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Monday, June 15, 2009

Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 7

When God's People Pay Tribute

If I were to say that gospel award winning producers and artists such as Donald Lawrence, The Clark Sisters, Kiki Sheard, J. Moss and other modern gospel industry artists were gathering themselves together to give a special tribute to someone, many of us would ask which gospel personality, minister, singer or otherwise would they be coming together to commemorate? That would be a good question.

But what if I said that they were not coming together to celebrate anyone or anything that had to do with the gospel in any manner. What if I said that gospel artists were going to render their gospel talents in celebration of a person and group who has never preached one gospel word, saved one soul for Jesus Christ, and in fact have consistently contributed to the kingdom of darkness spanding for over 32 years???


Well, here it is. In another of the more strange developments within the gospel community, Frankie Beverly, founder of the secular group Maze, (who has never won a secular industry music award) has chosen Donald Lawrence as a member of his production team to place together an all star cast of individuals to pay special tribute to Frankie Beverly and the works of the group called Maze, called the "Silky Soul Music...An All Star Tribute to Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly". As part of this homage, top gospel music producer, Donald Lawrence, has also agreed to rewrite and release a Maze song, "I Want To Thank You".

Now, there is some confusion over when the song (I Want To Thank You) was originally presented to the world and I think I know why. The song that Donald Lawrence is rewriting, wrapped up as a gospel song, was originally released with another song called "Southern Girl" in 1980 on a 12" 33.5 RPm Promo through Capitol Records. The song was re-released in 1983 on the album 'We Are One' by Capitol Records and later by EMI Music (Netherlands) Although my accounting of release dates and times are listed on their website, the following is stated in the Press release:
  • Beverly has also secured an “all-star” production team to join him in the studio with this collection of great artists, including Grammy nominated producer Rex Rideout and Grammy and Stellar Award winning producer Donald Lawrence. Lawrence is producing a gospel rendition of the Frankie Beverly classic, “I Wanna Thank You,” originally released on Maze’s 1983 “We Are One” LP.
Whether Beverly knows it or not, there is a message being sent through this song and it's rewrite and the association of the rewrite with the 1983 date. This song and this event will effectively make many of the top gospel artists ONE with the world for and during this event. That has happened on occasion and many of the gospel artists themselves promote such currently. Kirk Franklin produced a project based off of the same standard of 1970's and 1980's rewrites, so this is nothing new. The problem here is that Maze has an unusual intoxicating appeal partially because of the subject matter that the group enjoins and also because of the spirit of seduction and mysticism that he (the group) promotes.

(Update 3/30/2010: Thanks to Paul, you can see the gospel singers pay tribute to this idol for themselves: HERE is the video. All I can say is what a SHAME!)

Who Is Frankie Beverly & Why Should Gospel Celebrate Him?


Born Dec. 6, 1946, Frankie's claim to early fame arises from a thoroughly disputed assertion that he sang with a group called The Silhouettes. Though Mr. Beverly says he was a lead singer for a time, nobody, but nobody even remembers him neither is his name documented as being a part of the group other than in his mind.

Later, before leaving Philadelphia, Frankie founded the group "Raw Soul". After moving from Philadelphia to California and after contemplating renaming the group names such as "Karma" and "Charisma", Frankie was encouraged by the gentleman that gave him his first big break, the late Marvin Gaye, to change the groups name to Maze. As if Marvin Gaye's intervention wasn't telling enough, the music style that Maze pioneered became known as "Quiet Storm". The Quiet Storm genre, which has given way to Neo Soul, was played late at night as lover's music and as relaxation grooves. The music was slow, rhythmic, and also known as soul ballad style of music.

