In the world of biology, we are given the example of a frog that when placed into boiling water, will immediately jump out. However, if that same frog is put into a bowl of cool water which is slowly heated by a bunsen burner, the frog will eventually boil to death.
Religious rock and roll is like the frog and the water. The term "rock and roll" means fornication. It is a street name for sexual immorality. It has wrecked the lives of many teenagers through suicide, drug abuse, immorality, perversion, satanism, etc. Sadly, we live in a day where many Christians and church leaders are allowing this demonic music into their churches, claiming that the music is holy and sanctified because the lyrics are changed to include some 'religious' words. Where is the discernment in the church? Are Christians losing their ability to discern the difference between good and evil? The fact that this demonic music even made it into the church is proof of the moral and spiritual decline affecting the church today. We are being invaded by hard rock, acid rock, punk rock, new wave, and heavy metal music under the guise of religious rock and roll.
God says in His Word:
"O that there were such a heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!" (Deut 5:29).
"Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light" (Eph 5:6-8).
"But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin" (Heb 3:13).
Satan was created a beautiful musical creature: "...every precious stone was thy covering,...the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created" (Ezek 28:13). Since music was built into his very nature are we foolish enough to assume that he will not use it to deceive and enslave?
We are told by the religious rockers that we must look and sound like the world in order to reach the youth of this generation. They say, many young people will not listen to the gospel or come to church so we must meet them on some common ground. That common ground is rock and roll. In other words, they are saying that preaching of the Word of God is no longer sufficient for both young and old. If this is true, then we should open bars in order to reach the multitudes of drinkers. We should open porno-shops in order to reach those who engage in smut. Shouldn't we go to their level so we can bring them to the Lord Jesus Christ? So what if we do evil if the end result is good? What's a little compromise with God's standards of holiness and separation if it results in souls being saved?... This type of reasoning is one of the doctrines of demons that Christians are accepting. Does it not make sense that the same Bible that has worked sucessfully to this time, will continue to work for both the young and the old? How many Christians love God's people enough to say, "no more! Throw this satanic filth out of the church and back into hell where it belongs"? Do you realize that just 10 years ago this evil music would not have even remotely been considered as a suitable method to sing and praise God. That type of music would have been immediately thrown out of the churches. What we are witnessing today is the spiritual and moral degeneration that is affecting Christians to the degree that many no longer have any discernment between good and evil.
HISTORY OF ROCK AND ROLL
This is a brief section on the history of rock and roll. If you are a Christian and you don't realize that secular rock is evil and demonic then you better get your spiritual eyes examined because you have big problems. One distressing problem about the religious rock scene is that many involved also listen to secular rock and roll. At some of the concerts put on by the religious rockers they sometime "warm" up their audiences by playing secular rock and roll songs.
As you read the history of rock and roll, observe how Satan brought in his rock music in the 1950's and slowly degenerated it to it's present level of baseness. Watch how Satan slowly turned up his bunsen burner until his music developed to it's present low. The following information was taken from a chart from Freedom Village U.S.A. called History of rock and roll, Major influence chart.
Early Rock: Mid 50's - Early 60's
Message: Seemingly harmless music and lyrics promoted "good times". Also promoted dancing the new dance fads. "Teen Idols" were worshiped by teenage girls and being "cool" was in for boys. The stage was being set for rebellion by the "greaser" image.
Music: Blend of "Big Band" with its powerful physical dance influence and "rhythm and blues", based on African rhythm patterns. Tempos and rhythm patterns were smooth and "catchy". Melodies created a very whimsical "Happy Days" atmosphere.
Main Performers: Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Bill Haley and The Comets, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Platters, Four Seasons, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, and James Brown.
British Invasion, Motown Music, Folk Music: Early 60's - Late 60's
Message: Introduction to stronger rebellion theme which was to be the thread through all future rock music. It promoted free sex, drugs, and rebellion, presenting them as harmless fun. Also introduced false religions (TM). Folk groups promoted anti-establishment attitudes and appearances.
