My Worship in Music – Is God the Author of Confusion?
My Worship in Music – Is God the Author of Confusion?
Question
A concern was pointed to me that my song video clips could cause confusion or misinterpretation when it is not fully explained by me as “God is not the Author of confusion”
Answer
Here is my reply as to ‘why’ I present my video clips, song lyrics and even my theological writings the way I do & how I see the verse “God is not the author of confusion” means or applies as “it is used exactly in the Bible too”.
People misinterpret a lot of things including Christ’s Words; if they are really looking an explanation, they can ask me
In fact thousands of denominations of Christianity not to mention various discrepancies in doctrine across big denominations that number in millions exists. So, can we use that to say that God authored all this confusion? No!
Christ spoke in parables that “seeing they may not see, hearing they may not understand” (so, them not understanding what they see in my video is certainly within the Biblical way of conveying the message)
God is not the author of confusion verse speaks of some other topic and not relating to appearance of evil nor making it plain for anyone to understand, no.
What is spoken of when the verse God is not the author of confusion is written? Here it is (let’s let Scripture, verses speak):
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” (1 Corinthians 14:33)
Among the things disobeyed which causes confusion is the next verses subsequent to it :
“Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.” (1 Corinthians 14:34 – 35)
So even Bible reading 📖 on the stage or song leading or pastors when it is “a woman” seems to contradict the verses above.
Can God speak to someone differently? (next verse only)
“What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?” (1 Corinthians 14:36)
Can a church or congregation of God exist without obeying this rule? (again, the next verses only perfect context)
“If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.” (1 Corinthians 14:37 – 38)
Is it only a “Lord’s Commandment” for the Corinthian church as so commonly lied about? Verrse 33 in this chapter mentions toward which churches the contents of rules mentioned in this chapter applies to (notice the phrase “churches of the saints” and the “churches” in verse 34 must mean the same).
Why am I mentioning this? Because I am explaining the correct context of using the verse “God is not the author of confusion” to the “exact topic” and “context” mentioned in the Bible & not using it to anything outside of it as I feel.
Lastly, speaking or delivering the message of the Gospel in symbolism, parable to those outside who may misinterpret you or not understand you is following the way Christ did too. It is allowed by His example. Just like Christ, we need only answer those who require explanation of they ask us. So, my way of doing it is certainly Biblical in every sense.
P/S:
Please allow me to explain some of my video clips to help one understand the meaning proposed:
(i) Can one sing in a rough voice like in the Answer? Isn’t it an appearance of evil?
It’s not an issue to me (singing 🎶 in that voice).
Soft voice need not mean holy & vice versa; the words define whether it is good or not. Appearance of evil is only there in a rough singing if no words are uttered with screams of no meaning which I have not done. In fact, I had to sing in that voice to match the distortion guitar 🎸)
God has spoken in both Gentle whisper vs Thunderous Rough Voice too as examples below show (thus speaking/singing in a roaring or thunderous voice is “not” an appearance of evil)
1 Kings 19:12 (NIV)
After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came agentle whisper.
Job 37:2-5 (NIV)
Listen! Listen to the roar of his voice, to the rumbling that comes from his mouth. … After that comes the sound of his roar; he thunders with his majestic voice. When his voice resounds, he holds nothing back. God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways…
(ii) How about the lead Solo in The water during the Answer?
The image actually signifies cleansing in the water signifying a freedom to worship God in the way we want, in this case: a dancing with the guitar with instrumental worship. I joined both concepts and hence, playing the lead in the water.
Being symbolic, that lead Solo with being shirtless in the water Remains as that of a cleansing & example of free worship and nothing more. It’s not a style of worship in a church but a private one possible in a forest before God whilst enjoying the cool waterfall of His Creation whilst doing so.
(iii) How about dancing & playing the guitar?
Dancing or playing instrumental worship or without instruments are accepted
For example, with instruments, tambourine dancing. So, dancing with the Guitar whilst playing instrumentally is “no” less of a worship as I was proving with that video too.
(iv) Isn’t playing guitar like that showing off?
Some people may argue that playing lead guitar skillfully is showing off.
It’s no more of a show off than a skillful dance, a skillful tambourine dance or playing, nor of a saxophonist, violinist or pianist doing that during worship too, for example.
In fact, playing skillfully is exhorted in Scripture (and that’s a way to do it with the guitar)
“Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy.” (Psalm 33:3)
With the invention of the electric guitar, one can combine the elements of “dancing” with a “stringed instrument” as well as playing “loud” whilst these are done during worship too (by separate elements together too) as the verses below mentioned each of these three elements of musical property
“Praise Him with timbrel and dancing;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.
Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with resounding cymbals.” (Psalm 150:4 – 5)
(v) What is the song Answer about? Why does it look dark?
The answer is a transitional worship period depicting the cleansing that began from the dark times of voices (real experience); the video is dark because all of it was shot at night. That is, it depicts the beginning of cleansing. While in relative darkness, the repentance began though it took time. So it was ok under that idea.
It wasn’t just anger but the face of pain whilst playing it because in such a transitional state, emotions are down. Anger & pain is depicted but despite that, one must persevere to still worship. Anger & pain here is not directed toward God but the demons causing those voices & pain (emotional instability at that time).
The playing was “real” as it tried to depict the actual feelings at that time & not a fake happy worship when a true happy worship took much a longer time with the stopping of voices & progress of Healing.
(vi) What is the meaning for the “Beautiful Reason” song? What does the phrase “me and my guitar mean”?
Beautiful Reason – has the main theme that upon discovering the Truth of Universal Reconciliation in Christ (as explained in the lyrics), one may find oneself alone (believing it, even due to being cast out from the church because of it).
Nevertheless, as a guitar player, it’s a declaration of worship that “me and my guitar” (the two of will worship Him alone regardless if no one else believes Universal Reconciliation or worships with it).
(vii) In “Jesus in you”, what is the meaning of showing “money” a few times in this videoclip?
Money pops up in the video to each time that one pays or helps friends in need (motorcycle case or accident case). This is more of a case of obeying the following verse in a way of giving or providing for each other’s needs or misfortune too if it arises:
“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
The other depiction of renting the place despite knowing the landlord is after money only. But still showing him the love of Christ being there & when leaving, paying for the rent accordingly and even blessing him with a little extra giving too. In the letter mentioning that God loves him. The landlord feels the sincerity of this last godly tenant.
As the verse goes
“…and money answereth all.” (2nd part of Ecclesiastes 10:19)
(viii) Isn’t rock or heavy music used in demon worship?
I am not doing any of those. To relate it to music type is absurd. They worship Satan, I don’t.
A lot of traditional soft music (using percussion) have been used for demon worship across cultures, so going by those association logic, we cannot use any musical instruments. People have been worshiping
Demons by using traditional soft instruments long before the invention of the electric guitar.
Demon worship has used the piano, flute, violin or whatever other instruments too. For example, in places of sin such as massage parlours or prostitution dens, it is very common to put “soothing slow/sentimental music” as opposed to rock music. So, to associate that soothing music to that place of sin is as absurd as linking Christian rock worship to demonic worship just based on music type or usage.
Let’s understand that.
(ix) Do you worship Satan?
I don’t worship Satan or have any liking toward him.
Just because Satan managed to make some electric guitar players to follow after him will not stand in the way of me using the electric guitar for God.
(x) Isn’t Satan a electric guitar player?
This absurd idea has no Biblical basis. In fact, this statement is more Biblical:
Do you know that the description of Satan in Ezekiel depicts him more of a tambourine dance (timbrel) and a pipe based instrument player (maybe organ? Flute? we should be more afraid of those instruments then because those are his forte).
Here are the “verses” hinting on this more:
“You have been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of your timbrels and of your pipes was prepared in you in the day that you were created.” (KJV 2000, Ezekiel 28:13)
(xi) Are your music videos spreading God? Is it bringing Glory to God?
For me, it is spreading God as believers too have told me that.
For me, it is bringing Glory to God as again, believers have mention it too
The problem is there are believers (like you) who also find it not glorifying God or not spreading God.
So, it’s really difficult to tell God is approving or disapproving based on these two sets of believers who do exist (UR believers on both sides too, plus eternal Hell believers as well).
Only God knows and all I see that it depicts my action, to worship Him at that time in that way as I did.
That is, I am pointing out to some truth in essence there from my past worship. I may not worship in that manner in the future if God leads to different type of worship which is more acceptable to Him but I still believe it is important to show this past style because it is the truth. I try not to hide my transitions in worship too from my past.
So, even if it is not perfect worship or a worship He accepts, it remains & an honest attempt to do so and who is to say that God hasn’t accepted it? That we will know on Judgment Day. May God have Mercy on me tolerating my Worship if that style is not so appropriate as you say.
I stick to the lyrics to find that The Answer is correct, the video clip is attached later for viewing.
When the worship was recorded, there was only music & words.
The video clip serves some symbolism of a transitional period from darkness to light. The words are correct & I believe that’s most important. The video depicts truth which occurred symbolically & is right in that.
(xii) Are video clips like The Answer a sin or not?