As most popular singers, Frankie's singing career began in church as confirmed in his following comments:
  • "like most black artists, I was influenced by going to church. You know, it was like anyone that could sing was featured in a Sunday program! So I did my share of solos in church...a lot of singing!"
At age 9 he fell in love with secular music. He recounts this:
  • "The first record I can remember was Lloyd Price's "Lawdy Miss Clawdy." I heard it and said, 'what's this?' I loved it! But it was Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers who really turned my world upside down. In fact, I was so blown away by Frankie that I changed my own name - my birth name is Howard! But after I heard Frankie and the guys, I was totally bitten. I knew every one of their hits - "Why Do Fools Fall In Love," "I Want You To Be My Girl," "Who Can Explain?," "The ABCs Of Love"... Every time they appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show," I was glued to the t.v. and whenever they came to town to appear at The Uptown Theater, I was right there. In fact, seeing Frankie was the catalyst for me to want to get into music. He was young, just like me, and he was up there doing it, making a living in music..."
His efforts and work gave rise to many secular artists such as Natalie Cole (during her comeback years in the mid-'80s), Anita Baker, Regina Belle, and Toni Braxton. Frankie Beverly says this about creating secular stars:
  • "...and it makes me feel great to see how each of those artists has gone to have great success..."
When Gospel, Pagan & Secular Paths Cross

To illustrate the path that the gospel industry is trodding with its interaction with Maze, one of Frankie Beverly's songs, "Lady Of Magic", appears to have been dedicated to the enlightenment found in the Egyptian goddess ISIS. Remember, In Hip-Hop, Idolatry, & The Church Pt. 1 we discovered that early hip-hop, and even modern hip-hop was replete with all kinds of ancient Egyptian deity overtones and messages. According to the ISIS myth, ISIS became known as the "Lady Of Magic" after she used her magic to save Ra (the Egyptian sun god) from a "holy" cobra's poisonous wound, and tricked him into revealing his name to her. Before actually using her healing powers to save Ra she demanded a promise from him that her son would be given a high position. By providing Ra life through her saving actions, and finding out his name, she also secured a place for herself as one coequal and in even greater in power than Ra himself. She then casts a spell of magic and saves Ra from sure death therefore establishing her power as a woman among gods who were previously and exclusively all men. Frankie Beverly was so influenced by ISIS and her abilities that he wrote a very popular song that many are enamoured by even today. Here are a few of the lyrics from that song:
"There ain't a thing ooh that she can't do
Boy she's proved it time and time before
I think she's special in so many many many ways
I'll be her friend forever more"

"She always knows when somethings wrong
Her smile just helps me move along
To her I dedicate this song
To my lady my lady of magic she's so good"
Lady Of Magic Frankie Beverly & Maze ~ 1977
Upon reading with spiritual glasses, one cannot help but notice that this song is an ode to ISIS indicating her omnibenevolance (universal goodness), omnipresence (universal presence and existence), omniscience (unlimited ability to know all) and her unlimited ability to do anything. These lyrics, intoxicating as they are, aren't about a human, they're about a defeated and defunct goddess. Over the years Maze has managed to place together a host of songs revolving around mysticism and the soul. remember the tribute name "Silky Soul" which is also another of Maze's songs.

So here we have a person that has never contributed to the gospel, is at best confused about the history of his own career path, and has never done ANYTHING to build the Kingdom of God, but has left plenty of evidence of songs possibly dedicated to the remembrance of mythical gods, goddesses and idol deities. How can it be that a person that can do this will be receiving a tribute by and from certain gospel music industry personalities and everyone thinks it's all right and not a problem???


