Does anyone write christian based songs?

  • Thread starter Thread starter George Parler
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I play in a group that ministers Christ thru the vehicle of Christian blues/progressive country/southern rock. We've recorded 2 CD projects that have countless testimonies behind them, of those hearing the message of the songs, that were comforted, encouraged, and even brought to the place in their life, that they considered, for the first time, their relationship with God, or lack thereof.

We have had our share of the "religious ridicule", that said, THATS NOT GOSPEL MUSIC! AND IT WILL NEVER BE PLAYED IN OUR CHURCH! But what they failed to see is, we're not trying to reach the church. We're trying to reach the UNCHURCHED.

I remember before I became a Christian. If I was driving down the road listening to the radio, while turning the dial looking for some good music. If I came across Southern Gospel, or some of that christian elevator music, I kept turning the dial until I heard music that I liked. Then I would stop and listen and hear the message of the song. If I'm trying to relay a message to those that don't go to church, that don't listen to church music, then maybe if I take what they are listening to and put the message I'm trying to convey in the midst of their style of music. Then maybe, just maybe they will listen long enough to hear that God loves them and desires a relationship with them. After all isn't that what the Church supposed to be about, "the ministry of reconciliation". We are supposed to be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves. So I'll use what ever means at my disposal to get that message out. And as long as what ever we do, we do it as unto the Lord, He will be glorified. I know that some say that God is not deaf. While this may be true, He's not nervous either. The songs that I write and play may not be to your liking, but as long as God leads, I will follow. And this is the path that He leads for me.

<><
George
 
Okeli-dokeli neighborinos

No offence but you're all a bunch of goodhearted, well mannered Ned Flanders', which I find really annoying.

Thank god you only exist on this BBS and I never have to see you in real life.
I don't wanna live in some fucking Disneyland world.
 
Re: Okeli-dokeli neighborinos

db51 said:
No offence but you're all a bunch of goodhearted, well mannered Ned Flanders', which I find really annoying.

Thank god you only exist on this BBS and I never have to see you in real life.
I don't wanna live in some f***ing Disneyland world.
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db51, if you think Christianity is a theme park full of amusement rides and robots singing "It's a Small World" you are sadly mis-informed.

Think back to 9/11. Remember the images of the FDNY and NYPD rushing in to ground zero. Frantically searching for signs of life, trying to pull anyone from the world that was crumbling around them. Many of them giving their own lives in the hope that they might find one person to pull to safety.

That is the spiritual life of a Christian EVERY DAY. We see a world crumbling in on itself. And we are commissioned to run in there look for those who are dying. We cry out, "Is anybody trapped in here! I know the way out!" Some people are grateful to have somebody come look for them crying, "I'm over here!" Others are too proud to shout back, thinking that they can get out under their own strength. That pride will kill them.

I don't know what experiences you've had. I appologize if you were hurt by somebody claiming to be a Christian. But if you allow yourself to be decieved into thinking that the truth lies somewhere else, you are in a world of hurt. If you have some specific issues with Christianity, I'll discuss them with you. But if all you want to do is hurl rocks at those who are only trying to help you, it's time you grew up.

Peace <><
 
we are commissioned to run in there look for those who are dying
Click to expand...

Sheesh I was just throwing in some sarcastic humor, thought the Simpsons/Disneyland references would make that obvious.

Lighten up man. Don't take yourself so seriously :)
 
OK, I accept that's what you were aiming for.

Yeah, Flanders is goofy and Disneyland is a "happy place".

But, when you say "Thank god you never see us...", and, "live in some f***ing Disneyland world." I find that very un-funny. Not that I take myself so serious, but the spiritual job I'm called to do on a daily basis has some serious consequences.

Tell me, what do you believe in?

Peace <><
 
I see no comparison to someone sacrificing their time and their life out of love and concern and Disneyland or any Simpson character. If the image of persecution and crucifiction seems funny, I wonder how far the world has" not" come in pursuing love as Christ taught.


Seek Peace and Love,

Dennis
 
my favorite scene

Just wanted to add something, my favorite scene in the movie "The Apostle" is towards the end when the old man stands up with his trumpet and plays a song for the Church and directs it to God. He played horrible, sounded terrible, but I feel that that sound and his intentions amidst the silence of the Church is the closest thing to what God desires us to be, first and foremost worshipers of Him, unashamed, wholeheartedly giving Him our all despite what others think. It's a personal relationship first and foremost, and if we can polish it up and make it sound better do so but it all starts with the heart.

www.mercyst.com
 
I'm a christian artist also, thanks George for starting this thread.