I don’t see it as a sin. I see it as a depiction of truth & testimony which occurred in my life, my life story. During that transitional time, it shows a part of me still trying to worship God despite the darkness faced.
(xiii) Is the Holy Spirit present? In The Answer song?
The Holy Spirit may not be present at the time of the voices at all, and the beginning of the video shows that, how lost we are without God
The later part shows since transitional parts of being led toward Christ.
And finally, the person is Saved and restored with the Holy Spirit looking back at this past true event of his life.
So, that’s how I see the presence of the Holy Spirit possibly in the transition of the video in the song.
(xiv) In the Home video, is it showing that one can die in your sin & go to Heaven? Also how about smoking & drinks shown there?
How about the guy showing smoking & drinking in the picture? The person doing it agreed to it as he was in a transitional period of letting go of it. I respect his honesty to show it publicly & his intent to give it up thereafter by God’s Strength.
The Home video doesn’t show partying in the club with smoking & drinking but one that dies in that state. It looks too late from the earthly perspective but there is a hope beyond Hell that is shown.
It doesn’t show going to Heaven after dying in sins, that is misunderstanding the words & visual of Home.
Just like this hope beyond Hell (being a mystery of the Gospel too in Scripture) is hidden & is revealed very Mysteriously (often misunderstood as people misinterpret Home as well) , we took a similar approach to show likewise in the video clip.
The video may not show his punishment in Hell or the Saving of our Blessed Saviour from it, but the words in the chorus mention it clearly as that person is implied to be in “darkness” (outer darkness, Hell) Where His Light shines.
The time frame between each line of the chorus could be long times apart (not immediate) to be fulfilled but it’s certainly Scriptural.
The lyrics depict this Mystery of hope though it be a “long time in Hell first” as He Wills for those who died in their sin.
You will seek the lost (1 Peter 3:18-20, 1 Peter 4:9 preached in Hell too) and finally draw all men to Him (John 12:32), only after which I declare, “be welcome Home” (1 Timothy 4:9-11).
The reason I did Home in that way to convey that message is chiefly to sing of “All” His Wondrous Works as I have come to understand Universal Reconciliation in Christ alone. In contrast, believers in eternal Hell often never worship God with “eternal Hell” in their lyrics & not worshipping with all the truth they believe (worshipping with only parts of it, and I don’t intend to follow that style at all).
So, I do not shy away from singing all truth as I believe it in worship to Him. This I believe is an important component to “worshipping Him in Spirit and Truth”.
Just because people like misunderstand my video to mean that I am encouraging to sin more, it remains their misunderstanding & God knows that I don’t intend that at all.
Apostle Paul faced a situation of some sort where people thought by his Gospel message Preaching encouraged people to “sin more”, which is certainly not the case. Thus, if Paul faced a similar false accusation while he is actually sending the opposite message, such misunderstandings don’t bother me either. Here is that verse:
“And why not say (as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say), “Let us do evil that good may come”? Their condemnation is just.” (Romans 3:8)
“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it” (Romans 6:1 – 2)
The conclusion is somewhat like this:
‘I will be accountable for what meaning I meant in my worship to God & you will be accountable for your misinterpretations or false judgments upon it as each bears his own sins; God is the judge’
Blessed be His Name despite our human frailties!
Let us end with a word of prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I commit myself & anyone coming in contact with my songs into Your Loving Hands 👐
I pray for understanding upon them with regards to Anonymous Christian videos & my music (with another 30 over songs already recorded in the past but never released due to no funds).
Whether it is released or not, whether it is heard by others or not, God, You know that I have given my word to play these songs of worship for the Audience Of One, which is You
May it be acceptable in Your Sight as it is done in 2014/5 itself!
I pray that they see that my intention to do it in the way I see as I explained is as it is. People’s misinterpretation & all that don’t bother me no more simply because if they are meant to be saved by You, You will save them one way or the other & nothing I can do to alter that.
Salvation is Your Sovereign Will alone and none can snatch Your sheep from Your hands, Blessed Saviour (no misunderstanding of any video of mine to anybody can change this either, HalleluYah 🙌)
As we each offer our own gift in our own ways to you in the area of worship too, may You be pleased accordingly
Thank You God for hearing us & we understand that what matters in my Worship is my intention & meanings which I believe I sing to You
And likewise, any Judgment or misinterpretation of anyone concerning it remains their error (as I have declared these meanings in writings on my wall & website too)
I am free from the guilt of anyone not understanding it
We praise You and we commit all these it to Your Loving Hands, Amen 🙏 amen
Concluding verses:
“But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” (1 Corinthians 4:3 – 5)
“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” (1 Corinthians 11:31)