What's In The Power Of The Maze or Labyrinth


A maze and labyrinth are distinct in that the maze is designed to be difficult to navigate, thus encouraging one to become lost. Being lost in flesh is what is what seems to be happening and have happened to some of gospel's elite music personalities. This is intriguing because the Maze design of this group is actually a heated double wall maze/labyrinth, with 7 extensions. This type of design is symbolic of the journey between death and life and is reflective of holding the mind, away from outside disturbances, placing it in a status of peace, contemplation, and isolation.
Here is a brief description of the culturalization and how the maze or labyrinth was and is currently used:
  • "Labyrinths can be thought of as symbolic forms of pilgrimage; people can walk the path, ascending toward salvation or enlightenment. Many people could not afford to travel to holy sites and lands, so labyrinths and prayer substituted for such travel. Later, the religious significance of labyrinths faded, and they served primarily for entertainment, though recently their spiritual aspect has seen a resurgence. Many newly made labyrinths exist today, in churches and parks. Labyrinths are used by modern mystics to help achieve a contemplative state. Walking among the turnings, one loses track of direction and of the outside world, and thus quiets the mind."
One of the most interesting things about this group is that they have never won and industry award but are known as the group who consistently sells out every concert or venue in which they perform, drawing large crowds to listen to and enjoy their performances and partake of their "spirits".
These observations cannot be overstated because now even those who promote gospel are being introduced similarly to this group along with all the influences that this group may have spiritual or otherwise.These events naturally lead to much greater questions and observations. Some are as follows:
  • Do these gospel artists believe that they are remaining true to the orientation of the gospel?
  • Are these artists preaching and teaching "another gospel" through their works?
  • Should the gospel music industry even be an industry?
  • What should the church response be to these type of displays and events where minstrels are used in the secular world to promote secular and ungodly causes?
  • How can the church cause these singers, some of which are homosexuals, to turn, seek God and stand for righteousness?
These are some of the questions I plan to address in Part 8 of this series. I will conclude with this observation from scripture:

2 Kings 18:13-16 also Isa. 36:1~ Now in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sennacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fenced cities of Judah, and took them. 14-And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish, saying, I have offended; return from me: that which thou puttest on me will I bear. And the king of Assyria appointed unto Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. 15-And Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king’s house. 16-At that time did Hezekiah cut off the gold from the doors of the temple of the LORD, and from the pillars which Hezekiah king of Judah had overlaid, and gave it to the king of Assyria."

I'll explain this better in part 8 also, but just know that over $288,000,000 couldn't pacify the devil then and it won't pacify him now. The true gospel only worships the TRUE and LIVING God and doesn't need to pay for it's place.

Blessed!

30 comments:

  1. You know how people feel about the clark sisters. Don't go and ruffle any feathers. lol

    But in all seriousness you speak truth. This is nothing but idolatry, praising the works of men. I have noticed that there is a large connection with ancient Egypt and contemporary music. Egypt represents the flesh and anti-Christ, anti-God worship.

    I thank God for giving you spiritual discernment in this evil hour.

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  2. Good Pastor;


    Are we sure that these are Jehovah God's people....??? You know... the ones that are giving honor and praise to the Secular for what they have done?


    Wendell

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  3. Hello and God Bless You Pastor Burnett,

    The activities and events that these gospel artists are participating in is astonishing. Some stuff even unsaved people are questioning. But to give tribute to a secular artist is ridiculous. It is unfortunate where the "church" is heading.

    My friend (who is also saved) and I have been having an on going discussion regarding the Mary Mary song "The God in Me." We have both done our research looked at scripture and found this song to be extremly demonic. Alongside the fact that it is highly requested on the secular stations and we have heard unsaved people singing it.

    I understand that we are in the last days and that this is song is an obvious case of mistaking "gain for Godliness," but the youth who are singing this song are really suffering. We have young people with all types of addictions who want to be delivered but are getting water downed, weak messages, from these so called Gospel artists.

    Our young people are being told that certain sinful things that they do are "normal" and "everyone does it." Now Mary Mary is saying that just because you look good and have a lot of money that its the "God in you." Seriously, this song has just given millions the message that instead of being delivered and set free from our sins lets just cover it up with nice clothes and cars.

    I will continue to pray for the body of Christ. I know that Jesus is coming soon but I'm still going to stand and fight for the Gospel, even in these last and evil days.

