Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo Doll

[Ithacagurl]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NYp_il0Qzc&feature=player_embedded

 

[Shimmie]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NYp_il0Qzc&feature=player_embedded

I have such a hard time 'listening' to rap. I don't understand what they are saying.

HOWEVER... I thank you Precious Ithacagurl for sharing this message.

Please don't pay me any mind. I just want it in plain English.

Blessings to you loved one...

 

[Ithacagurl]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

I had to listen closely as well

 

[loolalooh]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

Their message is a good one. "Should I listen to Scripture, or should I follow you (e.g., false preachers)."

I just can't get into Christian rap, though. I blame secular rap for stealing my ears first.

 

[Rainbow Dash]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

They preached just in rap and it is true. Paul warned many times that they would come in, even from among you and preach heresy. See the enemy is subtle, he throws in a little heresy and mix it with a little truth. Just like he tried to do Jesus when He was in the wilderness.

This is why it is important to spend time studying the scriptures and study them in context. See this is why Paul said, "follow me as I follow Christ." Well in order for you to know that Paul was following Christ, you need to know Christ for yourself. Also, He said if anyone preaches a different gospel or a different Christ let him be accursed. Because a little leaven is dangerous, a little twist is dangerous. That's what the enemy does. If you don't pay attention you can miss it.

 

[aribell]

Wow, good for him. At at the end, he said explicitly who he was talking about and that those congregants needed to come out.

I think a song like this would only work as a rap song...or maybe country, lol.

 

[Shimmie]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

Rap gives me an 'instant' headache. Just speak plain English. Why be different just to feel important or that one has something over another culture?

Maybe it's the 'teacher' in me... Naw, it's not 'maybe'... it is most definitely the teacher in me. Speak English! And by that I'm not saying 'speak' white; for whites do not own clear dialect. I know many Blacks, especially Africans and Native Jamaicans, etc. who speak very clear and articulate language and far above whites. (you should hear some of the white folks I have work with and lived around ... can't speak a word of clear English. ).

If 'you' want my attention, speak like you have some sense. I'll listen.

Sorry everyone. Whatever message these men are trying to convey has totally 'lost' me. They seem intelligent enough.

Sorry for the vent... I love you, Ladies. I really do. Shimmie just doesn't like rap...that's all. It's so unnecessary!

 

[Shimmie]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

Wow, good for him. At at the end, he said explicitly who he was talking about and that those congregants needed to come out.I think a song like this would only work as a rap song...or maybe country, lol.

Yeah, at the end, but why not at the beginning? They wasted an entire video ...

This is not addressed to you, Nicola... okay? Not at all. I just cannot tolerate rap; it just a foolish waste of intelligence.

 

[Lissa0821]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

I am a BOLD, PROUD member of World Changers Church International, where Creflo Dollar is the pastor. I have been there for the past 16 years and have no intention to leave anytime soon. When I see post like these it grieves me, not just because it is my Pastor that is being slander. But it is yet another tool of the enemy to create division. It also shows a lack of sensitivity as I would like to believe most people who are members of their local church, think highly of their pastors, are they just as willing to post the negative things that are said about thier own pastor. Probably not, but trust and believe something negative is said about every pastor that preaches or teaches the gospel, if there are 5 member or 50 thousand members and whether it is valid complaint or not.

Granted, I will be the first to say, Pastor Dollar teaching style is not for everyone, that is a given but it is for those God has called to be apart of this GREAT, AWESOME, and ANOINTED ministry. (Can you tell I LOVE this ministry). According to Ephesians 4:11, God gave us apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors and teachers for the edifying and perfecting of the body of Christ. Even God knew people receive His Word through different gifting he placed in the body of Christ.

Now for on to the video, I completely got what he was saying and I laughed out loud as well. These young men can claiming both churches mentioned are teaching false doctrines. He specifically stated that Pastor Dollar only teaches about prosperity but in the upper left hand corner he has a request for a donation of $25 for his ministry in white letters.

If teaching prosperity is wrong, he should be able to do what he is doing without the $25 donation, right??????

 

[JayAnn0513]

I don't see a connection between prosperity ministry ANC asking for a donation. Prosperity ministry teaches that God rewards with $$$ which we all know is not sound doctrine.

