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Permalink Reply by Lavoisier Cornerstone on June 30, 2008 at 3:46pm

Corrections Accepted: ALL gifts are not from God...only the good and perfect ones. (Pardon my oversight).

Lavoisier
Rap Terrorist
Boondock Saint Gang
AOmega Global Military aka That Jesus Set
"Its That Get Saved MuZiK!"

Permalink Reply by Phyllis on July 1, 2008 at 12:13am

Hey bro.,
Parts of what we all should be as Christians in general are humble and teachable...u-blessed in that-stay-dat-Lavoisier! All for His Glory alone!
Honor all men (or women), honor the king and so forth-like the Bible says. Test it all through the Word of God. His Counsel for our lives is all inclusive for all of our everyday lives. His Promises to us cover it all in life. Men or women, saved or not yet seemingly-can-not refute that, we will all be found out to be liars, if we try to or even think that we did...refute it. God's Word stands forever, His Counsel will stand-alone! When men or women's words and counsels fail. We can believe His Word! Read Prov. 19:21 & the whole chapter of Prov.19 while you are there (verse 28 too).
God is Speaking. He is our Answer and in His Word is the Answer! it teaches us how to truly represent Christ. We need to know the Word of God through Jesus. Read it, and learn it in our lives. Jesus will then help us to live it out by Faith in Him in whatever your vocation or station in life aiiight!!!
Also our motives of the heart must be right!!! This will help us to think and live right, the way we should. We are to be renewed in our mind by Jesus and His Word!!!! We are to be a living sacrifice (Read Rom.12). That includes all of Life in Christ!
The question really is:"What is "Really Living?!?!?!!" Jesus came to bring us all Real-Life if we accept it His Way, through His Word and through His Spirit and Life!!!!! Read Deut. 8!
What an awesome New Life!!!!!!!!
Don't worry or fret and have cares of this life, it will choke the Word! Deceitfulness of riches, will do it everytime. Jesus will feed you and your family, He promised to take care of us-seek Him First Mat. 6:33.
Put "Jesus" first not primarily "evangelism!" The Bible says,"...to preach the Word in season or out of season...", that is addressed to all Christians. Jesus will season it! Whether your called to an office or offices or not, seasoned or not, in the office or offices, as a Christian, He will maybe later appoint you in or has appointed you in. The whole book of Timothy in the Bible is for the whole Church as well. In part of it-it says, to do the work of an evangelist...not only for Timothy but for us!!! That is God's Word to all of us too!!! There's no way to avert your own personal cross to carry, when we confess him before men, He will then confess us before the Father! If we deny Him, He will deny us! The word witness in the greek means martyr. We all have to Live for Jesus whereever He places us. We need to then see, we have to die to self. If that means even if our job be taken away, the Lord's Will be done, not ours! We need just to obey Jesus, and not man or woman or money. We must worship and serve the Lord Jesus only! The Lord Will Provide!
First thing is first, Jesus is first to Live His Life he gave us (Christians) bran-new through us. We are all bought with a price, the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ! We belong to Him and His purposes, we are not our own. Jesus needs to be our Vision First, along With knowing His Holy Word, as opposed to putting our purposes and plans first. Then we will be able to discern His Perfect Will for our lives and live it out everyday.
Instead of discussing the "why and how" we should be Greatful and full of Joy toward the Lord Jesus, that it is not against the law to Speak the Name of Jesus or "Proclaim Him" in Christian/Gospel Music, whatever the genre. We are Blessed in that!!! Praise the Lord!!!!
If we are going to put the emphasis on music as Christians, we are to use that open door of communication to reach out to people effectively and creatively, the way Jesus leads us. Not to be silent for the world's sake or for the money's sake. Jesus will Provide!!!
Just because it is against the law in other secular settings at work, as Christians, we should be growing in Christ, progressing forward Spiritually w / Him speaking Life whenever the opportunity arises. People are dieing without Him. If we don't, whatever you want to call it, witness, preach, talk, we are to speak the Word of God to others, speak His Life! On whatever the avenue the Lord provides for us. He's made us a Blessing to be a Blessing! As freely we have recieved, freely give! If we don't, nobody else will!!!!!!!! That is part of the reason why we are saved-to hold forth the Word-of Life!!!! All people, all around the world-need and are starving for His Holy LIfe Giving Word!!! Let Christians not be found as the ones who have withheld it from them!!!! Jesus Have Mercy Lord!!!!
Speaking for those who are in secular settings. i once was a schoolbus matron-attendant for four years in 1993-97 as a Christian. Certified by the DOT (department of transportation, NYC on Northern Blvd.). Now to make a long story short, i was terminated for being a witness for Jesus Christ in Feb./97 (i was prepared for this in prayer, the Lord showed me things to come). The last six months of my life on the job there working, Jesus caused my witness to not only become verbal in private one on onez or group situations, but on the "schoolbus radio system!" Very public, remember Jesus was crucified in public!!! But therein-is where the power is-in our obedience to Him! The Lord Jesus had placed me on their radio system to direct busses (He had other plans though, later) very early in the morning to alert other drivers about roads, expressways, etc. void of traffic throughout all the boroughs of NYC. Plus to communicate with other busses or my matron friends in the bus company, like-really quick, call out the bus # and name of person to meet me at such & such a place that i'd be at. Jesus had me sing on the radio after all my students were home safe for those last six months on and off at different times, nobody ever knew when, not even me until the Lord Jesus would lead me.
Just late last year, someone from Ozone Park where i used to live and work (schoolbus company) told me that he knew this girl that works as a matron there. She told him about me, she said she heard about a girl named "Phyllis" (All the Glory to His Holy Name, not mine!) that used-to sing about Jesus/Church/God and she (me) was fired. The girl heard it from her bus driver. So the Lord Jesus made "Good" what He told me over ten years ago! He told me, "I will make your name great...," like He did with Abraham. He made me a legend at that company even until this day, so that His name would be remembered & exalted and heard about. He told me back then it would be for His purposes and that many would be saved. When we obey Him it is all-ultimately for His Glory and Honor! It all belongs to Him!
My point is we never know how far one seed of Faith can Go...when it's done in simple obedience to Christ as our Lord over everything! Yes even our jobs or everyday life in Christ!
After a seasonal job that summer the year of my termination (97) at another bus company in Brooklyn, the Lord Jesus placed me at a fulltime job inside of a street-ministry i was involved in (for 5yrs.) volunteering at my home church in Sept. (97) as an Assistant-Director of that ministry!!!! And because i Honored Him First Above-man or woman, He honored and exalt me for His Glory inside of an office He had prepared for me inside of the Church. All the Honor and Glory to belongs to Jesus!!!!
God's Blessingz to you whether you agree or not, right now!
To God be all the Glory,
ur sis. in Christ's Love, Life & Peace,
ciao-4now,
Phyllis