Music: British influence hardened the American music by taking out the swing beat and putting in a more frenzied pace tempo. Motown added to the driving, repetitious rhythms with its "soul music".
Main Performers: Beatles, Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, The Temptations, Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul and Mary, Supremes, Simon and Garfunkle, Shirelles, Four Tops, and the Mama's and Papa's.
Acid or Hard Rock: Late 60's - Early 70's
Message: Huge rock concerts promoted free sex, open drug and alcohol abuse, and a total do-your-own-thing attitude. Lyrics preached rebellion, no morals, and no responsibilities. Drugs became synonymous with rock music. Stage violence begins. Sharper focus on false religions.
Music: Developed more repetition and a hypnotic effect. More rhythm, more volume, and more violence became the dominant force of songs. Groups actually destroyed equipment on stage. Early beginning of "cross-dressing" and use of make-up by men.
Main Performers: Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Doors, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zepplin, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Joan Baez, Grateful Dead, and Chicago.
Heavy Metal: Early 70's - Late 70's
Message: Sex, no morality, and drug abuse. Lyrics openly promote rebellion, violence, and homosexuality. Satanic messages are hidden or camouflaged by backwards masking. Also, open sex begins to occur on the dance floors of discos.
Music: Beat and volume increase, driving rhythms captivate listeners. Beat or pulse of music hypnotizes listeners as they are fed evil lyrics. Performers openly admit sexual perversion and act it out on stage, contributing to the moral decay and debasing of society. Main Performers: Kiss, Rod Stewart, Bee Gees, The Who, Led Zepplin, Elton John, Alice Cooper, Village People, Stevie Wonder, Black Sabbath, Rolling Stones, Eagles, Jethro Tull, and Deep Purple.
Theatrical Satan Rock: Late 70's - Present
Message: Violence supreme. Satan is no longer hiding his motives. Lyrics openly denounce Christianity presenting the devil as the answer. Violence, sex, rebellion, and drugs are not only promoted, but are acted out on stage. Lyrics even promote suicide. MTV brings Satan's messages into homes through rock videos.
Music: Violent, loud, abrasive. It has become a combination of Disco, Hard Rock, and 50's music. Synthesized music creates a "robot-like" sound, simulating the controlling power of rock music. Rock music has evolved into the single most powerful tool by which Satan communicates his evil messages to our youth.
Main Performers: Kiss, Eagles, Iron Maiden, Cindi Lauper, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Van Halen, AC/DC, The Grateful Dead, Michael Jackson, W.A.S.P., Prince, Boy George, and Alice Cooper.
To the Christian, God says in His Word: "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" (Eph. 5:11). The Lord Jesus said in Matt 7:18,20 "A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit....Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." The question this verse brings to mind is: What kind of fruit does rock and roll produce? There is definite fruit to rock and roll and all of it is evil. This demonic music has been the major tool and vehicle through which Satan popularized suicide, drug abuse, immorality, perversions (bestiality etc.), blasphemy against God and sacred things, homosexuality, occultism, and satanism. Now God has said to Christians not to have any fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. Rock and roll is an unfruitful work of darkness and Christians have no business trying to imitate those who are on the broad road to destruction. Christians also have no business listening to secular rock as it is all an abomination to God.
God also says in His Word: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world" (1 John 2:15- 16). "As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Pet 1:14-16). "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Cor 7:1).
Finally, how can satanic Christians be holy as we are commanded when an earring is hung in the ear, sexual clothes are worn, and a rebellious nightclub atmosphere is created by those who claim to worship God?
RELIGIOUS ROCK: A BRIEF HISTORY
"Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment" (Malachi 2:17). "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Rom 12:2). "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold" (Matt 24:12).
The same spirit of rock and roll which includes: the spirit of rebellion, the spirit of immorality and perversion, and the spirit of death is now being brought into the churches under the guise of religious rock and roll.