    God Bless you,

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  4. The Whoredom of the Music Industry has finally come full circle huh? The idea of a "consecrated singer" has just fallen by the wayside in this business hasn't it?
    The jealousy of gospel singers against the secular singers has birthed a baby called envy. While they were running around singing for slow and low money for Jesus, the "blues singers" and the "rock and roll singers" as they used to be called were getting rich. "We want the same thing!" they cried. So they started their own award shows based on the same notions of recognition as the world. The BEST! Yes that's what we needed more competition. So the stages became lighted like night clubs with dry ice and the funky groove took over. Now we are just like everyone else. We have the world's respect. Well, now you have it but you are devoid of anointing and the ability to raise conviction in the hearts of the hearer. It's all party sound; so "SOMEBODY SCREAM and MAKE SOME NOISE UP IN HERE!"
    We want shiny new gowns and suits with sequinned lapels too! We are kings kids; we deserve it. Well now you have it and your secular peers know you are fake and powerless. Lustful for fame. Just like them. They know you stole their latest gyration for your stage act; They know you sampled their song from back in the day (Want Ads by the Honey Cone for Mary Mary's "Heaven"), they know its all show. They do call you for prayer but your prayers have little impact on sin cuz they keep right on carryin' on in their mess and praising GOD jus' like you do. Now you are just like each other.
    "Repent for the day of His appearing is nearer now then when we first believed."

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  5. Aye yie yie.

    If the Lord dont some soon, where will we be?

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  6. Praise the LORD!

    Pastor Burnett, I agree with your assessment and the first 5 comments as I type this.

    Question: Is this manifestation of what we're seeing in gospel music the past 10-15 years really the fruit of what the churches...especially of the african american persuasion...the bad fruit of these carnal churches sowing carnal seeds that have been sown to the wind for years.

    Let me clarify, I grew up Baptist. I love my family members but they did a lot of things based on sight, intellect, emotions, and works of the flesh. Now, a lot of this same thing carried over into the pentecostal/charismatic churches when they exploded from storefronts to mega Malls! LOL!
    A lot of things that are done in our churches as a majority are inspired by the flesh and not the HOLY GHOST! If the HOLY GHOST was truly in these so called "psalmists", we would not be having this discussion. Period!
    For example, a lot of times, people put a singer up to sing because they have the gift to sing but are not necessarily anointed, delivered, consecrated, and HOLY GHOST filled to sing before the LORD and minister to HIS people. Shoot, I know of Churches that elect men who are not called of GOD to be their pastor because of the way the man looked or the image the man projected. Did you hear what I said, men leading churches NOT CALLED by the LORD!

    What does CHRIST have to do with Belial? 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 KJV
    (14)Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
    (15)And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
    (16)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.
    (17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
    (18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.


    The problem is not just the musicians, but it begins with the houses of worship because many Houses of Worship and the priests want to praised in the world. It is the leaven of the pharisees Year 2009! To be seen of men...Hey I got to get paid mentality!

    GOD bless!

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  7. I'm so glad that I'm not the only one who was appalled by the announcement of Donald Lawrence and the clark sisters working on this Maze album. At first, I thought, well maybe I'm being too old-fashioned.
    But then again, it seems like they've been going downhill since their collabo with Missy. I recently saw the clark sisters perform on the Jay Leno show and they said it was their first time ever being on.

    Do you know what the legendary clark sisters sung? One of Stevie Wonder songs as a backup to some blues/zydeco singer...I mean you're the clark sisters and all you could do was "Higher Ground" which is wack anyways...I was embarassed seeing that performance...hopefully, these gospel artists would just sit down somewhere and get their minds together about who they are representin'

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  8. My my my...now Pastor Burnett, you know I used to love me some Frankie Beverly! One of the best concerts I ever attended next to Luther! This was truly an eye-opening post for me. I had no idea of Frankie's background...just caught up in the "Silky-Soul-Smooth-Sounds!"

