Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that Hillsong is a global phenomenon. As I type this, the band has more than 5.3 million Facebook friends, 982K followers on Twitter and its YouTube channel has been eyed by close to 50 million viewers. According to the Gospel Music Association:
Hillsong was awarded five GMA Dove Awards in 2014, including Song of the Year, Contemporary Christian Performance of the Year, Worship Song of the Year and Pop Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year for “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail),” as well as the coveted Artist of the Year award. In addition, Hillsong UNITED was the first Christian act to ever sell out Los Angeles’ Staples Center and has sold out additional notable venues, including Seattle’s ShoWare Center, New York’s Radio City Music Hall, Chicago’s Sears Centre Arena, Denver’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl. More>>
You can find them on virtually every Christian radio station and sung Sunday morning in churches all across America. So what’s not to like?
Last year when I heard Hillsong was opening a church in Los Angeles at the historic Belasco Theater (just a hour away), and that lead pastor Brian Houston was coming, I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to see what all this was about for myself. The following is what I heard and observed. A friend of mine recorded the service on his iPhone…not the best recording, but feel free to listen the best you can. Look for the speaker icon 
to jump directly to a certain point I’m referencing.
Hillsong Is A Family Affair
Son Joel Houston is a musician, songwriter, pastor, and leader in the Sydney-based band Hillsong United, son Ben Houston is the lead pastor of Hillsong LA, mother Bobbie Houston co-pastors Hillsong Australia with her husband Brian Houston.
In the service I sat in, Joel did MC-ing, Ben lead the worship, mother took the offering (well worth a listen ) and Brian did the preaching. It was very clear as the service progressed, Hillsong United and Hillsong the church are one in the same. There is no separation between the two. In the same way Jesus Culture is a ministry of Bethel Church, Hillsong United is a ministry of Hillsong Church.
Hillsong Is A Movement
Hillsong Church is a Pentecostal megachurch affiliated with Australian Christian Churches (the Australian branch of the Assemblies of God). It is one of the world’s fastest-growing ministries with a 100,000-plus strong congregation throughout campuses in Australia, London, New York City, Los Angeles, Paris, Stockholm, Moscow, Kiev, Barcelona, Germany, South Africa and Copenhagen.
In an article in the Australian Courier-Mail, Richard Sauerman (noted brand expert) says:
“Hillsong is huge. It is a movement. It is global. They brought the message through music. Music is very powerful; it communicates in deep ways, if you are religious or not. And that’s what they do; it’s rock music and people dig it. It connects. It is contemporary, it is modern, it is now. And it’s working. Hillsong is really on the pulse.” More>>
As I studied Hillsong as an organization, they seem to be organized around Six “C”s
- Churches (Hill Song Church plus International plants)
- Concerts (Tours)
- CDs (Extensive discography Amazon.com)
- Conferences (Hillsong Church Conference, Women’s Color Conference)
- College (Hillsong Leadership College)
- Cinema (Hillsong Movie)
From a marketing and communication perspective, this is genius! Each one is designed to feed the other. Hear the song in church? Buy the album. Like the album? Come to a Concert. Like the Concert? Come to a Conference. Like the Conference? Attend our college, join our church, etc.
Hillsong Music Funds Hillsong Church
It’s not a secret that Hillsong music is very profitable “arm” of Hillsong Church. In fact:
“In marketing terms it is a gold mine, given music represents 18% of the $60 million revenue the church receives annually. None of the rich music revenue goes into Houston’s pocket, but to fund the ministry locally and abroad. In a candid interview with Channel 7 in 2010, Houston admits he is paid $300,000 from the church.” More>>
I had to pull out a calculator…that’s $10.8 million dollars per year. That was in 2013. It’s only gotten bigger since.
This is called a Cash Cow. And a very lucrative one at that.
Hillsong Preaches The Prosperity Gospel
“What God births in your heart, he will manifest in your life.” – Brian Houston
One of my big takeaways from attending the Hillsong grand opening was the clarity in which Brian Houston taught the Prosperity Gospel. While it was a subtle shift from the traditional “bigger car, more money, gold in your teeth” we’ve seen on TV, it has been changed to dreams, hopes and aspirations that turn into incredible exploits, kingdoms business and social justice endeavors. *
How about infertility? Solved, just like Hanna in the Old Testament. (Later in his presentation, he gives a modern version of the story. The reason, according to Brian Houston, “What God started in their heart, he finished in their life.”
Then he prooftexts various heroes of the faith and how this principle worked in their lives.
There was an awkward part of the service where Brian confessed that growing up, he thought his son Joel was gay.
How do you get these secret longings and desires to come into being? Simply make room in your heart for God.
There was no mention of sin. No mention of God’s righteous wrath. No mention of repentance. No mention of the cross.
* If you disagree that this subtle twist isn’t the real “prosperity theology”, don’t worry…Brian makes himself perfectly clear in his book entitled You Need More Money.
I firmly believe that the Prosperity Gospel is either a perversion of the true gospel…or falls so far off that it is “another gospel” (Galatians 1:8, 2 Corinthians 11:4) and has no place in the church or a true Christian’s worldview.
Please let me clarify…
The true gospel is a message of YOU CAN’T…
Our heart is evil and full of deceit and desperately wicked. (Jeremiah 17:9). We need to lead our hearts…not follow them. We are dead in our sin (Colossians 2:13-14), separated from God (Isaiah 59:2) and there is nothing we can do about.
The GOOD NEWS is that God CAN…that Jesus paid the price (Romans 3:24) and that for all who turn from their sin (Acts 3:19), repent and call the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13). The message of the Bible is that we will be transformed through the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). God wants us to learn contentment (Philippians 4:11-13) and bring our hearts desires to him. That our true desires are ultimately fulfilled in Christ alone. We are called by him and kept by him…and that “he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)
Singing Hillsong Furthers Their Mission And Their Message
In 1995, Brian Houston wrote a vision piece called The Church I Now See. I highly recommend you read it. It clearly layouts out Hillsong’s strategy as well as tips their hand to their theology. Interesting to note “lead / leader” is mentioned 11 times…while “serve” is mentioned once. One part that stood out to me:
“I see a church committed to an innovative NETWORK that connects hundreds of thousands of pastors and leaders and equips them to flourish. A network committed to the apostolic anointing of leaders who are desperate to see the Church of Jesus Christ rise up to live the un-lived life within her… His glorious Church.”
Every time we sing a Hillsong song, we promote to our congregations the Hillsong brand, send them money, and, in effect, join them in their network and help them spread their message.
Think Before You Sing
My goal of writing this is to challenge churches and worship leaders to think seriously about not only WHAT they are singing, but to also consider where their songs come from and who (and what) they may be unintentionally endorsing in the process.
All MOVEMENTS have an agenda and need to be scrutinized…much more than a solo songwriter.
When it comes to worship, why are we taking our cues from a movement where we don’t align on some very fundamental doctrinal issues?
- Apostolic Authority
- Second Blessing
- Prosperity Gospel
- Women Lead Pastors
- A church that offers a non-committal answer when it comes to homosexual marriage.
In the same way your theology informs your MINISTRY, it also informs your WORSHIP. It can’t help it. Worship is more than just expression of our hearts…it is instructive to the mind as well. We teach our people through singing.
In effect, there are two sermons that go on during Sunday morning, one that is sung, and one that is preached. While we would never put these men in our pulpits, we in effect, invite them to lead our people in worship every Sunday.
Know what you are promoting and who you are partnering with.
It was tremendously helpful for me to have the chance to experience Hillsong and hear Brian Houston personally…straight from the horse’s mouth so to say. As for me, I do not align with Hillsong, their teaching or their theology. Therefore, no matter how popular they are, or how I might not take issue with a particular song, I do not think it is wise to partner with them in worship. There are enough good songs out there that don’t have the baggage. We have a choice…we can sing something else.
The volume of the music was SO LOUD, the iPhone couldn’t record it : )
Bruce Herwig - Redlands Photographer 
Amen.
Man, this guy is missing the point…
This is exactly what the bible warns us about…about bickering over meaningless theology!
Focus on the cross, the blood that was shed. Jesus Christ is our focus…
Sorry bruh! Praying that your focus is brought back on Christ, and not vain attempts at ripping other ministries because you don’t fully agree. Truth is truth, and will never fade my bro. Time to put personal agenda behind you!
Much love my friend! May God cause His face to shine up you! 😊
…about bickering over meaningless theology!
meaningless theology? I think sin, the cross and repentance are pretty meaningful.
“There was no mention of sin. No mention of God’s righteous wrath. No mention of repentance. No mention of the cross.”
Brother, See it from the eyes of the scriptures. For someone preaching another gospel- IS founded on doctrine. Hillsong’s doctrine is all but good. In every single letter from Paul he encourages us to go forward toward good doctrine and “rebuke those who contradict it.” (Titus 1:9—) Theology is not meaningless- it is the study of God. One may say “focus on Christ.” Who do you say Christ is? They say he is the giver of all things begged for. We say he is the giver of all things in his own will (see 1 John).
Well said, let’s not get bogged down by the wrong things. Something could be said about the amount of effort that went into this post being applied instead to preaching the Gospel.
Jesus and the apostles often spoke about many different subjects, but only one in the New Testimate had a specific message on the area of repentance and that was John the Baptist.
At the end of the day, no one from Hillsong will respond to this post. Not because of any validity it may or may not have. No, instead they just realize there’s more important things to do than responding to every critic. Also, Hillsong specifically addressed their style and method to outreach in many different posts on their collected site. Answering some of the questions posted here.
Food for thought.
Xoxo,
Tim
Ps. Please excuse any typos as this was posted from my phone.
Where does the Bible “warn” us about meaningless theology? If you actually read your Bible each and everyone of Paul’s Apistles are rebuking false teachers. Open your Bible and read it
You’ve been deceived. Snap out of it.
MEANINGLESS THEOLOGY!!!!???!!! WHAT!?! Its the gospel bro! Without the true gospel of Jesus Christ, why are we even here? They are twisting / editing God’s word – not at all meaningless.
Hillsong is a nauseating load of junk, never ever liked them, Houston came to Madrid once i was close up, it was disgusting. Us and them. ALL the pastors in the banquet hall, and the poor out in the canteen. The singers who were spanish were on massive ego trips, and a load of other stuff. no one mentioned sin, or repentance, but a lot about money. I always thought Darlene Scheck or what ever she is called has an obscene mouth. dont ask me why, i tried to push it aside as being critical, but the womans mouth is obscene. I stopped going to church years ago. I listen to Derek Prince and the like.
I would just like to say, when you are in a position of power to represent Jesus Christ and you fail to speak the gospel. You fail to lead people into baptism. You have done all that work for nothing. It’s all about the cross and his sacrifice. It’s all about the holy spirit that we have been promised. Without these components how can Simone be saved? I’ll stick to winter jam. I love witnessing people accept Jesus and be baptised. Because here on earth, that’s what’s most important.
I still love hillsong UNITED.
Not a big fan of the progressive church movement that is more concerned with filling seats than preaching the gospel. My home town church is 4th largest church in the nation, rarely do they speak of how to get saved. Erks me, but then again NO CHURCH is perfect.
Really enjoyed reading this article, I understand where both of you are coming from. And your hearts seem to be in the right spot. We are the messengers, we will share the gospel of Christ.
Romans 16:17-18 KJV Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (18) For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
“Focus on the cross and the blood that was shed”, you say. That’s exactly what Bruce said that Hillsong does not focus on. This is hardly bickering about meaningless theology!
Sorry. You missed the point. Every Christian is called to discern the spirits and the message! Jesus came to divide, set brother against brother (His words) with His Truth. Jesus is our high priest and he is not down with people mis representing who He is and what He said. Jesus did not preach the WOF, prosperity gospel. There was a day when the AOG denounced it. Shame on them for not making a stand and for giving in to the almighty dollar. Shame on you for not using discernment.
thank you for exposing the truth of wolfs in sheep clothing yes it is a prosperity movement and there lamp sticks are soon to run out God bless brother keep preaching the truth even if they don’t want to listen
You call theology meaningless, yet, in the same breath you say truth is truth and will never fade. What IS truth to you? Theology is important. It’s how you view God. You can’t separate theology from truth. The cross is preeminent because it was Christ’s ultimate sacrifice that bridged the gap between sinful humans and a perfect God. It is the cross ALONE that reconciles us to God. But you can’t just throw out the rest of God’s Word (meaningless theology) because that Word gives credence, perspective and illumination to The Cross. We need theology.
I can judge..but the fruit will become a answer..if the church not 100% against homosex..sure i will leave that church
Jesus Christ is NOT the focus at this church Nathan. This church has one heck of a sleight of hand. How do I know? I did they social media in NYC and stepped down after I saw what went on behind the scenes and was absolutely and utterly disgusted.
Do you believe what jesus taught about the world & false christs?
Hillsong is missing the real “truth” about who God truly is and they are only talking about the positives in Christianity and going away from other attributes of God. Jesus tells us that Christians will go through persecution.
I will say this. Hillsong is not really a church for the saved. It is a church for the broken, those without hope, people who find it hard to see the good in the world and find it hard to see how God works in their lives. People who fight over doctrine and stuff miss the point that the lost need to find the doctrine in the bible for themselves, back in the day of the early church there were no bibles and a lot of what was said was just letters written but we can’t assume everyone had access since they weren’t exactly mass produced like they are nowadays.
The point is, winning the lost and providing them with hope for their lives despite the mistakes they may make on a daily basis is so much more important and Jesus’ grace covers all of that. So why would you shoot down a ministry who does it better than any other church in the world.
Lastly, with the prosperity gospel, Brian has admitted he should have named that book rather differently and whilst it was poorly written (again in his own words) he fully agrees with the points he made in the book. Anyway God did make us a prosperous people and he didn’t call us to get second best, he called us to believe for more and more, so why wouldn’t we ask for more with faith that God will provide us what he deems necessary.
Tell that to the Believers in Africa, China, Middle East………. God didn’t send Jesus to make good men rich. He came to make dead men live. He came to bring redemption to the lost. Redemption to a HOLY GOD. Modern day Christianity is a stain on the world. We are called to take up our cross daily. Sacrificial living. This is no longer taught in the house of God, but it’s still scripture.
Absolutely agree. There is no place in the Bible for this kind of stuff, a la Bible Answer Man Hank Hanagraf. I call them Christian whiners.
Well, for one the impression that money equals charitable action is erroneous. Hillsong nyc has publicly stated it has no homeless ministry. I who once was homeless due to hardship faced this fact, and what it truly does is preach a gospel that doesn’t seek to offend. But not a gospel that reaches the needy or poor. But those who feel they need some form of God that is packaged to suit their GQ, and Instagram lifestyle. This is why they align themselves with pop stars. It is a double edged sword, at once attracting those who genuinely need God bc everyone does. And being stylish while doing it, nothing wrong with this until it becomes the most important thing.
So sad to read that they are not focusing on the poor and needy as Jesus would. So many other churches are brilliant at supporting the homeless etc.
Galatians 1:6-9
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-
7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.
9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
I now see the light….. Sorry! This group does not preach the Truth…the Word of Christ. Without the Word you have nothing. When anyone preaches the real truth a lot of people do not like it…..just like during Christ’s time. Anything outside the gospel is vanity. The fallen away is here more than ever……God,s judgments are getting stronger, If you add or take away from the book (Bible) every curse in it will come upon you.
