Consider again the implications of your church singing Hillsong music. Have a look at how Hillsong see their music:
Our new @HillsongWorship album #NoOtherName is releasing soon! Each song is God-breathed & labored in love. Pre-Order is avail today! Source: Hillsong LA, Twitter, https://twitter.com/hillsongla/status/482244528896614400, 12:30 PM – 26 Jun 2014. (Accessed 28/03/2015.)
Christian Today also had this disturbing story about Hillsong’s worship team:
Hillsong singer David Ware says their song ‘O Praise The Name’ brought a new revelation of Easter
Hillsong singer David Ware said that their song “O Praise The Name” brought a new revelation of Easter and helps people reflect on the resurrection of Jesus Christ in a different way.
When they were recording the song in the studio, songwriter Marty Sampson challenged Ware to concentrate on a particular line in the song, “I cast my mind to Calvary,” and sing as if he was actually there.
“As I began to envision the hill of Calvary, I imagined what it would have been like to actually be there on that day, looking up at my Saviour hanging on that tree, the Messiah, full of love for me, as He breathed His last,” said Ware, and for him, that vision changed everything.
He and the rest of the band recorded the song with their gaze transfixed on Jesus’ face, and Ware hopes that listeners will be inspired with the way they told the ancient story.
He said that Easter is the only time of the year when Christians and non-Christians alike from all over the world place their focus on Jesus and what they believe about Him. People reflect on “who He was or wasn’t, what He did or didn’t do, the life He lived, His death, His resurrection and all that happened after,” said Ware.
And he loves the fact that their song sheds new light into His timeless story, and it helps Christians remember the greatest love story of all time in a different way. Ware considers it amazing that Jesus’ story is as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago. And not only is it His story, but it’s everybody’s as well, because Jesus died on the cross to save mankind, the singer said.
He quoted the Bible verse Romans 5:8, which says: “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.“
Source: Czarina Ong, Hillsong singer David Ware says their song ‘O Praise The Name’ brought a new revelation of Easter, Christian Today, http://www.christiantoday.com/article/hillsong.singer.david.ware.says.their.song.o.praise.the.name.brought.a.new.revelation.of.easter/50866.htm, Published 27/03/2015. (Accessed 28/03/2015.)
Hillsong Church Watch 
“Each song is God-breathed”
correction.. all Scripture is God-breathed. no hillsong lyrics are..
——————————————————
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be.” (2 timothy 3:16-17)
brian houstons ‘teachings’ (*) are not useful for any of the above, much less their songs.
(*) more like “health & wealth exhortations”
nfg
Exactly. That’s what they’re saying. Their songs are based on scripture and therefore the lyrics are God-breathed through scripture. They don’t mean that the lyrics they come up with are God-breathed, but rather the scriptures that lay the foundation for the songs.
“Their songs are based on scripture and therefore the lyrics are God-breathed through scripture.”
In the very same way that all of Brian Houston’s books are “based on scripture” and are therefore “God-breathed”, is that right Brandon? For example, Brian’s enduring classic “You Need More Money” was definitely “God-breathed”, wasn’t it?
tf, i dont know whats so complicated about this either..
brandon, c3/hillsong dont ‘hear from God’. not at all. period. its a lie.
just like the friends of katherine ruonala below dont really have Jesus walking thru walls into their mtgs.. Jesus said when He returns it will be in the clouds, not thru the walls. dont be so gullible, nfg
http://sonburn.org/encounter/
@Brandon,
And another thing.
“Their songs are based on scripture and therefore the lyrics are God-breathed through scripture. They don’t mean that the lyrics they come up with are God-breathed, but rather the scriptures that lay the foundation for the songs.”
From the Gospel of Matthew:
~Then the devil took [Jesus] to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“ ‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ”~
Satan’s deception was based on scripture, so I suppose you would contend that it logically follows that the deception was God-breathed through scripture – is that right, Brandon? You would argue that the scriptures laid the foundation for the Devil’s lie, wouldn’t you?
It’s interesting to note that Brian does exactly what the deceiver did: he misquotes scripture to further his own ends. It’s not hard to figure out where Brian is going to end up, given that he employs the same methodology as does the father of lies…
“Their songs are based on scripture and therefore the lyrics are God-breathed through scripture.”
