[EdenSage]

Spot on!

Your response is concise yet gives an in-depth perspective on the topic.
In supporting your position, you have smoothly tied your answer to the lesson notes by outlining some of the uses of music as we were taught and I agree.

Heavy metal genre of music does not stir up the joy of the Lord within us neither does it glorify God. As you have stated, the spirit behind this kind of music excites the flesh and further (I should add), it spotlights the performers skill. In other words, it glorifies man. God created man for his (God’s) glory (Isa 43:7) and we are instructed to do everything for the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31). We are to mortify the deeds of the flesh if we must experience life (Rom 8:13). Clearly this kind of music is in disobedience to that instruction.

In your concluding statement you pointed out the element of creativity in our worship and praise to God and how this creativity is as a result of revelation (light, a deeper knowledge of God, Eph 1). This is so true. We are creative beings but it is important that believers constantly keep in view the source of their creativity. Outside of God (who is Love), we become clanging cymbals and distorted in our sound (pun intended).

[EdenSage]

I agree with you that we should praise God as an act of our faith in him and as an expression of our love for him.

I like the example you gave of Paul and Silas praising God in spite of the situation they were in. I don’t believe they knew they would be “released” that night or even at all because they were locked securely (maximum security prison not behind the counter). Maybe they considered a possibility of their release at some time but I am not sure they knew the grounds will shake and everyone would be free to leave that night (of course they refused to leave secretly).

When we put it in perspective, we see the power of what happened within those walls that night. Paul and Silas were not exactly praising God because they wanted to be released but in the middle of praising God, an answer that was far beyond their imaginations, manifested.

For me, this emphasises the point in the lesson that my praise should not be saved or preserved for a future time, date or event. It also highlights for me that God knows the intricacies of my heart better than what I imagine them to be. He is able to do exceedingly far above all that I can think or even ask (Ephesians 3:20). He knew why things had to play out the way they did that night in the prison. Maybe it was for the salvation of the jailer. Whatever the case, God knows how and when “my answer” should manifest. And so, I MUST trust him and because of my love for him, I do not insist on a pattern for my answers. Same way he will not insist on sending me a manifestation that I do not desire (1 Corinthians 13:4). My praise is an expression of my acknowledgement of his sovereignty.

Also, I cannot afford to preserve my praise for later. I MUST praise God now in spite of how I feel because faith is NOW! If truly he inhabits my praise (Psalm 22:3), then my praise brings him on the scene of things and when he shows up, things align for my good.
I am just thoroughly blessed by your response. Thank you.

[EdenSage]

The words translated praise in the bible mean to shine, to boast and thus be clamourously foolish, to make clear, to rave as in talk wildly as if possessed with something and to commend and it is often used in the sense of rejoicing and celebration.
It is important to praise God before the answers manifest physically for the following reasons:

1. Praise is an expression of Faith. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. In other words, faith is evidence that you have what you have not yet seen. Usually, a person would offer praise (commendation, boasting, celebration) when they have received a physical manifestation of their desires. In such an instance, the physical eyes can see the manifestation, the hands can hold the manifestation, the physical senses are excited because of a positive outcome. However, it is unusual to offer praises when the senses have not been “satisfied”. Afterall, what if what you have asked for does not come? Therefore, offering praise to God is an expression of faith because it says that though the physical senses have not experienced the answer yet, your spiritual senses have and it is only a matter of time before those answers will appear. Praising God is an expression of our full conviction that he will do it and he has done it.

2. Praise keeps us in remembrance: In spite of our feelings or the oppositions we may face, when we choose to make clear the goodness of God and his unending supply of favour towards us, through our praise, we also are reminded of testimonies from similar events. We are reminded of how he delivered us, provided, healed us in the past and how he continues to bless us. Our praise reminds us of the faithfulness of God and inspires us to trust him completely. (Psalms34, John 16:33, Philippians 4:6&7).

