Hip-Hop, Idolatry, & The Church Pt. 5

Can Hip-Hop Be Redeemed?

The redemption of hip-hop has become an important question in the lives of many within the church. This is partially because hip-hop's messages and inculturations run so deeply that it is hardly distinguishable as a world view contrary to Christian spiritual growth and development.As pointed out in Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 3 some individuals have claimed hip-hop to be an indigenous culture within America born from the depths of the souls and out of the genome of the black race. In fact one of the main proponents of this theory The Ambassador (aka William Duce Branch ThM) of the group The Cross Movement claims that culture (in this case hip hop) cannot be purged or separated from the people:

"People are at the root of culture, and neither people nor their culture can just be thrown away. Aspects of their culture can be discarded when those aspects offend God, but you cannot force total cultural assimilation on any group. You see it’s easy to throw away something you don’t care about, but it’s hard to let go of something you feel an attachment to."~ The Ambassador, The Christian Living In Hip-Hop Times Pt. 1 Oct. 2005

Along with this is the belief that a hip-hop message is essential to reaching the hip hop masses. As Kirk Franklin stated regarding his song entitled "I Like Me"

• "When you're trying to reach kids you've got to speak their language. Kids like beats, so I had to drop some like they was hot."

Still others believe that if nothing else there are "redeemable elements" of hip-hop which can be used to glorify God and reach the masses caught in sin. Remember the elements according to those who promote and develop hip-hop are as follows:

• Breakin, (Dancing)
  Emceein,
  Graffiti Art,
  Deejayin,
  Beatboxin,
  Street Fashion,
  Street Language,
  Street Knowledge and
  Street Entrepreneurialism

Most of the time Christians refer to what "good" that hip-hop seeks to provide or do as something that God can use. In other words, because hip-hop is (or can be) a peaceful way of expression, then maybe we can use the hip-hop method of expression to teach simply disregarding the worldly inculturation and it’s negative aspects.

An example of this is the efforts of Dr. Rani Whitfield who provides medical education with hip-hop flava. He founded the Hip-Hop Healthy Coalition as a way to "get involved in the culture and have some positive influence on it" and as a way to educate blacks and minorities who suffer from heart disease, hypertension, and strokes at a much greater per-capita rate than non minority individuals.

On a more confused note, there are others in the hip hop industry such as Pastor Troy, who have created a potpourri of mixed messages using biblical scriptures painted on street the street canvass in efforts to spread his version of "street knowledge".

As for the gospel music industry, another example is Pastor or Bishop Hezekiah Walker who is known as "The Hip-Hop Pastor": The article says the following about his nickname:

He got his nickname by hosting Sean Combs, Lil' Kim, Missy Elliot and other hip-hop artists at his church. The church is widely known for its Grammy Award-winning choir, which Walker leads.

Considerations

Contrary to what one may think, the purpose of this complete writing is not to minimize the efforts of those who seek to provide human services or better lives for individuals using non-traditional methods, but to shed light on the proper, biblical methodology of reaching and teaching the lost. I believe the efforts of individuals such as Dr. Whitfield and The Cross Movement and others in the "Christian" rap and arts industry are commendable, as they are seeking to promote the Christ message. The problem is that hip-hop has a clear definition of what it is and what it strives to be. Additionally, many of those who seek to promote the Christ message using hip-hop are forced to submit their practice, associations and lifestyles to hip-hop. In other words they are required to bow themselves down at the altar of another god in order to preach and promote the God of the bible. Is that what the church should be engaged in doing?

As good stewards, we must ask the questions, are these efforts to use the culture to reach the culture biblical, and does God want his church to use those elements or any variation of the elements in the promotion of his message of truth and light to the world? In other words, in the promotion of the Kingdom of Christ, does the end justify the means?

To the spiritually discerning, it is readily understood that hip-hop as is currently presented to the world, is a worldview that is antithetical to Christianity and godliness. The facts are that those that have defined hip-hop, including it’s founders have summarily consistently stated that hip-hop is a culture that includes social, spiritual and political agenda. This makes hip-hop a complete worldview.

Questions arise when we note individuals such as Dr. Whitfield. His message, although secular, does not promote a world-view of any sort. It simply sets forth messages of health and personal awareness. However does this methodology square biblically even in the promotion of secular messages? Does the methodology of Bishop Walker affirm the practice of inclusion and association within the church? Where is the church in general in this conundrum? More importantly where is the WORD in helping us to understand and distinguish the elements of sin from the elements of culture?

As you may already perceive this is a book, worthy of time and effort far greater than I will take to address here, however I will do my best to outline a few biblical concepts that should be able to assist you as you ponder these important questions. As a point of reference I also understand that some of you are looking for information for your personal and family situations and youth enamoured by the hip-hop industry. Still others of you have contacted me and asked how you can best bring this information to your pastor and church youth group without offending him and them. To assist you I will conclude this section by addressing a few common questions I hear as I preach, teach and write on this subject.

Biblical Insights:
An Encounter At Ephesus With The Culture

1 Cor. 15:32-34 ~ "32-If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. 33-Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 34-Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame."