As far as the religion debate, that's the problem with the world we get caught up in religion instead of GOD himself. We get caught up in names, denominations, and titles that are useless to him. So many people have been exposed to so many religions and cults that we don't know what's real. I say we because none of us (the entire world) is perfect in anyway. I guess what I'm trying to say is everyone belongs to some kind of group, faith, or religion and it's up to yourself to find out the real truth because every religion will tell you their way is the only true way. And we all know that's a load of crap, how can they all be right when they are all divided. Christians, muslins, buddhists, & whatever all want to go to heaven, but whos really going. I think most of us can agree that there is only one true GOD, because how can anyone serve all of them and remain sane, impossible. As far as Christainity goes it has been misrepresented for many years by people adding their opinions or policy to it. We all are guilty of saying and hearing want we want, I know I am. And that is the very thing that has distorted the word of GOD. But like I said in the begining it's up to us individually and together to know the truth, we can't blame GOD for not knowing the truth when it's been given. The last thing I want to say is I've done some research and found out that Christianity is not a religion it's a "Life". The word Christian is derived from Christ (Jesus Christ) which means to live according to his life (his way of living). Jesus Christ is not religion, it may seem it is but it's not. Thanks everyone for letting me share, GOD bless you all!
:)
 
Hmmm...

I don't think I said anything about stringed instruments being bad. David did play the lyre and harp like you said. The psalms were sung with stringed accompaniement. I don't think that the electric guitar is evil either.

And for sure God judges people by what is in their hearts. I definitely am not judging any christian musicians as having bad intentions. I'm just giving my thoughts on much contemporary christian music I have heard.


Yes Gidge, that's exactly what I'm saying. Screaming at the top of your lungs that you love Jesus often does undermine the message. That type of thing turns away many serious-minded people who are searching for the truth.


They pass us off as wackos who have simply gotten high off of religious fervor and sentiment. And maybe they're right. Would you be attracted to christianity if that's how you were exposed to it?


You wouldn't show your wife how much you love her by screaming it would you? As an outsider, that wouldn't convince me at all that you had an immense love for your wife, or that she was especially loveable. It would make me think all sorts of things but I wouldn't come away awed by how much you love your wife.

Maybe in certain cinematic drama-type circumstances the screaming would make sense. Like if you were both hanging by your toenails from the top of the empire state building and had time bombs duct-taped to your foreheads.


Again, these are just my honest opinions and I am doing my best to intelligibly explain why I have them. There is a lot of christian music I haven't heard and there is a little I have heard that I like. I'll keep on paying attention and I might change my mind about some of these things.

God bless,

Tucci the Papist, oldest of ten
 
Tucci,

I respect your opinion....i guess you dont think the 80's power ballads were a good idea.....can't you deliver a message of LOVE with distorted guitars and searing solos?.....

I guess neither one of us will change our opinion so lets just agree to disagree......


"As an outsider, that wouldn't convince me at all that you had an immense love for your wife"

Im not trying to convince anyone....sometimes i just get passionate about how i feel.....im not about to pull out a lyre and harp to sing about God....
 
P.S. Tucci,

if any one my previous posts came off as accusations, I apologize....it wasnt directed at you...i have people in mind that fit my statements and my frustration/anger was vented in the wrong place....

peace....
 
Lets not forget that God takes the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.

Psalm 47:1 "O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with a voice of triumph."

And I'm kind of partial to Psalm 150.

<><
George
 
How do you guys feel about hip-hop music with positive, uplifting, and true content? Sad to say most of it is not quality content lyrically, but just wanted to ask. Thanks everyone, take care!
 
Has anyone here ever researched the Bible to see exactly what God has said what is acceptable and when it is acceptable? Remembering the 2 covenants and the purpose of the first as related to the second, the foreshadowing of the things to come. Whats acceptable for formal worship and what not? What is acceptable for congregational gatherings verses whats acceptable for individual worship? What has "man" has interjected. Does anyone understand what Bible authority means? A verse that seems to have lost its meaning in todays world is in the Book of Ephesians, Chapter 5 verse 19 and following:"speaking to one another is psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ". What did or was the practice of the Christians in the 1st century concerning worship. I came from an unreligious family and had to ask an answer these question because I want to know what God wants regardless to what "traditions" might have been introduced over the centuries. As Jesus himself said in prayer...."not as I will, but as you will." Seek ye first the Kindowm of God.