3. Praise keeps God in remembrance: According to Isaiah 43:22-26, we see that the people had neglected their offerings (praise) unto God and God asked them to state their case that they may be acquitted. Of course, as New Testament believers we know that it is through the sacrifice of Jesus that we are even considered as partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light (1Peter 3:18, Colossians 1:12, Ephesians 3:6) and that there is no higher sacrifice by which men shall be saved. Therefore, as we praise God and make clear all that he has graciously released to us through Christ, in a sense, God is “reminded” and obligated to do us good. Our covenant with God through Christ is an assurance that we will have what we ask. This assurance is enough reason to praise him in advance as we profess our oneness with God. (John 16:24, Psalms 84:11, 1 Corinthians 6:17, 2 Timothy 2:13).

4. Praise magnifies and affirms the supremacy of God: Praise speaks of what God has done and who he is to us. As we praise God, we make clear to ourselves the sovereignty of God and his mighty power. A revelation of who God is, brings a peace and assurance that he is able to do all things. (Psalms 100:4&5, Psalm 136, Jer 32:27, Philippians 4:6&7, Luke 1:37)

• This reply was modified 4 months ago by EdenSage.

[EdenSage]

Heavy metal (or simply metal) is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the United Kingdom and then in the United States. With its roots in blues rock, psychedelic rock and acid rock, heavy metal bands developed a thick, monumental sound characterized by distorted guitars, extended guitar solos, emphatic beats, dense bass-and-drum sound, vigorous vocals and loudness.

Over the years, this genre of music has evolved into various forms with popular acts like Bon Jovi, Mettalica and Anthrax introducing glam but even more aggressive styles to it. Further on, the lyrics of some metal genres were associated with aggression and machismo. Heavy metal fans became known as “metalheads” or “headbangers” by the late 1980’s because when performing live, many metal musicians – as well as the audience for whom they played, engaged in headbanging, which involves rhythmically beating time with the head, often emphasized by long hair. Also, the il cornuto, or “devil horns”, hand gesture was popularized by vocalist of this form of music.

In the 1960s an “explicit display of emotion” was required from the vocals as a sign of authenticity and this about sums it up for me regarding the essence of this genre of music. While the spiritual convictions of its founders is not thoroughly studied or known, the expressions of this kind of music do not portray the virtues of Christian character. This genre of music is a glorification of self and a display of excesses.

During the lesson, our instructor advised that Christians avoid and abstain from this genre because of its “gothic” expressions and upon further personal study, I have found that there is a compulsory tone of voice and an attitude to Metal Music that do not glorify God but rather seeks to exalt the raw emotions of natural man.
I therefore agree that indeed believers should not indulge or engage in the production or promotion of this genre of music for the following reasons:

1. Its source: The violence and aggression and pride that is expressed from this genre of music is clearly inspired by the god of this world. The Holy Spirit will not inspire loudness or excesses rather the fruits of the spirit would be seen (1 Corinthians 14:40, Galatians 5:22&23). Also, according to Romans 13:13-14 (NLT) believers are to live decent lives that are visible to everyone because we belong to the day. Believers are not of darkness and must not participate in the darkness of wild parties and other vices listed in the verse. Verse 14 further tells us to put on Christ rather than think of ways to indulge in evil desires. The lyrics and performances of this genre of music do not reflect Christ.

2. Its elicited acts: because of what this music stands for and because of its source (inspiration), its hearers and fans respond with headbanging and the “devil horns” hand gesture. Neither of these acts are expressions of worship or praise to God. This genre of music clearly exalts the natural man (unregenerate spirit, flesh) and in Galatians 5:19 we are told what the works of the flesh are which include idolatry and sorcery. It is no wonder that the “devil horns” expression evolved from this genre of music.