Do you really think God would breathe on Hillsong lyrics that pervert the scriptures? One just needs to look at the devil-twisting lyrics in the song ‘Oceans’. The actual bible passage is not about promoting to us the idea for the “spirit lead to trust without borders”. That’s paganism.
That biblical passage glorified Jesus being Lord and God over the wind and the waves.
Brian Houston no longer endorses that book. He realizes that it was a mistake and he never intended it to be taken in the way that so many critics took it. Now I’m not just blindly defending Brian. I don’t agree with all of his theology, but to call him all these ridiculous names and say he teaches a false gospel is crazy. He teaches that salvation is found only through the death and resurrection of Jesus. I’m not quite sure how that’s a false gospel. Joel Osteen, on the other hand, teaches a false gospel. He teaches prosperity for one’s self. Houston teaches prosperity to be used to bless others and advance the gospel. Again, I don’t agree with everything he says and I more often listen to messages by Francis Chan and Louie Giglio. But my goodness I feel like you guys spend more time analyzing every single thing the man says to “expose” him than anything else. If you’re honest with yourself, what do you put more effort into, making disciples of Christ or bashing Hillsong? Also, just because that one passage of the Bible isn’t about “faith without borders” doesn’t mean they can’t put it in the song. There are hundreds of verses in scripture about trusting in God. And the thing about satan’s words being based on scripture, that’s just dumb lol. I don’t even know how to respond to that. He was using scripture to tempt Jesus, hillsong uses scripture to praise Jesus. Now I’m gonna go celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on this fine Easter morning, while you guys are searching for quotes.
“If you’re honest with yourself, what do you put more effort into, making disciples of Christ or bashing Hillsong?”
We’ve helped make more disciples of Christ by encouraging people to leave the Hillsong cult. We are right on mission.
“Brian Houston no longer endorses that book. He realizes that it was a mistake and he never intended it to be taken in the way that so many critics took it.”
@ Brandon, Incorrect. The only mistake in Brian’s mind is that he got busted, and having no other way out, he did his best to save face. Brian Houston has never left the Prosperity Gospel, he continues to teach it today, only being more selective in the words he uses to describe it.
“Now I’m not just blindly defending Brian.”
Actually, you are.
“He (Brian Houston) teaches that salvation is found only through the death and resurrection of Jesus. I’m not quite sure how that’s a false gospel. Joel Osteen, on the other hand, teaches a false gospel.”
Both men teach the ‘tithing’ lie, for example. Joel Osteen has been a speaker at the Hillsong Conference, Brian Houston endorses him. What part are you missing here, friend?
On thtithing: B Houston comments on thithing on this webpage:
“The innuendos that suggest Bobbie, myself and our children are profiting off people’s tithes is completely false.”
I find that disingenuous because their entire careers and family fortune would not have come into existence if not for Hillsong and its tithers. At least for the first several years wasn’t his salary paid from member tithes?? Maybe its true Brian and Bobbie not now “are profiting” off the tithes but they “once did”.
http://hillsong.com/media/bobbie’s-and-my-financess-a-letter-from-brian-houston
Next:
“the inferences that people are pressured to give money have no foundation – tithing is and has always been a biblical principal that we live by and one that we stand by.”
Biblical principalt?? regardless if it is or isn’t, it’s being disingenuous again because just declaring tithing a biblical principal, that inference alone does adds implicit pressure, imho…
@Brandon,
“Brian Houston no longer endorses that book. He realizes that it was a mistake […]”
You must be talking about the Bible.
What is wrong with what David Ware said about that song? I listened to it and it sounds fantastic. There is nothing in it contrary to the Word of God. “He said that Easter is the only time of the year when Christians and non-Christians alike from all over the world place their focus on Jesus and what they believe about Him.” This is true and great for believers and non-believers alike. It opens up discussion of our Lord and this is exactly what we need. We need to teach those around us about the Savior. Maybe this song can show someone who doesn’t know the Gospel, what Easter is about.
Herschel – “He said that Easter is the only time of the year when Christians and non-Christians alike from all over the world place their focus on Jesus and what they believe about Him.”