Peace,
Dennis
 
Hey Dennis

I've thought many times on that verse you brought up. In fact, I think it's interesting that although many times we as Christian musicians talk about using music in an evangelical fashion, I see no instance in scripture in which music was used this way. Music was used for corporate worship, individual worship, and even war (walls of cities falling down). Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's not to be used for that, because I think it is very powerful in that manner, it's just that I find it interesting that scripture does not tell us to sing to the lost with our spiritual songs.

Having served on the Praise and Worship band at my Church under a great Worship leader for the past 4 years I can definitely say that there is a different between "corporate" worship music and individual "worship" or "Christian" music. And I would also definitely say that while some are cut out to be a corporate worship leader, while I am a decent musician, I am not a "corporate" music leader, my natural lean is just different. However in my own band I am perfectly at home in the style which my heart leans to. As a musician I play completely different in both circumstances. I am much more reserved and reverent in a "corporate" worship setting because people need to be focused on God, not me as a musician at that time. However in my own band, I like to get out there more. I think there's a place for each. If I'm in my car alot of times I will listen to secular artists who have a style that I like, although I would like more Christian lyrics with the music there are not Christian bands out there playing that kind of music. That is why a band like mine exists. To make music to build up believers as well with edifying music instead of listening to a substitute. Maybe evangalism takes place as well, but I don't target my music at any group, I just make what God puts on my heart and pray He uses it in some one with someone for His glory.

We are supposed to have "clashing of cymbals" not "ping ping pinging" of elevator music. Be passionate at whatever you do. (And just so no one responds critically of that, that's a joke, elevator music is not bad....sheeeeshhhh.)
 
Dennis I agree, coming up was a little confusing but as you ended your response with Jesus praying to GOD, "Your Will, not Mine" is the only thing I think we all can press for. I guess to me I eqaute worshiping to obedience, if I'm obedient to HIM that I think will cover all, at least that's my understanding when studying GOD's word. A desire to worship is being obedient, being obedient is worshiping HIM to me.

God Bless,
 
No offense taken

No offense taken Gidge. And I think I understand where you are coming from in your frustration with those who never outwardly show what they believe in. What's the point of being christian if you're only christian at church on Sunday?

Tucci
 
Re: No offense taken

Tucci said:
No offense taken Gidge. And I think I understand where you are coming from in your frustration with those who never outwardly show what they believe in. What's the point of being christian if you're only christian at church on Sunday?

Tucci
Click to expand...

Very true. Its sad to say, but thats what turns a vast majority of people away from the church. People confessing one thing within the walls of the church, but never putting to practice or walking the talk outside those walls. That is the same thing that kept me away for such a long time. I didn't want to be associated with what I believed to be a bunch of hypocrites. But as one elderly lady told me back then," If a hypocrite stands between you and God, then the hypocrite is closer to God than you are."

<><
George
 
I definitely understand where Gidge is coming from, I used the hypocrite and other terms to "excuse" myself from why I did not think I had to go to "church". I didn't believe in God for quite a while, I was converted at age 29 after nearly 4 years of intense debate and research. One of the conclusions I came to was that Yes the bible does teach that gathering together with other Christians is required as part of being a Christian. The Body only functions as well as the members of the body, and my part is equal to the next. The problem with people is that they don't always follow the rules, and once one person gets away with it, next thing you know its a bunch of lemming jumping off cliffs. With proper leadership of Elders and a good education program people can grow, when you stop growing is when things fall apart. Every single person is a hypocrite at some point, even I am a hypocrite, and George too. Why? Because we are humans who struggle daily with all sorts of issues. Hypocrites need help, just like any other kind of sinner, aka human beings. Christ came to save the lost, not the righteous...which means you! Hyspocrisy, well plain and simple is sin, and if you tolerate it you really shouldn't complain, the scriptural thing to do is to approach the person and ask them about it, give them a chance to correct it, the bible actually has a process for doing this very thing. Tolerance of sin...is sin...If Gidge is able to see someone who is being hypocritical, it would be in the hypocrites best interest for Gidge to help resolve the matter. We are suppose to be here for each other, The Apostles even had struggles and were corrected for not doing what they should have been doing...A person who limits his relationship to God to Sunday only really isn't a Christian by definition biblically speaking. Its a 27/7 relationship, it takes sacrifice to do it, and there are times where it seems impossible. But God helps you through the hard times, he is your strength. The Blood of Jesus is powerful, and Jesus is your advocate, you can do it through him who strengthens you. If I can learn to submit, I think anyone with an honest heart should be able too ;0) More later....

Peace,
Dennis
 
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