Sent from my iPhone using LHCF

 

[Shimmie]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

I am a BOLD, PROUD member of World Changers Church International, where Creflo Dollar is the pastor. I have been there for the past 16 years and have no intention to leave anytime soon. When I see post like these it grieves me, not just because it is my Pastor that is being slander. But it is yet another tool of the enemy to create division. It also shows a lack of sensitivity as I would like to believe most people who are members of their local church, think highly of their pastors, are they just as willing to post the negative things that are said about thier own pastor. Probably not, but trust and believe something negative is said about every pastor that preaches or teaches the gospel, if there are 5 member or 50 thousand members and whether it is valid complaint or not.

Granted, I will be the first to say, Pastor Dollar teaching style is not for everyone, that is a given but it is for those God has called to be apart of this GREAT, AWESOME, and ANOINTED ministry. (Can you tell I LOVE this ministry). According to Ephesians 4:11, God gave us apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors and teachers for the edifying and perfecting of the body of Christ. Even God knew people receive His Word through different gifting he placed in the body of Christ.

Now for on to the video, I completely got what he was saying and I laughed out loud as well. These young men can claiming both churches mentioned are teaching false doctrines. He specifically stated that Pastor Dollar only teaches about prosperity but


in the upper left hand corner he has a request for a donation of $25 for his ministry in white letters.

If teaching prosperity is wrong, he should be able to do what he is doing without the $25 donation, right??????

Hi Lissa0821... That's the other thing that gave me a headache... $25 for a T Shirt. I couldn't make sense of that.

Lissa, I may not 'support' many of the mega ministries, however I have to say that I've met some of the most wonderful people who love Jesus who are members there and Lissa you are definitely one of them.

I pray that my non-support of the big Churches does fail to show you that I truly hold you as a wonderful woman who knows and loves God that I am most happy that God has allowed me to meet and pray with. You have my heart on this. I also apologize for every offence that I have personally directed towards these Churches.

 

[sidney]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

I am a BOLD, PROUD member of World Changers Church International, where Creflo Dollar is the pastor. I have been there for the past 16 years and have no intention to leave anytime soon. When I see post like these it grieves me, not just because it is my Pastor that is being slander. But it is yet another tool of the enemy to create division. It also shows a lack of sensitivity as I would like to believe most people who are members of their local church, think highly of their pastors, are they just as willing to post the negative things that are said about thier own pastor. Probably not, but trust and believe something negative is said about every pastor that preaches or teaches the gospel, if there are 5 member or 50 thousand members and whether it is valid complaint or not.

Granted, I will be the first to say, Pastor Dollar teaching style is not for everyone, that is a given but it is for those God has called to be apart of this GREAT, AWESOME, and ANOINTED ministry. (Can you tell I LOVE this ministry). According to Ephesians 4:11, God gave us apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors and teachers for the edifying and perfecting of the body of Christ. Even God knew people receive His Word through different gifting he placed in the body of Christ.

Now for on to the video, I completely got what he was saying and I laughed out loud as well. These young men can claiming both churches mentioned are teaching false doctrines. He specifically stated that Pastor Dollar only teaches about prosperity but in the upper left hand corner he has a request for a donation of $25 for his ministry in white letters.

If teaching prosperity is wrong, he should be able to do what he is doing without the $25 donation, right??????

Hello Lissa, I can definitely understand your point of view and why you are upset. Please understand that point of view of those who are posting the message and those who created the video...which is that heretical teaching can be dangerous and lead people away from Christ and into idolatry. know you have been a member of the ministry for 16 years, but are you are you open to discussing scriptures that teach why prosperity doctrine is not sound doctrine?

ETA: Lissa we are waiting if you want to discuss. I have noticed somethings in the bible about true prosperity from a scriptural point of view, and it's different than what is being taught by the word faith movement. I hope that you are open to discuss it.

 

[Laela]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

IMHO, heresy (or error) could be taught in any church... unwittingly or not. What are ya'll thoughts on this?

