Three different lives, three different stories, three different outcomes…. with music from Shai Linne 

Part 1

Part 2

Following my videos on Give me the Truth Part 1 and Part 2 and my post on ‘Did God actually say that?‘ I realise that the things mentioned in these posts happen predominantly in charismatic circles where I came from. Now let me say from the very start that not everything in charismatic churches is bad as there is bad in every church and I would agree with John Macarthur when he says:

I’m very much aware of the fact that not everyone who is associated with the Charismatic movement is engaged in the kind of extreme error that we will be, from time to time, referring to.  There are people who are more moderate.  There are people within the Charismatic movement who, themselves, are very, very concerned about the heresies and the aberrations that exist within that movement

However, there are so many things in there which is error that we cannot ignore it.

Here are some classic examples

Now there may be somethings below that you may not agree with but on the whole, I think that John Macarthur hits it right on the head. You can listen to each sermon by clicking on the appropriate link or download it by right clicking on the link and saving the files. 

Does God Still Give Revelation?

Does God Still Give Prophecies?

Proper Biblical Interpretation

Does God Do Miracles Today?

The Third Wave

How Do Spiritual Gifts Operate?

What Was Happening in the Early Church?

Does God Still Heal?

Speaking in Tongues

What Is True Spirituality?

Does God Promise Health and Wealth? Part 1

Does God Promise Health and Wealth? Part 2

Does Experience Determine Truth?

One thing that I have noticed a lot is that God is ’speaking’ and ’showing’ everybody some kind of revelation. I am VERY wary about listening these things (maybe I am wrong but I dont think so). I personally like to ere on the side of caution and stick with what is written in scripture. That way you can’t go wrong or rely on fallible man. I have seen many a ‘prophecy’ spoken over someone that has not come true

RT Kendall warns us to beware of using God’s name in vain

One of the hardest habits for some of us to break is saying, ‘The Lord told me this’ or ‘Here is what the Lord showed me.’

If you question whether this is truly a bad habit, I answer: yes. It is one of the worst claims being perpetrated in churches today and is almost certainly a violation of the third commandment: ‘You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name’ (Exodus 20:7).

How do you misuse God’s name? By making yourself look like God. That is at the bottom of our claims, ‘This is what the Lord told me.’ After all, we bring in him for one reason: to elevate our own credibility. It is not his name we are thinking of, it is our reputation. So if I can add the weight of God’s name to what I say, it gives me authority and respectability.

I am not thinking of God’s name and glory at all when I do this – I am thinking of my own.

Who makes this mistake? Probably, we all do, especially those who have a prophetic gift or aspire to intimacy with God. If they can say, ‘The Lord told me’, we have no choice but to listen! After all, if it is God speaking, I must stand at attention. And if I tell you that God has revealed something to me, you had better give heed! I am not thinking of the accuracy of such claims – at the moment. I am thinking of our motives in making the claims. I can tell you what my motive is if I tell you “God told me this”. It is to make you respect what I say.

The thing is, if God really told me – since I am in a postcanonical age and not writing scripture, do I need to bring his name into it? In other words, if God himself has shown me something and I pass it along to you, would it not be just as true if I left his name out? My reason for claiming his authority is to elevate my own – in your eyes. Otherwise, I fear you would not listen to me.

There is no sign in north-west Arizona that says, ‘You are now looking at the Grand Canyon.’ When you see it, you know what it is. There are no substitutes or counterfeits when it comes to the Grand Canyon. It would be silly, not to mention that it would cheapen the entire aura, if there were signs reminding us that we are actually looking at the Grand Canyon.

Therefore if I really have a word from the Lord, I can say it without mentioning his holy name. It will speak for itself. And if people don’t recognise my authenticity because I don’t bring in God’s name, that is not my problem.

As for the accuracy of claims when people say, ‘The Lord told me this,’ that is quite another story. When you ponder the thousands of times people have made this claim already today – and then get to the bottom of whether it really was the Lord, the angels must be saying, ‘Really?’ God’s name is brought in for so many ‘words’ that are not from him at all.

Why do we quote people when we speak? It is to give ourselves a bit more credibility. Certainly that is why I quote scripture. And if I quote St Augustine or John Wesley, it is to make you feel that I have a greater measure of reliability on my side. But when I say, ‘The Lord told me this about this verse of scripture,’ I have misused his name. I have a perfect right to say ‘in my opinion this is what the scripture means,’ but if I say, ‘The Holy Spirit has revealed this to me about this scripture,’ I am not thinking of the Holy Spirit but my own credibility. It is misusing the spirit – indeed it is abusing his name.