    Of course that was back in the day, but every now and then, you just might catch a frankie song while station cruising and boy I tell you...it's truly a smooth, provocative spirit that just draws you in and the next thing you know, your tapping your feet and swaying your head to the rhythem and then singing along...I'm just going to keep it real with me...Pray for me! Music was my thing when I was in the world...real good smooth R&B, so I know I have to keep my flesh under subjection when it comes to secular music. That's why I rarely listen to radio, just Christian stations...but you are so right...the gospel music today sounds so much like the world that it's just hard to find any good worship/Godly music to listen to.

    I know that you cannot mix the Holy with the unholy, but yet, that's the majority of what we have today with a "Jesus" title slapped on it as "gospel." It makes me sick! It's just sad how these "gospel artist" have sold out for fame and fortune, at the expense of our Lord and Savior!

    I just happened to check out J.Bynums website the other day, and one wouldn't know that it was "supposed" to be a "Christian" website, as the first thing that you saw was a video advertisemet for the Essence Music Festival. Her and some other "Mega Ministers" will be speaking at the "enlightenment" seminars. And of course the major "secular" stars will be performing. Again, mixing the "Holy" with the "unholy!" It just took me back (but I should not have been surprised).

    I don't mean to ramble, but this was an excellent post and I know that we must continue to pray for the body of Christ and pray that God's remnant will stand strong against the infiltration of the "unholy" that's already infiltrated God's House. God still requires a difference between clean and unclean, holy and unholy...unfortunately, the church at large has dropped this requirement!

    Come quickly Lord Jesus!
    Bless you Saints,
    Godlysoldier

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  9. I don't know where to begin. It is truly ALL good!

    PLEASE keep preachin' they will read and they need to hear all of this!

    Let God have his way and renew his church. Thank God!

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  10. loveofgod,
    I saw that too.

    Complete and utter embarrassment.

    How is that being a light in a dark world?

    They were also on the View where they sang for Sherry Shepard's birthday. Entertained her while she jumped around with half her boobs popping out.

    I heard that their secular appearances was one of the reasons Bishop Blake refused to appoint Dorinda as head of COGIC music. Maybe this is their way of getting back at him.

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  11. not sure I agree with the whole post, but I watched a show on BET called "Unsung" and twinkie said she copied a lot of her music from Stevie wonder (you brought the sunshine) and a lot of her music she copied from secular artists. I was a little shocked to hear that...

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  12. If we believe that we are truly in a "spiritual warefare" then we must know that satan, empowers his vessels to do what they otherwiise have no knowledge that they are doing.

    IF it is that satan has sought to create a kingdom of his own, what other pattern would he have than God's established pattern? Since he cannot "create" is is relegated to duplication and "stealing" and even plaigerizing(sp)...

    What am I saying? In many cases these artists themselves only think they are being "cute" about everything they do. But satan, knowing kingdom principles also knows how to get his message out through his apostles and allow that message to resonate with his followers.

    I honestly believe that some of these guys only have "thoughts" that come to them...but being vesels of satan, are given to satan's though pattern and are used to promote his message...

    Are these guys smart enough to calculate these things? some are, some aren't, but one thing is sure...FOLLOW the money trail, it'll tell all.

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  13. I've been blessed by the comments. Keep preaching the Word. That's the only thing that will save those that want to be saved.

    But what we must do also is put a difference between clean and unclean. So our responsibility goes beyond commenting on this sinful behavior.

    I'm curious who is buying these folks' music and saying I'm saved? Romans 1:32 says something about this.

    We are guilty as charged. We allow this garbage called gospel music into the church. We sing their songs, buy their albums, attend the concerts, and then complain about their open disrespect for the Word of God.

    I play the bass at my church and I really only like to play the good old classic congregational songs. I can barely listen to any music these days.

    I hate hearing songs from these Godless artists, seeing their whorish/pimped out look, hearing about this garbage they're doing, and then seeing our choir directors run after this mess like its the only way service will be anointed.

