Eunuchs: Responsible for Royalty

Eunuchs are Intimate

Eunuchs are men that have access to the king's chambers. They are saddled with the royal family's personal maters; issues that determine the life of members of the royal family. They know what pleases the king and can be of help whenever the kings heart needs to be reached. Esther's triumph over all other prospects is unarguably the working of God. However, God worked thought obedience and total compliance of Esther to Heggai's recommendations. Heggai knew the king better than anyone else. To please the king is to listen to the eunuch.

Eunuchs Have Influence

Eunuchs have influence on the Royal Family. They aren't just mere servants, they are trusted servants. Servants the king trusts with everything including his life. It is said that the king's butlers and bakers are eunuchs. Not only the life of the king, but that of the queen and the princes and princesses. Eunuchs are trusted with the posterity of the kingdom.

Eunuchs have no Personal Agenda

The word eunuch literally means to be castrated. They are men who cannot have their own biological children. It can be figuratively said to mean men without a personal agenda. Eunuchs have forsaken personal agenda to pursue matters of the state. They have sacrificed raising a family of their own for raising the royal family. They have given up pleasure for purpose; personal gain for the greater good. They cannot be distracted from their duties by a family. All the virtues they hope to impart in their own children are channeled into the royal family.

Eunuchs Seek, Nurture and Present Royalty

The story of Esther probably made the eunuchs more prominent. They are responsible for nurturing and training  royalty. They seek, train and present potential queens for final selection. They do the work of cleansing and purification and beautification, etiquette and poise training, public speaking and king pleasing training.

No Royalty Greater than Christ

There is no royalty greater than Christ. There is no bride more desirable to Him than the Church. Though many are arrayed before Him, only the one who takes the chief eunuch's recommendations to the detail without adding their own finishing touches will become the bride. However, we (the bride-the Church) are still in the phase of sanctification and learning what pleases our Lord. We are currently being subjected to the myrrh treatments. We are not left to figure out this on our own, God has given us the chief eunuch himself.

Holy Spirit: Chief Eunuch

The Chief Eunuch is the Holy Spirit. He is the one who works in us to will and to do God's good pleasures. Who is He who knows the heart of God except the spirit of God (1 Cor 2:11)? He is not only intimate with God, He is God himself. He is not looking at raising His own family but rather to glorify Christ. When the Spirit shall come, He will not speak of Himself (John 16:13). He didn't not speak of himself. He only brings to our remembrance God's will. He teaches us. He sanctifies us (1 Cor 6:11). He is the one who adorns the bride. He brings to our remembrance the words of our Lord and master. He ensures Christ gets the perfect bride without spots and wrinkles.

Other Eunuchs

There are yet other eunuchs. 1 Cor 12 talks about 'eunuchs' whom the Holy Spirit delegates for specific purposes in edifying the body of Christ while He remains the chief eunuch and chief-workmanship making sure all edification and beautification process comply with the kings standards. Building up the Church, the bride of Christ, is entirely the work of the Holy Spirit. Every one who believes has a portion of the Holy Spirit. He dwells within us prepare us a worthy vessel. He teaches us and guides us in the will of God. As we are individual cells within the bride of Christ, the Holy Spirit ensures homogeneous sanctification. However, on a much higher scale, there are certain men set apart and endured with special gifts to edify the body of Christ. These are the class of eunuchs I would like to draw our attention to.

God uses Men

There are men assigned and equipped by God to build up the Church. While God is personally responsible for building up His Church, He makes use of men. He instructs, equips, guide and supervises what is being done. He makes corrections where necessary, especially when the labourers have added human element or compromised on quality. God is the builder of all things, yet there are men who are master builders. To lean back idle is not our way of affirming that God is at work. Rest is putting the pieces God made together not during back idle.

Integrity, Intimacy, Influence

These are the words that describe the life of eunuchs. They are upright and have a good report. They have not only just showed interest and commitment, they have given all to prove their loyalty. They have earned their trust. They are intimate with the king and therefore have so much knowledge of Him. They can read his gestures and perfectly understand the words yet unspoken. And of cause they have impact and tremendous influence on the happenings within the ivory tower and how things will turn out in years to come. Their actions determines who begins queen next and hence who raises the next king.