If they really believe non-Christians place their “focus” on Jesus at Easter, think again. The Easter Bunny would have a more primary focus than Christ. As for believers? Their focus is on Christ all year round.
“What is wrong with what David Ware said about that song?”
David Ware is from hillsong; ergo, whatever he has to say about *any* subject can be profitably ignored. (Obviously some things that are self-evident to the discerning aren’t apparent to those whose senses have been dulled by too much exposure to the “teachings” of Brian “You Need More Money” Houston).
I agree with Herschel.
There is nothing sinister in David Ware’s comments. He’s clearly someone who knows the Savior Jesus.
Why is it that Christians who know the saviour, leave Hillsong?
There are probably a bunch of reasons why people choose to leave Hillsong. I left because of a lack of bible teaching. The fact I was there for over 4 years and loved the music and fellowship didn’t mean I wasn’t trusting in Jesus for salvation. When I couldn’t take the faulty doctrines, I left.
“I left because of a lack of bible teaching.”
And as Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27. You left because Wisdom was calling you to leave Folly.
Look at the lyrics. http://www.worshiptogether.com/songs/o-praise-the-name-anastasis/
1. Is the focus upon Jesus Christ, the Saviour of all those who believe in Him or on how the individual *feels* when they reflect upon what Jesus did for us?
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
“He’s clearly someone who knows the Savior Jesus.”
@Beholdason, You always make the comment this person knows the Gospel, or that person doesn’t know the Gospel. It’s comforting to know there is one so wise and distinguished among us who can see into each man’s heart.
How about going around the table and making such a call for each of us, since you are authorized to make that decision.
While you’re at it, let’s hear about your latest trip to Heaven, and any other revelatory words you have received for the Body of Christ.
Biblos1972, you accuse me of something which I haven’t done and in a way which is rude and unkind.
Only people who love God can talk about fixating on the Cross and what it represents. My comment was simply highlighting the fact that he understands the relevance of Calvary. Only saved people understand Romans 5:8.
Are you forgiven?
What a nasty comment.
“Are you forgiven?”
@Beholdason, Speaking of nasty comments, what is that supposed to imply? Now you are questioning my salvation, based on 1 comment?
I believe CW has mentioned before, you seem to have your own agenda here. I tend to think that is a true statement.
2. ” Messiah still and all alone…” – will give benefit of the doubt to musicians as they are not *supposed* to be Hillsong’s theologians or do the preachers’ job for them.
https://carm.org/christianity/christian-doctrine/where-did-jesus-go-after-he-died-cross
That line is the artists’ imagination, nothing from scripture itself or Nicene Creed (Google it) etc.
I particularly dislike “…all alone..” Jesus had full control over his death and resurrection, He is (the all-powerful) God made flesh, He conquered death!
“And he loves the fact that their song sheds new light into His timeless story, and it helps Christians remember the greatest love story of all time in a different way.”
Which ‘new light?’ What ‘different way?’ Is there a new way we are to understand and/or view Jesus and the cross? Has the Gospel changed?
“He and the rest of the band recorded the song with their gaze transfixed on Jesus’ face, and Ware hopes that listeners will be inspired with the way they told the ancient story.”
Isn’t this New Age visualization?
Take it from a recovering ex-Christian mystic (last traces cured via late Ken Silva’s blog Apprising dot org), Hillsong is fixated on mystical practices to experience God’s presence which they achieve through prolonged hypnotic musical performances.
At first it may appear strange that such loud music might be linked to experiences of inner quietness and seeking God within compared to e.g.Eastern mystics. Loud, happy-clappy, fast-beat style songs that become slower-paced, quieter mantras repeated over and over again, people swaying with eyes closed until they appear hypnotised. The song pattern on the CDs are the same. Inner closeness/oneness to their Higher Being/s results.
“….. This Christian mysticism, now, obviously differs in no essential respect from the parallel phenomena which are observable in other religions. It is only general mysticism manifesting itself on Christian ground and interpreting itself accordingly in the forms of Christian thought. It is mysticism which has learned to speak in Christian language…..