Most of us do not like name-droppers. Why do we drop names? If I told you I know Oral Roberts or Billy Graham, or the Pope – who would I be trying to make look good? Not them. But when I drop God’s name in my conversation, writing or preaching, I have in that moment violated a trust which must make the angels blush.

By the way, how would you feel if I told you ‘God told me to write this article?’ Did he? You tell me.

As promised yesterday, below is Part 2. Can you relate? Again the lyrics are below

INTRO
Give us the truth…part 2 (part 2, part 2, part2)
Give us the truth
For every email, for every phone call
For everybody that came up to me at a show, Here’s part 2…listen yo

VERSE 1
After the platinum show the two I did with cross movement
I said my goodbyes ’cause I had to fly back to St. Louis
I left there to early for my first semester in school
I was exposed to so much truth that I had to choose
between what I had learned and what I was taught to do
at my church on my zone I was so confused
the first sunday morning back it was a culture shock
watching the shepherd and sheep explode like a soda pop
they’re heads was shaking, they shaking over these chintzy sermons
people spitting and shouting but nobody’s discerning
I left the building
my feeling were crushed I felt forsakin’
the one place I was supposed to come for restoration.
and worship of a Holy God and exalt Him in praises
spent the whole prayer time rubuking the satan
spent the whole sermon time just talking ’bout money
while I was dying inside and spiritually hungry.

CHORUS
Give us the truth
That’s what we need if we’re gon’ properly teach
If we gon’ seek and we gon’ properly reach.
Give us the truth
That’s what we need if we gon’ carry our cross
and if we gon’ affectively disciple tha lost.
Give us the truth
That’s what we need if we gon’ walk up in holiness and boldness and meek and lowliness.
Give us the truth
That’s what we need in this race we running
proper lessons as we wait for his second coming (for real)
Give us the truth

VERSE 2
I left tha crib
moved into the dorms
so depressed that I ventured in porn (it was a crazy thing)
I felt the disconnect from Jesus’ arms
so I ceased to write these rhythms in palms to disobey the King
I told my teachers that I was living in sin
and my bible I’ll never read it again and threw it in the closet
and anything that had to do with God
Marcus T. he was going the opposite into lifestyle
I called Phanatik and turn to the cell
And said for ministry I would go to jail ’cause I was in no position
to minister to anybody at all
cause I wasnt sure if I was a christian at that moment dog
I was skipping classes
hanging with the masses
and my days were black and grey like cigarette ashes
all I know is that I wanted to die
but suicide met me into God
then I felt Him shook me.

REPEAT CHORUS

VERSE 3
But it was obvious
God in his providence
put me with people to guide me and got me outta this
during the chapel service
a cat named Paul Washer
preached the gospel and drove me up to the Lord’s alter
and I confessed my sin
and he presed reset again
I started ova and felt like a solider for Jehovah
I called my old pastor and apologized for how I behaved
as of that day we agreed to go our seperate ways.
I met this girl named Beth who told me about a church home
first I visit, became a member, and then it was on
then the pastor gave me a stack of books
now Im back with raps and hooks
took a summer and spent three hundred dollars on tapes and books and learned from these biblical scholars
now Im back and Im walking in light
living my life
Glorifying Jesus Christ

CHORUS

Related Posts:

Give us the Truth

If you have read the ‘About me’ section of my blog, you would have known how I came about to the place where I am now and why I have decided not to go along with the tide of ‘christianity’ that is portrayed on TV and in so many churches today. It actually pains me to see so many christians  not read the scriptures for themselves and therefore swallow every spiritual junk that is fed to them on a daily basis.

Well Flame’s song ‘Give us the Truth’ mirrors a lot of the experiences that I have gone through in my christian life. Have a listen. I have provided the lyrics below. Look out for part 2 tomorrow

[Chorus]
Give us the truth that’s what we need
Lying leaders been deceivin’ us since we were seeds
Give us the truth that’s what we need
Teachers and preachers teach us the things that set us free
Give us the truth that’s what we need
Parents teach us bout Jesus before we get older
Give us the truth that’s what we need
Sin is spreading and the world is getting colder

