Ephesians 5:11-12 ~ 11-And have no
fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove
them. 12-For it is a shame
even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret
Like my friends on Sesame Street taught me a long time ago...one of these things belong here and one of these things do not...
Well, if that were all there was to the story, that would be the end of it. However, the problem is that it seems that two individuals have come together to "praise the Lord" that have two diametrically opposing lifestyles and understandings of God and godly standards all together.
One one hand there is this:
"I wanna thank @Kandi for sharing her heart through song in a different genre and asking me to be apart of that process..."(Dr. Marvin Sapp)
 |
| Dr. Marvin Sapp |
Then on the other hand there is this:
"I knew when I decided to do it that I would be criticized. That's to be expected,"..."I am honest about who I am. My great grandfather and my grandfather were Bishops in The Church of God Holiness. I believe in God but I have always struggled with the rules of the church, just like a lot of people." (Ms. Kandi Burress)
Kandi Burress, daughter of a bishop, entrepreneur, secular singer, secular record producer and secular song writer, formerly of the secular group Xscape, never been married, one child and currently lives with a man to whom she is not married ie: SHACKIN'-UP or what can be called "playin' house". One more thing, as you know, Kandi, also owns an internet company that sells, of all things, items geared to enhance one's sexual performance and or pleasure. These things are often called "sex toys".
Controversy & Criticism, Separating The Issues:
"I took the saying that we say" ("stay prayed up") "and made my testimony with it"
In an impromptu interview on Am 1690, WVON Chicago on Thursday Feb. 21st, Ms. Burress explained her surprise at the recent criticism, primarily from the church, over the fact that she endorses prayer, and claims a spiritual life while she continues in her sins. In the interview Kandi endorsed writing and singing her new gospel single "Prayed Up" as expanding her influence by using her "worldliness" to give her the ability to "reach" more people than those who are less "worldly" or that just sing gospel. In other words her "worldliness" becomes the power of her witness, not the holiness or the power of God.
For some reason, this subject is highly controversial. I say "for some reason", because I have a hard time understanding why Kandi and those that support her actions, can't seem to understand why those of us with a commitment to Christ, who left our sins at the door and foot of the cross, and continue to purge ourselves daily, have a problem with being told that a person who evidently have rejected what they were taught, have no commitment to Christ nor a godly lifestyle, can claim to be "prayed up". This is using the expression as a sort of encouragement to individuals to "keep your head up", while at the same time confessing and even demanding her "acceptability" with the church claiming acceptance with God. Then, to top it all off, the Pastor is grateful to be a part of her exploration into a different "genre", while she claims that what she is doing is performing an "outreach" for God by which God is using her to "reach" more people than "ordinary gospel singers". In other words, she is given credibility and an endorsement by those committed to the gospel, and her method is, at its heart, the claim that the "end justifies the means".
There have been quite a few statements made in defense of both of their actions. I'll deal with a few of them here.
Issue 1: "Some Leaders Are In Sin, So This Is No Worse..."
Though this statement acknowledges that this arrangement is somehow, not right and even sinful, on the real, we know that there are some who have undertaken to use the gospel to "reach" people while still openly living in sin? People are ready to say, "nobody is perfect". Admittedly, we can see that imperfection all around us. I know a person claiming to be a "minister" who has never placed 2 saved days together since they've been claiming to be saved. Many of us know that in reality some people never gain a commitment to Christ even in pastoral roles at churches or for other ministry work. This is a sad but true reality of the post modern church. Failures certainly abound and charlatans wax worse. However, that is not an excuse and or reason to say that God endorses or inspires the failures or that failures are acceptable with God. Those are two different things. the failure of others that have faith claims is not an endorsement for those who know the truth to sin and continue to engage in sin. Every man shall be judged according to their OWN actions and every TUB will sit on it's own bottom.
Issue 2: "Sellin' Sex Toys Is Legal And The Main Users Are Church Folk Anyway..."
The song certainly is not about sex toys, and that is a good thing. However, Kandi is engaged in a profession that, although legal, is highly questionable at the very least. Many have taken time to criticize the church as being "stiff", "rigid" and even "hypocritical", because church folk enjoy sex too. Some feel that to condemn Kandi is to condemn what we are already doing and what we enjoy even if secretly....Like the statement above, some even go so far as to say that the church is the primary buyer of these gadgets and sexual aids...Because of TV TRAGEDY'S like "The Sisterhood", I have even heard various radio hosts say that "first ladies of the church" and "church women" in particularly, are the primary purchasers of these sort of gadgets and sexual aids.
Aside from the fact that the the latter sentiments are no more than mere novel speculations, unsupported by any evidence (as I don't think that there is any official record of how many church folk, including first ladies buy sex toys as opposed to non first ladies and secular or unsaved folk) sentiments such as this seem to miss the point...the point being that all things that are LAWFUL are not expedient, (1 Cor. 10:23) there is a such thing as biblical morality and standards. In addition, many things that are lawful are yet SINS and should not be engaged or embraced by saved folk under any circumstance.