Never Betray Trust

To a large extent, something had been committed into our hands. The Holy Spirit has delegated some duties to us. These duties are strategic in helping people draw nearer to God and consequently seeking, training and sanctifying the bride of Christ. As much as this is a noble task, the pressure to take advantage of the innocent, gullible and instructing bride of Christ mounts. Leaders are pressured by their needs and greed to exploit the bride; by lust and untamed desires we violate the bride of Christ; by pride we intimidate the bride of Christ with flatulent knowledge. This is the more reason we need to be more intimate with God. Consciousness of His presence will keep us from betraying His trust.

Role Playing

The truth is that the men who are endowed with special responsibility to mentor, teach, train and disciple others are not separate from the body. When the work is done, the eunuchs are treated as part of Christ's body. Our temptations to violate Christ's bride is self destruction simply because we are all a part of this body. Our true identity is the bride of Christ. After we have been selected to role-play as teachers and the work is done and the lesson is learnt, we'd return to our sit within the crowd. We'd become partakers in whatever atmosphere we have created.

We're Not at Anyone's Mercy

After realizing that there are fellow men appointed eunuchs and noticing the frequency of abuse on the bride of Christ, we might be discouraged to think we are at the mercy of Godless men. But no! God removes everything that does not comply with His standards. We may delay the perfecting of the saints, but we'd never sabotage it. The words of Christ still stand "I will build my Church" (Matt 16:18). We are not at anyone's mercy. Our calling to be eunuchs is a privilege and not an indispensable one.

Final Words

Be intimate with God. Our intimacy with Him determines our efficacy as eunuchs. Our intimacy with God is the only guarantee that our integrity will be maintained. Our intimacy with God is our only guarantee for a positive eternal influence.

I Love AB-NORMAL

You're the good one

You do what is right

But you feel like a criminal

You're hatred for being sincere

Don't give in to the pressure

There's a scarcity of morality

You're going to be a gem pretty soon

Your kind is so scarce 

You'll be a legend in few years to come

You're the diligent one

You are serious with your work

But all you get is criticism

They ask if your father owns the business

Why then do you want to kill yourself how much is the pay

Right in the work place where you should be working

Working feels strange

You can hardly breathe in the atmosphere of mediocrity

Put on your gas masks it is a strange world

You're the virgin

But you feel like a murderer

Everyone you've told calls you inexperienced

You're the saint and yet the most intimidated

When others speak of their escapades

You're mute with your head bowed in shame

And sometimes lie to prevent scorn and belong

Listen my dear, you're absolutely normal

You're yet to be infected by the sex epidemic

You're the healthy one, don't get infected

Beware of the red zone, its highly contagious

You're the normal Christian

Hungry to know God and thirsty for Him

But you end up being tagged a fanatic

You try to keep you're Bible when you hear a knock

So that you don't get another dose of criticism

But still within you, you haven't even started

You want minutes to turn to hours and hours, days

You want verses to be chapters and chapters, books

They call you Pastor, but you know it's another way of saying "slow down"

You're the normal Christian but they've taken that definition because they're the majority

You're the normal partner

Deploying all your resources to show love

Your friends laugh at you and whisper to each other

"Who does that in this time and age

"You don't have to give what you didn't get

"You're drunk in love and no longer thinking straight

"You've been drugged so you don't love someone else"

What has the world become, what has love become

They say it's a fish pond where you have lots of options

They say it's a good feeling that comes with variety

There is a new normal

Where good is bad and right is strange

Where firm is wicked and careless is nice

Cheating gains you friends and high standards, enemies

Where silver and gold are more desired than a good name

Where sacrifice is only in legend, indulgence is the order of the day

Where gain is all that matters

Where discipline is punishment and training is unfair

Where honour and obedience is immaturity

If this is what you call normal

I want to be strange

If they are what you call friends

I want to be lonely

If that is what you say is in vogue

I'd rather choose to remain retro

If this is what you call liberty

It'd rather retain my chains

If this is what you call fresh air

I'd rather get a gas mask

If this is what you call life

I might not last much longer without my space suit

It feels like a different world all together

If this is the new normal

I'd rather choose abnomal

I am ab-normal

I want to be ab-normal

It's only a strange world

I'm ABsolutely NORMAL

Does God Exist?

