Exploring Christian Entertainment: Part 2, Written by Mel

Exploring Christian Entertainment: Part 2, Written by my Husband, Mel

There are many biblical movies today being produced by both Hollywood, as well as Christian organizations that are not wholesome, nor biblically accurate.  There was a time when biblical movies were safe for the whole family to watch and there was more of a reverence than today. My wife and I made the decision to do away with television, as well as all movies some time ago because of  all the wickedness shown. But before we completely made a break from movies, we viewed some biblical movies and were shocked at what we saw.

We will examine some of the biblical movies that are being endorsed by many churches today. When Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" first came out, I went to see it in the movie theater. I had a strong discernment of a demonic presence during the entire movie. The discernment was strongest when they depicted Satan as a grotesque woman holding a demonic baby. This movie was made like a horror movie, not a biblical movie. They didn't need to show the worms eating the carcass of a donkey or the overdone mutilation of Christ. The most disgusting scene occurred at the end of the movie during the resurrection scene. They showed a quick glimpse of Christ's nude backside, including his buttock. This is typical Hollywood's irreverence for anything holy. Yet the churches in their blind ignorance endorsed this movie.

Another one of Hollywood's irreverent movies was "The Last Temptation of Christ." We never saw this rated R movie but have read much about it. This movie depicted Jesus fantasizing about having sex with Mary Magdalene upon the cross and it showed them naked in bed together. This is the ultimate blasphemy against our Lord who knew no sin. At least back then the churches protested this disgusting film, but today, anything goes with a church who has lost it's way.

The last so-called biblical movie we saw was "Noah" with Russell Crowe. This movie did not resemble the true biblical account of Noah in any way! The movie "Noah" depicted the fallen angels (watchers), as creatures made of rock. These rock creatures repeatedly made remarks about how the creator punished them for helping mankind. The movie depicted the fallen angels helping Noah build the ark, and the result was, that God forgave them for their trespass and let them re-enter Heaven. Later, aboard the ark, Noah is depicted as a mad man trying to kill his newly born grandchild. There is also a castaway aboard the ark urging Noah's son to kill his father. The facts are that the fallen angels did not help Noah build the ark. It took Noah 120 years to build the ark. Noah, his wife, and his sons and their wives, were the only ones aboard the ark, there were not any castaways or grandchildren. This gross departure from scripture is presenting a lie to many people who are not familiar with scripture.

The latest insult from Hollywood is the new release, "The Young Messiah." Anne Rice is the author of the book that the movie is based off of. Anne Rice is famous for writing horror stories, especially about vampires. This movie is presenting a lie about the childhood of Jesus. The Bible doesn't have much to say about the childhood of Christ, so Hollywood considers it perfectly acceptable to fill in the blanks with lies. The movie depicts Jesus being bullied by a child who falls and hits his head and dies. Jesus feels bad about it and resurrects the child from the dead. According to the Bible, Jesus first miracle was when he turned the water into wine at the marriage feast, and even then he said that his time had not yet come. This movie also depicts an attempted rape scene in which the woman kills the man. There is also an implied sex scene between Herod and a woman who dances for him. A demon is also depicted taunting the young Jesus. There are no boundaries, or depths of depravity, that Hollywood will not lower themselves to. And, by the way, Anne Rice conveniently became Catholic long enough to get money for this book, then quickly denounced her "faith" again soon after the success of it all.  Why would any Christian organization promote someone such as that, especially considering that filth for which she is so well known? (Note, we have not seen this movie, but read the review for it.)

Other movies to avoid are, "Risen" and "Exodus." These movies also grossly depart from scripture, as well as are filled with violence.

We have also been shocked at the movies being produced by Christian organizations. One movie depicted a pastor using profanity from behind the pulpit. This same movie also depicted a Christian family drinking alcohol on a regular basis. Many of these faith based movies also show women dressed immodestly, they include swearing, as well as unnecessary violence. There was a time when there was a reverence for the Lord, as well as Christian ministry, but now anything goes. My advice to Christians is to 100% give up television and movies, and trade your free time to grow closer to the Lord.   

 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.”

Therefore

“Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”

“I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the Lord Almighty.”

II Corinthians 6:16-18

Exploring Christian Entertainment, Part 1: Music

What would you say if I told you all of the above photos are of bands who promote themselves as Christian?  If you look like the world on the outside, what does that say about the condition of your heart on the inside? 

How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Matthew 12:34

 There were also plenty of pictures of female Christian artists dressed and posed provocatively.  We did not feel comfortable sharing such images, but trust us, they are out there.  