God have mercy on these people…but the prosperity message is a false teaching. The prosperity that God wants is eternal life NOT money.
Jesus said, you either serve God or money. What happened to the rich young ruler…..? People have deceived themselves. Deception is growing worse and worse. I am musician myself but the ole’ time religion music….like Charles Wesley…holds the truth of God. The Truth is free….. This goes back what would Jesus do……? He says, preach repentance and remission of sins. Those two things…. God Bless!!
You can’t sell this in third world countries. You think it is OK to give a FALSE hope to the hopeless? Classic.
Thanks Lena. You said it all.
Allow me say this, God can not let people that are driving away, his own to a different direction and let them keep on doing until now, that is why he saw the world dead into sin and sent Christ…”that is how much God loves us”……… I like what i see in the lines in their songs and i think they even do more preaching of the gospel in the songs at least songs can be heard everywhere,
Another thing lets stop judging or picking out things, If they are on a wrong basis of the gospel let God deal with them, …..think for a minute how is your relationship with GOD THAT YOU TAKE OFF TIME TO TALK OF WHAT HILLSONG DOES OR WHAT IT DOESN’T DO…………let Christ rule our lives, live by faith and as you spread the GOSPEL of which it is d good news not the bad news…..
Stay Blessed!!!!!!!!!
My oh my. There is such a lack of true biblical discernment in the “christian” community. We hear “Do not judge” as a blanket excuse for not testing all things, for not hating what is evil. We are all responsible to God to test ALL things. Theology is seen as dead religion if we must test our experience theologically .People are told all they have to do is make a profession of faith, ask Jesus into their hearts and He will give them a great life. “The Lord has a wonderful life planned for you” so say this prayer. What Jesus are you coming to ? Is it the “take up your cross and follow me” and all that means ? Is it” repent and turn from your sins” or “jesus can fix your marriage” or get you a job. Salvation is not about Jesus meeting our emotional, temporal needs. It is about Him dying for your soul to save you from hell. He will give you peace with God and the peace of God as He gives you His Spirit. It all is about GOD.No wonder we have so many experience based churches where many are not even saved but relying on an experience.
The writer of the article who wrote against the Hillsong Church seems to have a very strong personal agenda of professional jealousy against Hillsong Church. Through the death of my wife, I have always taken great comfort from the Hillsongs Church. If you have so much issue with Hillsongs the why dont you do what the Bible says when it instructs us that if we have problem with another christian brother that we should go ourselves directly to that person to sort the matter out. This all sounds like a very strong case of professional jealousy of breaking down another christian brother because you are bitter about how God is using the Hillsong ministry. Why must I stop singing Hillsong just because one bitter man hates Hillsongs? That sounds so dumb that I must now throw away all Hillsongs CDS and DVDs just because of one little man in the world who has now got a pet hate against Hillsongs. You seem to be hiding behind conservative doctrine but your true face looks bitter, angry, resentful and full of jealousy. Why tell the world about how much you hate Hillsongs? Why dont you do what Scripture in Matthew 18 tells you to do to go and sort it out with the leader of the Church yourself? Why impose your bitterness and outrage against another Christian brother on all of us who are seeking to live a God glorifying life? Leave behind your weight of sin and focus on Christ. This is the commandment from the writer of the Hebrews. If you claim to be so based on sound doctrine then why dont you take heed to the Matthew 18 principle and the instruction given from Hebrews that I have already mentioned? The very fact that you have gone about this in a non Christ like manner tells me that you yourself dont belong to Christ. Hows that one for you?
@Ivan – Matthew 18 is specifically there so that two Christians in a local church, who have issues with each other, can resolve them in a private and Biblical manner.
Tackling the sins of leaders within the church is dealt with in other passages, such as 1 Timothy 5:19 and 20:
“19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses.
20 Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.”
So, as you can see, there is a difference between sinning brethren, and those leaders who sin publicly, in terms of life, conduct and doctrine. Leaders are held to a very high standard. Doctrine can also be taught by music and other methodologies. For the record, I detected no bitterness in the author’s tone, but rather a sincere appeal to test everything that comes into the church, by the lens of scripture.
It seems to me Ivan, that you have serious attitudinal problems with anyone who disturbs your ‘daydream’ existence in relation to Hillsong. Brian Houston is regarded by many in Australia as a cult leader, and his “church” and other attached organisations are seen as no more than a tax free, money making business, which preaches a false gospel, which cannot save the hearers from sin, nor cause them to repent of sin.
all well said.i have one word for hillsong, God bless hillsong and they will continue to leads lives to christ.i see nothing unscriptural about them nor their songs.when ever iam down in spirit all I need is a powerful spirit filled hillsong track and iam back good with God my father..how can u judge a church by attending just one service and u think u understand everything going on there.
hillsong music has change my christian life and belief in so many ways.if u dnt like them it’s ok but u can’t force people to hate hillsong
I’ve never known a gospel musical group that preach the cross and it power like hillsong does.when I listen to some of their songs like Aftermath, Hosanna, Take heart, Emmanuel, ,Savior, Everlasting God, Beautiful Exchange, I will rise, Glorious ruin, All I need is you lord, christ is Enough, To know your Name, Avalanche, Anchor, Love so high, to mention but few I get closer to Jesus day by day.
I dnt know where you get this writeup from, and I also know that no human is without a sin including you that is judging hillsong but there’s nothing wrong abt hillsong music its changing lives for christ it has change me completely.
pls hillsong I has a request if youre reading these comments and post please come to my contry I love you guys so much and I look forward to singing Aftermath to our Lord JESUS when I see HIM on that day.GOD bless Hillsong
Can I ask how old you are?
you are blind. they help no one unless it is to your bank account and to have plastic surgery
and your reply reveals bitterness in your own heart
there is nothing un Christlike for exposing fraud you need to look at what Jesus said to the scribes and pharisees. I know a lot about them and they are not helping anyone unless you count sitting about singing bland songs helpful.
Listen up disrespectful, ill-mannered Yuppies and Millennials!- Brian has a right to his opinion and can put whatever he wants on his own darn blog. If you don’t agree with him then go write your own blog about this false teaching of Hillsong. I get sick and tired of a handful of loud mouthed disrespectful Know-it-all’s in this country telling all the rest of us (Christian majority) what we can and can’t say, believe, feel, etc.We don’t have to bake cakes, arrange flowers, or bow and scrape to a handful of bully’s and prissy-pants rainbow-waving nut jobs! And don’t rag me about this post after all the nonsense and garbage and shameful nudity mess I just saw you have posted on Twitter! I can stand up for Brian if I dang well want to! You people better wise up before the enemy drags you any further down that sorry path!
“Listen up disrespectful, ill-mannered Yuppies and Millennials!- Brian has a right to his opinion and can put whatever he wants on his own darn blog.”
Actually, it is mostly the “disrespectful, ill-mannered Yuppies and Millennials” who are the ones who ADORE Hillsong.
“If you don’t agree with him then go write your own blog about this false teaching of Hillsong.”
Well, that’s why Bruce Herwig posted this. Just like how you have the write to post what you believe about this, the same applies to me and anyone else.
However,
“We don’t have to bake cakes, arrange flowers, or bow and scrape to a handful of bully’s and prissy-pants rainbow-waving nut jobs!”
So glad we don’t have to do that. That is definitely worse. Also,
“And don’t rag me about this post after all the nonsense and garbage and shameful nudity mess I just saw you have posted on Twitter!”
I have no intentions of ragging you, and those are definitely worse than listening to Hillsong.
Honestly, the Hillsong people should be careful with their doctrine, and to not use illuminati symbols, for example. But you can still find some truth to their music.
IF you try to approach them as you suggest they get security guards to throw you out and if you post anything that questions them on the internet Hillsong get their lawyers on you threatening to sue you for defamation.
Your response is judgmental. Assuming he is bitter and jealous? Enough with the name calling and stone throwing. Geez! Every person is untitled to their opinion, doesn’t mean you have to hate them for it.
Ivan Robert Lotter: You are judgemental. You can’t prove any of those accusations.
Wow, you need a chill pill. You makes the writer seem like he sits next to JESUS… you are the bitter, name-calling malcontent. He is entitled to his opinion. I agree. sorry to break it to you…..
This is not about a bitter man or about jealous. This is about what God has said in His words. We are not supposed to add or take away from the word of God. Regarding Hill song and their music of course their music is good but is it really of God. How can you say the bible is our final authority and we are endorsing homosexual marriages. This is all about money and the word of God says we can’t serve God and mammon. People please read the bible and live the way the bible instructs us to live. Don’t be hearers of the word only but be yee also doers of the word.
Im reading these comments and this one i pause for a moment and saddened, not just by the one above but as I study the word… (I’m just a simple man, been around, educated , broken , my heart , my mind a renewing and transformation slowly taking place.) The word of of God, the bible , where do I begin. I humbly accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior but it took some breaking down. Life isnt fair but what see & here, what I learn when i study my bible with humility and truly crying out to God and thanking him for sending his only son to die for me. So study the word as I walk thru his strength (2 peter Chapter 1 verses 1-11 or so) listening though the world is so loud. When I feed my spirit and not my flesh because I know I cant feed one without starving the other I hear the Holy Spirit and it guides and directs me as I try to understand the context of his word. There is a heaven there is a Hell. I believe this (it pains me, it scares me , it upsets me , it is a mystery to me but i accept it I cant deny it thru scripture) so for me the next question is does everybody go to heaven? Joel Olsteen wont even talk about it (people have enough things in life beating them done so he shares in a interview) Creflo feels he deserves Gods best I dont know if he every got that 70 million dollar jet or not. Prosperity Gospel whatever terms we want to coin. Listening to the debate on the NRB hosts an evengelical presidential debate and these highly educated, accredited Christains cant even come together in agreement (its okay the bible explains it all) i sat at a table with friend I hadnt seen in 20 years he thinks I could really use some medical help for all the trama Ive been thru in my life. Yet I hear his and I cry inside his distain for Christians he’s so lost and I can actually see his pain in his eyes (its not me , its discernment , i have tears alot for others I dont feel a anger or bittnerness or jealousy from the one that put this together concerned about Hillsong he has ligitamate concerns & fears not bittnessess. Deep breath… Hillsong the pastor the interview i saw with him and oprah was disheartning. No worries of Jesus coming back and whats to follow, none of no when if Creflo knew Jesus was coming back in a month (yes no one does or will) but if he did would he still desire that jet, or reallocate those funds to ministry the hell that he shows videos on. I know these are my views and ilustrations but…. I happen to agree there are many false teachers, the bible does warn of it, does the bible warn of this to stear clear so it doesnt ruin our day or our year or our salvation. If you dont believe in a heaven and hell your excluded from this I guess enjoy the concerts, the music, the videos the entertainment the feel good music. I prefer to study what real worship is, its obedience to God. Walking right doing the best I can to honor my Father, how do we do this without stumbling over and over well thats that 2 peter verse for me and so many other others. (im a sinner thats what the word says only thru his strength will i make it, I will mess it up everytime. I proved to be true)
That book says all.. no matter what hillsong fans want to say.. i pray you all wake up its time to stop defending pastors and churches and start preaching the real gospel of Jesus Christ.
Thank you for the information you posted on Hillsong. I’ve started listening to them since I was born-again 7 months ago but since I’ve just read this article, I am deciding to cut off all music by them. I personally am not a Charismatic or fall under the Prosperity Gospel movement and therefore should have no business involving myself with this type of music. That’s too bad , I bought concert tickets by them just recently. I will have to sell them or give them away. I praise the Lord for giving me discernment over this matter. Everybody in Hillsong needs to Repent of their Sins and get over their emotionalism.
I am in the same boat as you, except I am a repented Christian after accepting Christ in the 70s. I have been trying to get my oldest daughter to come to Christ and thought that taking her to a Hillsong concert next month may be a spark. I knew Brain Houston had said some things that made me pause (thank you Holy Spirit) and the more I saw and heard my heart became heavy just today alone. Not that I really listened to any of his sermons but when I did, they troubled me. Hillsong United music was with me as I repented and took the Lord’s outstretched hand again, but it is obvious that they have been exposed. I heard some sermon excerpts from Hillsong’s pastor in New York and it was like nails being dragged a crossed a chalk board to my ears.
Don’t take others’ word as your own…you need to learn to search the scriptures and the Holy Spirit instead of relying on human thoughts. Where does your faith lie?
Just go to the concert and enjoy it. Yes, they are not perfect, but no church is and overall their music is a blessing to many in their faith journey.
At face value, what is wrong with the songs. I have read there lyrics I don’t see nothing wrong with there music, the church is a different matter I don’t believe in there gospel it’s all about money, but the music many times as lifted me up.
You are deceived my friend Jesus is the so called American name for Yeshua but has been Distorted and twisted & Christ means Messiah and God which one??? Some people claim that our Lord should not be referred to as “Jesus.” Instead, we should only use the name “Yeshua.” Some even go so far as to say that calling Him “Jesus” is blasphemous. Others go into great detail about how the name “Jesus” is unbiblical because the letter J is a modern invention and there was no letter J in Greek or Hebrew his name is Yesuha not Jesus! Have you ever noticed there is no cross at their events / stages ? satan is deceiving the young and leading them to hell by the wide path via false praise music and teachings period, Brian Houston allows Practicing gays that claim to be Christains contiune with their abominations. The Bible says practicing homosexuality is a sin, stating clearly that its members “affirm God’s plan for marriage and sexual intimacy – one man, and one woman, for life. Homosexuality is not a ‘valid alternative lifestyle.’ It is not, however, an unforgivable sin. The same redemption available to all sinners is available to homosexuals. They, too, may become new creations in Christ.” If they repent and stop practicing Homosexuality. “The Muslim and you, we actually serve the same God…” Brian Houston, Hillsong United
UPDATE MARCH 29/2014: This story caused an impact heard ’round the world, and within 24 hours it forced Hillsong United pastor Brian Houston to issue the standard quickie denial of the things he said in the video clip below. In interest of fairness, click here to read the full context his denial of Chrislam. You can make up your own mind if he is sincere or not, and if he meant what he originally said or not. We take it at his word and believe he meant what he said in the
Its a sad day when Christians tear another pastor or ministry down. How about we pray for one another and build each other up. “JESUS said if I BE be lifted up I will draw all men unto Me”
Brian Houston or Hillsong does not have the power to draw men its THE LORD JESUS Himself who has the power to convert, heal and build people up. Be kind, allow the gifts of the
HOLY SPIRIT operate in your life. GOD BLESS
kay, of all the comments mentioned here on the page, i agree 100% with u. its Jesus who draws people not a church or a man!
@kay Firstly, think your intent is good, but there is a problem with the statement:
“Its a sad day when Christians tear another pastor or ministry down. How about we pray for one another and build each other up.”
Do we build each other up, even when false doctrines are being taught? Am not saying Hillsong does or does not preach false doctrines. Am saying in light of a critic a brother has brought forward, doesn’t it at least necessitate an investigation?