Permalink Reply by real_1_4 God on June 27, 2008 at 8:56am

In my opinion when you give God your life you give him back al lthe talents he has given you the main purpose of us being here is simply to serve others though sometimes it will bring an artist success the main focus should always be kingdom building to bring souls in the kingdom and allow God to handle the rest for he said in his word that nothing good will he hold back from those that love him. So i dont agree with using talent that he placed within you to reach his chosen as a means of supporting your life a life that you have supposedly dedicated back to him

Permalink Reply by Lavoisier Cornerstone on June 27, 2008 at 9:35am

Again, I have a point that many are not addressing. Not saying there are no answers for it, only that people aren't addressing it.

WHY IS MUSIC THE ONLY GIFT WE CAN'T USE TO MAKE A LIVING?!?!?

So I can do carpentry, plumbing, pharmacy, secretarial administration, typing, auto repair, website and graphic design, bookbinding, retail, medicine, architecture, law, (All of which might be SKILLS and not necessarily "GIFTST" and/or "CALLINGS') to feed my family, but MUSIC? No that's ONLY for evangelism?

Again, not so much fighting against the point vehemently, only asking that SOMEONE justify this in comparison with OTHER gifts. Because remember, EVERY Good and Perfect Gift Comes Down From The Father of Lights (James 1:17). And you can't really use the scriptures about praising God with instruments, because we're commanded to praise HIM continually with our mouths as well. Would that meant that we cannot have conversations about basketball (which I'm no fan of.lol)?

I think this conversation should be held in the context of EVERY gift and if there's going to be a distinction for music and the arts, then someone help me understand the "why" and the "how".

The Bible says in Ephesians 4:11 that God has given "SOME to be apostles, SOME to be prophets, SOME to be evangelists, and SOME to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." It does not say that ALL are evangelists. (Though I do believe that ALL should be witnesses, that is very different from the 'office' of evangelist...Billy Graham is/was an evangelist. It is an office and a calling. So if the Bible says that SOME are evangelist, how can we blanket it and say ALL musicians, rappers or artists should be evangelizing with their gifts....