"Another thing that God has been speaking to me about is the Christian rap movement and how some of it disses the Church of God. In my dealings with many Christian rappers or rap fans, I have seen a new spirit that is rising up through the enemy's influence. Dissing the Church is a very dangerous move to make. In your music or in your everyday conversations, we must not speak negatively about God's church. God is gonna operate through his church, no matter what we think or feel. Many have been hurt by negative experiences through churches, but that does not make the church of God a bad place. Yeah, the church has problems, but the easy way to keep the problems from being solved or dealt with is for us to only talk against each other and never work together. And God will NEVER change his order. You must submit to the authority of a Pastor before you will be effective in any ministry. A man that cannot follow, will never lead! There are so many people these days talking about what God is showing them, or what God is telling them, but they never follow the order of God. God will not tell you to do anything without confirming it through others. And God will never defy the order of his Kingdom or his church. That's why you see so many people constantly changing what they say was God's will for them. Without the protective covering of your pastor, you are dangerous to God. You are like a child holding a loaded shotgun. You are a spiritual bastard and your ministry will only give birth to bastard followers! I know that sounds harsh, but the word "bastard" means "fatherless" and if you have not submitted to your Pastor, you have no spiritual father! You are not ready to do ministry on any level if you have not submitted to leadership. The church is your home base for your ministry. So we cannot diss the church in our raps or in our conversations because God is gonna work through the church before he works through you.

... Glorify God in your music, not the Hip Hop culture. Do not use secular music to reach the lost because it will not do the job. Only the Spirit of God can draw sinners to salvation.

-G Craige Lewis

 

[sidney]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

IMHO, heresy (or error) could be taught in any church... unwittingly or not. What are ya'll thoughts on this?

"Another thing that God has been speaking to me about is the Christian rap movement and how some of it disses the Church of God. In my dealings with many Christian rappers or rap fans, I have seen a new spirit that is rising up through the enemy's influence. Dissing the Church is a very dangerous move to make. In your music or in your everyday conversations, we must not speak negatively about God's church. God is gonna operate through his church, no matter what we think or feel. Many have been hurt by negative experiences through churches, but that does not make the church of God a bad place. Yeah, the church has problems, but the easy way to keep the problems from being solved or dealt with is for us to only talk against each other and never work together. And God will NEVER change his order. You must submit to the authority of a Pastor before you will be effective in any ministry. A man that cannot follow, will never lead! There are so many people these days talking about what God is showing them, or what God is telling them, but they never follow the order of God. God will not tell you to do anything without confirming it through others. And God will never defy the order of his Kingdom or his church. That's why you see so many people constantly changing what they say was God's will for them. Without the protective covering of your pastor, you are dangerous to God. You are like a child holding a loaded shotgun. You are a spiritual bastard and your ministry will only give birth to bastard followers! I know that sounds harsh, but the word "bastard" means "fatherless" and if you have not submitted to your Pastor, you have no spiritual father! You are not ready to do ministry on any level if you have not submitted to leadership. The church is your home base for your ministry. So we cannot diss the church in our raps or in our conversations because God is gonna work through the church before he works through you.

... Glorify God in your music, not the Hip Hop culture. Do not use secular music to reach the lost because it will not do the job. Only the Spirit of God can draw sinners to salvation.

-G Craige Lewis

Yep @ the bolded. My old pastors KNOWs the word of God, but one day I heard him say something completely contrary to the word...and none of the members agreed with him...and he has has prophetic gifting too. No man is above reproach. The bible says, "let God be true, and every man be a liar." Romans 3:4, so every church is subject to error. We have to be accountable to sticking exactly to what the word says...if we don't we will all be misled. As far as his comments about rap, eh...I think it's opinion. The gospel is the gospel whether its preached, sang, yelled, acted...as long as it is true to the word of God i see nothing wrong with it. Paul said to preach the gospel to the Jews, he became like the Jews, to reach the gentiles, he became like the gentiles...he had all things in common with all men to win some 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. Christian rap is winning a lot of young men without compromise.

I agree with Pastor Lewis about the negative messages against the church in general...but I heard a lot of christian rap that just gives you verbatim the scriptures without attacking the church. I listen to Lecrae and 116 who are becoming more and more mainstream, I never heard them dis the church in a single song. It's all scripture. I don't see anything wrong with calling out those who erroneously teach...that is what God commanded in Ezekiel 13:2-30, Ezekiel 34. False teaching has eternal consequences...we can't stay quiet. We have to tell people the truth...because if we don't their blood will be on our hands (Ezekiel 33). God will hold us accountable.