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 Jn 4:1
“TEST” being the operating word here.. Secondly Brian Houston may not have the power to draw people to Christ but he definitely has the power to draw men to himself. People tend to folk around charismatic speakers, and if this be true that would be misleading people away from Christ.
Again, i do not state or confirm the allegations against Brian Houston or Hillsong, but only to say, TEST to see if they are actually from God and HIS Word.
Don’t take anything you hear at face value but rather go and examine for yourselves. Have the spirit of the Bereans. (Acts 17:11)
Sorry kay i know you are sincere in what you are saying yet you are so so in error. Have a look at the way Jesus himself or the apostle Paul handled and spoke to false teachers such as brian prosperity another gospel man. They were not as Nice about it as you think. Preaching another gospel is a most serious matter.
SO SAD that you have to JUDGE instead of telling people the good news.
Seriously stop telling people what they shouldn’t do, rather live a life that makes a difference and is inspiring and brings fruit! Crazy that Hillsong brings so much fruit,
Have you met Bobbie and Brian yet? I guess not. I have and I have been part of their Church when I lived in Sydney. I hate when people preach about prosperety gospel but what they preach and live is everything else than that! They have one goal, loving people and getting them connected to Jesus. As simple it is.
Sorry but you are mistaken. They live the lives of Footballers. Lavish houses, audis, designer clothes. Preach prospetity gospel / word of faith.
I will say that unfortunately they are not alone. What some powerful Christian pastors do is they think that the blessing is for them. So they spend money on expensive schools for their kids. Live in houses that are way above their needs. God meets our needs. Our Greed meets our wants.
Until Hillsong apologises for its horrific judgement in not reporting a confessed paedophile to the Police. Read the unbiased report from the state inquest. It is quite shocking the lies and half truths that were shown in black and white.
Until they start showing some humilty in their lifestyle and live out the gospel. I, like many others, do not want anything to do with them.
Whether it’s a donkey preaching or a hillsong, the gospel has to be preached. Even if is preached out of selfishnes Phil 1:15-18 ” It is true that some preach Christ out of envy
and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The
latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put
here for the defense of the gospel. The
former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not
sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble
for me while I am in chains. But what does it
matter? The important thing is that in every way,
whether from false motives or true, Christ is
preached. And because of this I rejoice.
However, Christ should be preached as the center of our lives. What am concerned about is that people turn from their sinful bondage to Jesus who sets the captives free thru hillsong songs, preaching and conferences. Secondly may be Brian Houston sat one day and said as for me and my house we will serve the Lord…….
It’s not bickering about meaningless theology, if Jesus were there he would drive them all out with a whip and say “stop turning my father’s house into a marketplace” Just as he did with those similar in the bible. The pentecostal movement has a corrupt hierachial system and questionable political agenda’s. I often wonder if it is the same church God addresses in Revelations when he says, “You have the reputation of being alive but you are dead.” I am a child of God and while I admit to having brothers and sisters among those attending pentecostal churches, the institution itself is corrupt and no friend of mine.
Some words of caution before making judgements: what is the true gospel https://bible.org/article/common-assaults-gospel and polemics http://www.timothykeller.com/blog/2014/4/17/gospel-polemics-part-1
It seems to me that this might be a Genetic Fallacy by focusing on the sources or origin of an idea. “something/one should be rejected because it/they come from a bad source.” the issue of inconsistency should also be addressed: If you refuse to buy or support x because x supports y which you do not agree with then you have to apply this to everything. E.g. I refuse to buy groceries at Smiths Food and Drug because it’s founder was Mormon and I don’t agree with Mormonism. Okay, so, are you only going to buy from Chick Fil A and In and Out and Hobby Lobby? and if so, what if their employee is a non Christian? what if they are a Jehovah witness? Are you still going to be their customer and support the employee’s beliefs? One should also beware of the Fallacy of Division between the music and teaching. Inferring that something is true of one or more of the parts from the fact that it is true of the whole… https://www.logicallyfallacious.com/tools/lp/Bo/LogicalFallacies/89/Fallacy_of_Division
I am so worried about Hillsong. It has taken my family away from God. My son and daughter were going to live lives close to Jesus and prepared to do whatever God wanted them to do, for the Gospel. But Hillsong has made them believe it is all about them, their dreams and no focus on God’s will. It has lured them away from Jesus. What can we do? Hillsong has all the hallmarks of a giant evil con. What can we do?
Grab them and Run! Pray, read the word at home primarily and find another church.
Interesting read. I get what your saying but then……the last sentence struck me. “There are enough good songs out their without the baggage”. Hmmmm……..King David had a ton of baggage and the Psalms were written expressing that baggage .
Just a thought. No argument here.
First of all, I can pretty much GUARANTEE you this guy is not of the SPIRIT-FILLED persuasion in Church. second, I have seen some pretty whacky things from Hillsongs; like the weird preacher from HillSong NY playing a guitar in his BVD’s on stage? (That’s demonic) But one bad egg can destroy the Gospel of Jesus, the High Praise that Hillsongs Untied brings. I am particularly amused by the connection between the Hillsong Church, Hillsongs United, and them promoting CD’s, Music, Conferences, schooling all combined. What about the Southern Baptist Association? My point is that ALL, yes ALL major demoninations or Christian Church sects are pretty much doing, promoting the same thing: Jesus through whatever venue we can can bring Him through. I listened to Brian Houston preach on occasion, and I have a tough time understanding him sometimes. But I haven’t heard a lot that I disagree with. And I have been involved DEEPLY in Ministry for over 30yrs. This dude who tool all the time to create this internet article sounds like a Religious brother that has nothing better to do than whine. Wonder how many lost souls He has brought to Jesus recently? Hmmm. Nuff said huh? PS: This same Religious fellow probably wouldn’t agree with our Church either if he showed up and saw someone getting Filled with Baptism of the Holy Ghost..B-)
i am really finding it difficult to understand the concerns of the writer of the article. The Lord Jesus Christ I believe can be made known to the rest of the world through lots of channels. Movies, Songs, Schools, Churches are but a few. For Brian Houston not talking about sin, death of Christ, or the resurrection of Christ at one Church program doesnt mean he he and his Church is against it. And who said the Bible is against Women being leaders in the church. i have listen to lots of hillsong songs preaching the importance of the death and resurrection of Jesus and i believe that through their music ministry, color conference and the others, people have been introduced to Christ. you want a reason to criticize something or someone, study them well because if you did, I believe you wont write this article at the first place.
I PRAY THAT THE LORD JESUS OPEN OUR MINDS AND HEARTHS TO BE ABLE TO KNOW THE TRUTH.
forgive me in case of any typos
add to the “weird preacher from HillSong NY playing a guitar in his BVD’s on stage” the burlesque Silent Night Christmas program (http://www.piratechristian.com/museum-of-idolatry/2015/12/hillsongs-sleazy-silent-night) and the Voodoo Easter one (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rT5Aa5AFI80) and their whole witness is blown. All of it.
seems like the kingdom of darkness is out in full to attack God’s Kingdom of light.i don’t want to believe the author of this article is even a christian. he sounds more like a member of the biggest cult in the world#muslim or atheist.
first, all human beings are sinners according to God, , including the author is a sinner.
secondly, how do you now know those who are serving God truthfully? when you yourself as a human has nothing it takes to judge.if you say Hillsong music shouldn’t be sung in churches because you detest them, then who’s Gospel songs should we sing in churches? pls recommend one that is acceptable to God since you’re with God and you know those who are worshipin In spirit and truth. pls go find a life and forget hillsong, because may not all of their church members will make Heaven, which I know not members of every church will make Heaven including the one you claimed to be a member, few souls will make Heaven through Hillsong and quess what, iam one of them to see God.okay tell us mr Saint, what happening in other churches, which one is God in? so that I can come and worship Him without music.seems you can find God where music isn’t played, and where poverty is the other of the day.i won’t waste my brain try to point to you scriptures that promised us wealth as others have done that already, believe it or not it won’t change the fact that God want the best for His children only that we shouldn’t trust in them and put material things ahead of God.
may God forgive you for try to divide His Kingdom on earth
Bless you
“How do you know” you ask? You open your Bible and compare what Hillsong is saying to what the scriptures say.
Interesting post as this is all new to me.
I post as an attempt at discernment, not judgment.
After reading all these comments, a reoccurring thought is ‘would Jesus support what Hillsong is doing?’ If our Lord was living in a body in contemporary times, would he be supporting rock “worship” shows? ( I know it’s a little bit of a stretch to think about this, but I think we can all see the point). Is he concerned about people being entertained into a belief in him? If the entertainment was a major source for continued ‘belief’, would he want it? When Jesus was here in body, was he concerned with entertaining people? Was the parable a form of entertainment comparable to what’s taking place today?
With so many of contemporary Christian churches, I feel what is being lost is the simple, logical gospel and the illumination of the historical facts surrounding it. They seems to be more about developing emotion, riding the emotional roller coaster, and needing to feel good in order to feel good about God and themselves in the present (as several Hillsong defenders have alluded to on this blog post). Dubious application also seems to be huge these days (gay marriage etc.)
Those that have been in churches with solid preaching understand that Christian faith is well thought of as a boxcar in a train following the historical facts which are the engine of a train. Our emotions are the caboose- they are to never lead the train but trail behind our faith in the historical facts. They like a caboose can be jolted around violently sometimes ( hey we are in the world, (no?) but not of it ), but our faith should NEVER be led by emotions, as emotions can be incredibly deceptive (look at Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, etc. – surely they have emotional experiences too that they think are authentic). Is this not what I am reading Hillsong is doing? Getting people into worship via externally produced emotion, not the words and truth of the gospel? Is it the music new believers except, or is it the Gospel? Is it really both? Do they REALLY understand the gospel? Or do they really dig the music and its lyrics?
Music should not be a prerequisite to an experience with the Living Jesus. But so many make it a prerequisite, and Hillsong appears to be blurring that distinct line. They seem to have waaaaaaay to much focus on music. It comes off as being a ‘church’ all about the performances-hoping to be impressive so that it leads people to the ‘gospel’. It seems waaaaaay to focused about the generating a feeling and emotion. Throw in some keywords of Christian faith i.e. sin, repentance, love, Jesus etc., and it’s all good? That’s good enough for our Savior? I just get the distinct feeling that our Savior wants our mind first (hear the gospel) and then our heart follows). We don’t even need music to be saved! But God gave it to us for our benefit. Are we using it in a way that benefits him and glorified him, or ourselves and are talents and abilities? He should get our mind before he gets our heart. If our heart is gotten first, are we sure that it’s given 100% to the 100% Jesus of the Scripture? Or is it the emotion of the music that brings us to the ‘Jesus’? If the music is not good, does that have a bearing on your relationship and how you feel in Jesus? Red flag!!!
I am a 42 y.o. worship music participant (team, writer) who just heard about ‘issues’ with Hillsong and Bethel just the other day. Please pray for me that the Lord gives me clarity so I can please Him through my actions, and not worry about pleasing the world. I pray some of what I have said proves beneficial to somebody’s walk here. Again, my intent is not to judge but to try to discern.
My big concern is that the modern music, music-making, the musicians, and the production are the things being ‘worshiped’. Focus taken off of our Lord Jesus Christ at any point for any reason is amiss. Colored lights and loudness are about manipulating the senses. The work of the Holy Spirit through the simple Word is the only manipulation that we should want that we know is authentic. The music should be a distant second….a reflection of the faith, thankfulness, joy, and hope in us in an attempt to further glorify God (not ourselves) by our words and deeds.
So much more to understand.
Make a joyful sound to the Lord (not any other)!
Uhh..hey guys…I would just like to point out that stopping to sing a song wrote by them doesn’t even matter…when u sing, you sing for christ,not because hillsong or any other artist has written it..same songs can be heard from other artists or worship teams..when u sing in a church,it isn’t endorsement for a band but you sing to glorify god and worship him…the song may earn them money from iTunes,Amazon and stuff..even if u record,someone may buy…so pretty much the singing and worshiping with a song written by them isn’t endorsement…just my opinion!!
Envy it is. It is written that one day, we will be accountable for every word we say. That’s going to be interesting. Pharisees will be around us always. Hey Brucey, what are your fruits? Take the plank out of your own eyes first. Pearls to the pigs……..Sorry for you
This is so sad to read… I have been attending Hillsong Paris for the past year and can testify myself that your accusations are completely False. You’ve been there for 1 hour? I befriend people who have been part of that church for 10 years and are among most devout, loving and caring christians I ever met in my life. Rest assured, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the same that Paul preached, is The message that’s being preached there (unless I hallucinate every time I go to church). If you love God, you should be more careful with what you post on the internet. Causing devision in the Body of Christ is a serious sin in His eyes and I think some people here need to repent of it! Including the author and many of those who commented and joined in with hatred… Does the word “slanderer” ring a bell?
I go to hillsong – I have never heard any of these things spoken the way they are being portrayed here. The gospel is shared every Sunday we are encouraged to share the gospel in our lives and we baptise people. Isnt it kind of ignorant to judge an entire ministry on one visit to a church and some Google searches. The lyrics of all of the songs that i have sung there exalt Jesus; talk about His payment on the cross for sin and His grace and mercy- nothing like the junky self centered “praise” music from the 80’s and 90’s much more like hymns just you know for today times- Also who says women can’t be lead pastors? Patriarchal religious systems are not mandated from God – they are wordly systems that are a result of the curse of the law – something Jesus redeemed us from so woman equality is reinstated – sorry not sorry – and no I didn’t learn that from HS I learned it by reading my bible years and years before I ever knew that place existed and no women are not more easily deceived than men and nothing proves that like the porn industry.
What’s the gospel? This should be easy for you if you claim its shares each week
Wow, some of you need to actually see everything that hillsomg does ministry wise, not just conferences and concerts and church, they have lifted ministers to making missions all around the world, human trafficking mission where many women are pulled out from sex slavery and delivered. Gospel is not just about sin and repentance, it’s about victory and the Glory of God being poured down so that those who sinned and need repentance will repent! Blessings! I’m not bashing anyone just saying read up on more then what you know. It’s not what you see in the limelight is what you see behind the curtain.
You need to read you Bible and actually read it. The gospel IS just that. Christ dying for the sins of those who repent. Nothing more and nothing less. All those things you named…… Satan worshippers, atheists, Mormons Ect.. Do. Good works are not the gospel.
You are missing the point my friend
Hillsong LA is the best church in the area. I’ve been saved for over 35 years.
The worship music is anointed,the people who greet you pray and I feel the Love of God when I go there.
We all have sinned…
Pray for this church and their leaders.
Forgive
Hillsong is false praise music and teachings period, Brian Houston allows Practicing gays that claim to be Christains contiune with their abominations.The Jesus they speak of is not Yeshua Jesus’s real name ! The Bible says practicing homosexuality is a sin, stating clearly that its members “affirm God’s plan for marriage and sexual intimacy – one man, and one woman, for life. Homosexuality is not a ‘valid alternative lifestyle.’ It is not, however, an unforgivable sin. The same redemption available to all sinners is available to homosexuals. They, too, may become new creations in Christ.” And So called Pastor Bil Cornelius of Church Unlimted is partnering with Hillsong and he openly welcomes LBGT.