I think it would be interesting to get back to the basics. This is one question that draws a the line between the greatest intellectuals. This is one question that constantly fuels philosophy. It is one question that can change a man's perspectives, beliefs, values, habit, character, hope and motivation for life. One question that has an avalanche effect both on secret and in the open.

I do not intend to chew the whole pie with my tiny mouth. I'd just love to take a bite. I would leave the Ravi Zacharias' and John Lennox's to handle the intricate details that prove the existence of God beyond doubt. My intention is just to draw attention to the fault in this question. This question on its own is already faulted and cannot hold.

Does Light Shine? Is Water Wet?

Before I finally state the crux of my discourse, I want to ask a question: "does light shine?" Or "is water wet?" Before you go on a thinking break, let be just come straight. It is called light in the first place because of its luminous characteristics. Without water nothing will be wet. Water is not a name neither is light. The words exist because of the need to describe certain observed phenomenon.

"God" is not a name. "God" is the title given to describe the origin of all existence. "God" is the word that describes the beginning of all things. "God" is the description of the "One who set life in motion." Whenever you come across this question, just remember how there can be no shinning without light and how there can be no wetness without water.

Besides, even if the source of the light is hidden from us, the fact that we can see everything else is a prove there is light. Still, many will deny there isn't a light because there is no reflection. You and I know so well that there is no reflection unless the object or reflecting surface is totally compliant. Compliant in the sense that it is in the line of sight, it is smooth. The nature of the object also determines the nature of the reflection.

The water analogy is more interesting. Water takes the shape of the container. It changes to the colour of whatever you add to it. It takes the fragrance or smell (as the case may be) of whatever you mix it with. It also bears the taste of the ingredients you mix with it. However, by itself, it is colourless, odourless and tasteless. Water has its own identity and you should not draw conclusions hastily by what you have seen. Even the deep blue sea is just a reflection of the sky above. If you want to talk about water bear in mind the source, container, additives and all that comes with it. Otherwise, do not generalize.

When observing for evidence of God's existence, know that without Him, nothing was made that was made. When we seek further evidence, let's know that rough lives, coloured perspectives and inherent nature of the observed objects or evidences isn't the true nature of God. To find God we must come plainly, on His own terms and by the way He determines. Every other effort might yield but won't be perfect.

Never describe God based on circumstances, people, places and events. Never draw conclusions about God because of things you observe around. Know that all these things have tinted the true identity of God. To truly find God, you must separate Him from all the inconsistencies around, all the systems around and all the inventions and perceptions of men. Walk deeper to where you will find him alone. Be diligent to tarry in the place of study, that laboratory of your heart, to separate all the dirt and even illusory beauty to meet God in purity.

Does this mean God is meant to be used and reused for whatever we want?

1. Never mistake God's mercy, patience and kindness for weakness. Just as He allowed His Son to be led to the slaughter without a word. He allows men have a field day thinking they are in charge. Silently, He is filling every available space to soon take charge.
2. He leaves a portion of Himself everywhere so that genuine seekers will find Him.
3. He is the source of Life after all, He sustains everything by His Word. That's why you'd probably find clues about Him every where.

Whenever you are asked "Does God exist?" say you'll answer on the condition that he answers your question first. Then ask any of these two: "Does light shine? or "Is water wet?" If he has more time, ask both.

Yours sincerely.

About Denominations

How Denominations Come About

1) Spiritual Dispensation
For a long whole, the Church had struggled with attaining righteousness by works. There was mainly one denomination-catholicism. However, God through Martin Luther restored the truth of Justification by Faith alone. After meeting a face,off, He broke away from the Catholic Church with many who shared the sane conviction. It was the birth of an entirely new denomination, yet, it was at a time when God boldly stating to man that we can only be saved by faith. The Churches that sprang up from that period up to decades after shared similar beliefs and hence were a similar denomination-protestantism, lutheranism etc. In all these we see God at work staring the waters of truth for those who believe to jump in.