…. The common element in all these varieties of mysticism is that they all seek all, or most, or the normative or at least a substantial part, of the knowledge of God in human feelings, which they look upon as the sole or at least the most trust worthy or the most direct source of the knowledge of God…..”
http://reformedliterature.com/warfield-mysticism-and-christianity.php
Thinker, agreed. I am not a fan of it, nor of Jesus Culture’s 9-minute ‘spontaneous’ sensory overloads, nor of the ‘soaking’ genre. I don’t need continual ‘activation’ to experientially remind myself that I am a Christian. However for the ambient crowd, the Word of God on its own seems not enough for them, in spite of John 20:31.
If their trance music were removed, these groups would have to quickly crossover into something new or they would fizzle.
Their usage of postmodern concepts / language alone is enough to be concerning on its own.
It’s a theology that’s about “come and see” (Hillsong) rather than “go and tell” (gospel/make disciples). I always find it fascinating how they represent themselves visually on social media. Who is in “centre frame”? Not Christ, it’s all about Hillsong.
I cant stand it when “Christians” are constantly praying to encounter Jesus in some “fresh” and “new” way…
Is the saving power of the Gospel not good enough? Does it get boring or something?
The “new thing” promised was to Israel,
Isaiah 42:6-9
“I am the Lord, I have called You in righteousness,
I will also hold You by the hand and watch over You,
And I will appoint You as a covenant to the people,
As a light to the nations,
To open blind eyes,
To bring out prisoners from the dungeon
And those who dwell in darkness from the prison.
“I am the Lord, that is My name;
I will not give My glory to another,
Nor My praise to graven images.
“Behold, the former things have come to pass,
Now I declare new things;
Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.”
It’s speaking of the new covenant that would go out to the Gentiles through the Jewish people. Apparently the Holy Spirit forgot to include (in the bible) that it then goes out to Hillsong to proclaim fresh revelation through visualization.
Some food for thought.
It’s important to remind our readers that Hillsong is deliberately marketing themselves to look intelligent and reformed. This is one reason why they are spiritually sleeping with the Anglican minister John Dixon and disgraced Mark Driscoll.
Their song “This I Believe” among many other dishonest claims and gimmicks was a duplicit marketing ploy to give the false impression that Hillsong are orthodox and somehow connected to the historic Christian.
When they discussed how this particular song was written – it came across loud and clear that Hillsong had no clue why the creeds were written. Yet in their sheer arrogance, they claimed that this song was to unite the Christian church.
Simply put, we are astounded how both ignorant and arrogant these men and women are who claim to be “worship leaders”. Since when do worship leaders write music to further their own movement at the expense of Christ’s church?
It’ s interesting to notice then with their new song ‘O Praise The Name (Anástasis)’ Hillsong are using Greek for their title. Once again, they are implying they are in touch with biblical language. But go back fifteen years ago, this would have been a taboo.
Anastasis will simply be another buzz word that will be thrown around to make Hillsong look cool and relevant – while Hillsong will continue to spit at the traditional churches who will often expound on the Greek to educate their congregants faithfully.
This is why people really need to consider these “worship leaders” motives. Their motives appear to be incredibly wrong when producing their music. Lastly, if this song IS meant to be about Jesus’ death and resurrection, why the Hillsong marketing plug? Why offering the option to download it?
If it does get number one, Hillsong will make this song about Jesus about them.
The song is a free download.
Very good timing (28 March 2015): http://www.ligonier.org/blog/what-function-creeds/
what gets me everytime with hillsong united or hillsong worship. is the music dosent seem to line up with whats being preached in their churches.
i have been to a lot of hillsong album recordings over the years, they put so much into it. in fact they put their all into it.
yet the treatment and content of their preaching is really lacking, there is always something missing or not quite right about their teachings.
but their music like the songs, oceans, broken vessels, and the new one touch the sky.
tayo smith sings all of these songs written by joel houston, there is something about her voice.
im not promoting hillsong music, im just saying after the music is finished what is left.
Nothing is left. After all the pomp and Hype, there is nothing left.
you can.t judge her heart you guys are legalistic
you don.t know her heart so you shouidnt judge her only god knows her heart
God knows her heart: it’s wicked.
