E-MAIL MESSAGES #4
July 8, 1999
Brother Britt,
I received your thesis on CCM today. I will take some time to look through it and, Lord willing, get back to you. Two quick questions before I go. Why did Jesus speak to the people in parables? Have you researched the lives of the artists on WJFM and WPAE. You may be surprised what you find.
In Christ,
Kurt Wallace, WQCK
Brother Kurt,
Thanks for your quick reply. Let me briefly answer your two questions.
[1] Why did Jesus speak to the people in parables?
I assume you are citing the Lord's use of parables to possibly justify the use of music to share the gospel. If I've misunderstood your question please forgive me and disregard the following reply.
Jesus indeed used parables in His earthly ministry. A parable is merely a natural illustration to communicate a spiritual truth. However, His method of communication was through the medium of PREACHING, not music. This is the Biblical pattern. Are we wiser than Jesus? Certainly, music was as highly appreciated when Jesus was on earth as it is today. Why didn't Jesus EVER use this medium to communicate His message? Do you really believe that if Jesus were on earth today that He would be hip-hoping, rapping, and head-banging? Do you sincerely believe he would form a band? Do you believe he'd charge $18 -$20 to attend one of His concerts? Kurt, honestly, can you see Jesus scantly dressed, prancing around a stage, singing to hundreds of emotionally drunk and screaming teenagers? Have we lost all sense of spiritual reality? I have long seen the tendency in modern-day evangelical leadership to stretch the Bible to their own liking. This is extremely dangerous.
Incidentally, Jesus' parables communicated the truths that I sought to find expressed in the music on WQCK, namely, THE PERSON OF JESUS, REPENTANCE, THE CROSS, THE BLOOD, THE RESURRECTION, THE RETURN OF CHRIST, AND THE JUDGMENT TO COME. Unfortunately, the music I heard on WQCK conveyed no such truth. As I've pointed out, many times it is almost impossible to conclude "who" or "what" these musicians are singing about. My survey clearly and irrefutably points this out. The music I heard appears to be packaged to sell and please - not to provoke individuals to sell-out to Jesus.
Why can't we just do things the way that Jesus did in the gospels and the Apostles did in the book of Acts? The problem with man is still the same - SIN. God's solution has never changed - JESUS [and we know that He never changes - Hebrews 13:8]. Furthermore, God's mandate for spreading the gospel is still relevant today - GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD AND PREACH THE GOSPEL. As I pointed out in my thesis, singing cannot, with any honest and logical treatment of the definition, fulfill the call for the church to preach. Music has its function and preaching another.
Ephes. 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord...
Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Tragically, we've become pragmatic. We say, "If it works it must be God." "If it draws big numbers, it must be God." This is a formula for compromise, deception, and finally apostasy. The true Christian is primarily concerned with being faithful to the Word of God, not necessarily with "success." Remember, Jesus and the Word are synonymous [Jn 1:1]. We can't say we love Jesus and at the same time lightly esteem His Word.
Kurt, I am 38 years old. When I was born-again in 1987 the music that I CONSTANTLY listened to was Rock-N-Roll. I am also a musician, a guitar player. Please do not assume that I am opposed to the music on WQCK simply because of my own personal taste. My personal opinions and preferences had to be brought to the cross of Christ long ago. When I became a Christian I sought to bring my entire life, music included, under the submission of Jesus Christ according to His Word. This cost me many things that were dear to my heart. My opinions and personal taste mean nothing. The only thing that matters is - WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY! In all things, we must be able to validate our actions and ministry by the Bible. I've given you the clear BIBLICAL reasons why this music should be rejected, avoided, and exposed. It has nothing to do with my personal taste.
I don't believe that the Bible forbids using music in certain evangelistic contexts. For example, playing a few songs before someone preaches would be fine, however, music should never replace preaching as God's means to evangelize the world. This is what has happened in this hour.
[2] Have you researched the lives of the artists on WJFM and WPAE. You may be surprised what you find.