    I suppose that everyone there must be supporting these musicians or they wouldnt want the organist/music director to introduce it, and feel like God is being glorified. And how does everyone know these songs and not check out the songwriter? Are we that blind/indifferent to what God requires in worship?

    So we get killed off spiritually with the emotional fest and fail to worship God in spirit and in truth like he requires.

    Pastors, do me a favor and take inventory. Clear this junk out. Take a list of names, songs, people, producers, whatever you need to do, and get rid of it. God ain't hard up. He don't like it, and don't want it. So stop using it. Lyrics and good melody does not an acceptable sacrifice make.

    Put the pimp off the organ, the hoochie off the mic and go back to glorifying God. Talent out, anointing in. God inhabits the praise (songs and lifestyle combined) of His people. We must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. Anything less is unacceptable.

    Bless You

    Bro Dixon

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  14. I tried to e-mail you, but it was undeliverable. I wanted to know if you have any information about President Obama's proclamation of June as "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride month?

    Walter

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  15. Walter,

    I haven't researched that particular issue but I do know he extended federal benefits to homosexual couples and he's trying to make "smoozie" with the homosexual lobby.

    I'll do a little checking about the other. It seems that would have been well proliferated and talked about, especially a whole month celebrating gays. Maybe I've just been busy looking elsewhere.

    My email is Dunamis1@netzero.com, it is functional so it should go through. Thanks.

    God bless.

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  16. This is one of the websites that I used to gather some informaiton about June being the "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month." The website address is: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Presidential-Proclamation-LGBT-Pride-Month/
    *I just wanted to know if this website is authentic/valid and of course what your comments would be.

    Walter

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  17. Wow Walter,

    That site looks pretty real to me and it seems that this proclaimation was made...This is something.

    I don't know what this accomplished though other than recognizing that gay's and lesbians exist, which we already knew. I guess one thing is that this is an effort to make homosexuality seem "normal" or a "normative" practivce within America.

    In short a total reversal of morality. I may do a post and examine some of the deeper issues as I see them and as the Lord reveals them to me. Thank you so much.

    God bless.

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  18. Brother UZZA:

    Brothers and Sisters who are chosen of God.

    The things we see in the Gospel Music Industry and in the Homosexual gathering in not new but intensifying. We are seeing God's Scriptures unfolding before our very eyes. Gospel Music Industry was never God's Music! It belonged to the Industry! Not to God! If the truth be told in every family that had an artist to go into "The Industry" will tell you that they changed.

    Do not forget these words from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ:

    The Narrow and Wide Gates
    13"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

    There are many things that appear to be Holy! Buildings, Industries, Associations, Seminars, Conferences, Churchgoers, etc. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.

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  19. Great article!I attended Franke Beverleys last concert at the Beacon Theater,I think two years ago.Anyhow,after all the songs were finished,he came back for an encore,and was very humbled,and gave all honor and glory to Jesus ! It was wonderful as he sang a song(I was unfamiliar with) but it was about his love for his father Jesus!It was beautiful and I left very uplifted and feeling good that the singer Frankie Beverley truly was a believer andwas a highlight that stayed with me and one that I shared with all friends who later asked the question?How was the concert! My reply was ,yup he did all the hits! But guess what Frankie sure nuff made it clear that he loves the Lord!

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  20. Rix,

    OK, now let me get this straight...a CHRISTIAN who promotes and loves everything of the world including mysticism??? how does that work? Well, i think I may know how it's rationalized because it's really nothing new, but it's still tragic.

    Read 2 kings 17:33. That's an example of where we are today.

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  21. God Bless you Pastor Burnett,

    I know this comment may not exactly have to do with hip hop but it deals with the sudden deaths of people in Hollywood.

    Although the death of Michael Jackson is tragic and sad. Of course I pray for his family during their time of mourning. I believe America (and even the gospel world) are letting talent override character.