Tim Deary – some insight into all our hearts:
Are we still desperately wicked in our hearts after we become Christians?
Yes, we are still wicked in our hearts even after we become Christians.
Biblically speaking, the unbeliever is completely and totally affected by sin in every area of his being: heart, soul, mind, body, emotions, etc. In this sense he is desperately wicked (though not all unbelievers are as bad as they can be in the manifestation of that wickedness). This is why the Bible says that man is deceitful (Jer. 17:9), full of evil (Mark 7:21-23), loves darkness rather than light (John 3:19), does not seek for God (Rom. 3:10-12), is ungodly (Rom. 5:6), dead in his sins (Eph. 2:1), by nature a child of wrath (Eph. 2:3), cannot understand spiritual things (1 Cor. 2:14), and is a slave of sin (Rom. 6:16-20).
However, when we become regenerate, we are new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). Yet, we’re also still desperately wicked. We won’t be delivered from this until we receive our new bodies in the future resurrection (1 Cor. 15:35-45). For now, we still live in fallen flesh and struggle with the sin nature that affects all of who we are. It is in the battle between our old sinful selves and our new redeemed selves that our victories overcoming sin and failures in sin manifest. So, even as Christians, we are still touched by sin in all areas of who we are, hence, we are desperately wicked in that we are still completely touched by sin. The difference is that we also now struggle against our wickedness because we have been changed by God. We have been made new creatures, and because of that work of God, we can now recognize our sin and seek to turn from it where the unbeliever will not.
I think the words of Paul the apostle are appropriate here:
“For the good that I wish, I do not do; but I practice the very evil that I do not wish. 20 But if I am doing the very thing I do not wish, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. 21 I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wishes to do good. 22 For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, 23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin,” (Romans 7:19-25). https://carm.org/are-christians-still-wicked
Cheers, Team ChurchWatch.
“Yes, we are still wicked in our hearts even after we become Christians.
However, when we become regenerate, we are new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). Yet, we’re also still desperately wicked. We won’t be delivered from this until we receive our new bodies in the future resurrection”
So very true. Notice this passage from John 2:23-25:
The Discerner of Hearts
23 Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. 24 But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, 25 and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.
“you can.t judge her heart you guys are legalistic”
According to the Bible, she’s part of a big rotten deception. What does that tell you? Anything?
are you saying she.s not saved she might be just be a baby christian and trying to grow
your acting like steven anderson full off hate i.m not a hillsong defander but i listen to there music to praise god i am against that church but i love taya smith i really think she.s saved
You’re not a worshiper. Jesus said that people will worship in spirit and in truth. Your worship in feeling and delusion. Know your God – light cannot fellowship with darkness.
Hillsong music is like Coca Cola – you can have it but it’s not good for you.
“i.m not a hillsong defander but i listen to there music to praise god i am against that church but i love taya smith”
She’s using that talent of hers to lead people astray toward a false teacher and into error.
“your acting like steven anderson full off hate”
I’m siomply stating a fact. You imply you don’t like hillsong… and she’s drawing people to hillsong. You think that’s good?
No matter how much you love her music, it’d be better for her to keep her mouth shut rather than leading people astray, mate.
do you care about her soul
Don’t confuse infatuation with a singer with love for God.
Your faith needs to be in Jesus, not a person.
Afraid thats part of the problem with HS. To many peoples faith is in Brian Clueless Houston & HS rather than in Jesus.
Brian Clueless Houston & HS wont be able to save anyone, still these people look to them for all the answers on the Bible & to hear from God. a recipe for spelling disaster in peoples lives.
I talked about Hillsong style of doing things to one of the member and few others who goes there. Most of them responded me that they discuss about doctrines and all other theological stuff in their house churches. On sunday in big assembly, they mainly gather to worship God through music and prayers in the style they do. I think there are many mega churches and their driving force is their weekly house churches in small groups rather than mega-looking meetings.
This isn’t the case. When I attended Hillsong, connect group studies followed what Brian Houston taught on Sunday; usually whatever his current sermon series was. Leaders are taught to follow the studies they are given, which usually include some verses followed by questions to discuss. I don’t remember ever discussing doctrine or even the Gospel. It’s all topical stuff just like their sermons.