This is exactly what the bible warns us about false teachers and false praise music.Hillsong is You are deceived my friend Jesus is the so called American name for Yeshua but has been Distorted and twisted & Christ means Messiah and God which one??? Some people claim that our Lord should not be referred to as “Jesus.” Instead, we should only use the name “Yeshua.” Some even go so far as to say that calling Him “Jesus” is blasphemous. Others go into great detail about how the name “Jesus” is unbiblical because the letter J is a modern invention and there was no letter J in Greek or Hebrew his name is Yesuha not Jesus! It’s not about theology ? Are you serious! Sounds like you don’t need the living word of God that is called the Bible, you can’t just listen to this false worship music and call yourself a True Christian. You have to read the Bible and practice it’s teachings. Have you ever noticed there is no cross at their events / stages ? satan is deceiving the young and leading them to hell by the wide path via false praise music and teachings period, Brian Houston allows Practicing gays that claim to be Christains contiune with their abominations. The Bible says practicing homosexuality is a sin, stating clearly that its members “affirm God’s plan for marriage and sexual intimacy – one man, and one woman, for life. Homosexuality is not a ‘valid alternative lifestyle.’ It is not, however, an unforgivable sin. The same redemption available to all sinners is available to homosexuals. They, too, may become new creations in Christ.” If they repent and stop practicing Homosexuality. “The Muslim and you, we actually serve the same God…” Brian Houston, Hillsong United
UPDATE MARCH 29/2014: This story caused an impact heard ’round the world, and within 24 hours it forced Hillsong United pastor Brian Houston to issue the standard quickie denial of the things he said in the video clip below. In interest of fairness, click here to read the full context his denial of Chrislam. You can make up your own mind if he is sincere or not, and if he meant what he originally said or not. We take it at his word and believe he meant what he said in the video segment below. The story stands.
I first heard of there issues from Jacob Prash.youtube him..I will listen to the gal sing every once and a while.love her voice and hear nothing wrong in lyrics.Christ will even use the false to bring people to him.dont listen to therechurch services ect.rather go by ones that speak word for word precept upon precept.but as the world is some 1 always will say there wrong.where my gift of discernment comes in
So maybe pray for them. We spend too much time criticizing churches while not being a solution ourselves. You may be right, but the way that this article is written, you’re also wrong. I’ve been to Sydney and I’ve heard the word preached and I’ve seen lives change at enounterfest, ( i.e. people turning to God). I’ve sat wity past members of united and they all say the same thing more or less, they want to bring people to Jesus, which is not something this article is doing. To a less mature person this is a stumbling block and atheauthor is responsible, better grab that millstone.
Hello,
This is a very well constructed and truthful blog. Our theology needs to be rooted in the foundational doctrines of the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Hillsong makes an impact all over the world. However, if their message continue to be void of the cross of Christ Jesus, then their labor will remain in vain.
Redeemed,
Harry Mims
I am not a theologian, just a regular guy that goes to church and follows God. Im amused by the hate within these posts. Its seems jealousy and hate have filled many hearts. Oh I know, so many will say its not jealousy we are just preaching rhe gospel. The ironic thing is that you are criticizing their methods which mean you think yours is the only way. I have been to many churches and no two are alike. I guess if we got you all in abroom you would fight it out to prove that your style is the only style. In fact this is why religion is taking such a beating in this country. So many of us love love love our God. He is a good God. He is one that practices love not hate. He does not nor did Jesus spend all day every day telling us that Hell is two steps away. He told us to love one another and so on. Religion is bad, very bad. Thats because so many of you “preachers” have tasted the power that you have over your “flock” Instead of humbling yourselves and saying I can only do what God tells me to do, you spend your time telling all of us what to do and what to think and so on. Very often we find the people that do this are the biggest sinners amongts us. I am a Christian, I love my God. But I will never tell uou how to worship your God, how to live your life and how to earn your money. I am certain that the ones that feel that the money earned is just awful and sinful are preaching each sunday for free. I think that is great that you are doing that. Oh wait your not? So then tell me how much is too much? Who gets to decide that? Which one of you was appointed by God to dictate salary decisions to all other preachers? Again, this is why people hate religion (NOT GOD) but religion. Because a bunch of older white men ( I stereotype here but lets face it thats probably pretty accurate) like to tell all of the rest of us how to live. Someday when we meet in Heaven and all of the preachers are kneeling next to all of the rest of us including the Hillsong folks, will they be angry then too? Will they tell God that he was wrong because they did not preach the way they thought it should be preached?
One last thing. My guess is that each of you preachers reading this has a small to mid sized church. I would say from 100 to 5,000. That is awesome! But in a short time those guys have exposed millions and millions of people to God. Not all of those people that sing the songs belong to their church or contribute. Some of us just like the music. So when you complain about people that have reached about a million more souls than you, I have to question why your filled with so much hate. Everyone interprets the Gospel differently. But I know…. the way you interpret it is the only way, right???
Open your bible and read it anyone who does is a “theologian”. They’ve exposed people to a FALSE God that Jesus warned us about. And if you would just read your Bible, Christians are CALLED to expose false teaching. That’s not “hate” my friend, what would be hateful is not explosing it.
This is wrong, desist from it. even if they used the money they get from their music to promote their church, it is right because spirit filled songs are ministered to people’s soul and the money to promote christ’s church. When churches are rich, people raise an eyebrow and create a stumbling block in their heart while if a worldly person is rich, people gives them positive comment. Wealth is in the church of Christ and yes, we are created to be blessed all round , including financially.
if you sing hillsong or you don’t, that’s your thought, and don’t lead other people into not singing dongs that will be ministered to their soul.judge not my brother
I dont believe Hillsong comes from God.
This is a family business,with mass hysteria caused by the pastors knoledge that some people are in great need for God.
When people are vulnerable, other people cash in.
When the rich man asked Jesus ” what must i do to be saved”?
Jesus answered , ” leave your riches and follow me ”.
Tell Brian Huston to give up his riches and really follow Jahwe.
Why are you trading the Gospel for the Communist Manifesto, David?
It’s not a sin to make money. The reason Jesus told the rich man to give up his wealth and possessions was because he idolized them. Jesus said it was hard, but not impossible, for a rich man to enter Heaven.
Your words are going down the deadly path of liberation theology: the idea that God favors the poor and oppressed, essentially distorting Christianity to fit the confines of Marxism. Marx was an atheistic Jew, though. God views and treats all people equally. Plain and simple:
“For God does not show favoritism,” (Romans 2:11 NIV).
“But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers,” (James 2:9 NIV).
If there is a problem with Hillsong, it’s not the fact that they have money. It would be Prosperity Gospel preaching and malicious purposes and means to earning such money that would be the problem:
“If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain, (1 Timothy 6:3-5 NIV).
If that’s what you are getting at, then good. Otherwise, money is not the root of all evil. Love of money (greed) is the root to all kinds of evil (not all evil).
I agree reluctantly
>”There was no mention of sin. No mention of God’s righteous wrath. No mention of repentance. No mention of the cross.”
Maybe not in that particular sermon, but I’m sitting here right now watching Brian Houston on The Hillsong Channel preaching on SIN (using that term), repentance and the cross. He’s actually preaching a pretty strong message on the subject, on the effects of sin (weight, shame, disqualifies you for use by God), and how to overcome it through the power of Christ. What more do you want?
I’ve also heard him preach what you (rightly) say is the True Gospel: That you can’t, and God can.
Meaningless theology? Jesus dying on the cross is theology or doctrine or essential christian teaching.
Repentance is theology, this will not mean anything to someone who is not saved but to a Christian who has repented then the importance of it cannot be stressed enough. Baptism is theology. Everything is the bible is theology, when we are convicted of sin by the Holy Spirit, that is theology.
Theology is not the dusty old thoughts of some dried up old crones in a Christian library. Use the word teaching if you like.
Right teaching is critical for survival, right teaching keeps us out of hell. You might say it is God grace, but what if you are taught from the pulpit that even the devil gets to heaven like an old friend of mine used to believe?
If you are taught that you can sin in any way you like, ignore the warnings of the bible and you will get to heaven anyway?
You might be under some teaching like this, if so, read the bible as that is our compass. Some call it Gods word, Jesus thought it was important. Paul thought it was important enough to say if you have the wrong gospel then you are cursed.
Importantly it does not take much to have a false gospel, gutless pastors water the word of God down so that people are convicted of sin. I admit it is difficult being confronting but if there is a wolf in the church or say adultery is rampant in a church it must be directly confronted. People who refuse to stop adultery for example are to be warned several times then removed from the church and told not to come back, until they repent, that by the way is theology or truth.
Please consider, I hope you got the point.
Oskar
Wow, sometimes a song isn’t just a song. I had no idea about this
Respectfully, a song is never just a song…
It is the battle cry of culture,
It is the conrete articulation of the esoteric but very palpable voice of the soul,
It is a cure,
It is a weapon,
It should always be listened to with deligence, care, and caution.
Words mean things.
Notes on a scale mean things.
I hope I have not offended you
Warren
Well thought, well researched, well written.
Unfortunately there’s nothing new under the sun. Everything that’s been said here has been said before, many times over, for many years. And it’s all been addressed by Hillsong Church leadership including pastors Brian and Bobbie Houston. As yet another blog article is written by a minority, the music written by the team will continue to bless so many (churched and unchurched), the gospel preached from the platform will continue to lead thousands to salvation each weekend and the books written will continue to inspire and equip. And as always the name of Jesus will be lifted higher than any other name.
Alise, where have these issues been publicly addressed? And if so, were they denied, affirmed & embraced or explained away??
Also, if you have a Bible & read it, you do realize that the Scriptures address a different “gospel” thus a different Jesus, right? So even if Hillsong wants to “lift high the Name of Jesus” be sure that there were certain nominal Apostles, who at one time wanted to cast out demons & do “tricks” with the Name of Jesus, but unfortunately their alleged authority was not recognized, because it wasn’t genuine. I fear this for Hillsong, and it’s influence and those with itching ears or those ready to tap their feet to a melody at any moment. May the Lord have mercy+
Although yes the initial message of theirs may be interpreted in a bad light, many people find blessing in the songs that they can worship with written by Hillsong. It’s the same idea with many brands that support different things. For example, Procter and Gamble. Though they have been allegedly accused of promoting anti-Christian agendas does not mean that people buy them less. Why? Because their products are convenient and beneficial. As long as people continually get blessed and continually come to God, I see no reason in dividing people over such a trivial matter. After one is brough to God, one band does not make a huge difference on your Christian walk. It’s the self-exploration, the communal time with God that begets a deeper understanding of Him and His word. In fact, I think the real target of the article is not on Hillsong itself but a disagreement on fundamental values of the Christian faith based on different values. It’s like trying to discuss denominations and their differing values.
And please tell me what the “Gospel” you believe in is. Because recently even the Gospel has had many interpretations but I think it comes down to the most basic of basics. John 3:16 and to enhance the gospel idea, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and soul and Love your neighbor as yourself. When has God ever wanted a debate over the way people come to him? When has he ever desired a specific way for people to come to him to worship?
Are you saying that the minority should be marginalized because what they have to say is invalid due to lack of popularity? ” Narrow is the gate, and difficult the way that leads to paradise.”
Jesus was the minority.
Regards
Warren
Hi Alise, you are obviously part of the church. I wish you well.
Oskar
Thanks for the well written, well organized article! I’ve stopped singing Hillsong music in our church as well. I’ve also wanted to write about it for some time, but just haven’t had the time. Since you’ve done such a fine job I’ll just point people here. Soli Deo Gloria!
Shaky arguments at best (snippets of things out of context- even the paragraph that was the ‘one thing that really struck’ you – I can’t see how that supports your point). Also, you haven’t mentioned the actual Hillsong in Sydney- Darlene Zesch and the group there who have written so many songs that are theologically correct, among even the most conservative (Shout to the Lord, for example).
I have a friend who attended seminary to become a worship leader, and when he returned, he was changed, but NEVER did he mention prosperity or anything remotely resembling the theology you are putting forth here…
There is some music they put out that is less profound, but it’s easy to spot, because there are certain writers who are very sound theologically and others not so much (mainly fluff), so if a see a song written by someone in the second category, I don’t expect a lot.
I agree….my daughter attended Hillsong International Leadership College in Sydney. It changed her…..God brought her to a humble place…broke her and built her back up. I went to visit…and sat under Houston’s teaching….and theough many classes…..I did not hear anything that alarmed me. I was challenged……blessed….and broken theough every service and class. The teachers are so kind and loving. Houston and his wife, Bobbi…who all thengirls there live and look up to….have a heart for hurting people. Australia is not a christian nation…and their success there is only by the Grace of God. I am a teacher in the USA and have thought about taking a year leave of abstence and attending Hillsong College…..that is how amazing it is. I think sometimes, we judge ministries on success and size. My daughter was blessed….she was chosen to sing in the choir every service with United and Young and Free……it wasn’t all glamour…..a lot of time goes into making the services run flawlwssly…..and they do. Brian is a kind and humble man….hard to believe with all of his fame….I know. If you don’t like Hillsong…or agree with them…..so be it…..they will survive. Oh…just so you know….my daughter is using her Hillsong education….she and her husband, who she met there, are worship pastors in the states. God is amazing.
Dear Suz, I hate to crack the image that is Hillsong for you, but I must ask you to consider the following:
A lot of different groups in the world have techniques and methodologies that “break people down and build them down again”. In this case, it is so they can rebuild them – into the image of Hillsong.
That’s because ‘movements’ like Hill$ong are all about image and there is very little substance contained within the image. Trust me when I say that here in Australia, many faithful believers in God do not trust Hill$ong, and it is seen as a very Emergent style of ‘church’. Some churches regard it as a tax free money making cult.
Hillsong has been known to take over churches in a similar manner to corporate raiders:
hillsongchurchwatch.com/2015/03/26/hillsong-insider-i-was-not-prepared-for-what-i-was-about-to-witness-that-night/
and
http://hillsongchurchwatch.com/2015/04/04/hillsong-insider-the-gccc-merge-was-surely-and-truly-a-plotted-corporate-takeover/
Here’s a link to an article by Lance Goodall, who wrote in some detail about Hillsong and its music:
http://www.cwm.org.au/3/16-56/95-hellsong-the-music-of-hillsong-part-1?highlight=WyJoaWxsc29uZyIsImhpbGxzb25nJ3MiLCInaGlsbHNvbmcnIl0=
There are other parts to this article, which can be found on the same website:
http://www.cwm.org.au/3/15-57/84-hellsong-the-music-of-hillsong-part-2
and
http://www.cwm.org.au/3/14-58/66-hellsong-the-music-of-hillsong-part-3
Things are not what they appear to be in the Mega church scene… at all
Apollo
PS: to the blog master – I hope you don’t mind me posting all these links, but it is important that the church in general sees Hillsong and other emergent churches for what they really are – no saving gospel, no life and a serious attempt by them to grow filthy rich on top of people’s ignorance…
It’s pretty sad when “Christians” judge other ministries/ people without knowing what’s true in their heart. God is using so this ministry to impact millions and other Christians get mad about it? Maybe different ministries are called to reach people in different places. Maybe the church you attend is reaching your community, as for Hillsong they’re doing it around the world and there’s nothing wrong about it. I’m sure that God sees all and rejoices when a life is saved no matter where.
