Recently, I realized that a secular artist, Korede Bello, is being invited to a Pentecostal Church to “minister” to the people of God. I have also seen the mixed feelings and heard about the hot debate that follow after, both on the social, on some radio stations as well as in print media about whether this is right or wrong. Can the church share her pulpit with a secular artist to come and “bless” the church in songs? Here are my submissions:
Firstly, I want to read Psalm 137:4, which says, “…How can we sing the Lord’s song, in a strange land…?” The song, “God Win” that Korede Bello sang looks nice, but is the vessel singing the song in a good relationship with Christ? Is he born again? Can’t this be likened to singing the Lord’s song in a strange land? Jesus once said to Nicodemus; “that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit…” (John 3:6). Has the church quickly forgotten that, “friendliness with the world, is an enmity against God? James 4:4 says, “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God”(NIV) I think the church should look beyond the music and x-ray and scan the vessel, in order to be sure that the vessel is unto honor and not unto dishonor.
Secondly, God admonished us in Hebrews 13:5, “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name”. However, He does not take all sacrifices. He rejected the sacrifice of Cain and accepted that of Abel. That scripture says, God rejected Cain and his offering, but He accepted Abel and His offering (Genesis 4:4-5). That tells us that God shows more interest in the vessel than in the sacrifice. That was why the scripture says in Romans 12:1, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God–this is your true and proper worship” (NIV). King James Version says, it is our reasonable service, anything outside that is unreasonable.
Philippians 3:3 says, “For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh” (KJV). Anything done in the flesh is unacceptable to God, no matter how good it looks. 1 Samuel 15:22 says, “But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams” (NIV). The book of Proverbs 15:8 says “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight”. Jesus Christ referred to the Jews who did not believe in Him as offspring of their father, the Devil (John 8:44)
The church should examine the fruits of anyone who will be ministering either in songs or in the Scriptures before bringing him or her to the altar to minister to the people of God. This act of bringing a secular artist to the church will definitely send a wrong signal. Gospel artists who are not yet completely matured spiritually may feel that it is proper and they will tend to also want to go into the world. Moreover, they may think that backsliding into singing secular music will make them more acceptable by the church after all. This act may lead more people into the world. It will definitely do more harm to the church than good. What message are we really passing across to the body of Christ by bringing secular artist into the church as a guest minister? We are saying invariably that their style of music and their way of life is acceptable to God. If care is not taken, such celebrated secular artist will be further led to the way of perdition. The church does not owe the world her pulpit; she owes the world the message of the cross.
We should not fall for the trick of the Devil. He always comes in a subtle way. He can even quote scriptures in order to mislead the saints. Satan quoted scriptures for Jesus while tempting Him but Jesus resisted him and rebuked him vehemently, so let us also follow the footsteps of the Master (Matthew 4:1-11). He tactically deceived Adam and Eve also. (Genesis 3:4).
He once spoke through Apostle Peter telling Jesus that He will not die on the cross, but Jesus understood his gimmicks and He rebuked the Devil instantly (Matthew 16:23). We should not be ignorant of the schemes of the devil, at times he comes like an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). His ultimate mission is to kill, to steal and to destroy. (John 10:10). The standard of God stands sure, because He knows those who are His and He has instructed those who are called by His name, to depart from iniquity. (2 Timothy 2: 19-21).
Let us all join hands together to build the church. The gate of hell must not and cannot prevail over the church. Let us be mindful of how we contribute to the building. Are we building with hays, stubbles, wood, or precious stones or with gold? We should remember that one day; our work will be tested by fire. Will our work abide? (I Corinthians 3: 12-13). I pray that God will give us the grace to build well in Jesus’ name.
Take note; you cannot invoke God’s presence with a secular music; you can only provoke God with it, no matter how melodious it may seem.
Kayode Olusoji
CEO, @Woodclef
Twitter: @Kayode_Olusoji