I think the main point I'm trying to say is that we must remain students of the word and stick to it. It reminds me of this scripture in Ephesians 4:14. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming." When remember when I believed everything I read. I even had some of Creflo's books among others. But now I know as long as I can read for myself and I have the holy spirit, he will lead us to all truth.

 

[Shimmie]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

IMHO, heresy (or error) could be taught in any church... unwittingly or not. What are ya'll thoughts on this?

"Another thing that God has been speaking to me about is the Christian rap movement and how some of it disses the Church of God. In my dealings with many Christian rappers or rap fans, I have seen a new spirit that is rising up through the enemy's influence. Dissing the Church is a very dangerous move to make. In your music or in your everyday conversations, we must not speak negatively about God's church. God is gonna operate through his church, no matter what we think or feel. Many have been hurt by negative experiences through churches, but that does not make the church of God a bad place. Yeah, the church has problems, but the easy way to keep the problems from being solved or dealt with is for us to only talk against each other and never work together. And God will NEVER change his order. You must submit to the authority of a Pastor before you will be effective in any ministry. A man that cannot follow, will never lead! There are so many people these days talking about what God is showing them, or what God is telling them, but they never follow the order of God. God will not tell you to do anything without confirming it through others. And God will never defy the order of his Kingdom or his church. That's why you see so many people constantly changing what they say was God's will for them. Without the protective covering of your pastor, you are dangerous to God. You are like a child holding a loaded shotgun. You are a spiritual bastard and your ministry will only give birth to bastard followers! I know that sounds harsh, but the word "bastard" means "fatherless" and if you have not submitted to your Pastor, you have no spiritual father! You are not ready to do ministry on any level if you have not submitted to leadership. The church is your home base for your ministry. So we cannot diss the church in our raps or in our conversations because God is gonna work through the church before he works through you.

... Glorify God in your music, not the Hip Hop culture. Do not use secular music to reach the lost because it will not do the job. Only the Spirit of God can draw sinners to salvation.

-G Craige Lewis

Why couldn't he just say 'Fatherless' in the first place.

Lord.... Precious Craige...

I agree with him about the rap music and being without a Church home and Pastor.

However the Word says, 'Submit yourselves unto God ..." (James 4:7).

And yes, I know there is scripture which says, 'Submit yourselves unto one another..." and there's another scripture which says, 'Submit yourselves unto Authority..."

What concerns me is that there are 'Strong willed' Pastors who 'insist' that their members be 'submitted' to them. And I am very careful when I 'hear' this.

Pausing...

I'll resume later...

'Unpaused' ...

Up to what point do they 'want' their congregations submission? I understand loyalty...

Pausing ...

 

[Lissa0821]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

Hi @Lissa0821... That's the other thing that gave me a headache... $25 for a T Shirt. I couldn't make sense of that.

Lissa, I may not 'support' many of the mega ministries, however I have to say that I've met some of the most wonderful people who love Jesus who are members there and Lissa you are definitely one of them.

I pray that my non-support of the big Churches does fail to show you that I truly hold you as a wonderful woman who knows and loves God that I am most happy that God has allowed me to meet and pray with. You have my heart on this. I also apologize for every offence that I have personally directed towards these Churches.

Shimmie I love you and I am not offended by anything that has been said about my Pastor here on this board or in my personal life. Nothing can separate me from the Love of God since He has accepted and love me, I strive to do the same with others.

Plus, Pastor shared this statement during a service years ago and it stuck with me because I use to stay in "offense" about everything. He said It is a dangerous thing to be offended. It means you have taken your eyes "off of God and "ended" you ability to hear from Him, when you allow yourself to be "Offended".

Big church, little church I really don't think it makes a difference. I think wherever you go, when the pastor preaches or teaches you can hear the voice of the Holy Spirit ministering to your personal situation then you are where you need to be. He is a Big God and a personal God at the same time, whereever you are that encourages you to further your personal relationship God is the right church for you. It never ceases to amaze me that after 16 years, no matter how many people are in the dome, no matter which pastor is preaching at any given service that I hear something that directly pertains to me. I am sure many can understand what I am saying, it feels like Pastor is all up in my "situation" but its God ministering to you through a vessel you will hear from, that is all that matters.