Similarly, the Church had forgotten the third person of the Godhead. Hence, were deprived of certain depths of power and grace. God raised a group of people with William Seymour as most prominent. God caused them to dig and they soon discovered an everlasting steam long forgotten. Men had interaction with the Holy Spirit and the Pentecostal Movement was born. This marked only the beginning. A while century after, churches are still springing up who are nourished by the streams these men pointed to.It was all God at work adding to His building, block by block, truth by truth, precept upon precept.

As God hands another missing piece of the puzzle to people, men like coal and wood and fuel will gather round it to keep the flame of such truth burning. God will permit that until that pure flame consumes all of creation. God will have the fragrance spread until it teaches the ends of the earth.

2) Natural or Ministry Affinity
Whenever we hear a preacher speak, God ministers to our spirit. However, the man makes an impression on us. Sometimes because of our background, exposure or ministry inclination we have preferences of ministers. This is not something so bad. Afteral, a prophet will need to be mentored by a prophet, so will a teacher need a teacher to be his mentor. Naturally, we have preferences. We tilt towards some ministers more easily based on the qualities they possess or the truths that they speak of which we are also convinced. Other times it's a family heritage that one is convinced to take up. More importantly, God is at work to properly guide us where we will be taught by Him.

Why Would God Allow So Many Denominations?
We cannot deny the tension and division that multiple denominations have caused. Why then would God still keep it that way?

We are co-workers with God (1 Cor 3:9). God is infinite. No one man can capture His totality. Neither can one denomination. Asides from uniqueness of purpose, prejudise makes some revelation from God sound preposterous. God will rather hand it to someone or people more inclined to believe. God gives, preserves and propagates a part of Himself in each genuine establishment we see. And only together can we say we have the mind of Christ. Only together can we truly say we know Him.

Should I then be loyal to one?
Since God has a hand in it, must I preserve my allegiance to a denomination? Can't I be a freelance Christian? Should I remain?

Absolutely, yes. Be faithful, especially with whatever God commits into your hands. However, accept others because we are one body with one Lord. We do not have to be everywhere to be compete. We only have to be where God plants us. We do not need to know all things to be a complete Christian. We only need to love all that God made. Love compensates for what we do not know. The whole essence of walking with God is to be conformed to the Image of His Beloved Son Jesus Christ. Jesus is the express image of God who is Love. If Love is what we have for our brethren, it is much better than knowing what they know.

Scriptures say "whosoever recieves a prophet in the name of a prophet shall recieve a prophets reward. Whosoever shall recieve a disciple shall in no guise loose his reward." Another portion says "whosoever gives a glass of cold water...." We ought to know that this is beyond hospitality. It is a heart of love. Once we recurve (accept, welcome, love, identify with) one who comes (not one who claims to) in the name of the Lord, we will recieve their reward. We will be blessed as though we are the prophet. We will be blessed as though we know what they know. Love indeed compensates for the gifts we do not manifest (1 Cor 13-14:1), the things we do not know and the doctrines we have not learnt.

In Conclusion
Truthfully, some have drifted to extremes and have become propagators of denomination rather than of Christ. We must wisely uphold our allegiance to Christ without rebellion. Rebellion is not the way. Love changes people; Love changes nations. Genuine love will drive us to be faithful. Genuine love will cause us to intercede. Genuine love for God will have us, like David, respect the Lord's anointed. If you have been faithful with little and it pleases the Lord, you will get your time.

God loves you.

Workmanship without Shame

Workmanship without Shame (2Tim 2:15)
What happens when confronted with issues of your faith? What happens when doctrinal questions are put to you? What happens when someone makes an accusatory statement against your faith and you feel responsible to act in defence? Do you just sit back saying that "it is wrong to argue." Or perhaps you say "the kingdom of God is not in word but in power." Truthfully, we are not meant to reply all of the time. We are also not meant to keep silent all the time. Sometimes such an opportunity is a chance to set someone on a search for truth. It may be the only platform where someone would have heard the truth. Would you keep silent always?