All you have to do is listen to Houstons preaching and you know what is in his heart. A false gospel, one different then the one in the Bible. Read the first book of Galatians about what Paul says to those preaches as different gospel
Amrn this man is right hillsong is for homosexality which is an abomination against God what is a abomination something God hates so for you to say Hillsong is from God is a lie from the pit of hell. Study the scriptures for yourself have a relationship with Jesus Christ for your self listen to the real Holy Ghost. Do not be deceived. If there are many false prophetsthese last days you cant trust any body now days its like jesus culture i went i did not like it at first but on the third day because my younth went three days i gave in because i liked the music a lot then i told my church that it was from God because i felt some kind of presents there and thought it was God but it probably was a false spirit cause i did not agree with alot of the preaching like they would say stuff at the conference that we should not judge people so much or how you can prepare scripture to go out and evangelise but i just do it unprepared like if there was something wrong with studing the scripture to prepare scripture so you can go out and evangelise the problem. With jesus culture is they talk about to much grace and not the rightous judge ment of God if you take the rightous judgement of God away from the bible then God would not be a loving God cause a loving God would punish the wicked for there wrong doing and you would not be able to under stand the bible and you would probably condem the old testiment cause God killed and wiped out a lot of people for there wicked ways against him in the old testiment what are you going to say God was. Wrong sense when do youbecome God and start telling God this was wrong what you did in the past but this right God is God we are not we are just dust from the ground that God can destroy any moment i think a speaker even said something like God was not going to destroy the earth and burn it but that is a lie cause Jesus i believe is going to return as a rightous judge save his people and burn piece of crap satan and his crap demon the lukewarm people that suposly say there christain up and all the other wicked people are all going to burn in the lake of fire and Jesus God and Holy Ghost are all going to rejoice with a the Holy angel that are still in heaven to day and the true body of Christ for eternity in the new earth
Did you not read the article? “Sad,” “judge,” “mad.” The author gives reasons (and evidence) in this article. I think you should read the article again.
Btw, you said people shouldn’t judge without knowing what is true in others’ hearts? Why you are using the word “mad” then to describe this author, whom you don’t know? The author is giving reasons for his reaction to HIllsong. You’re the only using the word “mad.”
Wow, a lot here.
While their methods might be flawed and their direction may be skewed, my hope is that some who never thought seriously about it before will find Jesus and hold to him tightly. I know that there are some very Godly “hillsongers” and there are also others. The flaws here are quite serious… And so are the flaws in my life and my ministry. Your comments are a help in bringing to light what is dim, not only in Hillsong, but in my life as well (attitudes, words, actions).
Thank you for your honest reflection.
I agree with you. It made me appreciate certain aspects of other churches more.
I used to attend an Assembly of God church when I was really small, but dropped out for a long time till recently. In a new city, I sought to rejoin church, going to churches of different denominations to see which is the “right fit” for me. Traditional churches, contemporary churches – I attended all with an open mind, with a bible in hand. In the complexity of different teachings by different churches, I had to rely on God’s words to “find the right fit”.
Yesterday, I attended Hillsong. I was excited, because I love their music, and the contemporary style was similar to the church of my youth. Yet, halfway through the service, it grew increasingly offensive. There was no focus on God, in spite of all the singing of very loud contemporary songs with moving lyrics about the Lord.
There was no study of God’s words beyond very brief mentions of short bible verses used to illustrate the personal sharing from the pastor (why are God’s words taking a backseat after the pastor’s words!?) Without context, or even just the inclusion of the few verses before and after the verse in question to frame our understanding, how do we fully comprehend the meaning of what we were reading? The bible carries so much meaning, that I can read a passage over and over again, and still not fully understand the words. In my search for the “right” church, I had attended services where the pastor can take 1 verse and spend half an hour exploring it. I may, or may not subscribe to a particular understanding, but even in areas of disagreement, it brings forth questions to challenge my beliefs and strengthen my faith. Yet in yesterday’s service of 1.5 hours, less than 10mins was spent on explaining God’s words.
The pastor’s sharing brought forward very positive messages, but the focus was on what we can achieve, how we can turn around our lives by ourselves. There was little reference to God’s works in changing us.
Of course, it may be that particular service in question, but it felt wrong.
Was I at a rock concert, or a worship service? I left the service with no deeper understanding of God, and it was disappointing. The service was uplifting, but there was no spiritual growth. Does singing praise alone bring us closer to God? I believe not; the understanding (as much as our human minds allow) of God and His requirements of us bring us closer.
I will probably still listen to Hillsong during free time, but I believe I could learn more by spending my Sundays in another church.
In my opinion, this article is narrow minded and unfounded. The author author has essentially labeled Hillsong and its Pastors as being contrary to the bible and God’s will. Lets address his points”
1. Hillsong is a family affair – no argument here. There are many churches where fathers and sons pastor a church. Is there anything inherently wrong or contrary to the bible about this? Dont think so. And yes – Hillsong United is a part of the HIllsong church. They are a worship team/band. Again what’s inherently wrong about this? Nothing. What’s the authors argument?
2. Hillsong is a movement. -Also no argument here. They are making a global impact influencing people on multiple continents. Maybe we should also start grouping Chris Tomlin, or Matt Redman in this camp too…. and also supplying materials and services to those who want them must be bad too.. but why? Is selling Christian CD’s wrong? What about offering a bible college? Again whats the argument being bad?
3. Hillsong Music funds Hillsong church. Again- no argument. Brian Houston made 300k as an annual salary.. guess what.. that’s low considering how large his church is! http://work.chron.com/average-income-pastor-mega-church-9682.html . Yes 10.8 million dollars a year sounds like a lot… then again, have you ever bothered to look at their finances? How many millions were donated to to the poor and homeless? You know what… scratch that.. lets assume they didn’t even donate a single penny. How much do you think it costs to run a church that big? They have churches in 15 major cities according to the website. How much does rent or mortgage cost for 15 buildings that can hold that many church attendees? How much staff do they need to pay to run 15 churches? Lets be concervative and say they have 10 people at each location that are paid and make 50k a year. 10 people * 15 churches * 50k = 7.5 MILLION a year. Then take into account other expenses. Insurance, Rent, equipment, bibles, computer, paper… I’m surprised they arent out of business… and again this is being conservative. Hillsong has 3 campuses in Sydney alone- which brings that figure up to 17 churches… There are probably more, but I dont know of them personally.
4. Hillsong teaches to prosperity gospel. This is really the only argument you have to stand on and even then, its flawed. Hillsong doesn’t choose to focus on sin as much as other churches- thats a given, but it does address sin – and more importantly focuses on grace. Their songs are littered with the topics of sin and grace. “Mighty to save”, “scandal of grace”, “Calvary”, “Stronger” just to name a few. You’re quick to point out clips of audio that support your argument- and here’s the flaw in your logic.. you’re making the assumption that people dont make mistakes. Did you mention that Brian Houston himself pulled his book “You need more money” from the shelves? If there was a recording of everyones lives, i could guarantee that they at one point or another were wrong about somthing , or took the wrong stance on a subject that they regretted later. You’re going to base your decision on a few statements you’ve heard that that were wrong.- guess what – even John Piper has things that he would take back.
What really bothers me is the fact that you wrote this article. Its so easy to point out things that you’re unhappy with or dont agree with. To point fingers and to bring people down or show the flaws in people. What if you did something more productive and started a discussion with people to build them up rather than tore them down? Shouldnt the church -yourself included be more focused on building the church and spreading good news that criticizing the church as it is?
The internet has made for a very easy platform for just about anyone to voice their thoughts and with that people should also be more responsible for what they put on the internet. Also guess what- churches are made up of people and we are inherently sinners and will make mistakes. I can pick any church in the world and make up arguments like you did here to point out reasons why not to go to a church. “Oh church XYZ – their pastor said such and such once — so dont go to their church, sing their songs, or talk with their church goers”. I can take that sentence and apply it to EVERY church in the WORLD. Again churches are inherently flawed because people make up the church. Thats the definition of church btw (where 2 or more or gathered) . People have flaws and sin. We all know this. God’s grace covers all of it. That is also a fact. Focus on yourself and building the church rather than wasting your time criticizing. You’re only more conflict WITHIN the church which is evedent by the comments on this website.
YES! Let’s be known for what we are FOR rather than what we are against! Let’s build people up rather than tear them down!
Because that’s what Jesus did when he said, Curse you Pharisees, you are white washed tombs full of dead men’s bones!” And when he told Peter, Get thee behind me Satan!” It is Christ like to hold people accountable for their actions, ESPECIALLY the religious establishment, as well as build them up. What you are suggesting Whit, if I understand the context correctly, is nothing more than tepid pop-culture porridge served up at the trough of the world, set on the wide way. Jesus said something about tepid stuff in his mouth as well, if I recall correctly.
Here is what the BIBLE says about what we should do about false teaching, says to silence them. For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. (Titus 1:10-11 ESV)
Thank you for your response
Very well stated!! Thank you for responding to this article! I’m a huge supporter of Hillsong. I’ve visited two of their Sydney campuses and listen to their music often. I’ve attended a few concerts in the States as well. Through their music, God has encouraged me, strengthened me, and challenged me. I am very thankful for their ministry!
Exactly! Thank you. This “pastor” blasted a ministry that he knows nothing about. I’ve followed Hillsong for years – and I can tell you that they have Christ at the forefront of everything they do. Regardless of what people think is right or wrong concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit or God “richly” blessing us (which, I can tell you that HS does NOT preach a prosperity gospel – they just believe in a King that has chosen to be a GOOD GOOD Father – who DOES bless us, often times financially. That part about “God finished what He started in our hearts.” – umm…what’s wrong with that? God GIVES us the desires of our hearts…meaning – if we will allow Him – He will PLACE within us DESIRES that He will FAITHFULLY fulfill. This guy should read MORE of his bible I guess) none of that is the point. I’m sure we all have areas of the bible we’re confused on. However – if the core of your belief is that Jesus Chirst is the son of God – that He died for our transgressions and was raised from the grave and is now seated at the right hand of the Father – interceding for us daily – and that through our belief in Him we will have eternal life – well, the rest is gravy. And I can tell you this – Hillsong believes that with all of their heart. They also preach it. Maybe they didn’t at the WORSHIP concert he attend (you know, where a lot of already saved people are) but they did at the most recent event that I attended. And they covered sin & repentance like they were in the business of selling it. They didn’t shy away from it at all. All i know is that Paul said “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” (Phil 1:15-18) This dude should be rejoicing. But hey – at least his article got a bunch of bickering. Oh – wait – that’s one of the 7 things that God finds detestable. Never mind. I award him no points. (Prov 6:19)
Have you ever heard the quote–” He doth protest too much”–?
If Hillsong is such a great Godly ministry why do you need to defend it do vigorously? You are defending it so staunchly because you are allowing Satan to use you, just as Hillsong is.
I don’t feel the need to defend Bruce because I know he is right and God is on his side. As always the people of the world are blinded by the god of this world. I pray that you turn to God before it’s too late.
Dear Corey… I have been blessed by many Hillsong songs . This said, there is a tendency in contemporary Christian music including Hillsong songs to make the focus to be about us. When you listen to old hymns and you compare the lyrics with some of the things that we sing today there is a lack of depth and true awareness of the holiness of God that should be present if we are truly enter the presence of the true and living God . We find in the Old Testament and in the New Testament that when someone came into the presence of God they fell on their faces, they had a sense of awe and even holy fear that they were before God. It doesn’t mean that they feared God would harm them but his holy presence is truly disarming and I fear that many singing Hillsong and other contemporary worship songs are not entering the presence of the living God when they have a “worship” experience. It’s evident that Satan can counterfeit the best of God’s gifts — the word states that in the last days there will be false miracles instigated by satan, produced for the express purpose of deceiving the elect. Worship is another area where Satan seeks to supplant god’s true spiritual experience with a counterfeit. I believe this is why Jesus gave so many warnings for us not to be deceived and to test every spirit by the Holy Spirit to confirm that the spirit has come from God. If we think of the numerous warnings that in the last days many will be deceived and if we look at Christ’s words to the seven churches, we must be careful to seek God faithfully and to ask him to reveal things which may seem harmless but are in truth very damaging. The scripture that has come to my mind many times in these past years as I have left a church worship service are Christ’s words that the Father now seeks those who will worship him in spirit and in truth. To the extent that we do not know the holiness of God and our personal desire to know and partake of God’s holiness is not as important as our joy in receiving his grace and forgiveness I would say that we have missed Christ’s admonishment to worship God in spirit and in truth. We simply cannot have a true worship experience that does not lead us to a greater desire for holiness and a greater awareness of the awesome holiness and majesty of God. I am overjoyed that God loves me and forgives me but I find that many believers don’t know who they worship and so there is a measure of superficiality and careless in the way that we approach worshiping the God of heaven. If we look at Isaiah 1, angels who have never sinned have the presence of mind if you will “to cover” themselves as they offer adoration to the Father. In Revelation 4 we have another beautiful example of true worship and there the elders prostrate themselves and cast their crowns before the living God, declaring his holiness, beauty and majesty. Regarding the authors other comments and concerns about the teachings of Brian Houston I think only one thing needs to be said — if the central message of the teaching is that the life we have is given up and the life that we now live is for Christ then AMEN. We need to go back to the Gospels and truly study the commands of Christ and make sure that any teacher or church that we place our confidence is calling us to set aside our own lives and to live a life that is given over to Jesus and to know and obey Christ’s teachings. I think many people’s concern with Brian Houston’s teaching and others is that the cross and the message of lives given up and over to Christ will is missing. Jesus said “if any man would come after me let him deny himself and let him take up his cross and follow me”. He also said that “narrow is the way and straight is the gate that leads to LIFE and few there be that find it.” May the Lord help us to look to Christ words above all others so that our judgments and discernment is righteous and keep us from being deceived. One final thought about how we should disagree. It seems that many disagree with what the author stated but I don’t sense the grace and wisdom of Christ reflected in some replies. If we resort to accusing a brother of being sinful or ignorant or bickering; we may find ourselves doing the enemies job since he is the accuser of the brethern. Although I don’t agree with everything the author said or necessarily his approach, I did not sense a maliciousness or evil intent behind his comments. Unfortunately many have resorted to unnecessarily hurtful and unloving judgments against someone who is our fellow brother in Christ. As another commentor said may he Lord have mercy on us.
The figure for his salary was from 2010 and Hillsong have REFUSED to say what Brian or anyone is paid since 2010 so who knows what he is paid now. Also, his salary should not be bench-marked against other ‘mega-churches’ as we all know they are just a scam to make money, Maybe better to compare it to biblical examples or other christian pastors in the mainstream churches. Then you will se that even at $300K it is a FORTUNE and in the top 1% of earners in Australia.
O my gosh! This thread has gotten beyond ridiculous!
UNSUBSCRIBE!!! UNSUBSCRIBE!!!
I hear what you are saying about what is said in the church, however what is said in the music speaks. Take “Oceans” ” Spirit lead me, where my faith will be made stronger” another verse “in oceans deep my faith with stand, so I will call upon your name and keep my eyes above the waves”. Sounds like Peter, waves crashing in the depths of the ocean and he call who’s name Jesus.