No I haven't. I'm sure there is much sin in many of these artist's lives. However, does this justify or excuse what I've brought to your attention? Would these facts change the Bible or God's standard? I don't care who it is, or what style music they sing, if they don't live right or their music is unspiritual they shouldn't be in ministry and no Christian should open themselves up to them, period. I don't regularly listen to either of these stations nor do I endorse their ministry or their music. My point in including a comparison between WQCK and WPAE/WJFM was merely to show you that the "content alone" of much of the music aired on these stations is far superior to what is aired on WQCK. Don't miss the point, brother, if what I've revealed to you is true, then your programming is promoting compromise. If these things be so, and they are, then you and Pastor Stockstill will give an account to God Almighty. On the day of judgment you will answer for the "ministry choices" you have made and you will not be excused because WJFM or WPAE were possibly guilty of the same compromises. Let me use an example. Suppose you learned that I was guilty of frequenting a porn shop. In Christian love you approached me and pointed out that, as a Christian and a pastor, this was unacceptable behavior. Imagine your alarm if my response to your loving concern was, "Kurt, have you read what the popular televangelists have done recently?" Not a good answer, right? I believe you get my point.
I hope to hear from you soon.
In Him,
Brother Britt
E-MAIL MESSAGES #5
July 9, 1999
Hey Britt,
This dialogue is good. I will respond in length at some point, but until then, ponder this. The core of our listeners are already saved (unless you think that because they are listening to the Bridge they are hopelessly lost!).
What we do is encourage believers. Just like your congregation who are saved, a message of salvation week after week, is not going to help them grow in the faith. Believers need positive reinforcement during their daily walk along with practical life application lessons. We provide that through the music and back it up weekdays from 9 to 11:30am through the teaching ministries of Focus on the Family, Larry Stockstill, Family Life Today, Michael Usted, and Joyce Meyer. Do you understand my point?
I think your time could be spent better on positive messages to your congregation about others than tearing down other believers and thus separating us! Agreed?
Love ya man! Have a great weekend and may God use you mightily from the pulpit!
Kurt Wallace
92.7 The Bridge
Brother,
Yes, I agree the dialogue is good, this is why I wrote you...but what about the concerns at hand?
I believe you may be missing the point of this entire exchange. I made accusations. You asked for proof. Now, I offer clear reasons for my comments and you seem surprised.
If you were to offer me irrefutable proof that my ministry could be leavened, I would be alarmed, deeply concerned, and yet thankful for the truth. Please, brother do not see this as a heartless attack but a deep desire to see the Body of Christ live, walk, and minister in HOLINESS! Maybe Jesus shouldn't have concerned Himself with the condition of the temple? I think one of the reasons we find ourselves in such a poor spiritual condition today is this incredible neglect of examining issues that are indeed important to God. This topic is of the utmost importance. Music is the leading IDOL of this generation, even Christian music. If it is an idol it must be cleansed from our midst.
I assume that you've not yet read my thesis entirely. I realize that "evangelism"is not the only issue, though it is a concern. However, it is something I address because you and others seem to bring it up to justify the music. Whether the topic is musical "evangelism" or "edification" isn't really the major concern, but rather, the spirituality of the music we're examining. When I've discussed this issue with many Christians they simply don't like to face the reality of God's Word concerning this topic. They simply refuse to address the legitimate concerns with a logical and biblical response. Why is this? Because there is none. Much of the music that is aired on WQCK is fleshly, devilish, unspiritual, and embarrassing. Nothing in the Bible will refute this, but rather, confirm it!
Again, remember, if the music is unspiritual it won't communicate TRUTH no matter who is listening, saints or sinners. Of course, as you might suspect, I have grave misgivings about the purity of the "teaching" of many of the "ministers" and "ministries" you mentioned daily air on WQCK. This of course, is another topic altogether.
Regarding the profitable use of my time: I am not engaging in this because I find it entertaining. Remember, I simply wrote a short e-mail message to you expressing my opinions; opinions that will not change without a clear Biblical response from you proving to me that I am mistaken. When you called, it was you who questioned me for "proof." I am only providing you with what you asked me for in our conversation over the telephone. Will you fault me for this? I am only doing what any loving and honest man will do when asked to articulate his convictions. This, I propose, is consistent with Biblical Christianity. I am "tearing down" no one, I am exposing error - which is my duty as a Pastor. This can spiritually be defined as edifying the true Body of Christ. Remember, the Bible says...
Acts 20:30-31 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear...
Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
When you fully read what I've written then we can discuss this topic further, Amen?
Hands to the plow,
Brother Britt
PS: When you get through with the thesis, if you like, I'll drive down to Baker and we can have lunch together. This way we won't misinterpret the tone of one another's e-mail messages. Amen?
E-MAIL MESSAGE #6
July 29, 1999
Dear Pastor Stockstill, Kurt Wallace, and Radio Staff,
Nearly a month has passed since I sent you my thesis regarding WQCK and the music that it airs. Can I expect a Biblical response for my concerns? I patiently await some explanation for what obviously appears to be gross compromise. I respectfully ask you to promptly inform me of your plans concerning answering these charges - will you respond or not? Will you repent?