Apostle Paul in his teaching to the Corinthian church provides one of the most pivotal insights on the resurrection accorded within scripture. In this chapter Paul confirms his understanding that Jesus was raised from the dead bodily or physically and explains the mental and physical frustration of every Christian if the resurrection of Jesus did not occur. Paul affirms that Jesus is not a myth or merely a spiritual aberration. In verse 32 he explains his plight of having done everything possible to preach that message even to hostile crowds. He is referring to his experience recorded in Acts 19:24, during his third missionary journey, in which he was confronted with the culture of Ephesus. This culture was so steeped in the false religion of Diana or Artemis worship, and the buying and selling of statues and figurines that went along with that worship that the Townclerk in trying to save Paul’s life and abate a rising insurrection and possible retaliation of Rome if things got out of hand simply says,

v. 36 "Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet and to do nothing rashly."

The Townclerk in speaking to the people suggests that their practices "could not be spoken against". This is the suggestion that what they believe is in accord with their culture. In a little more technical language, he is suggesting that the worship of their false God is indigenous to them. The people agreed that Diana was to be worshipped above all gods and that she was favored by her father Jupiter who had sent a statue dedicated to her that mysteriously appeared overnight as an approval. The mere mention that anyone was talking against Diana was a monetary death sentence to the silversmiths and slap in the face to those who lived within the culture.

A Second Point:

Back to Paul in verse 32 of 1 Cor. 15. Paul also invokes a scripture from Isaiah 22:13. This is often called Isaiah’s oracle concerning the valley of vision, in which God promises judgement upon Israel and in the face of that judgement, instead of repentance, the people continue to live selfishly, fulfill their own desires and disregard the word of God.

IS THAT 21ST CENTURY AMERICA OR WHAT?

As you can see that’s plenty of preachin’ material, but let’s stay on point...

This verse (32) is abruptly brought to an end by a reminder of v. 33…-Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners"

Be not deceived- Planao me planao,(don’t be led astray or caused to wander in error) evil- kakos (bad nature or corrupted modes of thinking) communications- homilia (companionship or communion) corrupt- phtherio (corrupts or destroys) good- chrestos (a virtuous, good pleasant or useful) manners- ethos(character and morals)

Having evil associations bound together with money is the smoky, seemy, slithery, cocktail of destruction to Christian moral values and moral absolutism. The world and what it offers in one hand along with the cross of Christ in the other cannot be mixed to the creation of a new, subdued, quasi-sin/saint mixture of spiritually and socially acceptable service to both God and humanity. One worldview must die so that the other can take root and grow. Any growth of both together is the recreation of neither’s original value system. It is the equivalent of the creation of a dualistically natured monster who awaits for the opportune time to rear it’s head speaking dual languages and acting pluralistically but never fulfilling it’s duties and responsibilities and having no commitment or regard for those whom it tramples and uses to fulfill its desires.

1 John 2:15-17 ~ "5-Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16-For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17-And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."

There are three primary roots of sin in the world. John summarizes this as, lust of the flesh and eyes and the pride of life.

Additional Scriptural Insight Pt. 1:
The Replacement Of Canaan

Before one makes a conclusion that hip-hop can be used by God or in service to God a biblical precedent must be set. In other words there should be a compelling reason to engage hip-hop and give it credibility as both an indigenous culture and as an instrument worthy of God’s usage. Numbers or mass appeal is not simply enough as there has been mass appeal and social acceptance of many things historically that have proven to be ungodly and harmful to humanity.

I must say that upon examination, I don’t see that precedent anywhere in scripture. I do however see plenty of references of God rejecting certain cultures because they were sinful and did not glorify the true and living God.

From the beginning of the establishment of God’s plan among the nations HIS people have been warned not to embrace or allow the culture of the people to dictate the relationship of his sevants towards God. Once such example is found here:

Deut. 7:2-5~ "2-And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them: 3-Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. 4-For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly. 5-But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire."

The whole object of Israel’s blessing was spiritual and moral purity. There was a reason that the Cannanites were to be displaced. That reason was because they worshipped other gods, and were totally and completely morally depraved. The following is noted concerning the Canaanites:

• "The religion of these pagan people was basically a fertility cult. At temples scattered throughout their land, Canaanite worshipers actually participated in lewd, immoral acts with "sacred" prostitutes. Theirs was a depraved form of worship that appealed to the base instincts of sinful human nature. They also practiced human sacrifice, and their religion sanctioned unbelievable cruelty in warfare. In contrast, the Hebrews worshiped a holy God who insisted on purity and righteousness among His people." ~ Youngblood, Ronald F., General Editor; F.F. Bruce and R.K. Harrison, Consulting Editors, Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1995

The culture of the people was not redeemable. God did not wish to use any aspects of this culture in worship or service to him. Yes, there were souls at stake. Yes, there were lives in the balance. The lives in the balance were those who had covenantal relationship with God. In any case, the Canaanite world view was not to be molded into something acceptable to God. The children of Israel repeatedly suffered for and eventually lost their possession because of their disobedience. Yet the modern church with its modern leadership has a better way?

Additional Scriptural Insight Pt. 2:
Saul’s Disobedience Toward Amalek

1 Sam 15:3 ~ "3-Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass."

This was the command of the Lord to King Saul because of what the Amalekites had done to Israel by attacking their elderly and weak and being a "pirate" and antagonist in the wilderness, as recorded in Ex. 17:8-16, Num. 24:20 (as an oracle of Baalim), and Deut. 25:17-19. The culture and all of it’s remnants were to be destroyed no matter how godly any of it looked.

What Had Happen' Was…

1 Sam. 15:8-9 ~ "8-And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. 9-But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly."

Saul and his army began to make moral value judgements against the word of God. They looked and placed "value" upon what God had rejected for his own historical and purposeful reasons.