In summary, let me add that this kind of music cannot be used for evangelism purposes because some people way consider it as an option to bring in fans and then minister to them. This strategy is not advisable because it is not music that brings people to repentance. Music may be a tool but it is the goodness of God that leads men to repentance (Romans 2:4). This genre of music does not express or profess the goodness of God.

[EdenSage]

I would like to share an incident which occurred within my neighborhood when I went out to evangelize. I would usually go out with friends or a partner for evangelism but on this particular day I went out alone. It was a weekend and the streets were a bit more quiet than usual. I had walked quite a distance before I followed a prompt to walk up to a “keke” (tricycle) rider who was having a conversation with his colleague while they both washed their tricycles.
I had planned that it would be a brief conversation and I wanted to emphasize the love of God. So, I started off by greeting him and I politely asked if I could talk to him for a few minutes.
I think when people hear that line, they can almost guess what’s coming next.
So, he said I should speak and he’ll be listening while washing his keke. His response sounded to me like he was ready to “fire back” with scriptures and so I just smiled, took a deep breath and talked very briefly about the love of God for us.
The main thrust of the conversation was when I asked him if he was born again to which he responded saying “the bible says no man is righteous” and so he said he wasn’t sure because he would find himself doing wrong things from time to time. In response, I explain what it meant to be born again and how a person could become born again by believing in their heart and confessing with their mouth. Using the illustration of a good father and their child, I also explained how God is not mad at us when we fall.
The keke rider didn’t directly answer the question but since I had given him another option, he went for that. The other option was, I was willing to stand in faith with him on any pressing issues if he was already born again. He responded by asking that we pray for God to give him wisdom for the new year.
While our conversation was ongoing, he had been listening quite alright but he was still washing his keke. When I began to talk to him about wisdom or maybe a bit after that, I can’t exactly say at what exact point, but I suddenly realized that he had stopped washing his keke and he was looking at me straight in the face. At that point, he was very open and attentive. I prayed with him and for him and he was very thankful. I think the word of wisdom I received concerning his work and family also contributed to him dropping the cloth he was using to wash to give his full attention to the conversation.
With hindsight, I would have asked the question again if he was born again. After the prayers I didn’t even remember that I was there to win a soul. It just felt like the meeting was just so that I could pray with him but I should have followed up with the question again asking him if he was born again or I should have exchanged some form of contact information with him. I should have also told him my name after he told me his name. I don’t think I told him my name.

[EdenSage]

Wow! After reading this, I just want to go back and erase my own response to the quiz question. This is so inspiring, uplifting and exciting. Thank you so much for sharing and thank you for going out to reach these girls.
Something that stood out for me in your narration, was where you talked to her about a possible health challenge she was facing. It was just a reminder for me that when we go out to reach people, God is with us just as he is with us everywhere else. It’s so important that even as we speak, we’re not just speaking from head knowledge or depending on our ability to quote scriptures. I think that’s why sometimes some evangelists become debaters. They want to show that they know scriptures rather than show the pure love of God. My point is there is power available for us when we go out to reach the lost. The Spirit of God is waiting to manifest and while we speak, we are also listening to his leading and yielding to him. It is such a humbling experience.
Another highlight for me in your post, was the strategy used to reach these ladies. Many times, people want to celebrate their birthdays in orphanages or even homes for the elderly. Not that any of that is wrong but I never would have thought of a brothel. That is absolutely divine wisdom. I may be adopting that practice if it’s ok with you? 😊
Again, thank you so much for sharing.