[Verse One]
All I ever wanted was to know the truth
Seeking Jesus at 16 meaning my middle youth
Man I really hungered and had this inner thirst
Absurd the thought of me even missin’ a day of church
Man it felt like heaven, especially Bible study
I had my Bible pen and pad sittin’ next to my buddies
The Word had us open especially certain verses
Spendin’ hours in worship man it just felt so perfect
And then after the service out on the parking lot
Laughin’ and rappin’ for hours afterwards we talked a lot
Felt like your second family for me felt like my first
We lost our ties when my grandmother died I kept in hurt
Remember certain ministers inspired you to learn
You had anxiety inside and just waitin’ your turn
People announce they callin’ jumpin’ and shoutin’
That dun dunt dun dunt it was so arousin’

[Chorus]

[Verse Two]
Then that first year progressed and turned into five
Learning so much and I’m comin’ in touch closer with God
Some things were gettin’ sticky I mean real sticky
I’m trippin’ I’m wonderin’ was Jesus even really with me
Man I felt numb meanin’ I lost my feelin’
People standin’, dancin’, liftin’ hands while I was chillin’
No longer loved the sermons felt like I wasn’t learnin’
The topics taught on weren’t touchin’ my inner yearnings
And then some behavior seemed like counterfeit revival
I looked for Scriptures that supported this off in the Bible
Yet I couldn’t find it I felt blinded
I thought it was a demon in error I tried to bind it
But nothin’ happened here comes depression
Maybe when they threw the Holy Spirit that I didn’t catch Him
Did I miss my blessin’? Felt unprotected
In the midst of a war scarred without my weapon

[Chorus]

[Verse Three]
Then I left St. Louis on a tour with Cross Movement
And who would have knew it these dudes have also been through it
I shared my brokenness feelings of hopelessness
For so long faked my emotions no one even noticed it
Yet it was obvious God in His providence
Put me with people to guide me and got me outta this
And then my other brother T.R.U.T.H. began to share the same
I almost wept I saw the steps it took to bear the name
Without truth left me in utter confusion
Without truth left me with subtle delusions
Without truth no longer fought to win
Without truth drove me back into sin
The depth of this journey can’t be described in words
This is just the tip of the iceberg
But from now until my death this is what I’ll do
I’m learning standing and I’ll fight for truth

[Chorus]

Following Da’ T.R.U.T.H’s apology, Cross Movement Records (CMR) have made the following statement which I fully commend:

Dear brothers and sisters in the faith,

This life is uncertain and refuses to leave us unchallenged.  The world we live in overflows with the sad stories of both sinners and unfortunately saints.  However, in the most unstable times, we can all be strengthened in this truth—that our God remains unchanged by our challenges, unaffected by our failures, and waits poised to help the repentant and contrite.  

It is with tremendous sadness and humble disappointment that Cross Movement Records must inform you regarding the suspension of the promotion and forwarding of the artist, minister, and ministry of Da Truth, aka Emanuel Lambert Jr., due to recent findings of moral failure in his marriage.  It is the expressed ambition and demonstrated intent of this label to foster Christian leadership that utilizes the platforms of an artist or musician.  While obedience to the word of God is the high standard for all who name the name of Christ, for the Christian leader, the standards and the consequences are even greater.

We at CMR plead for your prayers for our brother Da Truth whom we sincerely love.  We also ask for your prayers for his wife, his family, his Pastor, his Elders and Church during this very hard time in their lives.  Again we charge ourselves, as well as you to remember Galatians 6:1-10 as we look to not only discipline, and in due time restore, but also “bear one another’s burden’s and so fulfill the law of Christ.”  

In addition, we both thank and applaud Da Truth for his letter of confession found on his site, as well as ours.  We declare that in Da Truth’s case, in light of all the circumstances, in light of the authoritative stand by which he preached, and in the case of the Christian leader, this should be the commendable example of the responsible servant.  Though this may not be the requirement or charge of many, blessed are those who submit to the understanding that Christian leaders are accountable to the same degree that they are exalted.  Oh that the Church would witness leaders who are as courageous in the bad times, as they are in good times.  Da Truth once proclaimed (to the point of naming one of his albums) that his life was an “Open Book.”  It is CMR’s sincere prayer in the months and years to come, that the body of Christ and the world would be able to read new chapters that illustrate God’s incredible ability to rebuke, restore, reinstate and revitalize.  It is our belief that the real fruit of repentance occurs without condition or entitlement, as one patiently waits for the Lord’s refurbishment–something that an immediate and deliberate push back to the lights, stage and microphone could undermine.  