When questioned about his actions by Samuel, Saul responded with a nice religious answer and one that Christians trying to smuggle hip-hop into Christianity agree with:

1 Sam. 15:15 ~ "15And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed."

That which God had cursed, Saul thought to take the best of it and use it as a "sacrifice" unto the Lord??? Saul made the fatal mistake of assuming that there was something "good" that God could use and that the good was redeemable. His complete idea led him totally away form God and HIS plan for the people. This led to Saul’s ultimate nightmare…his total rejection:

1 Sam 15:22-23 ~ "22-And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 23-For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king."

God didn’t want anything that Amalek had to offer. There was to be a complete purging of the sins of Amalek from the land and from among the people of God. Amalek was not to be redeemed in any way.

I think I'll stop there and save Section 3 and the answeres to popular questions for post 6. We're not finished yet by any means. God bless.

Blessed!

Read more!

Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 3

Saints, of certainty, many individuals believe that allowing hip-hop place or life within the church is what the church should do in an effort to "win all men" to the cross. How many times have we heard 1 Cor. 9:19-23 quoted in defence of certain practices and the acceptance of hip-hop in particular within the church? In fact here are the verses:

19-"For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20-And unto the jews I became a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21-To them that are without the law, (being not without the law to God, but under the law of Christ) that I might gain them that are without the law. 22-To the weak becamse I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23-And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you."

In order for one to properly understand and apply this scripture one must seek to find what is called the Sitz im Leban (real life setting) of the character and scripture. Failure to do so will lead to many erroneous renderings of Paul's intents such as we popularly hear espoused within our churches today.

In verse 19 Paul declares his spiritual liberty as well as his spiritual responsibility toward the lost. He indicates specifically that any liberty afforded to him is tempered by his spiritual maturity and ultimate command to reach the lost. In other words Paul understood that his life and actions were to be a vehicle used by God so that others could be saved. The primary assertion that must be dispelled when looking for the Sitz im Leban of this verse is that Paul was suggesting that sin or the elements of sin could be used as a tool in restoring, reaching or gaining the lost. Paul is not saying that using sin is a tool to draw the lost. In fact, Paul is clear that one cannot continue in sin:

Romans 6:1-2 ~ "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2- God forbid. How can we that are dead to sin live any longer therein?"

Romans 6:12~ "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof."

Apostle John also affirms the same principle:

I John 3:2-6~ "Beloved, are we the sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; and we shall see him as he is. 3-And every man that hath this hop in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 4-Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5-And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.6-Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not sen him, neither known him."

James further affirms that sin is not a tool used by God. He says this in his epistle:

James 1:13 ~ "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:"

Sin was never and is never a tool for the church to use in gaining it's converts. The ungodly elements of worldly inculturation is exactly what came to liberate us from. The facts are that the church was to encourage the world and all Christians to leave sin behind. (1 Cor. 6:19-20, 2 Cor. 6:14-18,)

Secondly, for the record, Paul was both a Roman citizen and a Jew. He was a Roman citizen by birth (Acts 22:28) and a Jew by lineage(Gal 1.15; Phil 3.5; Acts 23.6) Paul was in a rather unique situation in that he could easily flow in and out of certain arguments to suit the need that was being presented. In the case of 1 Cor. 9 Paul was referring to his ability in Acts 23:2 to stand before Ananias the co-High Priest (a Jew) and Acts 24 when he stood before Felix the Roman Procurator. This ability to "become all things to all men" took Paul all the way to Ceasar. There was at no point a letting down or a suggestion of letting down spiritual integrity to "draw" anyone to Christ. In fact Paul's mission was clear, it was NOT to become a part of the culture through any associations but was to transform the culture through his preaching and teaching the Gospel of Christ.

Now as I have noted, I Cor. 9:19-23 has often been used as a proof text encouraging individuals and churches to allow and include anyone with almost almost any type of sinful proclivity. When I say include, I do not simply mean to attend or draw from the service or ministry of the church. I mean to lead and conduct worship or ministry service for God and his church.

This is partially why there is such confusion over what the church should do and how it should be done. When sinners are in leadership, there will always be confusion and problems within the church as to how it should reach and teach the lost.

Another aspect of the misinterpretation of this scripture is that some use it to promote a deception from Saint to sinner. In other words some feel that the Christian duty is to almost trick the sinner into being saved by talking their language or communicating with them on common ground. The object of this approach is to minimize any shortcoming (sin) in order to win the sinner and to make him/her feel more comfortable with us personally and with the gospel potentially.

The only problem with this approach is that there is no conviction of sin. There is no repentance. There is only sharing, caring and emotional servitude. In other words this is not the gospel that either Jesus or Paul preached...it is the gospel and the strategy of men in seeking to replace the Holy Ghost in convicting the sinner of his/her sins.

Now, undoubtedly I will be criticized for this and since I am batting .1000 I may as well go for the new world record and continue to abide within my calling.

First, the church must know that the operation of the Holy Ghost within the world is to convict the sinner of sin and call them to repentance

John 16:7-9 ~ 7- "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart I will send him unto you. 8-And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement: 9-Of sin because they believe not on me;"

Conviction of the sinner is the work of the Holy Ghost. The minister and the church was supposed to merely stand fast and proclaim the word of God and allow God to convict and convert the sinner:

Isa. 58:1~ "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their trangressions and the house of Jacob their sins."

John 15:3 ~ "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you."