 

[Iwanthealthyhair67]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

God really doesn't need our help, we don't need to make him 'relevant' his word is to be reached in and out of season, I don't know why the church feels it neccessary to make God for 'appealing' to the younger generation the said I am the Lord who changeth not who is the same yesterday today and tomorrow, which means he doesn't come to our level we have to come up to his, his word also says that we should lift him up and HE will do the drawing ...

... Glorify God in your music, not the Hip Hop culture. Do not use secular music to reach the lost because it will not do the job. Only the Spirit of God can draw sinners to salvation.

-G Craige Lewis

 

[Rainbow Dash]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

The issue here is not whether you think Christian rap is of God. I'm not into rap myself but the message they are preaching. Is it sound? Does it line up with scripture? Is it leading people to Christ, the Christ of the bible?

What about SOUND DOCTRINE? and Laela you are right, error can happen in any church. If I'm teaching error then please correct me. Why are we looking just at the rappers and not looking at the spirit of error (prosperity doctrine) that is running rampant in the church. The spirit of idolatry that is being preached. The warnings that were given to us in the bible and yet we will not take a closer look. We are soo caught up in names, that we won't check the doctrine. There are numerous youtube videos that tell the truth regarding these people but do we really take a look and weigh it with the Word?

 

[Shimmie]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

Shimmie I love you and I am not offended by anything that has been said about my Pastor here on this board or in my personal life. Nothing can separate me from the Love of God since He has accepted and love me, I strive to do the same with others.

Plus, Pastor shared this statement during a service years ago and it stuck with me because I use to stay in "offense" about everything. He said It is a dangerous thing to be offended. It means you have taken your eyes "off of God and "ended" you ability to hear from Him, when you allow yourself to be "Offended".

Big church, little church I really don't think it makes a difference. I think wherever you go, when the pastor preaches or teaches you can hear the voice of the Holy Spirit ministering to your personal situation then you are where you need to be. He is a Big God and a personal God at the same time, whereever you are that encourages you to further your personal relationship God is the right church for you. It never ceases to amaze me that after 16 years, no matter how many people are in the dome, no matter which pastor is preaching at any given service that I hear something that directly pertains to me. I am sure many can understand what I am saying, it feels like Pastor is all up in my "situation" but its God ministering to you through a vessel you will hear from, that is all that matters.

Lissa0821 .. .

Your 'fruit' has never ceased to demonstrate the love of God, your faith in God and your trust in Him. You have 'faith' sense. You lean not to your own understanding. I have personally witnessed by your testimony of your total surrender to God and allowing Him to discern through you in all of the areas of your life that you have shared.

I never knew, nor never had a clue that you were a member of Creflo Dollar's Church. This speaks volumes, for the only person you ever speak of is Jesus and your love for God, not man.

So what has this taught me. Another lesson in Christ Jesus... truly you have brought to light the scripture,

"Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers..." (Luke 6:44)

Lissa, people come to you, for 'Love'... that's your 'Fruit'. Your branches bloom of loves' softest petals and blossoms, even in the coldest of 'Winters'.

 

[loolalooh]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

... Glorify God in your music, not the Hip Hop culture. Do not use secular music to reach the lost because it will not do the job. Only the Spirit of God can draw sinners to salvation.
[/I]
-G Craige Lewis

I particularly agree with the bolded. I can only speak of Christian rap, since I have experience in having listened to secular rap and know the demographic of rap listeners. Secular rap is attractive because of the secular message (i.e., money, women, lifestyle). When you take a Christian message and dress it up in rap, it simply won't effectively reach secular rap listeners who are not Christians. Why? Because of the Christian message. These rap listeners will not be fooled by the "rap" dressing. Even in secular rap, rappers who preach "more worldly" messages are more successful than those who preach "less worldly" messages.

Then we have the issues of Christians, like myself, who like/liked secular rap and cannot remove our experiences with it in order to connect to Christian rap. Though, I liked the message of the video, I couldn't help but laugh at times because I found myself comparing them to secular rap artists in terms of lyrical style, back beat, etc.