Beyond that, it is also an opportunity to increase knowledge and deepen conviction especially in the midst of the brethren. There your perspective of the scripture can be brought to the open and subjected to stringent tests to see its degree of truth.

Be Ready to Give Answers (Col 4:6)
Our faith is not a body of knowledge that is not applicable to real situations. Just like it is mentioned earlier that Jesus is the wisdom of God. A diligent man will have wise replies when the need arises. Sincerely, one reason Christians shun intellectual debates is that they have nothing to say. It is a debate when is it formal. What if it is informal, just a colleague at work asking or a curious friend putting the questing to you? (2 Tim 2:14-15) Diligent study will provide us with ready answers and prevent us from shame when confronted with issues of our faith.

Jesus the Wisdom of God
1 Cor 1:22-26. God's foolishness exceeded man's wisdom. His ways are not our ways. However, many people fear to confront the world's wisdom with truth. God's wisdom can flaw any philosophy. This reality has given rise to entire apologetics ministries. When we realise that God's wisdom flaws ever other philosophy no matter how religious it appears, we won't be afraid to subject truth to test as it can only win. When a man knows Jesus, the wisdom of God, he is a workmanship without shame.

Christianity is first of all spiritual. But since God is Lord over all, Christianity has a resounding effect on emotions as well as intellect. Christianity feels great and Christianity makes sense. It can be communicated.

Reasoning From Scriptures (Acts 17:2)
Paul reasoned with other believers from the scriptures. The word reasoning here is translated thus:

1. to think different things with one's self, mingle thought with thought a. to ponder, revolve in mind
2. to converse, discourse with one, argue, discuss

The word argue comes up here, not as quarrel but within the context of an objective discussion. I see this as a Bible study session when portions of scripture are read and interpreted. The differing views are further scrutinised until a scripture based conclusion is reached. We can argue, or better still reason from scriptures. If we do it well, we will increase in knowledge. If we do it right, we will stair up faith and edify the body.

The word argument is easily misunderstood. People hastily translate it to mean quarrel. There is more to argument than quarrel. Here are some definitions:

- A fact or statement used to support a proposition; a reason.
- A verbal dispute; a quarrel.
- A process of reasoning.
- (philosophy) A series of propositions organized so that the final proposition is a conclusion which is intended to follow logically from the preceding propositions, which function as premises.
- The subject matter of a discourse, writing, or artistic representation; theme or topic; also, an abstract or summary, as of the contents of a book, chapter, poem.
- Matter for question; business in hand.

It also has application in mathematics, programming, linguistics and astronomy. However, my emphasis would be about reasoning and theme of discussion.

Many Christians try not to engage in arguments. Wherever they do it usually results in anger and sometimes an iota of hatred. Many resort to attacking personality rather than addressing issues. Some scatter the whole chessboard in a guise not to admit the other person's point of view. Some, when they realise they'll soon be trapped in their own words put an end to the discourse. Some avoid it at all cost because it hardly ends well. Some also avoid it because there's really nothing to say. Their convictions cannot withstand the heat of questions.

Does the scripture leave room for arguements? Is it possible to benefit from it? Can one engage in such a highly hearted conversation without jeopardizing the rapport between involved parties. I am of the opinion that all the questions above can be answered in the affirmative.

Our convictions deepens when we subject them scrutiny. Our knowledge widens when we learn other people's perspectives. Interaction deepens conviction; listening increases knowledge. We know in part and each one only has a piece of the puzzle. When combine parts we have a bigger part and when we learn we are closer to the big picture.

I have moderated in a few studies that I came with points of my own. But by the time I listened to others, I no longer want to talk. Not because I was always wrong, but because I am learning something new. When we stick to what we know such that we don't improve on it, we are holding on to parts. Peter says "to your faith add knowledge." (2 Pet 1:5)

Issue of Pride
Pride is one reason we cannot see the right in other people's opinion. Pride will never admit that another person is right. Pride aims at only propagating ones persisting caring less about others. Humility learns while others speak and considers his own opportunity a privilege. It is wisdom to listen, it increases knowledge (Prov 1:5). I personally believe that everyone, provided he/she is born again, has a unique expression of God that you will never find elsewhere. Pride will never admit that God can speak through another, let alone the most overlooked person.

