Thanks Trish & Margie for your comments on my last post. I guess I sounded rather rash and hard and I can be both those things at times.


What I'm seeing is that we're taking what "WE" want the church and its music and scripture, etc., to be, and to have it all meet "our" needs, desires, etc. and give little thought to 'does this glorify GOD?' Does this edify HIS body? Does it bring honor to HIS Name? Was it for this that HE died? Instead we ask ourselves, does it make ME feel good about ... being in church? Going to Bible study? Worshipping? Attending small groups? Helping the poor? If so, I'm all for it! If not, well, I'm outta here.

Many in the church have twisted all things pertaining to scripture so that it will attract people ... make people feel good about themselves ... give them a desire to come back to our church, and so on. Jesus left little room for that discussion. People either followed Him or they didn't.

Since writing that last post I've done some reading about 'Rap' music ... and of course, there are 3 distinct views: those for it; those opposed and those who are neutral. You'll find that with just about anything these days.

For me, I don't like rap music because of the vulgar connotations linked to it's beginnings. Granted, words have apparently changed for those who use it in a christian format, but for me, that beginning shadow lingers over that genre of music. I also don't like the loud, pulsating music that's played in some churches either. I attended a service with that kind of music and couldn't hear myself think, let alone concentrate on 'worship'. By the time the minister was ready to speak, I was ready to go home. A sure sign I am old. I also read more than one article that said "music is neutral" ... but I don't agree. Different music arouses different emotions in everyone who hears it. And it's not all good.

So we'll agree not to agree on this. And I respect your opinions.

As a parent and grandparent I simply find myself wondering .... what are we teaching children and grandchildren? That anything they want to do is okay as long as there is scripture somewhere in it? And, was it for this that Jesus died? Do we dare teach them that to follow Jesus means to deny self, take up their cross and follow Him? That the way Home is narrow and constricted and confining and it's not at all an easy road, nor a popular one? They may not like the song The Old Rugged Cross, but they need to know it was on that type of Cross that our Savior suffered, bled and died. And He didn't do it to the beat of anyone's drum. He did it in obedience to His Father.

Blessings friends. May you have a wonderful week-end.