It would be interesting to see some of their recent connect group studies. Churchwatcher, perhaps this is something what would be interesting to post? Maybe your insider could provide some recent studies.
We will ask around.
i can truly say after being in so many connect groups a few years back.
there was no doctrine discussed. the basis of the connect groups were mainly dinner parties, a meal followed by a discussion of the sunday sermon and prayer requests and praise reports.
the gospel wasent even mentioned, i stopped going after december 2011.
In my case, Hillsong’s worship music really helped me connect with a church for the first time ever in my life, and for that i am grateful, myself along with my whole family got saved and we started to get planted in the church, My wife however was always weary of the people at Hillsong, and after a couple of years we could see through the fake smiles and endless aimless Dinner party invites, now you need to remember that this was our first encounter with Church so we didn’t know any better at the time, but something wasn’t right, even as new christians after a while we could just tell something was not quite as it should be,
The Pastors were so wrapped up in there own cliques and followers that no one else got a look in unless you was part of them, i asked an “area Pastor” once on how i should obtain deeper teaching in the church and he said i needed to be on team in order to get that, and that once i joined team i would get invites to leadership nights and teachings, now i understand we have to seek the truth for ourselves and “self feed” but are we not able to look to our own leadership and receive that anyway?
I heard stories of people being given jobs that included sweeping up old cigarettes outside Church lobbies to prove our “servant heart” and faithfulness, it seemed to me like everything was a test, but not from God, from the HS leadership to see if you are likely to be a “faithful follower of Hillsong”
the focus was and is still focused on social engagements, social media and numbers, how many people do you have at your connect group/dinner party/soir’e
they boasted of having 100 connect groups in one area alone, but we know that 85% of them consist of about 2 or 3 people from the same family so not really an “outreach” so again this is a numbers game with no real thought on building leadership qualities in communities, just how good will this look to the “Big Eagle” Brian
We decided that enough was enough and moved onto another church, and since leaving hillsong the whole family has been flourishing, the Kids are plugged in and are finally learning something and the wife has come along with tremendous faith, and for the first time in her life she said to me “i am finally hearing god’s voice”
that comment brought tears to my eyes….
Hillsong had it’s purpose, it got us into Church and into a relationship with Jesus, but it failed when we looked for discipleship training and deeper truthful teaching, God Moved us and we started to flourish, and since we have moved we can really see what Hillsong was all about all along……….
God doesn’t need smoke and mirrors to reveal himself.
Did Hillsong lead you to have a saving faith in Jesus Christ or did they help you feel connected in the church body in some way?
Before I went to Hillsong I always believed in God, but didn’t know Jesus, and for me back then the “vibe” appealed to me, I’m not going to lie, if it wasn’t for me meeting a great Pastor from another church who led me to be baptised in the Holy Spirit I don’t think I would of realised anything wrong with HIllsong, as soon as I had a real tangible sense of Gods presence and started to really lean in and listen to Gods voice he started to reveal these things to me!
We should send ” thank you” card to HIllsong..for bringing many people to Jesus.. And after little while some of them (like the one we just read) leave for other churches to grow in Christ….so God works in mysterious ways!:) praise His holy name!
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. – who knows bro! Praise his name indeed!
Billboard Music Awards Winners
TOP CHRISTIAN ARTIST
Hillsong United — WINNER
TOP CHRISTIAN SONG
Hillsong United, “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)”
http://mobi.perezhilton.com/2015-05-18-billboard-music-awards-2015-complete-winners-list#.VVl_PyU_7qA
Only goes to show people can’t discern truth from lies and Christianity from paganism when songs like that when Christian awards. ‘Oceans’ is a very dangerous song.
How pathetic. True spirituality has sunk to an all-time low. Hillsong is leading the downhill charge as usual.
Narcissistic Eisegesis of Jesus Walking on Water
“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)”
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand
And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You’ve never failed and You won’t start now
So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
[6x]
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
I will call upon Your name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine
But wait, isn’t the story of Peter walking on water? No. While Peter does walk on water (briefly), that is not the point of the story; therefore, I will not be referring to it in that light. Let’s start by reading the text.