Things like this set morality and biblical morality in particularly on it's ear, especially for a modern generation not given to absolute truth and values. This question arises out of a society that is inundated with a "your truth" vs. a "my truth" paradigm and as a result of those determined to impose subjective and relative values and guidelines upon society instead of objective values, morals and substantive truths. As such this is and becomes a moral value tragedy if left alone and an opportunity for the church to arise and teach biblical moral values and why in Christ, there is a difference and truth.
Issue 3: "Church Folk Lack Love And Are Simply Being Judgmental..."
If we that are saved are going to "judge angels" (1 Cor. 6:3) we should be able to judge the truth of these matters according to the word of God. Judgments according to subjective and personal standards, are condemned by scripture. However, judgments made, according to the standards of the word of God, are REQUIRED in all things. Else all actions and all truths are equal. They need not be judged or discerned. However, we know that all actions are not equal. Neither do all actions have the same consequence, benefit nor reward.
Church folk SHOULD be judgmental aka: DISCERNING, when it comes to truth claims and the perception of truth, right and wrong. The truth claim that one can be "prayed up" while dedicated to their sins should be examined biblically since the bible (or at least the claim goes) endorses what the song represents and the actions of the individuals who have delivered the song. So the church has every right to judge what has been presented to it according to the standard of the word of God.
In addition to that, quite frankly, we should always begin with the fact that the world and its ideals, which are not always inspired by right, truth, or biblical righteousness, often have an intent to deceive and subvert individuals from the truth. These are called the "doctrines" or teachings of men. We are to be strong against these things whether they come from the church or secular society:
Ephesians 4:14 ~ That we
henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with
every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness,
whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
1 John 4:1 ~ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but test the spirits
whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the
world.
Romans 12:2 ~ And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by
the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable,
and perfect, will of God.
As stated, although this is "just" a song, the truth claim is that one can live ungodly, deliberately sin and still be considered "prayed up"...The problem is that all that is needed is a popular gospel artist to solidify and endorse the message, and there we go...On the other hand, the fact of the matter is, how can we continue to think like, live like and be a part of the world and have any influence in changing it from a spiritual and godly standpoint?
Setting The Record Straight
No one minimizes Ms. Burress's business acumen. Evidently and obviously she is a smart marketer, creating an instant audience by going straight to the top of the "gospel music" world to introduce herself by stirring great controversy including maximizing her public and TV reality star personality. That is indeed genius. However, with that said, church folk need to understand that prayer (TRUE PRAYER) and really being "PRAYED UP" doesn't lead one into sin or deeper into ungodliness. In fact, quite the opposite is true of the believer:
2 Chron. 7:14 ~ If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble
themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then
will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their
land.
It is certainly true that both Kandi and Marvin, like every one else, have a First Amendment right to worship as they deem fit, to and to speak or sing their minds. However, with that freedom comes the ability of everyone listening, including the church, and those who hold and value biblical morality to judge those actions in light of scripture, and see what is really being delivered to believers and non-believers alike.
Lev. 10: 10-11~ 10-And that ye may
put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean; 11-And that ye may
teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken unto
them by the hand of Moses.
Ezek. 44:23-24 ~ . 23-And they shall
teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause
them to discern between the unclean and the clean. 24-And in controversy
they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my
judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies;
and they shall hallow my sabbaths
We have come a long way and we have fallen a long way as well. We certainly don't condemn or resign Kandi or Marvin to hell. I don't believe that is a biblical sentiment. However, we certainly do examine their actions and the statement made by their actions pertaining to this matter and find it wanting or lacking when their actions are held up to standards of biblical morality and truth. In addition, how many people will be negatively affected spiritually by this association? We are sure there are some that will claim that this song made them feel better. However, do numbers matter more than actions or scriptures that warn against being "unequally yoked together with unbelievers"? Is there a scriptural mandate or permission to be yoked with the ungodly to deliver a God inspired message? Then what kind of "message" is actually delivered with actions such as these? What is really being said, in addition to the words. Actions do speak louder than words don't they?
Things such as this confuse the weak and confound the wise. We ask Marvin, what was he thinking? Is there no accountability to at least align one's self with those who are on one accord? On the other hand as I have written previously, is this what gospel music has become? ...Simply a sound, or a marketing opportunity made to open a new market and sell more units, covered up with a word called "ministry". When we have top artists such as Pastor Kim Burrell wanting to sing with Prince, and others such as Mary Mary who embrace vulgar lyric laced rap artists such as David Banner, then we see that the confusion is one that seems to perpetuate itself over and over again.
So we are left standing on the outside, receiving the criticism of the world and those weak in the church, but the TRUTH is plain, LIGHT has NO FELLOWSHIP with DARKNESS. Call that light imperfect if you want to, but no matter how dim the light shines, there are still enough lumens to drive away darkness. That is the way it should be in a biblical paradigm. Shouldn't it?