Remembering the example of the frog, the water, and the bunsen burner: the devil first turned on his bunsen burner when he introduced "Christian" contemporary music into the church. Within this scope of music there were many areas of "grey" as the church lightly began to assimiliate the style and sound of the devil's rock and roll music. The bunsen burner continued to burn and the water slowly heated up. Next, Satan slowly introduced hard rock and roll into the churches. Once this religious rock and roll gained acceptance the devil turned up the flame on his bunsen burner. He then brought in religious heavy metal, religious acid rock, religious new wave, and religious punk rock. Again since Satan did it slowly, he was able to gain acceptance for his demonic music. Today the water is boiling and many in the church have accepted his deception. Pastors and church leaders, who ought to know better, bring this filth into their churches believing the deception that God can use this evil for His glory.
LOSS OF DISCERNMENT
One definite cause for the lack of discernment is the television set. The technology of television itself is not evil. However, TV programs are energized by either God or Satan. Most of the programs on television present morals, lifestyles, and attitudes that are contrary and opposed to the Word of God. Television is now glorifying evil, murder, violence, occultism, immorality, and perversion while at the same time Christianity and godly standards are mocked and belittled. Today millions of unbelievers sit in front of their TV sets laughing and mocking at what once was considered sacred. The tragedy of all this is that Christians are blinded and hardened as they spend hours sitting at home parked in front of their TV's getting ministered to by the devil. While Christians sit and watch shows that deep down they know God would not approve of, they slowly go further from God and closer to the world.
The children are not spared either as most of the Saturday morning cartoons have evil, occultic story lines. Along with TV, other factors contributing to the loss of discernment are: little or no daily prayer life and irregular, inconsistent Bible reading. God warns in His Word: "Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit. Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations?" (Jer 7:8-10).
Christians have not been delivered from sin and hell in order to partake of abominations. God wants His people to live holy, separated lives in this evil world. The cry through the land is for revival, but how can it come when Christians are in love with their TV's and rock music? All this is at the expense of Bible reading, prayer, holiness, and separation from evil.
FRUIT OF RELIGIOUS ROCK
This is a partial list of the evil fruit of religious rock and roll music. It is by no means exhaustive.
CONFORMITY: There is a definite pressure to conform to this world rather than to separate oneself from its godless influence. Religious rock is a cheap imitation of secular rock and roll. These religious rockers, like the secular, play their music at the same ear-splitting level and give off the same nightclub bar-room atmosphere with all the coloured lights, smoke pots, and special effects. Little do these religious rockers realize, but as they identify and imitate the secular rock scene they are indirectly giving approval to that type of morality and lifestyle. As a result they are a path of destruction for others. Note: The reason rock and roll is played so loud is because at high decibel levels a person's conscience and inihibitions are numbed. That individual can be more easily programmed to accept Satan's standards instead of God's.
What does God have to say about all this compromise and fellowship with evil? In 2 Cor. 6:14-17 God says: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." After reading this it can be seen that coming out and being separate from evil is not the cheap imitation and monkey-see-monkey-do that the religious rock scene portrays. Again, where is the discernment between good and evil within the church? SECULAR ROCK AND ROLL: One definite fruit of religious rock is that it leads it's followers back to involvement with secular rock. Many Christian young people listen to secular rock radio stations and own secular rock albums in addition to their collection of religious rock and roll. As already pointed out, at religious rock concerts some of the bands play secular rock songs to "warm" up the audience. This exposes Christian young people to all forms of demonic filth and will certainly influence them in a negative way. The danger is that religious rock will lead people away from God, holiness, and a separated lifestyle just as surely as secular rock will lead them to the devil. God says plainly in James 4:4 "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God".
Why would a Christian listen to secular rock & roll?
Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the hearts of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil" (Eccl 8:11)....or, maybe they don't really love the Lord Jesus....or, maybe they are not really born again but merely profess to be a Christian.
The Bible says that Satan was created a beautiful musical creature (Ezek 28:13). Since music was built into his very nature are we foolish enough to assume that he will not use it to deceive and enslave?