IMHO, dressing up a Christian song in rap will not effectively reach the lost. The lost will laugh. The lost proves this by idolizing rappers who preach the devil's message. The Drakes and Lil Wayne's of the world beat out the Common's and Talib's of the world. (NOTE: Drake and Lil Wayne are a few of the top secular rappers who also happen to be the most worldly of the bunch.)

 

[Lissa0821]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

Hello Lissa, I can definitely understand your point of view and why you are upset. Please understand that point of view of those who are posting the message and those who created the video...which is that heretical teaching can be dangerous and lead people away from Christ and into idolatry. know you have been a member of the ministry for 16 years, but are you are you open to discussing scriptures that teach why prosperity doctrine is not sound doctrine?

ETA: Lissa we are waiting if you want to discuss. I have noticed somethings in the bible about true prosperity from a scriptural point of view, and it's different than what is being taught by the word faith movement. I hope that you are open to discuss it.

sidney, Sure I am open to discuss prosperity but I must say God started the conversation of Prosperity not Creflo Dollar, when he showed up in Genesis 12:1-3 speaking with Abram. I am aware of the accusations that the teaching of World Changers Church International are based on financial prosperity only. But that is so far from the truth, we are taught total life prosperity which entails, healing, wholeness, soundness of body and mind, preservation from destruction, salvation of family, enjoying the presence of the Holy Spirit, taking authority over demonic forces, list goes on and yes it includes material wealth as well.

Prosperity is God's delight for us as believers, I know this from John 2:3, which states He wants to prosper and be in health even as my soul prospers. This shows God is concerned about my physical, health and soul prosperity.

Psalm 112 talks about the man that fears and delights in the commandment of God and its reward. His kids are blessed, wealth and riches are in his house. He is gracious, shows favor and is able to lend to others. He is not fearful as he trust in God. He is exalted with honor.

The list of scriptures goes on and on, prosperity is absolutely the WILL of God for me, that is a settled issue in my heart for me.

 

[Rainbow Dash]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

IMHO, heresy (or error) could be taught in any church... unwittingly or not. What are ya'll thoughts on this?

"Another thing that God has been speaking to me about is the Christian rap movement and how some of it disses the Church of God. In my dealings with many Christian rappers or rap fans, I have seen a new spirit that is rising up through the enemy's influence. Dissing the Church is a very dangerous move to make. In your music or in your everyday conversations, we must not speak negatively about God's church. God is gonna operate through his church, no matter what we think or feel. Many have been hurt by negative experiences through churches, but that does not make the church of God a bad place. Yeah, the church has problems, but the easy way to keep the problems from being solved or dealt with is for us to only talk against each other and never work together. And God will NEVER change his order. You must submit to the authority of a Pastor before you will be effective in any ministry. A man that cannot follow, will never lead! There are so many people these days talking about what God is showing them, or what God is telling them, but they never follow the order of God. God will not tell you to do anything without confirming it through others. And God will never defy the order of his Kingdom or his church. That's why you see so many people constantly changing what they say was God's will for them. Without the protective covering of your pastor, you are dangerous to God. You are like a child holding a loaded shotgun. You are a spiritual bastard and your ministry will only give birth to bastard followers! I know that sounds harsh, but the word "bastard" means "fatherless" and if you have not submitted to your Pastor, you have no spiritual father! You are not ready to do ministry on any level if you have not submitted to leadership. The church is your home base for your ministry. So we cannot diss the church in our raps or in our conversations because God is gonna work through the church before he works through you.

... Glorify God in your music, not the Hip Hop culture. Do not use secular music to reach the lost because it will not do the job. Only the Spirit of God can draw sinners to salvation.

-G Craige Lewis

Calling out error is not dissing the Church, it is actually warning the Church. If warning against false teachers and teaching is wrong, then Paul should have not taught the Church concerning it. Paul actually called out some names in the scriptures too.

How old is this information? @Laela, if you go to G. Craige Facebook, he is continously exposing the most popular names.

2 Peter 2:18
For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly they are ravening wolves. .


2 Peter2:
1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; 3 and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

 

[sidney]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

I particularly agree with the bolded. I can only speak of Christian rap, since I have experience in having listened to secular rap and know the demographic of rap listeners. Secular rap is attractive because of the secular message (i.e., money, women, lifestyle). When you take a Christian message and dress it up in rap, it simply won't effectively reach secular rap listeners who are not Christians. Why? Because of the Christian message. These rap listeners will not be fooled by the "rap" dressing. Even in secular rap, rappers who preach "more worldly" messages are more successful than those who preach "less worldly" messages.

