in that same song for this man to hear the difference - so I did - one little tweak - and the song leader recognized it right away - and said he had his question answered. Just like that!
I knew then that God would and could again truly use me in helping other folks in their music. I have had that happen before and it always a blessing to be used of God in that manner - but tonight; it was the clincher.
Well, I still didn't 'arise up quickly
- but as the night wore on, I eventually asked Thomas to come and pray
with me. We both just prayed for this to be God's will although
I knew that I needed to first just arise up and get out of that prison.
There are the people and pastors out in the pulpits of America in the mission fields around the world who really have no idea what the Bible says about music - yet I believe they know something is going on regarding 'music!'
Knowing that I need to be delivered out of the hand of the devil in this world's prison - as well as also from all the expectation of the people - or in this case, people would rather me to be quiet about this music 'issue' as they "know what they like" and they like the results their personal music is showing. Music is bringing in more people to church and people are having more fun in church. They will not want that disturbed. Moses got water out of the rock when he struck it the second time - but he was still WRONG in what he did.
'Results' don't prove 'right!'
So I believe there will be those
of the brethren who will try to put me back into prison over this issue
of music!
Will the brethren actually refuse
to truly 'be there' now that the move is being made? Will
the doors open for me for gladdness?
Probably not - they will probably just say, THOU
ART MAD!
Music has become either the new god in most churches today or it has become the Spirit quencher in the KJB churches with their traveling gospel bluegrass homeschool family singing quartets, etc. that is all but taking over the music in church after church.
God has not given me a normal music issue message - there are plenty of good books and videos already out on that issue! This message is truly about what the King James Bible says about music - period! With that in mind, we also know that Bible has been causing a stir among the brethren lately - and about music and rightly dividing? Ya, it all fits! And it will cause no small stir among the brethren as well as the devil's soldiers!
In fact, I have caused my own stir in recent years and even months - the devil has been busy drumming up false accusations - and since I got saved and took hold of the King James Bible - and along with all the Bible doctrines I have learned - and with all the preaching on the 'walk' - I am sure I have done a good job at stirring some mud myself. If only the brethren could be as forgiving and understanding as God is! I know know that I am to be without offence toward men! Romans 12:18 does remind me -If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
But I will walk on with faith and maintain a joy over this whole subject. God can handle the brethren for me! Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed. Isaiah 66:5
See verses
24,25 But the word of God grew
and multiplied. And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when
they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname
was Mark.
If you skip ahead now to verses
24,25, you will see that I have always
tried to have this be my goal as a music teacher, preacher, pastor, etc.;
that the word of God would grow and multiply. I am not as
interested in seeing churches grow in size as I am in seeing the word of
God grow in a person's life. If this music ministry is ever 'fulfilled,'
I hope we are not aiming for bigger churches - but we aim to see the word
of God either grow again like it has in the past, or even in some cases,
return to the pulpit and to those people who had begun to bow down to all
kinds of music or had let music take the place of their Bible!
Moses proved a point worthy of us all taking heed in regards to music; you all know the story of Moses striking the rock the second time instead of speaking to it... we know that he did not provide for his people in the manner that God wanted it done. BUT... he did still get results!
However, Moses soon found out that just because there are good results, it was not right to do wrong to get results!
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Let's quickly turn to Mark 6:54-56 and Luke 8:43-48.
Mark 6:54-56 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore. And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him, And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was. And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.
Luke 8:43-48 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
Notice in Mark 6:56, that ...and as many as touched him were made whole. Yet in Luke 8:43-48 only one woman was healed even though the multitude throng thee and press thee!
You see, in these days we have so many folks hanging around some kind of modern "Jesus" and through those modern perversions, they get nothing from the real Jesus Christ. They are being messed with by the spirit of anti-christ.
Then we also have more and more of those in the KJB churches who appear to be 'around' Jesus a lot. They throng him and press him - they read the books about him, they do the music about him, they talk about him, etc. and they pray, they rightly divide, etc. etc. etc. but do they get anything from Him directly? Do they get anything out of the Book?
It seems that there is less and
less faith from people these days. Why else would someone even read
in their Bible and still GET NOTHING OUT OF IT!
I want to be among those who ARE aware of whatever it is God will give us from that King James Bible.
I don't want to just "have one" - I don't want to just "hang around Him" (church attendance, preaching, etc.). I want to 'receive' from Him!
I don't want to be like those folks who were pressing Jesus but getting nothing from Him.
This time I want to do one more big move of faith - and this one I want to enjoy like it we should!
I want to let God show me what to do with this music stuff that He has given me. It WILL take faith for sure, if anything is to get done...
1) I don't know how He will
get me into any pulpits, or even if He wants me to!
2) I don't figure many will
even WANT me to preach and teach my message from their pulpits these days!
3) It can not be done in
one message - I did 7 in Philadelphia and I still had more that I could
have said!
4) I am not a flamboyant
big name preacher to get folks to travel to hear this message!
5) I don't have near enough
money to purchase the equipment to make these presentations!
6) I don't know how to write
a book or the stamina or desire to write one!
7) I don't know if anyone
would even read a book on music and the KJB!
8) Our health of both my
wife and I can be in question at times!
9) At this time, I don't
see leaving the pulpit of Touchet, but will I need to some day?
10) And if a pastor is moved
to hear from God over this stuff, will he be able or even willing to do
what he has to do?
He has given me HIS FAITH!
I am crucified with Christ:
nevertheless I live;
yet not I, but Christ liveth
in me:
and the life which I now
live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God,
who loved me, and gave himself
for me.
Galatians 2:20
We May As Well Arise, eh!
How about you?