So as stated by Nathan, keep your eyes on Jesus and stop focusing on and judging others. We are to take the “plank from our own eye before we take the spec out of our brothers eye”.
By the way to the person who wrote this, do you take an inventory and write these types of articles of say Joel Osteen and other false teachers?
Thanks for writing this. I don’t agree with a lot of it, but appreciate your clarion call for us not to just accept everything without first checking it against Scripture.
As a funny aside, I find it funny that you chose a headline picture with the word “cross” in the lyrics of the song they were singing and then go on to talk about how they never mention the cross ;-).
I spent today with believers with from different back grounds seeking the Lord together, celebrating what the Lord is doing across His body, putting aside the areas we may disagree on; we also sang great truth during our worship “Thank you for the cross Lord, thank you for the price You paid, bearing all my sin and shame, in love You came and gave amazing grace…worthy is the Lamb.” Great song Hillsong. Way to go!
This is a fascinating article!
Back in the late 1990’s when I was a music reviewer for Worship Leader Magazine and considered something of an expert on the “new” music that was coming from Hillsong Australia (as they were known then) I mentioned in a review (of one of the VHS videos, remember them?) that everything was absolutely top notch and stellar until Senior Pastor Brian Houston started to preach – which was standard fare in some of the very earliest videos (from “All Things Are Possible” and older as I recall).
My assessment went something like this, “I suppose the style of preaching in Australia is different, but to this American’s ears Pastor Brian Houston looks and sounds like a cross between a Used Car Salesman and a Snake Oil Salesman. My recommendation to my American friends is that they stop the tape at his point before an otherwise great thing is spoiled.” And as I recall I was pleased (and a little shocked) when my editor left this critique in the review.
It was interesting to me that after that the practice of having Brian Houston end the performance with a brief sermon and prayer came to an abrupt end.
I had NO way of knowing at that point WHY my “Spider Senses” went off so violently back then – after all I was a MUSIC reviewer so that, first and foremost was my focus. The music was GREAT, the preaching . . . not so much.
Well, now I get it!
Thank you for enlightening me – apparently my “Spider Senses” served me well here!
Have to agree, spot on comments.
Well, Brian Houston did say that his inspiration to set up Hillsong in Baulkham Hills ( a suburb in western Sydney) is Tony Packard, a car sales man who had the biggest car dealership out there. Brain said if Tony can set up the biggest car dealership out there then i can set up the biggest church. So there you go; the ‘inspiration’ behind Hillsong, Tony Packard, used car salesman!
Just remember this, though: if God can use Balaam’s donkey, He can use anybody.
What if the used car salesman was a godly Christian? The occupation should not be the issue, but their faith.
Hillsong may be preaching the Prosperity Gospel heresy (I haven’t listened to their sermons so I cannot confirm that), but God is able to even use broken things or bad things to make good out of it. I’ve checked some of their lyrics and have mostly found them quite biblical and spiritual. But if their motive truly is for personal gain, then that is a problem of theirs that we will have to pray about and let God worry about the motives.
I am having a hard time to see how this will work practically… Ok, so you are a pastor of a church, you will choose not to sing Hillsong Worship songs on Sunday or any other time. So when you attend a small bible study and people are singing their songs… what do you do? You personally stop singing? You stop the worship and give a short discuss about what’s wrong with Hillsong and their theology? Your church goes on a short term mission somewhere to another continent. And there is the other church singing shout to the Lord in a different language… what do you do then? Do you keep a list of every song from the past and to the future that Hillsongs has written so you know actually who wrote what song? And if you are keeping a list for Hillsongs, you probably need to keep a list of many other songs too. I think we are spending way too much time as Christians judging our own people. We are missing the point if we keep doing this. This article focused too much on finding fault of “others” and not what you personally are doing to bring Christ to the world so people can see Him. I love Jesus. I long for people to see him. I want good solid theology too…. But this is just not right…
I have to agree, I find it sad that Christians instead of helping other Christians, are putting each others down just to prove a point. I guess, we are really missing the point..
You don’t understand because you don’t understand God’s word. We are called to holiness. Psalm 26: 4-5 reads, ” I do not sit with men of falsehood, nor do I consort with hypocrites. I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the wicked.”
Today’s “Christians” are more interested in what’s popular than what’s Biblical. Satan is at work. Soon, Biblically minded believers will be few and far between. But we know that, “the road is narrow and only few will find it. ” Go ahead and follow Hillsong onto the wide road. You will only have the Lord himself to answer to.
Just when did you become God with your judgement extravaganza? I am only accountable to God not with self-righteous people armed with so much judgement up their sleeves.. I am not perfect and I am glad that somehow thru hillsong music I find comfort in worshiping God.. I find my ultimate pursuit in glorifying him other than bickering with other Christians just because it doesnt adheres to how I live my relationship with God.. I have my own journey towards God and so are you and so is hillsong.. and I chose not to be judgmental. God bless you!
Hillsong is NOT Christian and the Bible is clear about CHRISTIANS calling out false teaching
Well Jesus Christ was accused for alot of the same things you are accusing them for. If it makes you feel better about yourself and testimony for doing so go ahead. Those negative comments are not going to bother there ministry at all.
Amen. so great to read your words of support for Hillsong but more so of the pointless time these people take to attack another ways / beliefs or religion because they don’t approve.
Hillsong is a cult…
There is a spirit behind this,, and its NOT the HOLY SPIRIT, pray for all lost confused souls to come to the SAVING KNOWLEDGE of JESUS CHRIST and HIM CRUCIFIED, JESUS PROMISES through the CROSS.
This is a phenomenal article. Thank you so much for writing it. I’m looking forward to sharing it with my readers.
While Hillsong is not a church I would call my home church ( it’s to big for me) I love their music and the fact that it appeals to many lost souls. There has been a lot of negative press about Hillsong of late with many Christians weighting in on the issue. However I think Christians are missing the point. Satan is very clever at interrupting the good work the church does. Satan would be loving all this bickering over Hillsong and the way they run their church. As Christians we need to be very careful we don’t fall into Satan’s trap of dividing the church. A divided church is much weaker then a church that stands together, supporting each other and wining lives for Christ. All the energy spent on debating if Hillsong is doing it right, could of been spent on spreading Gods word. More then ever we need to stand together and tell people about the love of Christ, not waste time debating over which church is right or wrong.
Calling out false teaching is not “bickering”, we are called as Christians to do that. Also here is what Jesus says about false teachers IN THE CHURCH. “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15 ESV) So I would hardly say that calling out a false teacher is bickering
Amen
I understand the concerns, but I cannot help but see a massive re-orientation in the lyrics over the last 5 years, to a real focus on the death and resurrection of Christ, and so I can’t imagine that this has happened in a vacuum. I do think it’s important to be aware of the theological influences on songwriters – and it’s wise to recognise how this may influence them (e.g. songs by Jesus Culture etc which make reference to God showing up because of worship), but check out the lyrics to recents songs like ‘Beneath the waters (I will rise)’ or ‘I believe’ and tell me your congregation wouldn’t benefit from singing such lyrics.
Yeah got to agree…I think there is much error in their message, but if anyone does get saved then it has to be worth it…the fact is their reward may be forfeited in heaven, but remember it is GOD who saves us in the end…and he is well able…bless you.
I love Hillsong. The music focuses me on Jesus and causes me to praise God throughout the day – “Sing hymns, psalms and spiritual songs” AMEN!!
Reblogged this on forgivensinnerandsavedbygrace.
I read where 2 gay men were leading worship services there and it was true…and I heard Brian their pastor say that Christians and musliums serve the same God..I watched the utube sermon and he did say that…now James 3:1 says those in authority will receive the greater judgement for what they teach…but I have noticed they the church came out an gave an excuse for both deals…so either they were wrong and should admit it..or they did not do it..
Read this article before you comment any further on a church or person in ministry.
http://adammabry.tv/2014/08/06/kill-the-christian-criticism-culture/
Thank you for directing me to that website.
I respectfully disagree. Hillsong’s words remind me of how great our God is, how capable and strong he is and how much I need him every minute of every day. The songs remind me of all He has done for me and without Him, I don’t have a chance in this life OR the next.
To Ivan Robert lotter,WOW, those are pretty bitter and hateful comments I think you should have followed your own advice and gone to this brother in private to discuss this issue, according to your own words. TO Jedidiah Pak on June 16, wow really in your own words you said( when has God ever wanted a debate over the way people come to him) we are not to come to him just because Jesus loves us that’s only half the reason, which a lot of Christians use in leave out the other half of being a sinner and asking for forgiveness repenting of our sins. there needs to be no debate over this .but yes there’s only one way take come to Jesus both are required.the other comment you made was(when has he ever desired a specific way for people to come to him to worship). Plain and simple God requires us to come in spirit and in truth there is no debate on this,with love Gary
I need to elaborate on my comment above when I mention that we come to Jesus because He loves us, we need to come to him to make him our Lord in our life and to be repenting of our sins
Reblogged this on The Narrowing Path and commented:
This is an excellent article, worthy of serious consideration.
It is so easy to sing these songs and worship this movement filled with false theology when the times are good, when we do not have to rely on God for provision, but instead, the pride of ourselves.
Would this movement stand the tests of persecution in our lives when this earthly life looks bleak and is fading away?
No. Absolutely not. Only God’s Word fills us with His Hope to come. Jesus was not popular and by today’s standards we measure ‘moves of god’ by the numbers, by the popularity, and by the money being taken in and we mistake all of this for the ‘blessing of a god.”
True moves of God point only to Jesus, not human leadership, not anything that uses the Name of the LORD to sell, sell, sell for this is taking the Name of our LORD in vain, nor anything that lifts the name of a man or woman high above the Name of Jesus or His teachings.
“It is so easy to sing these songs and worship this movement filled with false theology when the times are good, when we do not have to rely on God for provision, but instead, the pride of ourselves.”
I totally agree with you. I attended Hillsong church yesterday (not as an attempt to find faults, but to genuinely search for a church in a new city which I feel correct in), and this was what I felt when I left the service. The message I get was that we can change our lives, change ourselves for the better, live a more fulfilling life, follow the commandments – all by our own efforts. There was no mention of God’s hand. It was a positive message, but I read pride in it, something God has warned us against in the bible.
This article really hurt me. I go to Hillsong. They have introduced me to Jesus and have changed my life. I am super cynical, critical and not easily swayed. If you actually went to a Hillsong Church for 2 years you would cry after reading your article. Do you know every song has it’s words double checked to make sure they are from the Bible? Continue not singing but do not urge others through your free blog to do the same. Meanwhile I will pray for you. And as much as you hate Hillsong you have also used “their agenda” to bring traffic to your blog. And by the way this Hillsong bashing is not new, you are just now joining the band wagon. Yawn
Amen Sister, Was so good to read your comment after i posted mine. Totally agree what you said and how you said it. I never get how “so say” Christians feel its their job to analyze and discount another religion because they have different views or approaches.
I love Hillsong too and have never had a bad or negative feeling after a service or broadcast.
God Bless
“I love Hillsong too and have never had a bad or negative feeling after a service or broadcast.”
Hey @Macca, I don’t want to pour water on your Hillsong parade, but the whole program at each meeting is designed to produce a “positive” feel-good atmosphere. There is no heart felt cry for people to repent of sin (that’s why two gay men were on the ‘worship team’ of Hillsong NY city.) There’s no real separation from other religions – that’s why Brian Houston told everyone that “Christians and Muslims serve the same God”:
And after raking in $60+ million each year “it’s NOT about the money?”
So, I’d say “well done” Hillsong, you’ve just deceived a whole bunch of people into believing that they are ‘Christians’, just because they went to Hillsong – that’s how deception works, Macca… it works by degrees of ignorance, but you just keep on ‘feeling good’ about Hill$ong, and never mind the details…
Brain Houston ‘ s comments that Christians and Muslims worship the SAME God is just pure nonsense. As a Christian do you actually believe that Allah and the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob are the same? Allah does not exist whatsoever and Islam is a cult steeped in pure demonic evil. I pray the lost that are caught up in Islam find the Light of the World Jesus Christ. Anyway, who says something like that? I really like some of Hillsong’s music and it conflicts me that the message in some of their music and what Houston is selling is is like the difference between night and day. And their “pastor” in New York, are you kidding me? I watched an excerpt from one of his sermon and he opened up with “Tell the person to your left, they’re hot” (and not temperature wise either, but sexually) Would Jesus ever do that?
I read the article, and some of the supportive comments that followed, and am just astounded! I am a christian, born-again and living a life of faith and hope in Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord. And many years down the line since accepting Jesus Christ, I’ve invested in reading my Bible, meditating on the scriptures, lots of prayer, witnessing to others to repent of their sinful lives and receive Christ, worshiping and praising God with music (of which Hillsong Music repertoire has been integral), giving offerings and alms as commanded in the scriptures, and generally living a life of resisting what would be offensive to the God I worship and striving to obey Him in what He instructs in His word. Before I knew of Pastor Brian Houston, I was already in love with Hillsong Music Australia, and their songs greatly impacted my praise and worship lifestyle (And I am still an addict of the Golden Bells hymnal classics!!).
I don’t listen to Pastor Brian much, but never for once have I come to a place where I felt he was off the rails scripturally, doctrinally, spiritually or even theologically if you will. I may have had issues with his presentations, what he said or failed to say (my own personal convictions) while delivering his sermons, but these have not demonstrated a fundamental departure from sound, biblical faith in Jesus Christ.
But then I should not be surprised, am told there was a time in the early Twentieth Century when Sunday School was frowned upon by “adult” Christians, clapping, dancing, playing guaitor and drums while singing to God was anathema…a whole lot of religious balderdash and dignified, sanctimonious unbelief being passed on as faith. I wont even mention the ever changing dress codes!
So why is this strange conversation taking place here? Everyone missed the real deal here: we (Christians, or the blood bought Church of Jesus Christ) are at war with a potent adversary: Satan! His mission is to steal, kill and destroy mankind, not least the church. The devil achieves his objectives so much through deception, and sowing confusion, pride, hate, envy, jealousy, strife, among Christians. Many have entirely ignored him, some naively doubt his existence, and still hope to victoriously live lives pleasing to God. Little wonder this kind of debate crops up every too often, as we wind down towards the LORD’s return.
Long post but really, what’s happening here is so frustrating. Those who “eat meat” have “beef” with those who don’t, one who observes a certain day “disses” the one who doesn’t, the materially deprived preacher criticizes the wealthy one as a “prosperity preacher” as if it is ungodly to prosper materially. If I hung around this blogger for a year of his ministry am certain I would have several reasons to walk out and look for a “better” church (congregation). It doesn’t exist! As crazy as it is, the Bible talks of these days coming to pass, they’re vital signs Jesus Christ’s return is at hand.
Maranatha!
After studying various churches, theologies and teachings i full realize that Hillsong are a hybrid church and very flexible with the teachings and what statements and extracts from scriptures they use, however, i am tired of repressive, sexist, negative pushing, fear based, “you are all sinners” and “only Men can lead the church” attitudes. For me, i have stepped back from religion countless times because far too many pastors, presidents and church leaders claim to be much more than just a teacher and passer of the Gospel. If parents raised kids the way repressive churches treat members then you would have an even worse state of depression and suicide than we do globally already. No single person on this planet will willingly do better while being told they are failures or weak. I used the word willingly before you respond, make sure you understand English.