So the basis of scripture in reaching the lost is vitally important to understand. Unfortunately, not all churches have that understanding as we are living in one of the greatest times of apostate ministry that we have ever witnessed. Not only are there personal failures as we all pray to avoid by God's grace and mercy, but there is flat out flase teaching that has given sin within the church life and anointed hip-hop with a new name while offering the same results.

Currently, Christianity has become so inclusive that it has what is called Holy Hop-Hop Week, awards and a Hoy Hip-hop Summitt. It's during this event that the stage becomes full of "Christians" throwing up their hands and using gang signs and insignias, wearing low-rida pants, dawning louie scarves, promoting grafitti, breakin' and Deejayin', and wearing all the bling, that we readily identify with secular hip-hop. Proponents have argued that they are entitled to their individuality and personal freedoms to express Christ as it suits their styles. Further that they are simply providing variety in a diverse world. Under secular law, this argument may have some merit. However ALL Christians are constrained to serve Christ BIBLICALLY and in accordance with the scriptures.

1 Cor. 6:19-20 ~ "19- What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20-For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's"

1 Cor. 7:23 ~ "Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men."

Remember as Paul stated in 1 Cor. 9:19, his personal freedom was also a mark of his personal responsibility. Those who promote and advocate the so called "holy hip-hop" violate a cardinal principle of a biblical community, and that is the requirement to be founded on and by biblical doctrine and biblical and godly acceptable modes and methods of operation. It is precisely that brand of self individuality and "me firstism" right out of the Ayn Rand handbook of Atlas Shrugged, that Christ has come to deliver us from.

This years Holy Hip-hop awards are taking place at the time of this post, Jan 16th & 17th 2009 at at Center Stage Arena (formerly known as Earthlink Live Arena) in downtown Atlanta, GA. Here's a small excerpt from their advertisement:

• "Holy Hip Hop Awards will be MCd by eDDie Velez (Da Preachin Puerto Rican) and Erica Cumbo. Go Ye Djs are the exclusive DJs for Holy Hip Hop Awards. Fla.vor Alliance: Official Breakers & Graffiti. Street Team Promotions Powered by: CIO Music and MTM Entertainment (Ted McCloud and Derrick Woods)."

In this we see almost all of the elements of hip-hop in action. Remember what hip-hop's first principle is:

• Breakin,
• Emceein,
• Graffiti Art,
• Deejayin,
• Beatboxin,
• Street Fashion,
• Street Language,
• Street Knowledge and
• Street Entrepreneurialism

These elements of secularism and secular hip-hop have life in the genre called "holy hip-hop" and are an affront to the holiness of God.

In an August 2002 Article with Charisma Magazine a former member of secular rap group The Three 6 Mafia (or 666 Mafia), Delmar Lawrence (Holy South Ministry) relayed his concern that holy hip-hop artists could not potentially reach their target audience until they (the artists) model the lifestyle that they sing about. This is interesting because it carries an acknowlegement that "holy hip-hop" does not yet have the element of "holiness" that it would need to be true to its name. CrossRhythms.com reports Delmar's take on his record label and Holy Hip-hop:

• "It is a record label that produces hip-hop in Christ. Not 'Christian hip-hop' or 'gospel rap' but hip-hop in Christ. It's a movement of a hip-hop generation, surrounded by hip-hop culture - but representing the lifestyle of Christ."

Mr. Lawrence reveals that "holy hip-hop" doesn't really make sense, and therefore changes his perspective to "hip-hop in Christ". I actually have more regard for his view than any of the others I've heard within that genre of music. But there is still a conflict because he describes that his record label is ultimately about a "movement of a hip-hop generation surronded by hip-hop culture, but representing the lifestyle of Christ"??? What is that? It begs the question, "Can any man serve TWO diametrically opposed God's and worldviews?" He also said this about his calling to salvation and leaving the 666 Mafia and the eventual calling of the Lord:

• "It came to a point where this was something I wanted to do but I really wasn't happy in my soul with that. So, I came off a tour one Easter Sunday and went to surprise my family. I hadn't seen them in four months of me being on the road. God spoke to me like right there. I wasn't even listening to the pastor. I couldn't tell you today what he was preaching about. I just know that I had an experience with God. I heard his voice and he told me to come out. I asked him, 'What do you mean, come out? What do you want me to do?' He (God) said, 'I want you to do the same thing you're doing now. Just do it for me.' I was saying that gospel rap was corny and I couldn't do that. Then he began to show me visions of auditoriums and young people and all of this stuff. When I saw that, something in me was convinced and I said, 'Okay God. If I do this, you're going to have to take care of me.' After all, this was all that I wanted to do and I'm not about to leave one lifestyle just to step out on nothing and not know what's what. He told me to trust him. The next day, I went to the label and told them I was leaving." (Emphasis mine)

Now, I don't intend to say that Pastor Delmar is not saved. That's beyond me. I do intend to say that looking critically as we should at his testimony that there are some unhealthy signs and bad information in his statements. What's more is that his primary testimony of God calling him out of the world to stay in the world is contrary to scripture altogether.