[EdenSage]

To Obiamonu
This is such an excellent presentation and all your points actually highlight the grace and mercy of God towards us.
I think why people stumble sometimes in walking with the word or in the process of mind renewal is partly because they believe that it is in their strength and ability and so I like how you remind us that for it is God who works in us both to will and to do for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13 NKJV).
God has called us and equipped us to do his work. He has also factored in our shortcomings and his plan is excellent. Trying to display Christian character without a knowledge of Christ, will only leave a believer frustrated and exhausted. It will be like running on a car with three wheels. Eventually the car will come to a halt and the problem will have to be addressed.
Another major highlight for me in your post, is the truth that renewal of the mind is a daily activity. It is not a one-off event or a status that is acquired by the click of a button. It requires intentionality and daily practice as we depend on the grace and spirit of God; knowing that even if we miss it on Monday, his grace is sufficient for us and his power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor 12) and so we can go again on Tuesday

[EdenSage]

Five ways renewing your mind can help develop Christian character
Yes, I agree with the statement that the renewal of the mind is central to the development of your character as a believer. And when the topic of mind renewal comes up, the first scripture that comes to mind is Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, [which is] your reasonable service. And do not be 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.”
There is also Ephesians 4:21-24 “Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”
Here are five ways the renewal of your mind can help develop Christian character.
1. Renewing your mind gives you a revelation of your true identity – your true character: Through the New Testament we see that the old sinful man is dead and the new man who should desire and think as Christ, is now alive. We are also taught that closeness to God through his word, keeps us in tune with our new nature. Psalms 119:11 (NIV) I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. In James1:23-25 “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues [in it,] and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does”.
the word of God is likened to a mirror and it is by looking in this mirror and acting according to what we see in the mirror that we begin to realise that we are Christ like and we have the character of Christ. It is not something we are going to possess one day but something that we already have in him. In the word of God, we begin to see this truth, our mind is renewed and we begin to develop in any areas that are lacking.

2. Renewing your mind gives you a revelation of your holiness. According to the verse we read in Romans 12:1& 2 we see that we can present our bodies to God and be holy just as our Father is holy(1Pet.1:15). As we transform through the renewal of our mind, it becomes easier to settle in the truth that we are set apart and not lonely souls. We realise that we do not have to conform to the patterns of this world because we are different and we should give expression to our true selves through our character without feeling out of place.

3. Renewing your mind give you control over your thoughts and emotions. It has been scientifically proven that our emotions are connected to our thoughts. Therefore, if a person is thinking happy thoughts, then they will begin to feel happy. Well, science tries to tell us what scriptures have already revealed. As a man thinketh, so is he (Prov.23:7). By renewing your mind and thinking on the things that are pure, true, of a good report etc (Phil.4:8) we begin to manifest these things. If we think kind thoughts, we begin to carry out kind actions.

4. Renewing your mind gives you peace and rest. Many times, there is the temptation to want to “hustle” and strive to succeed at work, in ministry or wherever else a person has been planted. It is in yielding to this temptation that selfish motives are stirred up and people begin to try to scheme their way through things just to “outshine “others. Renewing your mind brings a revelation of God’s provision, love and sovereignty. Psalm 18:43 – 44 “Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; And thou hast made me the head of the heathen: A people whom I have not known shall serve me. As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: The strangers shall submit themselves unto me.” And many other scriptures show us that our steps are ordered by the Lord. We are assured that we are getting maximum results even with seemingly minimal effort because the Lord is our portion.

5. Renewing your mind gives you dominion over sin. In Ephesians 4:21-24 we encouraged to put on the new nature as we allow the Spirit renew our thoughts and attitudes. This renewal gives us dominion over lusts of the flesh, pride and other characteristics of the sinful nature. Clothed with Christ we are able to be better witnesses for him.

[EdenSage]

This is such an excellent presentation and all your points actually highlight the grace and mercy of God towards us.
I think why people stumble sometimes in walking with the word or in the process of mind renewal is partly because they believe that it is in their strength and ability and so I like how you remind us that for it is God who works in us both to will and to do for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13 NKJV).
God has called us and equipped us to do his work. He has also factored in our shortcomings and his plan is excellent. Trying to display Christian character without a knowledge of Christ, will only leave a believer frustrated and exhausted. It will be like running on a car with three wheels. Eventually the car will come to a halt and the problem will have to be addressed.
Another major highlight for me in your post, is the truth that renewal of the mind is a daily activity. It is not a one-off event or a status that is acquired by the click of a button. It requires intentionality and daily practice as we depend on the grace and spirit of God; knowing that even if we miss it on Monday, his grace is sufficient for us and his power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor 12) and so we can go again on Tuesday