So yeah, i buy into Hillsong as i know it is a “good feeling” Church and United are an incredible positive movement of music and happiness. If you choose to follow a Church or it’s ego-exaggerated Male Leaders who constantly target the weak, poor and helpless and reminder us all every week that we are evil and sinners then why do you insist that you should take time to criticize someone else religion or movement?
We all are entitled to do as we please and my view of the “stories” and the parables of the scriptures are very real and not brain washed. I consider it ridiculous many aspects of the bible teachings and the details of numbers (for example how many people were carefully stated in Judges 20:15 – 26,000) is laughable, of course someone counted them all 1 by 1. These are stories to inspire and man made creations (new Testament) from writers in pretty much exclusively never met Jesus in their lives. I choose to see the positive and great things that Scriptures can convey and propel people with through goodness and not through fear or sin preaching but this is me, you don’t have to be me or agree with me, it’s called “my way”.
Just look at the writers summary at the end of this article:
“Our heart is evil and full of deceit and desperately wicked. (Jeremiah 17:9).”
So, excuse me for choosing positive stories from Scriptures, positive music from Christian based worship bands and Pastors or Church leaders who can inspire and nourish more than condemn and cast negativity to maintain membership.
A great book i once read always comes to mind at these kinds of moments, a quote is:
“don’t judge me because i sin differently to you”
For me, this sums up exactly your disapproval of Christians as they don’t agree with another Church / beliefs / ways / means / money.
Work on your own journey and leave others to theirs.
thanks
A bible rejecting Hillsongee should be an oxymoron.
The fact that it isn’t- as you clearly demonstrated – shows why serious Christians who love the whole Bible (including parts atheists loathe and ridicule) say Hillsong is a counterfeit church.
These stories are man made creations? You do know that God inspired these men through the Holy Spirit to write His word?
It’s amazing how Satan works the same way every time. If the. Log post had no merit why are so any taking offense and defending Hillsong? If you know that they are true people of God, these comments would not deserve a response. BUT, the fact that they take the time to attempt to discredit the truth is very telling.
I totally agree with this post. Thank you brother. Keep speaking the truth ,” for the narrow is the road that leads to life and few will find it “(Matthew 7 :14)
Very interesting Post, Its always a good thing to be watchful…..Thank you
this is pointless.
christians are supposed to leave i unity instead theyre criticizing each other n thats why christianity is loosing its effectiveness in society today.
i mean i dnt see this sso called christian criticizing other worldly musicians……….i mean why are we tearing down ourselves….did u have to expose this guy in public…even if hes wrong i dont see anyone else giving as much hope to christians as the hilsong group…..i mean just listen to their songs and feel the amazing worship atmosphere n sm1 is telling me its all fake? read ur bible christians of the old church lived in love and unity…..even if u wnt to correct a flaw in a fellow christian its not done in this way. pls i mean talking about it wont change anything and certainly wouldnt so y dnt u find betr things to do like getting closer to god urself…..gossh!!!!look at the way christians are arguing everyone bringing his own scriptures ….is this really unity ….remember nothing is impossible if we stand together
I attend a church in Sydney that Hillsong took over. It was a Pentecostal church The praise and worship was mostly scripture in song, triumphant praise. There was teaching on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, pre-service prayer meetings, people could go forward for prayer after meetings, there was praise and worship and mid week small group meetings.
When Hillsong took over the crowds grew. The church services became more entertaining and a lot of work goes into the Christmas productions. I remember one year the Christmas production was the Greaty Gatsby Christmas A lot of money must be spent on advertising brochure. For one event the brochure was in a gold colored foil.
I found though some of the songs are rather melancholy. they are more pastoral songs, binding up the broken-heart type songs Luke 4:8,Isaiah 61:1.
Rather than like the old days when a spectacle was made at the end of each service of calling people to repent and go forward on an alter call interested enquirers raise their hand and are given a free Hillsong New Testament that has lots of photos. .Then there’s Discovery Classes after services for people wanted to hear more about Christianity, there’s tea and coffee and food available. So it’s much more relaxed than the old style Pentecostal Service.
Other thing is instead of being able to associate a pastor with a congregation..eg Pastor Jones church. That lingo has disappeared because Hillsong pastors travel around from church to church. I think the pastors are really pushed. It’s a wonder some of them don’t burn out having to preach two or three sermons per morning in different locations. It’s kind of like the old Aussie Outback minister who used to travel from church to church no a Sunday, except the crowds are bigger.
Wao
We are definitely living the last days… no one knows what to hear, where to go, what to watch cause everything is contaminated and confusion has taken over. One thing is for sure… when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
The church of Christ has to go back to 2nd Chronicles 14 … if my people will humble themselves… etc.
As the body of Christ we need to go back to the secret place and pray… and then pray more… and the pray more and more and more… non stop seeking His face… that is the only way that we can reflect His Son and shine His light upon those who are in need of salvation. At the end of the day all this is going to past and we all will have to stand before His throne… hopefully to hear the good words of “good and faithful servant”
What means to follow Christ comes to this: denied yourself… cause it is not I but Christ who lives in me!
Prayer, Fasting and Bible Reading in huge quantities… God bless us all!
Thankyou, I enjoyed all comments. But I fear that the emotion and fever of singing these loud ‘rock’ songs only detract from the true meaning of Christ. God is a wonderful loving god but he also punishes and shows wrath when we take our own way and calls for us to repent and sin no more. Not keep sinning.
We are to be led by the Holy Spirit and to listen to his voice speaking quietly to our hearts. To meditate on his word and watch and pray for the foe is ever near. The popular way wasn’t the road jesus trod, and we are to be like him. I doubt you would have found jesus in a place like hillsong. He went to a quiet place to be with The Lord, and pray. We can praise god daily without loud rock songs and making a huge profit for this church.m
Ermesx…My very thoughts there. Prayer, Word, Fellowship, Witness, Worship, Praise, Give, Fastings, Repentance, and more of the same, day in day out!
Bruce, thank you for standing for the truth. Hillsong is a trojan horse of the self-centered prosperity gospel.
Dear opponents, please consider Jude 1:3.
“Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”
I’m sure Bruce would love to write about what he is “for” and our common salvation, but certain persons have crept in unnoticed and Bruce is being faithful and calling them out. Hillsong is turning the grace of God into licentiousness (God wants you to live your dreams, God wants you wealthy, and homosexuality isn’t a big deal).
Is Hillsong denying Jesus Christ? I’m not sure. But they turn Jesus into a money machine.
Thank you for this insightful article. I appreciate your courage and conviction to proclaim the truth. Your words do not come across as hateful but as a warning. If a house is on fire we have to shout, “Fire!”
I dislike Hillsongs because they are poorly-written with simplistic repetitive melodies by amateur untrained church musicians.
Sadly Satan has infiltrated the Church with his deceptions and lies. Half truth Gospels. This has sadly in the western affluent Christian churches produced a generation of Christianity that produces shallow preaching that produces shallow self centred Christians. Sadly much of the preaching done today is shallow and shallow preaching leads to shallow conversions and shallow conversions lead to shallow congregations. These are the days of the lukewarm church and, unfortunately, much of the preaching is lukewarm as well. It’s neither hot nor cold, it’s just room temperature because the pastor doesn’t want to turn the temperature up in the room and upset any of his hearers.
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-17
We invite a lot of people to walk an aisle and repeat a prayer but there is little evidence of true conversion in the churches in our day. It is only a “Just Only Believe Gospel” invitation producing complacent Christians. They are apathetic or indifference. No different to a unbeliever. An apathetic person is saying, “Jesus, I realize You went to the trouble of dying for me and You live today, but I’m not that interested in living my life for you. These shallowed Christians believe in God and in Jesus but they have a unbiblical preconceived different Jesus and God in their mind. They believe a God and Jesus of their own imagination and not the true biblical God and Jesus of the Bible. We have poor and unbiblical pulpit preaching producing illiterate deceived Christians. A generation of illiterate Christians who don’t know how to read and study God’s words biblically.
The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (2 Timothy 4:3, 4).
An undiluted gospel is involves real repentance, redemption and regeneration and the cost of being a discpleship. Repentance means “remorse, regret, contrition for past sin. To change for the better as a result of remorse or contrition for one’s sins.” John the Baptist said when he started preaching about the kingdom of God was, “Repent.” Jesus also said “Repent,” . Jesus said, “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Matthew 9:13). Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:32
One way the gospel gets diluted is when people are encouraged to have enough faith to believe that God will forgive them, but not enough to believe that He will keep them from sin. It’s a different gospel that says God accepts you as you are without heart regeneration. The Bible says the true gospel is not just about justification, but also about sanctification in the believer.
Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you–unless indeed you fail the test? 2 Corinthians 13:5
“It will come about at that time That I will search Jerusalem with lamps, And I will punish the men Who are stagnant in spirit, Who say in their hearts, ‘The LORD will not do good or evil!’ Zephaniah 1:12
Thus the majority of Christ’s professed followers are self-deceived. They know His name. Their religious activities seem to have the marks of genuine ministry, but Jesus, with a broken heart, will declare to them, “I don’t know you.” Why? Because they still live the same life style before compromised life full of sin. No inner change from the inside. Labelled Christianity by name but no real inner substance a “form of godliness” but lack the power (2 Timothy 3:5)
So a true disciple of Christ or true Christian is defined by a transformed heart that influences his actions. Jesus asked, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). We can’t call ourselves Christians if we don’t do what He says. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). . A Christian isn’t defined by church attendance and church numbers. There are many blessings, but Jesus also says, “ Deny yourselves Take up [your] cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24). Deny yourself daily—we don’t hear that very often. Jesus said the real key to happiness is to put God. Today, however, it’s all about putting “me” first.
Jesus warns to the all Christians believers to walk in the narrow way because only a few will find it.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 1But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14
Click on videos below it is a wake up call for anyone who called themselves Christians
The Narrow Way Paul Washer
‘Christian Entertainment In The Church’ A.W.Tozer
Thanks for sharing the videos they are a real blessing and a waking up call for me
Blessing to you!
You are far from the truth, sir. Hillsong does preach the gospel – at their church and in their mission field. What you attended was a night of worship…where believers gather…people who already know Jesus. However, at the concert I attended in Dallas, they did offer salvation – and they did talk about repentance. As far as your “prosperity gospel” notion – Hillsong is not preaching it like you’re making them out. They ARE preaching about being PROSPEROUS in God, though – which He wants wants for us. His word teaches us that when we abide in Him and trust Him completely, He opens the windows of Heavens and showers blessings on us that we can’t even contain. Does that mean money? Sometimes. But, it also means relationships, opportunities – whatever BLESSES us into the calling He has for us. That’s the true meaning of a blessing – something spoken over us or placed in our lives that acts as a catalyst towards bringing us further into His likeness & the future He has for us. I like how you nitpicked that he used the word leader more than serve. If you knew anything about their vision – you would know that God has called them to raise up leaders. Leaders lead by serving – but that doesn’t change the fact that they are called leaders and that they lead. Lastly, you spouted off ridiculous beliefs that we are supposed to be offended by:
Apostolic Authority – well, sorry. I’m not at all offended by the Gifts that my daddy gave to me through His the Holy Spirit. While you’re bickering about your beliefs on this – others are accepting them and healing people from illnesses, blind eyes are being open, deaf ears are being restored and the dead are being raised. You can’t show me scripture where the gift were ever revoked or only meant for the original apostles, but I can show you counltless times that Paul lets us know that these gifts are for generations to come and that God gives the gifts and callings irrevocably.
Second Blessing – Yep. And third and fourth and as many times as I need it – 365 days a year until I die. We are SEALED with the Holy Spirit when we accept Christ. From there – we need to ask Him to FILL us – DAILY. It’s a part of putting on the whole armor. “Empty me completely of my flesh and fill me daily with your spirit Lord.” You should try doing it and see what happens. It can’t hurt to ask God for more of Him, you know. Worst case scenario – you find out you were wrong this entire time and you get completely overwhelmed with the Spirit of God. Man, that sounds terrible! (actually – it’s not so bad. I grew up trying to find my purpose in life attending a baptist church that didn’t teach on the Holy Spirit. I spent my whole life faithful to what I learned in that church and completely dry spiritually. I visited a “spirit filled” church and got angry because of what they were teaching. One day I decided to respond to the altar call to be fiklled with the Holy Spirit, telling God if it was real then I wanted it…I wanted more of Him. My life changed DRASTICALLY and I immediately received several of my giftings and finally had wisdomon my purpose in life. It was amazing.)
Prosperity Gospel – They don’t teach it. Already covered that.
Women Lead Pastors – Absolutely nothing wrong with this. Anywhere this addressed in the bible (mainly 1 Corinthians) it’s because the women in that culture were unruly and not abiding by the Spirit. God has used women as leaders multiple times in scripture. Furthermore, Jesus called us ALL to be a part of a holy priesthood. Lastly – “Church” as we now know it is nothing more than a made made thing that serves as the replacement for what God actually intended to look like “community”. Getting together once a week in a building is not “church” – that’s a service. Church happens in our homes and at our work places. I agree with you that the man is the head of house – but as far as delivering a message in a service in front of friends and family – God knows no gender. He speaks through anyone and everyone. Whom you “elect” as your “pastor” to run your “buildin” and manage your “money” is your “affair”. God has absolutely no position on the matter. He never intended for church to run this way. Your Baptist Convention (I’m assuming your Baptist from the silliness of this post- but I’m not sure) made up all of those rules. They thought it was a great way to run your Jesus Country Club.
A church that offers a non-committal answer when it comes to homosexual marriage – This happened in New York – once. You have no clue what they have or have not preached on the issue as a whole. And I’ll say this – even Jesus said it wan’t His job to judge, it is the Holy Spirit who convicts. Is it wrong? Yes – and so are the other MILLIONS of sin. They are equal in His eyes. We could spend ALL day, EVERY day preaching about sin – or we could use every moment to talk about Christ. I say we do that. If you point people to Christ – He will reveal what is wrong in their life. NO WHERE in scpripture has God EVER said it’s your job as a pastor to point out what is wrong – only to point out what is right. Jesus spent his 3 years of ministry pointing to the Father, letting people know how to live a BLESSED life, healing people, raising the dead and forgiving others. How many years have you been in ministry? Have you made even half the impact that Christ has made?
I’ll tell you this – in the 32 years that Hillsong has been around – they’ve made a good sweet dent.
You had a great moment with this blog to point people towards Jesus – and all you did was complain about what appeared to be a spec in your brothers eye.
Talk more about Jesus and less about others – mainly, yourself.
This reply brought tears to my eyes. I feel so sad that Satan is using these false gospels to deceive people and lull them into a false sense of security that they are true children of the light. Jesus has spoken. He will say He never knew you.
I would implore us all to stay in prayer for those being misled. I have found that only the true Spirit of God can change the heart and open the eyes of the blind. Thank you Bruce for standing for truth. You are loved and appreciated.