Rock comes in a package --- it is a package deal! The listener doesn't just get the music alone. Over time one or more of the following evil fruits will be manifest in the life of the listener:
-Rebellion -Suicide -Homosexuality -Violence -Immoraliy -Blasphemy -Drugs & Alcohol -Occult -Worldliness
The music influences (in a negative, unbiblical way) a persons': morals, values, and philosophy of life. How does the music do this? The music mesmerizes the listener while Satan puts his ungodly lyrics, morals, and standards into the persons' mind either directly or by backward masking.
There are no neutral secular rock and roll groups
There is no rock group totally neutral and suitable for Christian listening. Why? Every rock group either directly or indirectly has songs with lyrics that according to God's standards encourage one or more of the following: rebellion, immorality, drug use, drinking, occultism, suicide, violence, and blasphemy. Name one rock group that does not encourage any form of evil according to God's standards! It cannot be done.
Does rock music produce: Godliness and purity, a hunger and a thirst for Christ, a broken and contrite heart, conviction for sin, or a Christ honouring atmosphere? ...No, No, No it does not. If rock doesn't do any of these things, but rather does the opposite, then why would any Christian listen to this music???
The following is a quote by David Wilkerson from his book: SET THE TRUMPET TO THY MOUTH. He is talking about the problem of Religious rock, but it also applies to Christians who partake of secular rock. "Only the despisers of the Lord Jesus could embrace what He hates. Only the rebellious could purchase one of their records. Only those with a divided heart could go to one of their concerts or view one of their video cassettes. Their video cassettes are demonic and blasphemous. The spirit of mixture and confusion it was born in will slowly possess you and lead you blindly to the altars of Baal. Sneer if you choose, but you have been warned" (page 113,114).
BLIND DEFENSE: Some religious rockers get very angry when they hear someone speak against their demonic music they love so dearly. If only they would defend, love, and serve the Lord Jesus Christ as much as their godless music. God says: "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light" (Eph 5:8). "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Eph 5:15,16).
REBELLION: Many involved in the religious rock scene refuse to listen to correction and rebuke from scripture. They harden their necks and set their mind not to give up their demonic music. It doesn't seem to concern them that this music is vomit on the table of the Lord and is an abomination to Him.
"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words:...He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings..." (John 14:23-24).
"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you" (2 Cor 6:17). Christians are a peculiar people and God wants them to live godly, separated, and holy lives in this evil world. "Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;" (Titus 2:12).
THE PURPOSE OF MUSIC
Why do the religious rock and rollers not only desire to look and sound like the world but also desire to be accepted by the world? They want to play on MTV and get their songs high on the secular and gospel charts. The Lord Jesus Christ said in John 15:19,20 "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. It they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you;...". We also read in 2 Tim 3:12 "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution". The previous verses state that Christians will not be loved and accepted by the world because the world in general rejects the Lord Jesus Christ. "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather that light, because their deeds were evil" (John 3:19).
In light of the Word of God does it not follow to reason that true godly music that worships and exalts the Lord Jesus Christ will be rejected by the world? Music that calls people to repentance, holiness, separation, and total commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ will not be popular in the eyes of a Christ-rejecting world.
Now what is the purpose of music? Music has two purposes: 1) to worship and glorify God; 2) To edify and build up Christians. The Word of God says: "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Eph 5:19). "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" (Col 3:16).
Music is not necessary to win the lost but it is a form of worship and praise to God. In fact, sacred Gospel music is not for the world and it has never been meant for the world. It is for the child of God to worship and praise God. God has not ordained music to win the lost; he has ordained preaching. "For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" (1 Cor 1:21). The purpose of sacred gospel music is not to draw the unsaved to the Lord Jesus Christ. Sacred music may at times draw the unsaved, but that is not its purpose. Its purpose is to worship and praise God and not to be used as a tool to win the unsaved. The unsaved are drawn to God by the preaching of the Word.
Since music is a form of worship it is corrupted when mixed with carnality. The worship of God must be carried out with holiness and purity. Linking worship to the demonic, sexual, rebellious style of rock and roll is nothing less than blasphemy. God's demands of righteousness and holiness have never been diminished. Just as it was an abomination to offer to the Lord a blemished lamb for sacrifice, so today it is an abomination to offer to God carnal, worldly, sexual, demonic music as a praise offering.