In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation... which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.  I Timothy 2:9-10 

We are not trying to discredit any one specific artist or band, but we just don't understand why anyone would promote themselves as a Christian band if they are not willing to act the part.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.   And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.  Romans 12:1-2 

For that matter, why would we, as Christians, listen to such music, thus promoting ungodly music? 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.  Philippians 4:8-9

We may think that any kind of music is safe as long as it is promoted as Christian.  We have both listened to Christian music in the past with a heavy rock beat. (And sometimes not-so-heavy, but it is still obvious the artist is compromising.)  Our flesh enjoyed the secular rhythm.  There was not always a Godly message to be found in the lyrics, but the voices were good, and the beat was pleasing.  What we both noticed was that, even while trying to enjoy the music, we would always feel a sense of agitation while listening to it.  That is called a check in your spirit when God is trying to warn you something is bad.  It is also called discernment.

 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.  Philippians 1:9-10

David Wilkerson was an amazing holiness preacher. He had a great gift of prophecy and discernment.  In 1987, David was invited to attend a well-known Christian singer's concert.  While at this concert, the band began playing a very popular song.  In the spirit, David saw Satan laughing at the crowd because they were doing this all in the name of Jesus, but they were truly worshiping Satan in their hearts.  (Please read his profound article: http://tscpulpitseries.org/english/1980s/ts870803.html )

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20 

Think demons aren't real?

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Ephesians 6:12

Mel gave up "Christian" rock music in his teens, when his late mother saw demons attached to the music he was listening to.  Mel's mother, Marie was a prophetic woman with the gift of spiritual discernment.  Like Pastor Wilkerson, even before I knew he also had a vision, I had a vision of a demon on stage at a "Christian" concert my husband and I attended.  The demon had a wide, sadistic grin on its face as if it was fully enjoying the fact that the audience was enjoying and even dancing to the very secular music that had nothing to even do with Christ.  I turned to Mel and said, "Do you feel that? The air is heavy and making me sick to my stomach." Mel acknowledged he felt the same way. We quickly left. As we were heading out the door, Mel felt the urge to loudly say, "Ichabod! The spirit of the Lord has departed."  Another concert goer, also about to leave, looked at him and shouted, "Amen! Preach it brother!"  

This is a great meme.  Those artists promoting themselves as "Christian" are truly wolves in sheep's clothing.  They do not care about the condition of your soul.  What they want is your adoration, and of course, your money.  Look again at the faces of those in the pictures at the top of this blog.  Do you see any humility?  Do their songs really praise Jesus or just ask for stuff and whine about life being hard?  The only message given is the very watered-down grace message that says we are all forgiven because we are only human.  You will never hear repentance or holiness preached.  You rarely even hear the name of Jesus or God, but rather the songs are about a generic, "you." 

If you have ever been to one of these concerts, pay attention to who is getting worshipped.     

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought... Romans 12:3

Ungodly music does not just come from professional studios.  Many churches are also into promoting the same ungodly beats for the sake of entertainment and, more importantly, for the sake of getting money placed in the offering.  Do not be deceived that just because the music is sung in a church that it is pleasing to God.

Mel once had a dream where he was attending a fancy mega-church.  He sat in the bleachers with some younger people, and the elders of the church were seated to their right.  The worship leader began encouraging them to worship God by clapping and lifting their hands to the Lord.  Then he began telling them to dance before the Lord.  Don't be fooled that there is anything holy about the Holy Ghost Hop, for this is what they were doing in the dream.  Then he encouraged the congregation to take their clothes off before the Lord.  This is symbolic of sin.  As the younger people began peeling their clothes off, the elders began to point and chant, "Shame!  Shame!"

Also, consider this:  the heavy drum beats used in some of the popular music styles come from tribal music used in satanic rituals.  Some of these same rhythms have been and still are used to call on demons.  The demons have not forgotten this fact, nor do they care who you think you are calling.  They will answer.

Not all Christian artists are wrong to listen to. There are many that sing beautiful songs that glorify the Lord. With that said, however, even the softer style of music is likely to be sung by lukewarm Christians. Often I see popular artists dancing around, jumping up in down, raising their hands, using phony mood lighting, and even strobe lights, all for show-and-tell and to promote him/herself.  When you are close to the Lord, you can tell the difference between these Actors pretending to glorify the Lord with teary eyes and up-raised arms. Emotionalism sells albums and tickets! The lyrics and beats may be safe, but even if the singer is phony, just make certain you are glorifying God in your personal worship and not the singer. 

We are both very careful about the type of music we listen to.  We pay close attention to any discernments the Holy Spirit may give us.  If either one of us feels uncomfortable, the music gets turned off.  We encourage you to also listen closely to the Holy Spirit when he warns you about what you allow into your home, car, or office.