Furthermore, in recent times and similar circumstances, it has been reported and published by certain media outlets that Cross Movement Records drops artists from its label for such things as what Truth has confessed.  We wish to state for the record that this is untrue and is a misunderstanding of past statements made by us which we apologize now for not being clearer.  When we state that we are “discontinuing the forwarding” of an artist, as we have done previously and are stating currently, we mean that we are rendering the person inactive and not separated from us.  Being that we do not have total authority over all the activities of a person/artist, we are just trying to express that if someone happens to see an artist still current and active in ministry during a  label recommended and church ordered down time, that we are not involved with the acceptance and promotion of such activity.  If ever there arises a reason for CMR and Da Truth (or any of our artists for that matter) to be separated, let us state now that it more than likely will have nothing to do with matters of this sort. 

Lastly, we realize that many disagreed with our way of handling these matters in times past and many will do the same now.  Firstly, we would like to affirm that our actions and words then were, and at this present time are, not without accountability.  We have sought counsel from multiple Christian leaders and pastors who have painstakingly wrestled with us in the scriptures concerning these matters.  And though we refuse to engage in the fruitless tennis-volley style of debate through the media and over the internet, we would like to offer some of the scriptures that we have referenced.  Again, please keep in mind that it is the prerogative of this label to forward Christian leaders who also understand these expectations when they accept the platforms they are given.  Therefore, please read the following with this context in mind:  1 Cor. 5, 1 Tim. 3:1-13, 1 Tim. 5:17-24.  It is also our goal in the coming year to forward a fruitful format that will help bind those that are hurting, give understanding to those who are confused, and strengthen those who are trying to continue in the ministry for Christ.

In conclusion, with the untimely death of one of the original Cross Movement group members, Enock, aka Juan James (October 17, 2009), and the struggle to heal our brothers, 2009 has been the most trying, overwhelming, mentally, physically, and emotionally draining year for us to date.  Please continue to remember us in your prayers.  We would like to thank all those who have prayed for us and shown their support throughout this year.  It means more than can be expressed.  Though it is not our view in this matter to credit Satan for all of the adversity that has risen,  we are at the same time not ignorant of his schemes and how he would love to not only cripple leaders, but also discredit the whole of an entire Movement (past, present and future).  As before, even with all of the CMR Family’s credibility at stake, we remain resolved at CMR along with all of its artists/ministers to continue steadfastly with the mission of making the message of the Cross known to the world.  Again, we ask for your prayers as we keep our hands to the plow, heal our wounded, and worship the God of our Salvation.  We remain Christ’s and your servant.

-Cross Movement Records

¹Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. ²Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. ³And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. ⁴The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. ⁵For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. ⁶For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 

 ⁷But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. ⁸We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ¹⁰We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. ¹¹For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. ¹²So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. 

 ¹³It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.”^[With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, ¹⁴because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. ¹⁵All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. 

 ¹⁶Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Cor. 4)

Here is a classic example of why John Piper abominates the prosperity gospel

Related Posts:

The marks of false ‘christian’ teaching and teachers Part 5 – The Prosperity Gospel

Money cometh and the anointing money ritual

John Piper – Why I abominate the prosperity gospel

After the whole Ambassador episode, I was saddened that it seemed that the whole thing was repeating itself once again with another one of my favorite christian rappers that I really look up to with biblically sound lyrics. You can read for yourself his statement below 

So what should our response be? Well we should pray for him and his family during this difficult period. We don’t know all the details but obviously his ministry and his witness has been damaged.

Now someone may say to me, why do I seem to be more defensive to these two rappers than I was with Juanita Bynum or Paula White? The difference is the way that they and the ministry dealt with the fall. You can see that in both cases, church discipline and/or a attitude of repentance was exercised by the person or the ministry, which is the sign of a healthy ministry. Falling is not the problem but how the fall is handled especially when someone is in a public ministry because it can have such a damaging effect. Is it handled with love and with in view of honoring God so that his name is not blasphemed? Does the person have or made to have a break from ministry (which is actually loving) or do they try to keep things going on to ‘keep the money coming in’ as some have done in the past?

David murdered and commited adultery. Yet David repented and God called him a man after his own heart. I pray that these two will come back with a great testimony of God’s grace.

You may have seen the shocking youth message that Paul Washer preached a few years ago doing its round on the internet but you may not know WHY he preached it. Below is an interview which will give you the background as to why he preached this message.

And if you havent heard the message, then please listen to it below. Youth leaders especially, please take note.