Matthew 5:16 ~ Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in
heaven.
God Bless You Pastor Burnett,
ReplyDelete"The world is in a sad condition, trouble and confusion on every hand. Nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom, pestilence and famine throughout the land. We’re searching for an answer that no one seems to know, seeking for a goal and we have no place to go. Save us Lord." These song lyrics were from a gospel song I heard in the 1970's as a teenager. Many gospel artist and secular artist who are singing gospel are not concerned about spreading the good news of God's Word or being an example of the Word. Plain and simple.
It is still the love of money that is the root of all evil.
I pray for all of God's people to Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Isaiah 58:1(KJV).
As believers in Christ, we do not have to support any artist, TV show, ministry, book, CD, DVD, concert, play, etc. that we may encounter simply because that say they are representing gospel. Actions still speaks louder than words.
A Real Soldier
A Real Soldier,
DeleteAMEN and AMEN again! We have forgotten scripture that says "evil communication corrupts good manners"(1 Cor. 15:33). We don't believe it because like the enemy seduced Eve into a fleshly relationship with GOd and his word, we have been so seduced by the enemy we feel that all things are allowable. There is no longer any standard and all the people are is a "genre" and a marketing scheme or opportunity.
I once had a guy that was "opening a church" (like a grocery store) and he had done a demographic study of the area. It was full of things like the median incomes of the people in the area, home owner rate, number of children, etc...a whole bunch of stuff...then he sent a direct mail piece a few times...about 5,000 per mailing or so. Well, within a year, he had committed adultery with his then church secretary and shortly thereafter the church disbanded.
You see one can account for all kinds of marketing schemes and natural things, but there is no natural means to account for the Spirit of God, a repentant heart, a TRUE and God called mission and a willingness to serve and minister to God's people. That makes the difference.
Yes, I've seen the best of them have problems and even fall into things they didn't intend to get entrapped in. But I have seen some of them overcome it all, not bow down by continuing to fall on their knees, maintaining their relationship with Christ and humbling themselves. It can be and is being done all the time everyday. Unfortunately as long as we are only seeking money, relationships and fans, we miss what true ministry is. Ministry is NOT about assimilation. it is about truth and making a difference and drawing men and women to Christ, not them drawing us to their methods of marketing.
Wonderfully said, Pastor. I posted my distaste of this on my facebook page and was accosted by one of these "don't judge" believers. She even said yes that the woman does have a sex toy line but that does not mean that she does not love Jesus! what in the world!!!I did not have to say a word though, Paster Foster came on and set the individual straight.
ReplyDeletePeople do seem to miss where the bible says that a little leaven, leavens the whole lump. If people like Marvin Sapp think it is ok to do this then where does that leave the rest who are weak and love his gospel music? surely they will think it is ok to listen to and participate in the filth.
My understanding is that when she made the comments about knowing that people would have issues with the song (on the real housewives thingy), Sapp said something like - you do you. I remember watching him on the Monique show and when she asked him about cursing and carring on, he said "I can't do that but you do you". Surely, that is not the answer that these people need.
A Real Soldier is correct, it is about the money.
Yes Paul, that is this modern "moral relativism" type of stuff. This Oprah inspired, "your path", "feed your own spirit" type of thing that has killed and is killing the church like crazy. I mean we have people that are convinced that biblical morality and moral values are to be assessed by personal opinion and what is "suitable" to individual needs. There is very little of what we called "yielding to the Spirit" and "submission to the WORD of God". These things are almost an anomaly within the modern church.
DeleteFor Sapp, to tell Monique and this woman, "do you" is NOT godly or biblically morally based inspired instruction. That is not in accord with the direction that a minister should give when confronted with the situation. That is an instruction or encouragement commensurate with being accepted by the world and the worldly system. This is exactly what the world doesn't need from us.
However, one on this "my path vs. your path" routine or one that has a "moral equivalence" mindset, can't see this at all. What I mean by "moral equivalence" is the mindset that says, "well they(those that believe in a standard) are no better then them"...that leads to the thought that all legal business ventures are the same, when the evidence is clear that they are not and also that the BIBLE doesn't promote or endorse everything simply because it is "legal" according to the world to do so.
So this reveals a whole host of issues within the church and within many "church" and supposedly bible believing people.
Join the Illuminati cult online today and get instant sum of 1million dollars with a free home anywhere you choose to live in the world and also get 2500 dollars monthly as a salary... If you are interested please kindly fill the following information to this email below {email address removed}..
ReplyDeleteyour Full name=====
your Country=======
sex=======
Date of birth======
your state=========
Address============
Tell us little about yourself...and why you want to join the illuminatti world wide,ourself...contact us now if want to be famous.(illuminatiworldwide@yahoo.com)
Guys, i have listened Marvins sapp songs for long time to improve my english skills but i never had searched about his teology. Is he a calvinist?
ReplyDelete