I also don't believe that God is only glorified through evangelism. God has purposes and plans (that often include the same end result as evangelism) that far exceed our understanding; LIke when Joseph used his 'gift' to interpret pharaoh's dream.

And lastly, giving your gift to God does not mean that he will automatically use it primarily for evangelism. I used to be on some, "Man if you ain't evangelizing "primarily", something's wrong", but I've since changed that view...sounds like I'm bout to go to the world and compromise right?..yeah I might think that too if I was reading this..lol. But nah b/c that's not the type of rap I make really, but I've come to respect my other brothers that may be called to a different lane than me.

Lavoisier
Rap Terrorist
Bang.Bang.Bang.Boondock Saint Gang
AOmega Global Military aka That Jesus Set
"It's That Get Saved MuZiK!"

"I'm a GOSPEL rapper whether you feel me or not/ I'm not here to seek your approval awards applause or your props"
-Lavoisier

P.S. real_1_4 God, I see you posted again after this saying that your point is for all fields of endeavor, but Ministry.IS.A.CALL fam; its not an anybody, everybody thing man. One dude wanted to roll with Jesus and the disciples harbody and Jesus said [Nah lil' homie, this ain't for you; go back to ya peoples and let them see what God has done for you...just be a witness]."

Permalink Reply by iLL on June 27, 2008 at 12:04pm

Hey Lavoisier,
No one is answereing your question because they don't know how to address it. It points to much at the hipocrasy inside. It's a heart issue. i'fd rather point my finger at you for not doing music 'My' way (notice I didn't say God's way), than examine what motives I have in everything that I do.
We are called to do ALL things to HIS glory. Jesus showed love in motion. Let's stop thinking that the only way to be in God's will is to preach a sermon.

We got enough preachers...We now need livers. Let your light shine in places where there is no light. (ie. that dirty music industry wheter christian or secular)

And lastly, I want to make it very clear that the money that people are accused of compromising for when they don't make Worship music is a myth, 90% of the time. Cat's is out here grindin without sleep just for exposure, while christian rappers can go and bill between 500 to 5K or more a show. It's like looking at basketball players and comparing everyone to the stars we see in the NBA. Every hooper is not livin like that.

Secular rap takes alot of hard, nonpaying work before anyone wants to look at thinking of signing an artist. Ask anyone who makes a living off of music and does both secular and church shows whats up. (Pettidee, Pigeon John, Grits, etc.)

It's easy to point fingers with no facts. Mouths shut when you ask a question like why don't we preach at toll stops, libraries, starbucks, and during sporting events.

But then again, our lives should be preaching when our mouths are shut...or just on another subject.

Pursue Christ's Maturity and Reject SimpleMindedness

-iDouble

Permalink Reply by real_1_4 God on June 27, 2008 at 8:58am

and that is not just by means of artist i mean anyone who is living for God whether your a peacher a usher or a motivational speaker this isabout kingdom business

Permalink Reply by ILLSPOT on June 27, 2008 at 9:51am

I LOVE this discussion and think it is VITAL and worthy of addressing... I have learned some much from the feedback and truly enjoyed reading peoples opinions on the subject matter....

I think cats get "Calling" twisted! God's calling on one's life is not LIMITED to a pastor, an evangelist, or a worship leader or for that matter a CHRISTIAN Rap Ministry....

God's "Calling" involves communicating HIS message of redemption through Christ Jesus through our LIFE (this includes lifestyles, our world view... our morals)! Everything about life.... our hobbies, our relationships, our eating habits and yes our PROFESSION.

We can be a janitor... in the context of that environment we are CALLED to emanate the LOVE of Christ likewise a musician or a rapper... in the context of that word we are CALLED, again, to communicate the saving grace of the resurrected Messiah.

From the abundance of our HEART the MOUTH SPEAKS! And I think it SPEAKS LOUD and CLEAR... through our daily living... even through our music while feeding my family.

Grace & Peace....