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor Britt Williams
No reply
E-MAIL MESSAGES #7
August 9, 1999
Dear Pastor Stockstill, Kurt Wallace, and Radio Staff,
It has been over a month since I sent you a thorough spiritual evaluation of your radio station. As you know, this analysis reveals compelling evidence of compromise. Do you intend on answering or ignoring these allegations? If you wish not to respond to these charges please communicate this to me. However, if you have a Biblical explanation that would clarify your position I would be interested in learning how you can justify your "ministry." I recently learned that your radio station continues to promote the music and concerts of two of the more reprehensible musicians that I critiqued in my thesis, DC Talk & Michael W. Smith. I could be wrong, but this appears to indicate that you have ignored the information that I sent to you. If so, this reveals a startling spiritual blindness and a shameful disregard for the souls of literally thousands of young people in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas. Can you defend your actions by the Bible? Gentlemen, I urge you to reconsider the truth that I presented to you or at least offer me a Biblical argument that will clearly validate your behavior. Furthermore, in doing so, you would provide me with information that may enlighten me to the errors of my position if I am deceived. I certainly believe that it is possible that I be mistaken but without a Biblical response from you how am I to discover the deficiencies in my logic? Let sound reasoning and Biblical truth offer the final word and resolve this disagreement.
Matthew 5:41-42 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42Give to him that asketh thee...
1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear...
Kurt, in the beginning of our correspondence you asked me by what grounds did I make certain condemning statements regarding the music aired on WQCK. I felt it was my duty to answer your question, therefore, I spent several weeks endeavoring to construct a thesis that would provide a sound Biblical response for your concerns. Won't you do the same for me? If God has ordained and blessed WQCK it should not be difficult to logically and Biblically refute the complaints expressed in my letter to you. I have no desire to badger you for a response, however, I would respectfully request that you inform me of your plans to either repent, ignore, or answer my arguments with the Bible.
Concerned for the cause of Christ,
Pastor Britt Williams
Consuming Fire Fellowship
Britt,
Thanks for your concern. I still feel it is unfounded though. As far as The Bridge promoting a Michael W. Smith and DC Talk concert, don't know who is feeding you the info. but we are not. It seems your charges are based on rumor or untruths. Perhaps your time would be better spent going door to door in your neighborhood sharing the gospel with those the Lord has placed in your community. Please let me know when you have accomplished that!
What we do here at WQCK is provide a positive "Christ Centered" Alternative to other radio stations in Baton Rouge. We serve as an encouragement to believers and an entry to those who would never walk through the doors of your church or any other for that matter. While you may feel called to further divide the Church by making statements about this ministry from your pulpit, we continue to pray for unity within the body of Christ. Britt, we have Baptist, Methodists, Pentecostal, Catholics, Presbyterians, Assembly of God and many other denominations who listen to this broadcast ministry every day. We have people who meet here weekly to pray for the ministry and the many prayer request that are called in daily. God has put us in this position and we take it very seriously.
I am wondering, should I pull the music of the "shameful" artist you have listed in your thesis, would you go before your people and let them know that is now "safe" to listen to WQCK? Or will you find something else to be critical about? What is the end game here?
I pray about each song that is added and played. These songs minister to people, maybe not in the traditional manner, but they do! In the last ten minutes while I have been at the computer, I have heard "When God's People Pray" by Wayne Watson and "Free" by Ginny Owens a song that speaks of the Freedom we have in Christ. We are not bound by the "law" but have been freed to serve Christ without the fear of condemnation.
"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death! [PTL]" Romans 8:1-2 (NIV)
Listen sometime without a critical spirit. I think you'll find that through the lyrics and music Contemporary Christian music is making a positive difference in the lives of those who listen for encouragement in their daily walks with Christ.
I love you brother. And would like nothing better than to work together for the cause of reaching the thousands in this area who do not know the incredible grace and mercy we have been given through our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. What is the address of your church? Perhaps I'll come hear you preach some Sunday.
In Christ's Service,
Kurt Wallace
Dear Kurt,
I'm disappointed that you have chosen to evade responding to my concerns with a clear Biblical argument. I had hoped for an open heart but feared this would be the case. Kurt, even if I possessed a wrong spirit how can you justify such unchristlike music? Unfortunately, one day you'll apparently be amazed to learn that God Almighty is indeed very critical of EVERYTHING that is outside of His prescribed Biblical pattern.