Then we have the issues of Christians, like myself, who like/liked secular rap and cannot remove our experiences with it in order to connect to Christian rap. Though, I liked the message of the video, I couldn't help but laugh at times because I found myself comparing them to secular rap artists in terms of lyrical style, back beat, etc.

IMHO, dressing up a Christian song in rap will not effectively reach the lost. The lost will laugh. The lost proves this by idolizing rappers who preach the devil's message. The Drakes and Lil Wayne's of the world beat out the Common's and Talib's of the world. (NOTE: Drake and Lil Wayne are a few of the top secular rappers who also happen to be the most worldly of the bunch.)

I appreciate your opinion Loolalooh but I have to disagree here. I don't think it's dressing it up. For example, when I was younger I was nauseated from listening to my grandmother's gospel selection...she played quartets all day lol! Thank God Hezekiah Walker and others came out, or I may have never got a chance to identify with the gospel and praise! My grandmother still won't listen to the new people. It's all a matter of perspective.

I also have listened to a few christian rock songs. However people can relate to the gospel, it should be used. But I understand where you are coming from.

 

[sidney]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

There are numerous youtube videos that tell the truth regarding these people but do we really take a look and weigh it with the Word?

I am posting one of these videos, just because I want to people to be "open" to the fact that this twisting does occur, and how subtly its done. I do not make a habit of watching these videos either, some of them are ridiculous and it is not my hope that we post them here. But I do ask the favor of everyone just looking at this one video.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWRiC__Qttw

 

[Shimmie]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

I particularly agree with the bolded. I can only speak of Christian rap, since I have experience in having listened to secular rap and know the demographic of rap listeners.

Secular rap is attractive because of the secular message (i.e., money, women, lifestyle).

When you take a Christian message and dress it up in rap, it simply won't effectively reach secular rap listeners who are not Christians. Why? Because of the Christian message.

These rap listeners will not be fooled by the "rap" dressing. Even in secular rap, rappers who preach "more worldly" messages are more successful than those who preach "less worldly" messages.

Then we have the issues of Christians, like myself, who like/liked secular rap and cannot remove our experiences with it in order to connect to Christian rap. Though, I liked the message of the video, I couldn't help but laugh at times because I found myself comparing them to secular rap artists in terms of lyrical style, back beat, etc.

IMHO, dressing up a Christian song in rap will not effectively reach the lost. The lost will laugh. The lost proves this by idolizing rappers who preach the devil's message. The Drakes and Lil Wayne's of the world beat out the Common's and Talib's of the world. (NOTE: Drake and Lil Wayne are a few of the top secular rappers who also happen to be the most worldly of the bunch.)

loolalooh ...

The bolded in your post...

What profound words of Wisdom. Meaning 'ain't nobody fooled.

I'm standing here giving you a 'standing ovation'...

And these are NOT sugar coated words. Folks need to get ahold of this. What you just said is golden.

'Ain't nobody fooled.'

Loolalooh... you know what? I used to put my 'babies' medicine in juice and they were not fooled. They wouldn't drink it. And the thing is, I'd put the medicine drops in their juice cups downstairs in the kitchen out of sight, and then take it upstairs...

And they STILL knew... They'd take the cup, look at it, look up at me with the 'side-eye' and give it back to me. They were not fooled.

I love your post. It just made my day... Such wisdom. Praise God.

You know I thought that I knew everything. Not this...

God bless you sweetheart.

 

[loolalooh]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

I appreciate your opinion Loolalooh but I have to disagree here. I don't think it's dressing it up. For example, when I was younger I was nauseated from listening to my grandmother's gospel selection...she played quartets all day lol! Thank God Hezekiah Walker and others came out, or I may have never got a chance to identify with the gospel and praise! My grandmother still won't listen to the new people. It's all a matter of perspective.

I also have listened to a few christian rock songs. However people can relate to the gospel, it should be used. But I understand where you are coming from.