2 Cor. 6:17 ~ "Wherefore come out from among them and be ye seperate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,"

The talent of these artist is not what I question. I question the associations and the payoff that they receive by surrendering to hip-hop in general. For some it is purely monetary. For others it comes complete with noteriety and fame. For James Moss aka J. Moss it also comes with illicit affaris and children out of wedlock. You see some time ago Mr. Moss decided to put together a song called "Living 4" In this song he encourages both himself and his entorage to not get caught up with a "groupie" that will bring them down. On this song he says the following about leaving this groupie:

"Didn't wait for the night time, the high time, the right time

Bein as it was, we had to close the door

It's like turnin away from a million bucks

But I can't see you no more "

Well this is what I call a Christian hip-hop tragedy. It will cost J. Moss approximately $220,000 (not to mention court costs) to leave his illicit lover and the child that he fathered. In Oct. 2008 a judge ordered a DEFAULT judgement against the 36 year old Christian hip-hop guru demanding that he pay $1,028 per month to support his new child (Christion) by 28 year old Lakisha Hughes. Not only did J. Moss not show up in court but he also offerd to pay for the abortion.

Then there are artists like Pastor Ma$on Betha, (formerly Ma$e now Ma$e again, now Pastor Ma$e again) Not only can this Pastor not drive after midnight in a transvestite laden section of Atl, but he also left secular music to enter into the church with the following belief (directly from their Website):

"Once Mason Betha understood that he was “Born To Succeed” (1 John 5:4), he realized that he was created to be the catalyst for millions to receive this same message. What does “Born To Succeed” mean? It is the principle that once a man accepts Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior, he has become an “overcomer”. Thus, you are entitled to total-life prosperity"

Ie: GOD IS A MONEYMAKER! The truth is that after finding that church support is sometimes very slow, in 2004 pastor Ma$on Betha decided to to return to the secular music world (with sound pastoral advice from Dollars Creflo) to deliver his former associates and "undo" some of what he had done previously. Unfortunately, all he found was 50 Cent who was willing to co-produce a story about a street gangsta turned backslidden preacher working and using the church. However from all indications P-Diddy (Sean John Combs), who was in charge of the "paper" simply said "Show me the Money!", which led to the breakdown of the plans. It is said that is the reason Ma$e is now back in the church expanding his ministry on the backs of the faithful willing to believe that his steps are truely ordered by God. Unfortunately for him, the world is not as willing to believe that his actions have anything to do with God. This is what the world says about Ma$e even if the church refuses to say anything:

• "I guess the good news is that the pretty boy gangsta rapper turned pastor is just like a groundhog prophet who delivers it's prediction and then disappears, but the bad news is...we can still see you" (Eben Gregory, Hip Hop Weekly Magazine,Volume 3 Issue 24 pg. 72)

The world recognizes that a person can't be in two places at the same time neither spiritually or naturally. What kind of rationalle can his supporters offer the world and those they are to witness to?

It cannot go without note that one of the most visable ministries promoting what is called Holy Hip-Hop, (which is at best a non term and more accurately an oximoron) is the youth minister of New Birth Missionary BAPTIST Chruch of Lithonia, Ga. eDDie Valez aka Da Preachin' Puerto Rican, and founder and President of The Fellowship of Holy Hip-hop and the Holy Hip-hop Summitt as listed above. Minister Velez's take is that the church must become relevant to this generation. He said this about a message that his Bishop, Bishop Eddie Long preached in 2002 about the "Dry Bones" of Ezekiel 37:

• "God is telling Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, to speak life into a dead situation," says Velez, 37(now 43). "Now, [the baby boomer generation] may be able to say, 'There are dry bones on your job...There are dry bones in your subdivision...There are dry bones in your church auxiliary.' "But [the younger generation] is unfed because [they] need to hear: 'Yo, there's dry bones in the projects, in the hallways where you hang out, kid. There's dry bones when y'all hanging in front of the liquor store, slinging crack cocaine. God is telling you...to prophecy to them right in front of the liquor store. Speak to them that they might have life.' "But [older church members] might not know about standing in front of the liquor store anymore because they've been delivered from it," he adds.

It should also be interesting to note that at the 2009 Holy Hip-hop Awards, Minister Velez is teaching a seminar called: "Reach One, Teach One" True to its roots, this saying and a variation "Each One, Teach One" was developed by the 5% Nation of god's and Earths as an encouragement to spread the Nation's message and anti-Christ dogma.

Even though Christian hip-hop is struggeling to find its identity and message there are yet those within the Christian rap industry that are critical of other Christian rappers. One such example is former secular hip-hop DJ Frankie Cutlass. Cutlass the founder of God Squad Entertainment, is also responsible for secular songs such as "Shake What Your Mama Gave Ya." but says this of Christian rappers:

• "Christian rappers kill the world too much,"..."The world knows they're going to hell...Seventy-five percent of ministry is love. Show them the love of God. The other 25 percent is the Word,"

It's just one of those strange things about Christian hip-hop. It is destroyed by the word and truth must be measured. In his case he doesn't equate the love of God with the word of God. In this case Cutlass feels that we only need 25% word, 75% should be love ie: inclusion or tolerance and acceptance of sin, the world and ungodliness. This is a total redefinition of the mission of the church as given by Christ.

Mt. 28:19-20 ~ "19- "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost: 20- Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen"

Even artists such as Kirk Franklin have bought heavily into the hip-hop strategy of reaching the youth. His famous words, "Just in case you think gospel music has gone too far..." Well, both he and it has... In a recent interview with Gospel Flava Magazine on his new project called "The Fight Of My Life" he explained why he placed a hip-hop song on the CD called "I Like Me" with a rap by gospel rapper Da T.R.U.T.H.. He said this:

• "When you're trying to reach kids you've got to speak their language. Kids like beats, so I had to drop some like they was hot."