A PROFANE DENIAL
"They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate" (Titus 1:16).
The religious rockers make many professions about the Lord Jesus Christ but as soon as the music starts, a transformation occurs as they are taken over by the spirit of Elvis Presley. The Lord Jesus warned in Matt 7:21-23 "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity". It can be seen by this verse that there is more to being a Christian than just speaking the name of Jesus. The Lord Jesus said to those who worked iniquity to depart because He didn't know them.
In the religious rock scene we have many who freely profess the name of Jesus but in works they deny Him. They go on stage and speak about the Lord Jesus Christ but they play music associated with rebellion, sexual immorality, perversion, and nihilism. They wear demonic sexual clothing such as: sado- masochistic studded jackets and pants, effeminate men with earrings, long hair, makeup, and tight sexual clothing. All this adds up to a denial of their words by their actions.
When people are communicating there is a verbal part and a non-verbal part. In order for the message to be clearly understood both the verbal and the non- verbal must be in agreement. If there is a contradiction between the verbal and the non-verbal, people will believe the non-verbal before the verbal. These religious rockers verbally make their profession; "They profess that they know God;". Non-verbally the religious rockers give off a different message of rebellion, compromise, and sexuality; "but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate" (Titus 1:16). When they claim to be preaching the Lord Jesus Christ, they really are not. What they are actually doing is taking the name of the Lord in vain. They profane the name of the Lord when they link it up with something that is not consistant with His nature.
JUDGMENT IS COMING ON RELIGIOUS ROCK AND ROLL
This is a warning to anyone involved with Satan's religious rock and roll.
You are playing demonic music that is an abomination to God.
You are harming yourself as well as God's blood-bought children.
The Lord Jesus warns: "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea" (Matt 18:6).
If you truly love the Lord Jesus you will forsake this evil music.
If you do not, God's judgment will surely come into your life.
Judgment is coming for the rebellious
God has always judged sin and rebellion in the past, and He is going to do it again. Do you want God's judgment in your life? "But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord God" (Ezek 11:21). "But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die" (Ezek 18:24). The Bible warns: "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that friend of the world is the the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a enemy of God" (James 4:4). It's your choice; obey or rebel.
"O Lord, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return" (Jer 5:3).
"Now will I shortly pour out my fury upon thee, and accomplish mine anger upon thee: and I will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense thee for all thine abominations. And mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will recompense thee according to thy ways and thine abominations that are in the midst of thee; and ye shall know that I am the Lord that smiteth" (Ezek 7:8,9).
"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (Isaiah 5:20).
"For every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth in Israel, which separateth himself from me, and setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to a prophet to enquire of him concerning me; I the Lord will answer him by myself: And I will set my face against that man, and will make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I am the Lord" (Ezek 14:7,8).
A WARNING TO PASTORS
"...It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves" (Matt 21:13).
This verse has real meaning today in light of religious rock. God's temple was not intended to become a den of thieves. This verse says: "ye have made it", refering to the fact that it was the religious leaders that allowed the temple to go from a house of prayer to a den of thieves.
Today church leaders and pastors have an awesome responsibility and they will give an account as to how they pastored a church under their charge. If the pastor allows foolishness and evil to come in, it will affect God's blood- bought people in a negative way by causing worldliness, carnality, and backsliding. On the other hand, if they keep out evil and concentrate on building up God's people with the Word of God, the church will grow and mature. "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28).
The tragedy of the religious rock scene is that this demonic music would never have made it into the churches if the pastors and church leaders had obeyed God and closed the door to this evil.
The following is a warning for any pastor or church leader who takes his job lightly and is not committed to building up and protecting God's church:
"Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean,..." (Ezek 22:26).