I understand what you are saying. I listen to Christian rock songs as well, but I think the reason I can is because I don't have a previous attachment to secular rock music. I was never that deep into secular rock music, but secular rap music really got into me.

Plus, you and I are both Christians, so we can appreciate the message in a Christian rock/rap/r&b song. However, what about those who are not Christian?

 

[Prudent1]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

Big church, little church I really don't think it makes a difference. I think wherever you go, when the pastor preaches or teaches you can hear the voice of the Holy Spirit ministering to your personal situation then you are where you need to be. He is a Big God and a personal God at the same time, whereever you are that encourages you to further your personal relationship God is the right church for you. It never ceases to amaze me that after 16 years, no matter how many people are in the dome, no matter which pastor is preaching at any given service that I hear something that directly pertains to me. I am sure many can understand what I am saying, it feels like Pastor is all up in my "situation" but its God ministering to you through a vessel you will hear from, that is all that matters.

Ok, Imma jus go ahead and say this. I do not belong to nor have I ever belonged to a "mega church". I have belonged to some small and some medium sized churches where there was stuff going on from time to time just like in any other family type situation. As a matter of fact I love my present church family yet I am dealing with some mess R-E-T nigh. I will walk in agape love though, yes I will **fanning self @ thoughts of current situation**
The thing is to be Spirit led. I have attended several conferences held by 'mega churches' and I know that God's spirit was present. The whole name it and claim it/ prosperity issue seems to be unbalanced somewhat-IMO. That's all they focus on ($$$) and most importantly there is no fruit of the Spirit being produced. As a matter of fact, they all fall down eventually and are exposed b/c as we know God is not mocked. Out of all the messages I have attended being held by Creflo Dollar, I have never heard him preach and unbalanced prosperity only type message. I have seen ppl post many excerpts online and other places where things were edited and therefore out of context. Besides, what we call 'mega church' is not. Have you read the number of converts or ppl who were following the disciples? Have you seen the number of ppl who attend the meetings in places like India, etc? Lol@ some of us if we attended an event that size. My point is all leader's teachings should be verified by the word. The word says to test the spirits by the Spirit. Prosperity is a natural by product of obedience and faithfulness to our God. Heck he blesses us even when we are not keepin it 100. Simply b/c he loves us. I know I don't deserve the favor and prosperity he has allowed. JMHO

Plus, Pastor shared this statement during a service years ago and it stuck with me because I use to stay in "offense" about everything. He said It is a dangerous thing to be offended. It means you have taken your eyes "off of God and "ended" you ability to hear from Him, when you allow yourself to be "Offended".
I'm going to use this^^It is so true.

 

[loolalooh]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

I am posting one of these videos, just because I want to people to be "open" to the fact that this twisting does occur, and how subtly its done. I do not make a habit of watching these videos either, some of them are ridiculous and it is not my hope that we post them here. But I do ask the favor of everyone just looking at this one video.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWRiC__Qttw

Watching. We'll be back in a few.

 

[loolalooh]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

loolalooh ...

The bolded in your post...

What profound words of Wisdom. Meaning 'ain't nobody fooled.

I'm standing here giving you a 'standing ovation'...

And these are NOT sugar coated words. Folks need to get ahold of this. What you just said is golden.

'Ain't nobody fooled.'

Loolalooh... you know what? I used to put my 'babies' medicine in juice and they were not fooled. They wouldn't drink it. And the thing is, I'd put the medicine drops in their juice cups downstairs in the kitchen out of sight, and then take it upstairs...

And they STILL knew... They'd take the cup, look at it, look up at me with the 'side-eye' and give it back to me. They were not fooled.

I love your post. It just made my day... Such wisdom. Praise God.

You know I thought that I knew everything. Not this...

God bless you sweetheart.

LOL! It's the truth.

 

[Rainbow Dash]

Re: Christian Rap Artists Go After Atlanta Mega-Church Pastors Eddie Long and Creflo

I am posting one of these videos, just because I want to people to be "open" to the fact that this twisting does occur, and how subtly its done. I do not make a habit of watching these videos either, some of them are ridiculous and it is not my hope that we post them here. But I do ask the favor of everyone just looking at this one video.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWRiC__Qttw

sidney

This video you posted is exactly what I'm talking about but we as a Church will not take a closer look.