Matthew 14:22-33 (ESV)
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
So, the song starts with the singer placing him/herself in the place of Peter, but not at “You come walking to me on the water in the midst of a storm”, but “You call me out upon the water”. This passage is often taught from the false notion that it’s about Peter needing to “step out of the boat” and some pale allegory about how each of us will face a moment in our lives when Jesus will expect big things from us and call us to do the impossible, to walk on water and place our faith and trust in Him… believing for a miracle. That’s NOT the point of this story. This is a one-time event that takes place for a singular purpose… in verse 33, ” And those in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God“. Peter and those in the boat were worried that Jesus was a ghost. Jesus speaks to them to calm then down and Peter says, “Lord if it is you…” This is a special event, with a special message, one that points to Jesus NOT Peter. It is captured in Scripture for us to know that Jesus truly is Lord. If you are going to put yourself into this passage, you are one of the guests in the boat, who worshiped Him saying, “Truly Jesus is the Son of God!”. Scripture doesn’t record anyone else walking on the water. And why allegorize the story to dumb it down so that Peter’s walking on water (woah, that’s awesome) becomes as mundane as getting a promotion at work, or being found “not guilty” by a jury in a civil suit? No matter where we are, Jesus is with us. Jesus sent them across the water, and He stayed behind to pray; yet, while they were battling the unfavorable wind and waves, He appears, walking on the water, saying “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid”. And even when Peter, after compelling Jesus to prove who He was by commanding Peter to walk on water, doubted and began to sink, Jesus caught him. Peter didn’t get a second chance to walk on water… because us walking on water was never the point. Placing our faith in Who Jesus is, the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God is the point. This is a point that each of the disciples, including Peter, would be tested again, and fail again. Peter would end up denying Christ 3 times after the arrest of Jesus. But Peter was one of the first to believe that the Christ had risen, for he rushed to the empty tomb at the word of Mary Magdalene and the others.
Generic love Song in Vague Bible-Speak
Now, the second verse, and a bit of the refrain seem generally true-ish. Not really pointing to any scriptural truth or doctrine. But the problem here is that it is being presented as a worship song. The object of our worship, and the reason for our worship should be plainly identified. As I mentioned earlier, it’s not clear if God is the object of worship. If we assume the “You” is the God of the Bible, then we still aren’t clear if God is being worshiped for who He is or for what He will enable us to do. It suggests that unless He calls us out onto the water (step out into the unknown?) and do something radical, then we can’t trust in Him like we ought to, nor will our faith be strengthened. So does that negate the “I am yours and you are mine” bit from Song of Solomon? Can we rest in His embrace if we aren’t “walking on the waters”? This imagery only works if you buy into the notion that the story of Jesus walking on the water is actually what each of us must do as Christians.
Conclusion
This is a seeker-sensitive church band. They represent a brand, a theology, a way of doing church that isn’t prescribed in Scripture. So, when we listen to their music, we ought to pay close attention to what is actually being sung. We must take every thought captive, and that isn’t limited to the obviously sinful thoughts. Every. Thought. As far as the lyrical content of this song, I find it to be of no more Biblical value than the song “Feelin’ Good” by Michael Buble. This song is clearly “spiritual” in the “metaphysical” sense, but that doesn’t make it a good candidate for a Worship song to the Creator of the Universe, Jesus Christ. They are selling music, they wrote a song they hoped would sell and were greatly surprised by its reception in South Africa. They are very excited by the “energy” shown by the crowd whenever this song is played. I’m sure they are very excited that it’s been in the Billboard Hot Christian Chart for 47 weeks, and is currently #1. They are a band, they make their living by playing music. They also represent a HUGE church movement, one whose doctrine is highly questionable. My concern isn’t really Hillsong, but you and your walk in Christ. Is it a sin to like this song? I cannot make that determination for you, because it is so vague it is written specifically for hearers to apply their own meaning to the song (this is what is meant by “we want people to connect to the song”). If this song is your favorite, and you just find you are really “moved” by it whenever it is playing, check your doctrine. Know what it is you are confessing and praying and worshiping. Don’t mentally check-out and roll around in the “spiritual emotion” elicited by the song. That’s not worship, that’s a form of sensuality. The song isn’t outright pagan, but it is vague enough to support a pagan world view. The “you” could easily be directed toward a “spirit guide”, and now we have a real problem with the meaning of the song. It is a chart-topper because it makes people feel good, nothing more.