[EdenSage]

Dear sister/ brother, I like how you have given different examples of the good works some disciples displayed in the bible. I also enjoyed reading the scriptural references you attached including the very important point of how our good works are a means of evangelism. I totally agree with you on this.
Imagine a colleague at work who is supposed to be a believer but their attitude cannot be described as good. That is not a good witness for Christ but I am also reminded of the story of Smith Wigglesworth’s wife whose disposition and response to him served as a good witness for Christ and eventually lea him to salvation. A believer in Christ cannot afford to have different personalities for different occasions or in different locations. A child of God should be a child at work, in school, on a plane, on a bus, on the streets, everywhere we find ourselves and not just in church. Our light must constantly shine so that men can be drawn to Jesus. Our good works are not just for a particular class of people or a group of people that have been good to us. Rather, just as Christ, we are good to all men, at all times, in all places.

[EdenSage]

It is true that we are not saved by good works but I would like to put it this way, we are saved FOR good works. The bible tells us that the just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17). Meaning, everything a believer does is and should be by faith. Even receiving salvation was by faith. Scriptures also tell us that faith without works is dead (James 2:26) and so it is safe to conclude that the believer in Christ is expected to show good works. Good works are a part of a believer’s believing life.
Before we were saved, there was no way we would have “earned” salvation through our good works because the nature of the fallen sinful man was not good and was separated from God.. Therefore, Jesus had to come. He became sin that we may become the righteousness of God in him (2 Corinthians 5:21) and Jesus said that those who believe in him will do greater works than he did (John 14:12). So, works are not inconsequential. The believer is expected to show great works. Nay! GREATER WORKS. Hallelujah!
When a believer fulfils these words that Jesus spoke, it is a witness for Jesus. Just like the illustration Pastor gave in the lesson, of a child who comes home with a good report card from school. It gladdens the heart of the parents and they are proud. However, let me add that it is not the report card that made the child a child to the parents. Rather the child is only able to perform (good or bad) because they are connected to a source. We are not born of God because of our works but because we are born of God (the source of everything good and perfect), we should and will evidently have good works.
A relationship with Jesus is a relationship with the Word and the Spirit of God and so good works are inevitable because our very nature has become good. We begin to bear fruit that is good. It is not these works that justify us but they are prove that we have been joined to the one who is good.
So yes, I agree with the statement that good works that stem out of a relationship with Christ Jesus, are a witness for him but I am also aware that my good works do not give me a place as a child of God but rather it is by the sacrifice of Jesus that I am saved and then I am able to live a life where good works are my nature.

[EdenSage]

It seems I may have misunderstood the question but your response may have clarified it.
I agree with you that evangelism is not a means to market the church. Some believers go out for evangelism and their target is to bring other believers to attend their local assembly not minding that the believer is already committed to their own local assembly. This is not a sign of brotherly love and it is definitely not the purpose of evangelism.
As you have also pointed out, some “evangelists” use the gospel to threaten people hoping they would repent at the scare of death. The unbeliever is already dead spiritually. It is the goodness of God that leads men to repentance (Romans 2:4) not threats and emotional blackmail.
Evangelism has to be a lifestyle and not an event. Proverbs 11:30 describes this as wisdom. While the church may organise special days for group evangelism, each individual should recognise that it is wisdom to intentionally reconcile men to God on a regular basis.
The gospel is good news and must be presented in this way. If it condemns the sinner rather than their sin, it is not good news. If it convicts the sinner of their sin and brings them to the knowledge of their need for life, then the job has been done.