In the world of hip-hop the word of God is ineffectual. It is powerless to them to reach and teach the lost and certainly is not relevant unless it is cloaked in colloquialisms or modern relevant garb. In other words the word must be dressed up and hidden before it makes sense to the youth or the target audience. Once again this is in direct conflict of scripture which teaches that the word of God is the "power of God unto salvation" (Rom. 1:16) Once again this is a redefinition of the culture as it pertains to God.

Then there's The Cross Movement. Through it's spokesman The Ambassador aka William Duce Branch ThM this group has long been one of the biggest promoters of hip-hop within the church. These young men believe that there are "Non-sinful elements within hip-hop that can be used by God" They also claim that hip-hop like any other culture is an indigenous culture and that God did not want the church to be involved in cultural assimilation.

• "People are at the root of culture, and neither people nor their culture can just be thrown away. Aspects of their culture can be discarded when those aspects offend God, but you cannot force total cultural assimilation on any group. You see it’s easy to throw away something you don’t care about, but it’s hard to let go of something you feel an attachment to."~ The Ambassador, The Christian Living In Hip-Hop Times Pt. 1 Oct. 2005

Is this true of hip-hop? Was it the culture into which Black Americans in particular were born or did it become an inculturation of society or a subculture within society? I believe that I have and can sufficiently argue the latter against The Ambassador's assertions.

Contrary to both their appearance and purpose, The Ambassador does not believe that he is defending hip-hop, he believes that he is celebrating diversity:

• "While we are not defending hip hop, we are reminding people of the biblical principle of unity and diversity, the reconciliation of all things, and the rights of all people to enjoy God within the context of their natural elements (as long as those elements are not sinful)" ~ The Ambassador, The Christian Living In Hip Hop Times Pt. 1 Oct. 2005

He also believes that hip-hop cannot be seperated from personality, and can be used as a conduit to deliver the message of God:

• "Hip hop is no more than the tint through which the light of God’s glory can shine. We know that God’s truth alone changes lives, but preaching has been describes as "truth poured through personality." The "personality" is not the truth, but it is simply the means of providing variety in God’s diverse world." ~ The Ambassador, The Christian Living In Hip Hop Times Pt. 1 Oct. 2005

The major flaw of his complete message is a presuppositional bias and a control belief that hip-hop is the way the culture is RATHER than the way the culture has become. In his premise he also makes an effort to seperate sin from the philosophical construction of hip-hop which is both demonstrably sinful and anti-Christ/God in both it's purpose and mission. These things CANNOT be overstated.

A Note Worth Evaluating:

Thus one of the underlying spiritual principles are revealed of hip-hop. For those who have ever tried to witness or minister to a muslim, whether that be a member of the Nation Of Islam or American Muslim Mission or a 5%'r, You are quickly told that the religion of Adam through Abraham and even Jesus was Islam. In other words the entire culture is supplanted in their minds and they begin with a presupposition that ALL men were Muslims to begin with. The Ambassador constructs his arguments as if ALL men were hiphoppers to begin with and as if hip-hop is a cultural norm similar to being an American, Canadian etc. This type of thought is apripos for the teachings of the Universal ZULU Nation, and 5% nation of god's and Earths. The fault with his argument is that we have clearly demonstrated that hip hop is not only a subculture, it is based on secularisms, ungodliness, and anti-God RELIGIOUS principles. In other words hip-hop unlike being an American, African, Canadian etc is based on elements of SIN and has no redemptive intent and cannot be redeemed until it acquiests UNDER the Cross of Christ and rids itself of the individualism that it needs to exist. The scripture is clear:

Gal. 2:20 ~ "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

The Ambassador wrote a 76 page thesis to complete his theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. I plan to do an indepth analysis of that thesis right here on the Dunamis Word or The Dunamis Word 2 so please stay tuned.

Summary:

In this segment we have discovered:

• Hip-hop has more than an association with the world and secular society.
• Hip-hop is a complete world view
• Hip-hop cannot be reconciled with the Cross as the Cross demands that lifestyles, personal prefrences, and diversity become subject to it.
• Hip-hop requires a compromise with sin even if that compromise is subtle, God does not use sin to bring glory to himself other than bringing them bound in sin out of sin.
• A Christianized brand of hip-hop contiinues in all the elements of secular hip-hop including clothing, gang signs and other things that come with the culture. These things are totally antithetical to Christian living and life and not condusive or reinforcing to the bublical message of holiness or sanctification (Heb. 12:14)
• Christian hip-hop artists express that the biblical message by itself is inadequate or obsolete to effect change within this generation and must be tempered through personality and positive overtones that are offered through the hip-hop culture.
• At best MANY of those who hold to and promote hip-hop have added to the confusion of some within the church and world through lifestyles in which Christ has not been glorified.

Orthodoxy & Orthopraxy

I will conclude this section by noting that the First and Second Century church would have NEVER allowed individuals to call themselves Christians unless they ascribed to being seperate from the world and sin. This is called Orthopraxy, the practice of right living or biblical living. Orthodoxy is not the problem within the hip-hop church. We all believe that without faith in the shed blood of Jesus for remission of sins that we cannot be saved and further believe in the bodily resurrection of Christ. Orthodoxy is not in question. Orthopraxy is rightfully in question and is something that the entire church is constrained to uphold. Our missionary endeavors DO NOT allow us or afford us the right to let down the standards of orthopraxy or the practice of right living. This is the confusion of the hip-hop church, that God will somehow give a pass to the practice of sin within the church. I believe that I have demonstarated that to not be the case. I will go further indepth into this in my next post.