"And ye have not kept the charge of mine holy things: but ye have set keepers of my charge in my sanctuary for yourselves...Yet they shall be ministers in my sanctuary, having charge at the gates of the house, and ministering to the house: they shall slay the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before them to minister unto them. Because they ministered unto them before their idols, and caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity; therefore have I lifted up mine hand against them, saith the Lord God, and they shall bear their iniquity. And they shall not come near unto me, to do the office of a priest unto me, nor to come near to any of my holy things, in the most holy place: but they shall bear their shame, and their abominations which they have committed" (Ezek 44:8,11-13).
DANGEROUS REASONING...
ARGUMENT #1 Christian rock can't be wrong. Look at all the people who go forward at the concerts. Look at how popular God has made these bands.
ANSWER: So-called results do not mean God is behind it. The Lord Jesus said in Matthew 7:15,21-23 "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves....Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity".
The Lord Jesus also said that many will be deceived by false prophets and false Christs. "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold....for there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" Matthew 24:11,12,24.
ARGUMENT #3 We have to use Rock Music because this is the only way the youth of this generation can be reached.
ANSWER: The Bible answers this directly in 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 "Be ye not unequally yolked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty". Also, "For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" (1 Cor 1:21). the ungodly and use them for "soulwinning", but rather The Word of God does not say we are to go out and borrow the evil ways of we are commanded to come out and separate ourselves from evil. The Word of God states further in James 4:4 "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God".
"Christian Rock" is destructive to the Church as it leads God's people into sensuality and compromise. If you sincerely love The Lord Jesus Christ and you are involved with this music, then obey the Lord and forsake this unclean thing.
We now have: Christian Rock, Christian New Wave, Christian Heavy Metal, Christian Punk. What are these rebels going to advocate next? Christian drug use, Christian Witchcraft, Christian Pornography???
"They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate" Titus 1:16.
"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him....For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works" 2 Corinthians 11:3,4,13-15.
"For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ....Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities....Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Korah. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever" Jude 4,8,11-13.
BY THEIR OWN WORDS (They condemn themselves)
"Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth" (Prov. 6:2).
AMY GRANT
"I want to play hardball in this business. I want to be on the same level professionally with performers in all areas of music. I love to hear Billy Joel, Kenny Loggins, and the Doobie Brothers. Why not? I aim to bridge the gap between Christian and pop." (Time Mar/85)
" Grant's also pragmatic about her career. Regarding her album covers and publicity photos, which portray her as a sexy, attractive young woman. The Christian pop star says,' I'm trying to look sexy to sell a record. But what is sexy? To me it's never been taking my shirt off or sticking my tongue out. I feel that a Christian young woman in the eighties is very sexual'.....'When he {Prince} started humping the stage, I got a little embarrassed', says the twenty-four-year-old Grant, sitting in the bright sunlight near the swimming pool at her Universal City hotel. 'I quit looking. When he thrust his crotch up into the florescent shower,'she continues in her Southern drawl, 'I thought if someone wants to do this at home, fine. If I want to do this at home, fine. I don't want to watch Prince doing it. I didn't get off watching him create the illusion of masturbating'" (Rolling Stone - June 1985)
STRYPER
"The hair is long and the screams are loud'n'clear. The clothes are tight, earrings dangling from their ears. No matter how we look, we'll always praise His name. And, if you believe, you've got to do the same." (Stryper from Loud'n'Clear)
"If you had to guess their name, you might think of the Devil's Disciples or the Beelzebubs. Or perhaps the Killer Bees, which is what the four young men on stage look like in their tight leather-and spandex costumes crisscrossed with garish black and yellow stripes. Piles of makeup, spikey hair, and enough dangling chains to tie up half the elephants in Africa complete the picture of the up-to-date heavy metal rock group. Even the music, the sound of a swarm of angry insects electronically amplified several thousand times, fits the image." (Time Mar/85)
REZ BAND
"A new album, Between Heaven'N'Hell (their eighth), recently hit the streets, and with it, Rez begins its campaign aimed at winning over the secular mainstream rock audience....Rez has made a number of other moves designed to facilitate their transition to the secular market. They've pacted with a New York-based management/marketing firm on a four-month trial basis. They have signed with the venerable Diversified Management Agency (DMA) out of Detroit who will be handling concert bookings. (Other heavy DMA clients include the Scorpions, Quiet Riot, and Autograph.)...In order to do that, Rez is all too aware, they're going to have to 'play by certain rules,' as Herrin puts it. They've already stopped the practice of altar calls in concert, and they're toning down overt references to the Lord. In general, they want to present themselves, first and foremost, as a rock band." (Contempory Christian Magazine - April 1986).