Jude 1:24-25 (ESV)
24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
https://faithfulstewardship.wordpress.com/2014/08/19/discernment-in-music-oceans-where-feet-may-fail/
Looking at the link and that video, Joel saying “God put His hand on this song”, yada yada. There Hillsong goes speaking for God again. Google “oceans where feet may fail cover” and watch some of the stupid videos. It’s not surprising a great falling away is coming. You can’t get much more shallow than Hillsong. The entire movement is as airheaded as it gets.
1 Corinthians 15:33 perfectly sums up the relation between Brian/Hillsong and the Body of Christ.
@SANOIS – Well said.
Question: “How does bad company corrupt good character (1 Corinthians 15:33)?”
Answer: In his first letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul wrote of the false teachers who had come into the church at Corinth teaching that the resurrection of Jesus Christ wasn’t true. These people considered only their physical existence and denied life after death or the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:32). As a result, their moral outlook on life influenced the rest of the Corinthian believers.
Paul is telling us that in associating with false teachers, we will be adversely influenced by them. The truth is that false teachings do not lead to holiness. As such, it is critical that we are careful whom we form relationships with, especially those outside the church because unbelievers can cause even the strongest Christians to waver in their faith and adversely affect their walk with Christ and their witness to the world. This is why Paul tells us, “Do not be misled.”
Actually, this was the second time Paul warned the Corinthians not to be deceived (1 Corinthians 6:9). He cautioned them not to take up the lifestyles of corrupt people—those who will not inherit the kingdom of God. Paul knew how easy it is for people to be influenced by such adverse teachings. If not checked at the very beginning, they could begin to adopt such perverted ideas and behaviors as normal. For this reason, Paul quotes a proverb by the Greek poet Menander: “Bad company corrupts good character.” No doubt this proverb was well known among Greeks of this time.
The point Paul makes here is pertinent to all people in all ages. When we associate with or take delight in the company of people with worldly morals, we run the risk of mimicking their behaviors, their language, and their habits. Before long we are no longer of Christ, but of the world with its denial of absolute authority, its rejection of the Bible as the Word of God, and its ideology of relative morality. This is especially pertinent to young people who are generally easily influenced by their peers. Young people are desperate for the approval of others. So motivated are they by the need for acceptance that godly wisdom in decision-making can go out the window in the face of peer pressure. Therefore, it is crucial for parents of young teens especially to be on guard against the influence of bad company.
So, what are we to do? Paul provides us the answer at the very end of chapter 15: “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). As parents, we stand firm against ungodly influences that may corrupt our children. As Christians, we stand firm against those who would corrupt our walk with Christ. As church members, we stand firm against false teaching and watered-down gospel presentations that lead others stray. In all things, we are “self-controlled and alert” because our “enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/bad-company.html#ixzz3aWqYRgSC
churchwatcher Amen, That’s a very good faith building word!
A Hillsong Church has been slowly building a presence right in my neighborhood for the last 2 years . At first I was delighted to see a christian church so close for my family and I to attend !
Soon , I noticed strange , definitely un-Christ like behaviors outside the church not only from the pastor , church attendees and the church “team” . My spirit was becoming very troubled from my observations of their terrible behavior , utter lack of regard to the neighborhood and complete lack of outreach, then this Easter , I saw a church member outside in an “easter bunny” costume greeting patrons ..I literally stopped in my steps from shock !
I googled the name of the church to see what affiliation it claimed . I found it’s association as a Hillsong church . And have been reading about them to see what their teachings are. Everything makes sense now !! Thank you for this blog ! I now know how to pray !
“I saw a church member outside in an “easter bunny” costume greeting patrons”
The “easter bunny” is just another Hillsong relative of Mr. Sparkle.
Jesus Christ isn’t enough for Hillsong “Church.”
This “church” needs to employ several cartoon personalities to attract the crowds/numbers they need to remain financially rich.
Cash flow matters here, the Gospel doesn’t.