    How many of these "stars" have to die before the church gets that saints should stay away from Hollywood and its people? This is a huge wake up call that everybody needs to know Jesus, be saved, and live holy. Even if that means we don't have as much money as the world or the houses and the cars. We need to remember that we have crowns and mansions waiting for us in heaven. I know that I'm preaching to the choir but these gospel stations are really killing me with their "celebrations" of Michael Jackson's life and art.

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  22. Ashley,

    You couldn't have made a better point. I grew up a Michael Jackson generation child. He was 6 years my senior and so many things he did I and we all aspired to. However Michael wasn't saved and when I got saved Michael wnet one way and I went another.

    He was ensnared by charles Tays Russell and the Jehovah's Witnesses and he is in HELL today because of not repenting and turning to Jesus as the only Lord and savior. As much as it hurts me to say that, it's true.

    We're living in the day of man worship and it has certainly taken the place of God worship. I have purposefully NOT listened to the urban "gospel" stations because I know that's what they are doing...worshipping the unsaved and lost. This is more traggic than Michael's death.

    Yes you are right, character has been sacrificed for publicity, popularity and associations.

    Thank you and God bless.

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  23. Ashley,

    I also noticed that the "urban" gospel music stations are glorifying michael jackson's life, without playing his music. Jesus said "you will know them by their fruits." And we can both agree that we know what god they serve.

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  24. Beyonce also claims to be a believer on the LORD Jesus Christ, so does Whitney Houston, Oprah Winfrey (I am definately a Christian...I don't need therapy, I have Jesus"), Bishop Don Juan, (the pimp) and many others claim to be Christians...
    Frankie Beverly's testimony should be examined.

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  25. Pastor, I Just posted this link on gospelpundit.

    They posted a video of JMoss, The Clark Sisters singing a tribute to maze.

    http://www.gospelpundit.com/on-tv-watch-the-clark-sisters-j-moss-kierra-sheard-now-11951/comment-page-1#comment-20925

    Its in moderation, the blog owner doesnt like me too much! haha. I do hope he has the guts to allow it to be posted though. "My people perish due to a lack of knowledge".

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  26. Thanks Paul,

    I've updated the post accordingly. This is nothing but the worship of flesh. As i said in the post, what has frankie beverly ever done for Gospel and Jesus in particularly that the church singer...the one's who are supposed to be dedicated to HIS service, feel compelled to sing for him and try to sanitize it by changing teh words to one of his songs???

    I mean do they not have any conscience that this is ungodly, unbiblical and wrong at all???

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  27. Pastor I dont get it? what is with this desire to rub shoulders with the world in such a fashion. All they are doing is confusing the whole thing - sinners believe they are ok with God, while many in the Church start to think its ok to fratenize with the world in such a manner.

    It would seem as if they simply dont know, either that or "the love of money" has taken root in their hearts.

    Its not about the gospel is it? its about being relevant in the music industry.

    Thank God that "we are not ignorant of the devils devices".

    The sick thing is that those on gospelpundit think it was soooo anointed!!! go figure?

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  28. I figured they wouldnt post the link, they think I am a "hater" over there but my concern for the Church is painful at times and keeps intensitying. If not for Christ saying the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church I would be afraid but it hurts me so bad to see that the Church of Jesus Christ has become so lax in righteousness!!

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  29. Paul,

    Many of them are blind to the truth. I'd like to know what they ever read within teh bible that said that singers, dedicated to the Lord's service, were ever allowed to sing for any other cause than for GOd himself?

    I mean can you imagine the singers of the temple starting up a chord to dagon or ashtoreth? Or what about singing an ode to Baal? this is what they are doing and calling to 'reaching' the lost. This is backwards and crazy. it is a form of man trying to think in pace of God what is best for the people...everytime they will only look like the complete fools and idolators they are...

    Just in case someone doesn't know...this is IDOLATRY plain and simply. It is condemned and judged by God and God is not pleased nor entertained.

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  30. Wow! We didn't know about this but truly not surprised. We always knew they'd go to any length for the mean green dough!!

    http://atoast2wealth.com

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