[EdenSage]

This question has been a bit challenging for me to tackle because I believe that believers have been gifted to reach a diverse group of people and what may be seen as an uncommon method, can still lead to the conversion of souls. However, here are a few methods that may be unpopular and are cautioned against by scriptures.
1. Clubbing/ wild partying: Some believers misinterpret the scriptures that tell us that Jesus was found in the company of sinners (Mark 2:15, Luke 5:32) and also the verse where Apostle Paul said he was all things to all men (1Corinthians 9:22) and so they begin to attend wild parties as a method of evangelism. Some even go as far as dressing or speaking like the unbelievers that they are trying to save, just to blend in and “fight the battle” from within.
While there are believers who have been genuinely called to minister specially to people who may have had exceptional or extreme experiences, we are cautioned in Galatians 6:1&2 to be careful as we try to pull others up. Jesus did not have to become like the tax collectors before he could reach them. We cannot rescue people from a pit by jumping in ourselves.
2. Being unequally yoked with an unbeliever: Some singles use the institution of marriage as an evangelistic programme. They convince themselves that they can be married to a “good unbeliever” and gradually win them over. 2 Corinthians 6:14 admonishes us to avoid being yoked with unbelievers. Again, this is a bit thought provoking because even as I write this, I am aware that this has “worked” for some people by the mercy of God but what I am considering even harder is the question of believers being yoked to unbelievers in a business relationship. To balance this, I will say that individuals should examine their own hearts and intents. Have you been called like the Prophet Hosea to endure a difficult relationship or is that action borne out of desperation?
3. “Morning Cry”: I am not sure there are any scriptures that speak in support or against this but personally I have always wondered about this method evangelism. I have wondered at it for quite a few reasons. Firstly, I’m not sure it is scriptural. Secondly, the security and safety of the preacher since they would have to be out in the streets almost at the break of day and thirdly, will the full message be gotten? Because many times the preacher is moving about while preaching and even passers by will not hear the full message. I just find this method of evangelism ineffective.

[EdenSage]

I appreciate your emphasis on how Adam walked with God and recognised his presence. As you outlined, before the fall, man enjoyed unhindered fellowship with God and after sin was introduced, man hid himself from the presence of God. There was no shame or guilt or fear before Adam’s disobedience and many years after redemption we still find that these things are a huge distraction and hindrance even amongst believers. Many people struggle with a consistent fellowship with God. Some do not recognise his voice or understand his will. All these uncertainties are as a result of man’s separation from God.
If only we will believe totally and plunge ourselves completely into the word of God, we will find that the effects of sin on our soul/physical senses begin to dissipate. Hence the importance of renewing our mind with God’s word and being led by the Holy Spirit.
Just as a fish will find it difficult to survive outside water, man struggles and walks around in confusion when he is outside his natural habitat; the presence of God. James 4:8 encourages us to draw near to God, cleanse our hands and purify our hearts. As we embrace the gift of redemption we are transformed and changed. The old Adamic nature is displaced and as Christ is, so are we in this world.

[EdenSage]

I totally agree with your position on how service in church is propelled by a genuine love for God.
The value we place on a thing or person will be seen in our commitment as we give our time, talent or treasure.
According to scriptures, love can grow cold and when that happens, commitment can wane. In such a case we may not say that a person has outgrown service but it may be evident that their desire to serve is diminished.
In your comment, you have balanced this well by stating that a relationship with God can sustain service and again I agree. When a person focuses on pleasing God and not pleasing people, their strength is renewed and they are able to develop creative ways to stay in service to the one they love. Love always has a heart to give and as leaders continue to fan the flame of love, they will always devise ways to serve.
In a case where a leader considers themselves too highly placed to serve, it may be as a result of pride. You addressed this by detailing how submitting oneself to the authority of God’s word and walking by his Spirit, will regulate and maintain a good heart that is willing to serve.
As we walk closely to God, it becomes easier to derive joy and fulfillment of purpose in our service to humanity.

[Author]

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