Lack of Courage
Understandably, it took so much effort and time to arrive where we are today. We have certain values and doctrines that we hold so dearly. We have researched from several sources and come to reasonable conclusions. Sometimes these doctrines have been taught for hundreds of years such that we no longer check them up. We can't tell how much its true or how far it has deviated. Sometimes, when the sources are respected figures we hold the thoughts even more dearly. But if it is worth believing at all, it should be worth testing. If you are willing to stake your life on it, you should be willing to subject these beliefs to the most rigorous test. If you are willing to hold it so dearly, you should be willing to test them with the most stringent methods.

But I see we have little or no courage to challenge our own beliefs. I do not mean challenging Church doctrine or teachings or rebelling against constituted authority. I mean subjecting personal values and beliefs to tests. And when such tests come our way, we take defensive positions. We care so much to defend our faith than put it to test. Let us summon up courage and weight what we believe so dearly. Once a while, let's stand on the sidelines and watch how much our cherished truth can withstand the philosophises of the world and even the facts of the scriptures. If it is worth believing, it is worth testing. If it comes thoughts tests we can stake our life on it because we know we will come through also.

All Things Will Be Tested Anyway
Heaven and earth shall pass away but my word will abide forever (Matt 24:35, 2 Pet 3:10). The day of the Lord will subject everything to the ultimate test. Everything whose origin isn't God's word will pass away with the heavens and the earth. So will everyone who held on to them. (check Heb 12:26-29 also). If they will eventually be subjected to the test, we can as well subject them to tests to see of they are worth clinging to. How shameful will it be if what we held so dearly cannot stand the ultimate test?

Examine Yourself
2 Cor 13:5 "Examine yourself whether you are still in faith." Paul admonishes us to constantly subject ourselves to truth of God's word. There's a likelihood for deviation especially when time has passed, so we constantly need recalibration.

"A open-hearted spirit-guided discourse on the scriptures will help deepen our conviction and increase our knowledge. It will help correct wrong impressions and further cement right ones. This environment will accommodate all but only benefit the humble at heart."

A humble man with courage to subject his thoughts and findings to rigorous test  will make a diligent man; a workmanship who need not to be ashamed.

Non-Denominational: The New Denomination

Before you read on, please note that this is not an attack at ministries that claim to be "non denominational." It is just an effort to magnify the extremes so that we can thread with caution and be more watchful.

"I am of Paul. I am of Apollo. I am of Cephas. I am of Christ."

(1 Cor 1:12-13; 3:3-6) Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

Paul Denominations (Planters):
These are pioneers and their loyalists; these are planters and those they inspire. There are quite a number of denominations that fit into this description. They are unorthodox and have the strangest backgrounds. They'd most likely tilt towards being liberal. The truth of Christ's gospel and the Presence of God are about the only things that makes them identifiable with the body of Christ. They are unconventional. They have a better grasp of Jesus as the power of God. One might mistake their faith for pride. They actually think evangelism is superior to teaching. But use is planting if there will be no watering? What use is planting and watering if God doesn't command increase? They scatter the seed everywhere they find themselves except restrained.

Apollos Denominations (Waterers):
Eloquence is the bait that draws some to Christ. The relevance of Christianity to life and how heavenly wisdom answers life's questions is what staired the heart of some. They have a heritage of faith. They are great teachers and assistants, full of zeal. They have a better grasp of Jesus as the wisdom of God. One might mistake their understanding for making the gospel sound like Philosophy. They consider watering more important. But what use is watering, if there is no seed? What profit is watering if God commands no increase?

Cephas Denominations (Gardeners):
They are orthodox in nature. You hardly hear of them lingering close to the boundaries of liberty. They're more legalistic but none the less brethren. They have met with the Lord and the awe translates to humility. One might mistake their love for God and care and concern for souls as being over protective or being fanatical. They carefully seek out those who seek God for personal profit so they do not divide the flock. These comprises those who fit into this description as well as those who are loyal to them. They jealously watch over the flock and feed them as the Lord charged them too.