Regretfully, you haven't answered even one of my concerns or questions nor have you quoted the Bible to validate your actions. Rather, you've simply accused me of having a "wrong spirit" and possessing a "preoccupation with the unprofitable" and thereby conveniently side-stepped the issues. It is clear to me that you simply do not want to face the obvious facts. Kurt, it is a very, very dangerous thing to reject light. I beg you to ponder the eternal consequences of shunning the truth...
John 3:19-21 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
2 Thes. 2:10-12 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness..
Nevertheless, I warned you and Pastor Stockstill and you will both be accountable for the truth that was presented to you. You will only be able to run from the truth while hiding under the false accusation of "criticism" for so long. One day you will stand before a Holy God under the most brilliant, scrutinizing, and critical light imaginable! Contrary to popular opinion you will find Him to be extremely critical...
Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
The Greek word translated into the English word discerner is krit-ee-kos. The word literally means to be decisive, critical, or discriminative. This suggests that Jesus Christ, who is the living Word of God, is critical [this fact is eluded to in verse 13 in the personification of the Word, i.e., "his sight"]. This idea refutes the modern, popular, and yet worldly philosophy which teaches that criticism is always wrong.
You may ignore the Bible now, but one day you will be forced to face it under the most sobering of atmospheres. May God grant you mercy to see your great responsibility as a professed overseer of a "ministry for Christ."
With such an obvious disregard for Biblical truth now confirmed I will continue to zealously and passionately warn others of the spiritual poison daily spread by WQCK. I simply pray that you will one day gain clear revelation of the true Biblical Jesus.
Grieved beyond words,
Britt Williams
PS: Incidentally, regarding the charge of the use of "rumors" - I learned about the concert I mentioned by personally listening to a spot on WQCK advertising a concert at Astroworld featuring the two artists mentioned, Michael W. Smith and DC Talk. Furthermore, I believe I am correct in saying that you still air music performed by both of these musicians. Therefore, my charges of "promoting the concerts and music" of these two performers is not innuendo, but facts based on what I have heard with my own ears.
E-MAIL MESSAGES #8
August 10, 1999
Britt,
Thanks for the warning. You obviously have your opinions, I have mine. We do not play un-Christlike music. God is using this ministry for His purposes. Touch as many folks in your community and if you must spread your poisonous words from the pulpit and further divide the body of Christ, then you will have to give account for it when you stand before your God!
Hey, am I invited to your church sometime or not?
Praying for you!
Kurt Wallace
Kurt,
You certainly are invited to attend any of our services. Sunday morning 10:00AM, Sunday evening prayer @ 7:00PM and Wednesday night @ 7:30PM. Woodville is straight up Hwy 61, 25 miles north of St. Francisville. Take a left at the main intersection, this takes you directly into town on Main St., we are just past the town square on the right, next to the Farm Bureau - 632 Main St. I too, will pray for you.
In Him,
Brother Britt
MUSIC FROM HELL!
From the "Head of the Unregistered Union of Churches in Russia" appeared in
"Life", dated 21, May, 1992
For thirty years we have suffered intense persecution. Now freedom is bringing another great harm to our churches. This damage is coming from Christians in America who are sending rock music and evangelists accompanied by rock bands. Our young people do not attend those meetings because we have all committed not to participate in secular entertainment.
This is a great burden to our hearts. Many come with Bible in hand and rock music. We are embarrassed by this image of Christianity. We do not know what words to use in urging that this be stopped. We abhor all Christian rock music coming to our country.
Rock music has nothing in common with ministry or the service to God. We are very much against Christian Americans bringing to our country this false image of "ministry" to God. We need spiritual bread... not false cakes. It is true that rock music attracts people to the church, but not to Godly living.
We were in prison for fifteen years for Christ's sake. We were not allowed to have Christian music, but ROCK MUSIC was used as a weapon against us day and night to destroy our souls. We could only resist with much prayer.
Now, we have a time of more openness. We are no longer taken to prison. However, now it is Christians from America who damage our souls. We do not allow this music in our church, but these "evangelist" rent big stadiums and infect teenagers and adults with their rock music. We, the leadership and congregations of the Unregistered churches urge you to join with us, and we advise you to remove rock music from America.
Do not desecrate our teenagers with it. Even the unbelievers recognize it is unholy music. We call this music, "music from hell." We urge all Americans to stop giving money for the organizations of such concerts in Russia. We only want traditional Christian music in our churches.
This is the unanimous decision of all our leaders. Peter Peters and Vasilij Ryzhuk, Unregistered Union of Churches, Moscow, Russia, April 15, 1992.