MICHAEL W. SMITH
"The people coming into the concerts are ready to rock. They come out and want to have a good time. Some people need to get out there and preach to them. Ask them for a decision at the end, but that's not my calling. The kids I see are just ready to kick it out and have fun." (CCM June 1986)
STEVE TAYLOR
"I appeared on the Dove Awards last year and I still feel uncomfortable about it. I really don't belong there because I'm not really part of that Gospel mainstream. Sure, I'm a Christian and that influences the way I write songs but that's just being honest, everybody pushes a point of view." (CCM Feb 1986).
LEON PATILLO
"I'm going to make a stand. I'm going to do something different. I'm going to let the world stand up and say, 'Wow, man, did you see that guy?' And it's going to be a perfect setup. As soon as they've got their mouths open or their hearts open and they're going 'Wow', I'm gonna throw Jesus right down their throats." (CCM Oct. 1985).
MYLON LeFEVRE
"Our music is rock and roll. We don't even tell anybody it's contemporary Christian music...We are a rock'n'roll band. We sound like one, we look like one, and at the end of the night we smell like one....Its a rock'n'roll show that is a ministry. You can't separate the two. Rock'n'roll is what I do. I put on a good show. I entertain those people, I have a good time with them.......One of the things Mylon may be referring to is a new album due out soon from CBS. He and the band are going by the name, Look Up. 'It's a Christian album, but you really have to know the Word to know it. CBS ain't gonna know it. Every song on there - every note on there - is played by born- again, Spirit-filled Christians. We had a good time making the record. It's an anointed record and it's got a good message, but it's very shallow. We really avoided certain words and phrases, you know. It's just about themes." (CCM Mar 1986)
STRYKEN
"'A lot of intelligent guys out there are real headbangers. They love metal, but they've had enough. They're tired of hearing every sleazy metal band from Anaheim to Zimbabwe brag about how much they drink, drug, and screw.' Not exactly churchy language, but then Stryken professes to be a band not for the pulpit but for the streets" (CCM Mar 1987)
RELIGIOUS ROCK AND ROLL
There is a style of music which has been invading the Church of Jesus Christ which is godless, immoral, and which leads Christians into rebellion and compromise with the world. That style of music is "Christian" Rock an Roll. The term Rock & Roll was given to name a form of music in the 1950's. The style of music was evil from its beginning and it was appropriately given the name Rock & Roll. This name was given by the world and it stands for the practice of fornication by teenagers in the back seat of a car.
The primary axiom of music evaluation is that there is no such thing as amoral music. Music is either good or evil. God says we are responsible for everything we say, do, or think. The Bible says: "...That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment" (Matt. 12:36). "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (2 Cor 5:10).
The adherents of "Christian" Rock claim that their music is necessary in order to win the lost to Christ. However, they overlook the fact that God has ordained preaching to win the lost and not music. The Bible says: "For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" (1 Cor 1:21).
Music has two purposes:
(To worship and glorify God.
To edify and build up Christians.
"Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Eph 5:19). "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" (Col 3:16).
Music is not necessary to win the lost but it is a form of worship and praise to God. Since music is a form of worship it is corrupted when mixed with carnality. The worship of God must be carried out with purity. The world can take clean music and make it unclean, but Christians cannot take unclean music and make it clean. (See Haggai 2:12-13) We are commanded not to touch the unclean thing. This also applies to the music we listen to. The Bible says: "Be ye not unequally yolked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said I will dwell in them, and walk in them and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty".
The Word of God does not say we are to go out and borrow the evil ways of the ungodly and use them for "soulwinning", but rather we are commanded to come out and separate ourselves from evil. The Word of God states further in James 4:4 " Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God".
