Willowbirch-

I can see how the topic of worship music can be confusing.  I used to listen to a christian radio station where I live all of the time.  When I went to church I would enjoy the worship but it wasn't like the "worship" music I was used to hearing on the radio.  As I matured in my walk with God I began to sing more scripture and not just the psalms.  I can understand the "crossover christian music" like the ones who have gone mainstream due to their more modern and appealing sound, or the church that has more progressive or modern worship.  I guess to make it more appealing or less boring.  Or maybe to say "hey christian music is cool too", like the music out there in the world, but what is the difference.  Aren't we then mirroring the world.  I mean sure, we are talking to God, extoling Him, magnifing His name. Please don't get me wrong I like most of it. ALthough there is some I just won't listen to.  The worst ever thing for me is when I hear people who aren't saved come to church and say "that was cool, the music sounds like what I listen to on the radio".  I know that can work for good and God can use that, but scripture also tells us that we are in the world not of it. So then there should be something distinctively different.  I don't want to mirror the world in my worship to the Almighty God whom I serve and love.  However my kids and husband feel differently.  They listen to it all.  I'm sure this made it more confusing and I am sorry .  I tend to listen to more prophetic worship and the church I attend is more along that line.  Declaring His word and promises for those who keep His ways and giving thanks.

blessings
karita

Actually I wasn't suprised when I heard that on Fox News.  I find the Disney Corp. kind of sketchy.  If you watch the children's movies ( or what are supposed to be children's movies) closely you would notice that Disney is a supporter of inappropriate behaviors.  Freaky Friday for example, where in many seens they were showing Jaime Lee Curtis coming awfully close to some kissing with the high school boy who her daughter liked.  Of course the daughter was trapped in her body, but even so, what it looks like is an adult woman having innappropriate feelings for a minor.  Not to mention "Bend It Like Beckham" where there was a seen with sex in the bathroom, drinking and mother calling her daughter a lesbian.  If you ask me (which no one did ) it is PG-13 pornography under the guise of Disney.  I don't remember Disney movies like that when I was a kid.  My kids don't watch their movies at all anymore.  So yes, I expect this sort of propaganda from them.

Okay, I am off my soap box.   Sorry


kt

Caelin-
I haven't been here for quite a while and I am not sure that you will remember who I am. At this point I guess that doesn't really matter.  I just want to say first that I will pray for you.  For your salvation, for your faith to receive that gift that Christ offers.  You mentioned in your response to Blue Star that  you would love to have the faith that others here have. I want you to know that you can have it.  We sometimes make it harder than it need be.  We are told in the NT and forgive for not remebering where specifically, that where we lack we are to ask.  If we lack wisdom we are to ask and likewise with faith we are to ask.  Christ is willing to restore your spirit, renew your mind and build your faith.  You said that you have come to a place at some point where you have believed that there is a God, the Christ died and so forth. May I say that right there is faith dear sister.  With that same faith and revelation knowledge you can apprehend and receive the gift of salvation.

Hebrews 11:3
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

vs 6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

You have this part and let me encourage you that you are almost there.  You have already believed.  You have believed that He is.  So how do we get to the place of believing that He is the rewarder?  By trusting Him and His revelation knowledge. Letting Him work experientally in our life.  Maybe that one moment where our faith is sky rocketed to such heights that we can attain the promise.  Just as Gideon in the book of Judges had a visit from an angel of the Lord and his faith was increased just enough at that point to attain the promise which God had spoken. Never mind that he was out numbered and his army was minimal at best, nevermind that he looked upon himself as nothing but the least of his father's house, but by faith received the promise of the Lord and the Lord God delivered him just as He will deliver you.

Psalm 103:2-4

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:  Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies.

What are more of the benefits by grace in Christ:

Rom 5-1
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through the Lord Jesus

Rom 6-6
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin

Rom 8-1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit

Eph 1-4
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love

As for this verse specifically, I would say to you that He has chosen you Caelin. It has not been an accident that you have come to fellowship with others called by His name ( speaking of this forum) He loves you.  

But to receive those benefits through grace is Jesus you need to know who you are in Him. To receive with faith and confidence the positional righteousness that comes with salvation.  You are the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus. How do we know this?

You are a child of God  John 1:12

You are a joint heir with Christ  Romans 8:17

You are a temple and dwelling place of God   1 Cor 3:16, 6:19

You are called a saint    Eph 1:1, Col 1:2, 1 Cor 1:2

You are part of God's family  Eph 2:19

You are righteous and holy  Eph 4:24

You are a living stone being built up in Christ  1 Pet 2:5

 Dear Caelin, I by faith declare these promises over your life. Trusting God and His promises for you.  He knows His plans for you and they are good.  This is who God Almighty says you are.  I choose to look at you not in the temperal but eternal and what God has ordained and predestined you to be.  The enemy of your soul would have you belive his lies and succumb to them. For Paul tells us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against powers, principalities and rulers of darkness in high places.  There is a battle for your very soul Caelin.  Not what Sammy would call faking or trying to get attention.  This is a spiritual battle for you my sister    ( and yes by faith I call you sister)  Receive Christ and take up your armour. He did not intend for you to fight this alone and unarmed.  Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all stand.  This is an evil day. The enemy wishes to take your life, to eternaly seperate you from God who formed you in your mothers womb.  Stand and keep standing.  Christ will contend for you and so will I.  God be with you Caelin.

Love In Christ
Karita

Yes, I agree sooner than later, however, in our excitement and anticipation we cannot lose sight of the fact that there is still work to do in the meantime.  We need to be about the business of the kingdom.  How many of us have family members that are not saved? what about our neighbors, the person who cut you off on the freeway this morning or the rude checkout person at the store? We most certainly cannot force someone to receive salvation but are we to do nothing? What is that we are doing?  Please don't get me wrong, I am pointing the finger at myself before I point it at anyone else and ask the Lord to forgive me for being idle in this area for so long.  Anyways, back to my point. I do agree He is returning soon but what would the Lord have me do TODAY for the lost?


In Christ
Karita