I hope that these segments have been a blessing to you and your family as you have read. I will attempt to lay down what I believe is additional sound biblical teaching designed to free individuals from the deceit that hip-hop continues to offer to our youth and churches in general, and also reveal a spiritual event in which you, your church and ministry can participate demanding that our youth, churches and communities experience true spiritual freedom.

Blessed!

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What Does 21st Century Holiness Look Like?

Heb. 12:14 ~ "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."

Since these days, we can all say that we've come a long way. I was on a message board recently with some other fellow COGIC believers and I posed the question, "What does 21st Century Holiness look like?" I didn't get too many answers but the ones I did get went like this:

• "I believe holiness is not something you put on but something you live. It's a lifestyle"
  
• "I believe that holiness is about what you consider to be wrong and right, what may be holy to one may not be holy to another."
  
• "There's a lot of people that look holy but yet have evil hearts and are mean."

Although I would agree that holiness does not begin with the flesh or clothing, I would also quickly iterate that holiness does not exclude the flesh or clothing and personal appearance. Now, as you can see these conversations are essential and highly emotional.

A Little History Of The Modern Holiness Movement:

John Wesley (1703-1791) had one of the greatest influences on the modern holiness movement in America. Wesley, an Anglican minister, is said to have had the greatest influence on the Methodist movement was a product of the 18th Century Second Great Awakening which began in Great Britain. Wesley along with fellow Evangelist George Whitefield, were dynamic evangelists that taught that the believer was to represent the God that they served by separating themselves from the world and sin. Calvinism eventually was the diving line between Wesley and Whitefield causing Whitefield to develop the Calvinistic Methodist movement.

One of the tenets that made Wesley's teachings unique was that he contended that a Christian could be made "perfect in love." This love would mean, first of all, that a believer's motives would be guided by the deep desire to please God. One would be able to keep from committing what Wesley called, "sin rightly so-called." By this he meant a conscious or intentional breach of God's will or laws. A person could still be able to sin, but intentional or willful sin could be avoided. A person would also avoid sinning against his brother because of this perfect love. This doctrine became known as sanctification. Many of the roots of his teachings were also found in the doctrine taught by Jacobus Arminus which he adopted while in college against Calvinism and Calvinistic teachings that were most popular at the time.

During the Third Great Awakening (1858-1908) teachings on holiness and sanctification, although popular, had swayed toward "sinless perfectionism" which taught that an individual could maintain a perfectly sinless life in this present world through ultra-sanctification. These doctrines were prevalent during the emergence of Pentecostalism in 1904, at what would become known as the Azusa Street revival which was led by one William J. Seymour (Pictured Above).

One of the greatest adherents to the holiness message was Baptist minister Bishop Charles H. Mason who would be the eventual founder of the Church Of God In Christ (1897 as a holiness church and 1907 as a Pentecostal/Holiness church) which is the countries oldest and largest Black Pentecostal/Holiness church in the United States.

As stated, holiness was generally taught and accepted by a wide array of individuals. Movements against slavery were birthed out of the holiness church and the early Free Methodist movement. Teachings of maintaining holiness took on various forms from place to place. There were teachings among white holiness adherents against certain clothing, jewelry, and materialism that existed in the day. Among black holiness believers, the emphasis was more on spiritual and moral aspects of holiness. This variation of emphasis was partially due to the fact that blacks in general did not have access to the material diversity of whites and therefore were not as effected by material choices of what was considered sin.

Social welfare changed however, doctrines changed and developed along with it. The old church held strict views against materialism and "worldly appearance" Women were especially the target as to avoid material appearances and associations with prostitutes and persons of ill repute. Therefore, to paint nails, deck hair, and wear short and low cut dresses were symbols of Jezebel. The red light was a symbol of an available prostitute in certain locations, therefore holy men and women in particularly were told not to wear red. Flesh was to be hidden or covered as much as practically possible. Stockings were a must, and there were no sleeveless items for the truly sanctified. Opened toed shoes were outlawed and jewelry besides wedding rings and essential items were highly discouraged as being worldly and secular. As women began wearing pants in the early part of the 1900's, holiness churches began to respond with anti-pant wearing messages, suggesting that feminists were trying to usurp and undermine male authority and the biblical message of gender separation and distinction. Men were discouraged from wearing tight suits and having long hair. Conks and perms were worldly and only for slicksters, and hustlers and of course sexual immorality and impurity was not honored or named among the true holiness believers. Now we have singers who make gospel albums, have babies outside of context of marriage, call themselves holy ministers of music and claim to be holy. Well they eventually do get married when it's convenient for them to do so but they confess to Queen Oprah that they were secretly porn addicts I suppose in effort to purge the soul. Is this 21st Century Holiness?

It is obvious to see where holiness came from and how it has been taught throughout the years. Some complain that these sort of teachings were bondage. I would offer when these teachings are contrasted to the devastation of sin through fatherlessness, drugs, alcohol, extra-marital pregnancies, illicit affairs and such the like, which category of items are really bondage?

It is also easy to understand why some traditions of old were generally accepted among holiness believers, but today, there are many individuals who claim to be holy but appear to be anything but holy. "Playa garb" and worldly associations have crowded the sight of and vision of the 21st Century believer. This further leads to the question, what does 21st century holiness look like?