Permalink Reply by real_1_4 God on June 27, 2008 at 2:56pm

"So I can do carpentry, plumbing, pharmacy, secretarial administration, typing, auto repair, website and graphic design, bookbinding, retail, medicine, architecture, law, (All of which might be SKILLS and not necessarily "GIFTST" and/or "CALLINGS') to feed my family, but MUSIC? No that's ONLY for evangelism?"

again i say in all that you do you should glorify God in any field the difference is people usually take these positions (plumbing, secretay. carpentry etc.) to supply them with means of living life and supporting their carnal family as i said before it might have material gain but i still stand my ground on kingdom business should remain kingdom business. The reward for preaching the gospel (no matter whether it is behind the pulpit or on stage tearing it down lyrically) is saving souls the world took something meant to soothe and plant seeds and used it for evil we are not of the world so we are not to do the things of this world if you can have the best of both worlds where you can make a living out of doing that more power to you BUT!! make sure first and foremost you do it for the discipleship in order to bring in souls because if that is no longer your primary focus you can easily be lead astray. in all that we do our primary focus should be the souls but when it comes down to music of God that is kingdom business. and in my opinion music is a calling just like preaching not many have that gift to be able to do what is required and no matter how much skill u got if its not anointed it wont break the yoke period if ur anointed to do it then i feel you should want nothing more then to use it to be about your fathers buisness if something more comes of it so be it but primarily it should be a gift used for god

"It points to much at the hipocrasy inside. It's a heart issue. i'fd rather point my finger at you for not doing music 'My' way (notice I didn't say God's way), than examine what motives I have in everything that I do.
We are called to do ALL things to HIS glory. Jesus showed love in motion. Let's stop thinking that the only way to be in God's will is to preach a sermon."

as i stated above your last sentence is the reason i feel the focus should be primarily on kingdom business because music in itself is a form of ministry and the only reward thatwe should seek from these things is on judgment day its not being a hypocrite its simply placing God first point blank

Permalink Reply by Lavoisier Cornerstone on June 30, 2008 at 2:36pm

Real 1, I agree that Kingdom Business should be our first priority; I only surmise (with all due respect) that you may have a narrow understanding of all that Kingdom Business can/should entail.

Lavoisier
Rap Terrorist
Bang.Bang.Bang.Boondock Saint Gang
AOmega Global Military aka That Jesus Set
"It's That Get Saved MuZiK!"

Permalink Reply by Lavoisier Cornerstone on June 30, 2008 at 3:21pm

One final question Real 1 4 God, (which I meant to include in the post i just added). Here goes:

WOULD YOU SAY THAT EVERY CHRISTIAN GIFTED IN MUSIC THAT DOES NOT USE THAT GIFT PRIMARILY FOR EVANGELISM AND PROSELYTIZING IS OUT OF GOD'S WILL AND/OR NEGLECTING TO PUT KINGDOM BUSINESS FIRST???

Lavoisier
Rap Terrorist
Bang.Bang.Bang.Boondock Saint Gang
AOmega Global Military aka That Jesus Set
"It's That Get Saved MuZiK!"

Permalink Reply by terry knapp on June 29, 2008 at 9:10pm

What a good topic!! I enter with this humble statement. If we are indeed "Christian" than shouldn't we be following Christ? And didn't EVERYTHING Jesus do intend to reach the lost? Matthew 4:19 "follow me and i will make you fisherman of men" This culture does not need "good music" our kids NEED Jesus!! We as belivers should be daily in His Word because in it is the answer. And it is to Preach Christ to the fullest.

Permalink Reply by Lavoisier Cornerstone on June 30, 2008 at 3:17pm

With all due respect I disagree. Now if any one knows me, they know I'm not for play when it comes to declaring God's Word...but I gotta ask some hard questions.

What is the difference between a Teacher in the public school system or a counselor in a group home that takes that job KNOWING that they are FORBIDDEN from proselytizing (proselytize: to convert or attempt to convert as a proselyte; recruit)?

How come the pressure is on the musician to SCREAM Jesus all the time, but we don't expect the same of other professions.

Me personally, I've turned down things that said I couldn't preach...I've even had the plug pulled on me FOR preaching. I've been kicked off of city buses by drivers and off of NYC trains by police officers FOR preaching.

But what about Teachers that are not allowed to witness or preach to kids. Is it a compromise to take that job? If not, why do the ARTISTS have to do the "dirty" work, take the hits, lose money, turn down record deals but the teacher can just hide behind the law and sneak it in when they can. That's unjust..and The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight.
Proverbs 11:1

Lavoisier
Rap Terrorist
Bang.Bang.Bang.Boondock Saint Gang
AOmega Global Military aka That Jesus Set
"It's That Get Saved MuZiK!"

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