I am of Christ
Many would think that this is the answer to all the crises. However, we would realise it's a more delicate issue. Others, though being a part of the division, still have an authority to which they submit. They have a leader over them. They are not in rebellion. They accept some preachers more readily. They might travel so far to hear a particular person speak.

But those who claimed to be of Christ are a ticking time bomb. They do not submit to constituted authority. They are not responsibly to anyone. They are a group of spiritual rebels. They are the religious critics. They claim to be under Christ's authority and are blind to see those who speak the words of Christ. This is a brand new denomination and the most dangerous. No one can call them to order.

It's not all doom. They recognize that Christ is final authority and that's what many seem to have forgotten in their allegiance to ministries. They are also more 'Berean' than the Bereans. They would never take anybody for their word until they are convinced it's the word of the Lord. This would keep us unharmed by error and things that are passionately sincere but nonetheless mistakes from respected men.

But then...
Each is unique. The Church needs charisma, so does the Church need utterance. The Church needs to pay attention to detail as well as live eash day by the words of Christ. Ultimately, the Church needs to be subject to the authority of Christ.

NB: Kindly read the post titled "About Denominations." It's a continuation and will set us at rest about denominations.

Zion's Songs, Babylon's Rhythm

A friend asked me to write on "songs of Zion, rhythms of the world.".There are indeed christians who in the attempt to write a song accompany it with popular a secular sound track or perhaps even use the exact words and just infuse Jesus at intervals. My first reply was there is really no song from Zion that will have those features. A song  Zion will have all from Zion, no borrowing, no copying, no leveraging on secularism.

However, I'd like to explore reasons why they assemble songs instead of compose songs. Here are some things I found out:
No Depth. No Faith.
No Patience. No Hope.

No Depth. No Faith.
Some Christians honestly want to write a song. But for every attempt they make, they seem to  always find some secular content seep in. Some do not understand why this is so. I'll try to explain. Writing a song is like drawing from a well. Deep wells have clear water. Shallow wells have colloidal water. People with depth always come out with a clear message; Unique lyrics: creative rhythm and distinguishable philosophy. You can hardly place where a shallow song belongs. It doesn't have to be Christian to be deep. There are depths to every belief. The deeper, the more unique.

For Christian songs, or "Zion Songs", depth is a factor of personal relationship with God. Songs are snapshots of moments of intimacy with the Lord. Songs are paintings of personal revelations of Christ. When the relationship and the revelation is removed, we are left with a shallow well. Truly it contains but it also contains dirt and particles from all over. We get sick not because there is 99% water. We get sick because there is only 1% poison. Lack of depth makes your message indistinguishable. Lack of depth deprives one of clarity, uniqueness and ingenuity. Worse still, lack of depth poisons the only water available to us. Seeking depth indicates faith in God to endow us with His creative abilities.

No Patience. No Hope.
Many times we think we are in competition with the world. We want to get what they have and become who they are. But we are so different. We are oaks that are as deep as they are high. We first bear roots downward before bearing fruits upwards. We are not like grass that springs up overnight and dies at noon. Our message is eternal, theirs is temporal. If only on this world we have hope, we are of all men most miserable. Scriptures warns us umpteen times not to envy the wealth or fame of the wicked. When we ignore this, we roll out of the oven before we are fully baked.

Sometimes, in order to arrive quickly where the world has been, we don't mind sounding like them. Sometimes we envy their impression on the crowd and strive to create a similar reaction by borrowing sounds. Our impact is beyond the realm of emotions. The word is quick and powerful and can penetrate and seperate soul and spirit. You don't have to see the rains before the valley is filled. God's ways isn't man's ways.

In conclusion, Zion has a culture, has a sound, has a language. Zion is whole and requires no complements or supplements. Zion's songs should bear nothing from another nation. It should ignite fire and commence a search in the heart of the listeners.Once a song borrows the world's rhythm it no longer causes you to seek God. It already bears an address point your hearts to whatever it sounds like. But when it sounds like nothing ever heard, men will seek until they find Him.

A Brother