There are some people who say that "Christian" Rock can't be wrong because of all the people who go forward at the concerts. They also mention that these bands are popular because God is blessing them. However; so called results do not mean that God is behind it. The end does not justify the means (That is the basis of humanism). The Lord Jesus said that many will be deceived by false prophets and false Christs. "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold....for there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible they shall deceive the very elect" (Matt 24:11,12,24).
There may be sincere conversions at these concerts because God will always honour His Word no matter under what circumstances it is given. However, it is one thing to be saved, and another to grow and develop into a victorious Christian. The Lord Jesus warned in (Matt 7:15,21-23). "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves....Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity".
Another argument is that Jesus went out and mingled with sinners. However, the Lord Jesus never went into a den of iniquity nor did He copy the ways of the ungodly. "For such a high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;" (Heb 7:26). "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world" (John 17:14).
Do we take drugs to win addicts to Christ?
Do we use foul language to witness to those who curse?
Do we steal to identify with robbers?
Do we draw lewd pictures to present Christ to the pornographer?
Do we use carnal music to gain a hearing with the world?
The absurdity of the above methods is obvious. Therefore, we hope you can see how wrong it is to use carnal, worldly music to present a holy message to a Christless world. "...Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good" (Rom 12:9).
"They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate" (Titus 1:16).
"Christian" Rock is destructive to the Church as it leads God's people into sensuality, compromise, and worldliness. If you sincerely love the Lord Jesus Christ and you are involved with this godless music, then why won't you obey the Lord and forsake this unclean thing???
What kind of hold does religious rock have on people when they refuse to give up their demonic music? How can a person profess that he loves God and at the same time embrace such evil? How low must religious rock sink before God's people wake up from their slumber?
"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him....For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works" (2 Cor 11:3,4,13-15). "For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ....Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities....Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Korah. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear; clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever" (Jude 4,8,11-13).
CONCLUSION
"For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things" (Phil 3:18,19).
"Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes" (Rom 3:13-18).
When music has any of the following characteristics beware; you are in danger of the demonic:
Deliberate Sensuality: This includes sexual clothing, erotic movements, flirtatious come-on's designed to sexually tease, and breathy voice designed to arouse an audience.
Clothes that are not in line with Biblical modesty: This includes sexual, revealing clothes that suggest an unholy lifestyle.
Unedifying speech: This includes stories, jokes, or lyrics which have double meanings or have sexual overtones.
Extremely loud music: Thunderous decibel levels that impair hearing and drown out lyrics .
This booklet closes on a note of sadness. We mourn over the tragedy of the loss of discernment among the body of Christ. We have shown how this evil music has gradually infiltrated the church with the blessing of those in authority, until many congregations no longer know the difference between the sacred and the profane. We have shown throughout the history of secular rock and roll the decline and destruction of values of decency and morality in society. Will the church partake of this same downward slide? Will the church abandon its role of salt and light and put on the same garments of darkness and sensuality that the world wraps itself in? The unsaved are desperately hoping to see something different in Christianity. When a Christian lowers his standards and walks arm in arm with the lost down the same broad road, the unsaved can only laugh and sneer at the hypocrisy of it all. The fact that millions are perishing in hell should cause us to examine our walk and methods of evangelism. We have nothing but love in our hearts toward those who sincerely want to reach a lost generation for the Lord Jesus Christ. However, when Christians seek to be conformed to this evil world rather than to God's standards of righteousness and holiness, it is a cause of deep concern.
Consequently, we have endeavoured through this study to offer a brotherly reproof to those whom we feel have been misled. We ask only that the reader prayerfully consider the scriptures, the information, and the arguments in the text. Our prayer is that God would lead you out of the mud and filth of this world into a deeper walk with Himself through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Copy and distribute this tract as needed)
By Alan Yusko and Ed Prior
THE SEED SOWERS
P.O. Box 2513
Stn. F, Scarborough, Ont. M1W 3P2 Canada.
Computers for Christ #22 (904) 625-2737
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