Now we have sistah Diva's that represent 21st Century holiness. There also is no age boundary for this Divaship

For the 21st Century the holiness look is top tier and age is no factor and certainly youth is in. In fact youth is so in that we now offer 60 year olds that look like 20 year olds and the dancin' is "off da hook"

Low ryda and baggy pants, once a symbol of prison garb is now a symbol of the 21 century believer and is supposedly representative of 21st Century holiness.

Unfortunately, hip-hop, gang signs and other symbols define the believers of 21st Century holiness. They say that they have taken up the cross but they still offer the signs, moves, ways and attitudes of the world from which they came. This doesn't even mention the earring wearing and "zoot suited" preachers who appear in their pulpits as if they were either going to or coming from a health club . Is this holiness for the 21st Century?

Biblical Exposition:

1 Sam. 10:17- 22 ~ 17And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh; 18And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you: 19And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands. 20And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken. 21When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found. 22Therefore they enquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff. 23And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.

It was the during the call of Saul that we see the first King of Israel hiding himself "among the stuff"

STUFF appears in KJ 15 times in the sense of movable property. It is retained by RSV in Joshua 7:11, where Israel is said to have taken some of the things to be devoted to destruction, "and put them among their own stuff." Elsewhere RSV uses "goods" (Genesis 31:37; 45:20; Exodus 22:7; Luke 17:31), "baggage" (1 Samuel 10:22; 25:13; 30:24; Ezekiel 12:3, 4, 7), "household furniture" (Nehemiah 13:8). "Stuff" appears once in the sense of the material out of which something is or may be made, and is retained by RSV: "the stuff they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more" (Exodus 36:7). In addition, RSV uses the word 36 times for various textile materials, notably those for the making of the tabernacle, as described in Exodus 25–39 and Leviticus 14. "Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woolen and linen together" reads in RSV: "You shall not wear a mingled stuff, wool and linen together" (Deuteronomy 22:11, compare Leviticus 19:19). ~ Ronald F. Bridges and Luther A. Weigle, King James Bible wordbook [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1994.

The "stuff" represented a place that Saul was both familiar and comfortable with. A place in which he had his "baggage" or what he needed in life to survive. He was taller than everyone else but he lived lower than anyone else. He was hidden among the "stuff" The "stuff was his desires and place in life.

It is amazing that people of God would rather live among the "stuff" than live free for Christ. Paul in admonishing the Judaizers stated in Gal. 5:1 ~ "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." The Judaizers certainly believed in Jesus, but they also believed in the old ways of ceremonialism and ritualism as found and described in the Old Testament. They were quick to say "we need Jesus" but they just as quickly said, "we need the law too"

Holiness Interscets At Multiple Needs:

Many times because of the "needs" of people they advance themselves in the world at the expense of righteousness. I once had a friend who just couldn’t let go of the relationships he had established in the world and that loss became his spiritual death sentence. Almost 15 years later, he’s still suffering because he loved the world more than he loved God.

Yes, holiness is birthed within the heart of the believer and it is a lifestyle, but holiness also covers one’s actions, deeds and presentation. Do we make mistakes? Of course, imperfect people make plenty of mistakes, that’s not what we are talking about. We are talking about loving the world so much until IF God said to leave it or certain aspects of it you have a hard time and go the other way.

John 2:15-17 ~ "15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."

John is simply talking about the world’s system, modus operandi, and benefits that are gained from it. The world rightly expects to find within the believer a standard of holiness and righteousness. Jesus said this,

Mt. 5: 13-16 ~ "13Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

The world cannot see your faith, but they can see your presentation. The saint was to exemplify Christ, the church was to exemplify the body of Christ to the world. By simple analogy we see that policemen are known by their uniform. Even an undercover police will have an identifier in the right company, which he proudly displays. The firemen is know by his uniform. Even the prostitute is known by her dress and if not so obviously her associations. In other words the world even has an order by which it communicates.

It seems that the only ones who do not love the order of God and his kingdom are fringe Christians. Those are they who know for sure that God has brought them. They will tell you quickly, "You don’t know what I been through." As if they have a lock on going through life’s circumstances, but at the same time they are unwilling to respond with the commitment of body, soul and spirit that Christ demands.

The word of God has not changed however,

Rom. 12:1-2 ~ "1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

The Saint was to be a "living sacrifice". Yes holiness responds to it’s environment and is aware of the environment in which it exists. The standard is the objective word of God not the subjective feelings or perceptions of what one thinks.

2 Cor. 6:17-18 ~ "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."

Who are "them" and what is "them" in your life? Physically, mentally and emotionally the believer in holiness touches not the "unclean thing". Only Christ can actualize your ability to live and be holy. Too many use the phrase "holy lifestyle" as a cliché and that is all it has become for some who were raised in holiness.

Thank God for all those who live sacrificially and choose not dwell among the "stuff’ of this world. There will be a great reward. All those men who choose to live and look like godly men instead of pimps and homosexuals, and to all those sistahs who choose to live and look like godly women instead of a bunch of stage show ho’s and lesbians ----GOD BLESS YOU AND PLEASE KEEP THE FAITH.

Well I guess my ministry is officially over now. Persecute me for righteousness sake…it’s OK, I’ll be in good company. So I’ll conclude with this:

Rev. 22:10-21 ~ "10And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. 11He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. 12And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. 16I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 17And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. 18For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 20He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 21The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Blessed!

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