Your reply brought tears to mine. Not really – but metaphorically…simply because of the empty ignorance that your words are so filled with. I know Jesus, personally. You know – the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. The friend of sinners (I heard He died for them – did you know that?) The verse you so fleshly referred to is Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” This referring to people who do not know Him. People who serve a religious idea but have hearts that are far from Him. He goes on to say that those who follow the will of His Father and bear the fruit of His spirit in their lives will see eternity with Him. You should back up a bit in the chapter and read from the beginning where it says, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” You do not know me – you do not see my fruit – but somehow you feel like you can declare the validation of my salvation over me? Even if you did know me – that’s truly only something God can decide. He has told me the criteria for salvation in His word and in my heart – and according to Him, I am His beloved. I abide in Him and He lives in me. I follow the will of the Father and His spirit bears much fruit in my life. I assure you – He knows me. You should maybe ask Him. Seriously – ask Him right now, “Do you know Corey Harmon? Is He one of yours?” Might seem silly – but if you really want to know, He will tell you. Ps – He will tell you the same concerning Brian & Bobbie Houston. Have a good day 🙂
Well I would say ” For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. ” (1 Corinthians 13:12)
I Went To A Concert Also, They Didn’t Even Once Motion SIN, or repentance. I would say a lot of missed opportunity there.
I don’t attend a Hillsong church I am involved in leadership in my local church (not connected with AOG) and attend regularly. I listen to Hillsong worship and find it directs my thought life to Christ and have found Pastor Brian’s teaching inspiring and challenging. God has used Hillsong ministry to build my faith at times when I really needed it. In turn this has enriched my serving and ministry in my local church.
Jesus was criticized for healing on the sabbath day, going to sinners house, calling himself the messiah and so on. The spirit brings life and so the lyrics of their music. Time will tell. No matter how the Pharisees tried to frame the resurrection of Jesus, it failed. If their music is bad, it will not stand the test of time. I would suggest instead of confessing the public let everyone discern for themselves as we individually have the holy spirit which will help us discern the truth from fake.
http://www.piratechristian.com/search?q=Hillsong&f_collectionId=56437270e4b0bf2021495f6f
So glad they don’t take a position on homosexuality o.O #checkyourfactsdude http://hillsong.com/collected/blog/2015/08/do-i-love-gay-people/#.VoKuXvkrJmM
For all you defenders of Hillsong and Brian Huston please read his statement concerning the recent marriage of NYC worship leader to his boyfriend.
Hillsong issues statement 8 months after worship leader announces his upcoming homosexual marriage. http://standupforthetruth.com/2015/08/hillsong-issues-statement-8-months-after-worship-leader-announces-his-upcoming-homosexual-marriage/
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The world today shuns God. I believe we are in the last days and many Biblical prophesies are coming to pass. With each passing generation, the number of atheists grows. Hillsong, regardless of whether one believes it is prosperity gospel or not, is reaching people, especially millennials. To me, the gospel is between you and God. You will learn the gospel by reading the Word and developing a relationship with Christ. It is a personal journey. The church is there to help you grow but that is it. The number 1 job of a church is to be a vehicle for Christ to touch souls. After that it is a personal journey. Also, nobody has pointed this out but how can the author truly garner an opinion on Hillsong’s message after attending 1 service? Think about that…
Seriously, do you think God would allow Hillsong to be as successful as it is if it was full of false prophets? Read the Bible… Countless examples of God putting a halt to situations that did not advance His Kingdom. God is blessing Hillsong.
The world is in the power of darkness although it all belongs to God. That is what sin did. “Few” will find their way to eternity. Towards the end of days the love of many will be cooling down and Christians will be persecuted by the majority. From this you’ll see that God will not stop this until Jesus Christ will be placing his feet on the mountain outside Jerusalem. This is what His word says. Manny other movements like Hillsong will be successfull in this very dark and obscure place we live in. What a good reason for us to gather our richess where it will never perish.
May the Lord bless you.
Dirk
We cnt worship both money and God. The end is coming so we better teach n preach the true gospel 4ol 2repaint fast. Telling them the truth. If it is a sin say it is sin dnt compromise tell them…as the bible says u ll knw dem by der fruits,is der any fruit? there are many gays there bt the question is are dey hearing testimonies of deliverance how ppls r delivered n change from homosexual spirit?? Or are dey just attainding everyday n going back again doing d same sin??? R ppls life changing? Is there a fruit? Bt with this kind of preaching a preaching full of compromises so that the congregation ll not b offended, trying to keep his there n covering the truth that ll exactly b like d bible says on 2tim n u ll hv no fruit just a religion. Note: the bible doesn’t call expansion of church n world wide concerts fruit..accourding to d bible der r fruits of repentance or rightness and spirit ..JUST TO CHECK THEIR TRUE SELF SEE THEIR FRUIT YOU WILL KNOW THEM BY THEIR FRUITS
I agree. I am so compelled to comment on this. I used to be one of those who judge easily, speak quickly, bash and offend without even seeking the truth. I use to proclaim Jesus with my mouth but my heart is far from him. I used to be lukewarm. But thank God, the Holy Spirit convicted me and guided me to the truth. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Coming from a very worldly teenage life, sexual immorality, drug and alcohol abuse, disobedient to parents, suicidal, disregarded God for so many years, these people showed me the love of Jesus Christ. Encouraged me, was taught about Jesus. No other name. I am confident that the Lord led me to this community, who encouraged me to repent of my sins in order for God to plant a new/clean/pure heart in me, that it all starts in the heart where the Spirit will lead me to walk in the grace of our Lord. I am surprised when people say that Hillsong is all about a shallow gospel, not hearing about forgiveness, repentance, devil and hell. I have been a part of the Hillsong community and I know the heart of this whole community is all about Jesus.
If you aren’t a regular, if you just listened to one preaching, if you just watched a youtube video, or just saw a malicious post on the internet, make sure to know and seek the truth before you post stuff like these. The so called Christians nowadays are attracted to this like honey to flies.
For those saying Pastor Brian is preaching about prosperity gospel, hmmm, I just recall one of my favorite messages he preached was all about the book of James. Humility – the lowly glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation and if one depends on his riches, he will fade away in his pursuits. That as humans in the flesh, most people see wealth as a blessing and poverty as a curse. But those who are in Christ, who walks in the Spirit, understands that God’s plan is much greater and uses both wealth and poverty to accomplish His will. Pastor Brian’s has been very clear about his vision, for Christians to live God’s purpose not to keep them small and down, but to live a life of faith in Jesus Christ. Personal value is found in Christ, not possessions, position, or power. It is God that has dominion over our lives. We have to understand that flourishing starts with humility, obedience, sacrifice, servant hood, and total dependence to the power of the Holy Spirit in us to bring out the fruits wherever we may be. Ha! What a message! Not every preacher who teaches the joy of blessing is a “prosperity preacher.” I wonder where and when did Pastor Brian taught about loving money? I haven’t heard him preach on that. We all need money to survive and even God knows it. But it is important that we seek Him first, the Giver and not place our faith on money and earthly possessions! Have you heard Pastor Brian speak about humility, obedience, serving Jesus and serving others? That Christians have to understand that flourishing starts with humility, obedience, sacrifice, servanthood, and total dependence to the power of the Holy Spirit in us to bring out the fruits. From the very mouth of Pastor Brian “Some things never change. There is a personal cost in following Jesus. Dying to ourselves, laying down of things, picking up crosses, its the way its always been, its the way that Jesus taught us and it is in this truth that Hillsong church is standing today, expanding, and flourishing.” I have been blessed to be part of this family. I prayed that the Spirit will lead me to a church where people aren’t lukewarm. I am happy to be surrounded with passionate Children of God, redeemed, repentant, joyful disciples. Everyone has a right to their opinion, but it’s not always right to give it. Opinion judges, counsel guides.
Dear Brian, what power do you have; where did you get it; in whose interests do you exercise it; to whom are you accountable; and, how can we get rid of you? Anyone who cannot answer the last of those questions does not live in a democratic system.”
This article is just an example of focusing on as the author said one part of “theology”. There is a huge chunk of scripture that teaches God has a plan for your life beyond the cross. The cross is the first step. Then there are more as we grow in our faith.
His intentions may be in the right place, but his message is far from building up. The bible clearly states, ” 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up”
Not sure how the author would justify he is building up lol. Good luck with that. Lastly, and it’s just a thought, your claim that they preach the prosperity gospel actually sends the message that you, believe God doesn’t want you to be successful. How unbiblical is that? Cause man there were many rich men in the bible. Being rich isn’t wrong bro. It’s the character of the men and women that will determine if they are Sinning.
I don’t understand the real them of this article’s Author! He might be an atheist who uses a bible as a criteria to evaluate the performance of Christian Ministries. I bet hasn’t our fellow believer. If you’re a Christion, I see there is so much credit to give to Hill song music.
Hill song are doing great job, they are the great ‘’God praise and worship’’ leaders of our time.
I see a clear evangelism in most of their songs. Talking about Sin and repentance, there is a call to repentance in song like Rise up, aftermath, I surrender, you made me glad, Emanuel to mention few.
The true gospel for your information is all about worshiping Yahweh.
Repentance is a preparation toward worshiping God. And in most cases it is until people understand who God real is, then they will repent (Note: People never believed Jesus until he performed miracles. Christianity never existed until the resurrection of Jesus). Hill song music play a big deal to describe the greatness and grace of our God. I think most of their song are centered here- this is the pure gospel activity.
Ugh… Thank you for writing this. I have been postponing, researching this group for awhile now. Choosing to enjoy their music in ignorance. However, truth cannot be pushed into a corner and told to be silent. Again, Thank you for this enlightening article.
I’d like to say this:
We do not know what happens behind closed doors in the Hillsong ministry. We can see all the things they’ve done, that they’ve said, but we cannot assume we know all of the intentions and motivations of the members of Hillsong, because God is the one that knows their hearts.
I’d also like to point out that Hillsong has brought people to Christ. Whether it be through a message or a song. If someone were to come to you and say that in listening to Hillsong, God moved in and eventually changed their life, and you could see that change, would you tell them their transformation was false? That everything that they felt was not true? No! We just need to have joy in our hearts that we have welcomed more people into the Church, and into the Kingdom of God – the Kingdom our eyes should be fixed on.
I struggle with the whole potential cover up that the Australian Government / police are investigating in relation to Brian’s father and the fact he was a self confessed paedophile but was never reported to the police by the AOG executive.
Have a look.
http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/nov/23/hillsongs-brian-houston-failed-to-report-abuse-and-had-conflict-of-interest-royal-commission
http://larryhannigan.com/serious_changes_to_the_modern_bibles.htm
a nice little video seminar explaining who when and why bible passages are changed….watch …when finished go check which version you use and if it is not the fulfilling one,bin it…….music has a way of making goose bumps rise through the body…..now use the indoctrinating rythym with a bit of jesus word play and what do you have….a wolf in sheeps clothng……please children….search for the truth….endlessly…i use to watch this brian fella before he laid on the rock spiff….back when his pastor dad was mollestering kiddies…thats right…his dad is a convicted paedophile pastor….check the videos and make your mind up…..they have passage comparisons…..rock music has been use by the tavistock institute to indoctrinate children since the 60s….top of pops or countdown in australia were used to create generations of lost children and indoctrinate the gay agenda….
the video is not loading but if it is talking about why modern bibles are missing certain passages that are found in the KJV see this lecture series from Bill, professor of New Testament and director of the Greek Program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. https://www.biblicaltraining.org/lecture/nt203-14 and https://www.biblicaltraining.org/seminar/how-the-bible-was-written/bibliology
Ah yes. Just what we need
More old bitter Christians getting angry at an organisation doing so much good, doing exactly what God says, doing so much for the kingdom of God, but they’ve said some stuff that doesn’t tickle your fancy and so now they are basically Satan.
Do you people have better things to do than to form controversies about the church something that is already under fire so much.
Get a life
Go read the bible
Go listen to some Hillsong
Get some Jesus in you
Amen Matt.
Seriously, I have been a Christian my whole life and have heard bickering amongst so many. I decided to go to Hillsong because they shared truth in a way that connects with this generation. You don’t like their church? No problem – go somewhere else. You don’t like their music? No problem – listen to something else.
Point is, many people have been connected to Jesus through Hillsong’s various ministries. To the author of this, what have YOU done to orchestrate change into thousands of lives? Brian and Bobbie have been given God-given purpose to grow their church and they have had many people willing to follow through that vision. Who are you to come between God’s vision for them and the world? Your negative opinion?
Finally, if God blesses you with a Church who supports you in the thousands, why can’t you be living well for yourself and your family? Who says a Pastor has to be poor? Their income is based on their impact; the Church Board decides their income, not them. You don’t know what they do with their finances and quite frankly, its none of your business.
I feel blessed to be part of this Church and the impact they are making in the world, because I become part of that impact too.
Seriously, let God bless you and don’t let Satan take away from the good God is creating, because thats all this is to me
God, please open the eyes of the blind. Lord, send your Holy Spirit to lead them to the Scriptures so that they may truly understand your holiness. Help them to see why false teaching is abhorrent to you. Give them discernment and a heart for the true gospel. Please turn the defensiveness into a thirst for your truth. God, soften their hearts and turn them to you. Please forgive them for all the years wasted living on darkness. I pray all these things in the matchless name of Jesus . Amen
Um excuse me Lisa M
On whose authority are you saying that Rach and I live in darkness? Your own?
Because I have felt the presence of God so through Hillsong songs more than any other Christian music group. I have heard God speak to me in these songs, now if they were ‘abhorrent’ to God, would he really want to work in my heart if I was chanting the lyrics of songs that he disagreed with?
God has changed me so much, and I owe a lot of that to the songs that Hillsong has written.
I think it is really offensive for you to say I have ‘wasted all of those years living in darkness’. I’m not a perfect person, but I have devoted my life to Jesus in many ways and you don’t know me, so I would appreciate it if you didn’t put really harsh and unnecessary labels on Rach and I.
On God’s authority. It it 100% clear that Rachel and you, if you are in solidarity, have not “felt” God as you believe. Truth is not based on feelings. It is based on every word from God. If you read the Bible, you will recognize that the teachings do not line up with scripture. I know what it’s like to be led astray. When your eyes are opened you will understand. Until then, I pray God’s mercy on you that you don’t die caught up in a false gospel. If you don’t believe that Hillsong is a false gospel now, you WILL believe on THAT day.
Have you not tried other worship music. For example, Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman have some incredible theology and uplifting inspiring songs.
I used to love the band Delirious and still do. Looking back I now thnk I liked the music far more than the lyrics.
Whatever you listen to, read the lyrics before you sing songs. Hillsong’s music over the years has become very rock n roll. Yes very entertaining like Delirious were. But there are many other writers with incredibly biblical lyrics.
Then how come I have been in places where a whole congregation has been baptised in the Holy Spirit, hearings have occurred, and so many people being led to Jesus whilst Hillsong songs are being played? I understand that you do not like Hillsong, but the Pharisees did not like Jesus because the teachings he preached made them angry.
I am not defending them because I am living in darkness or I have demons. I am defending them because they have done so much good in the world that you have not seen. You have not met me, and you don’t even know me. God says it is not ok to make prejudice on people, I would really appreciate it if you would stop saying that it is ‘100% clear that I am living in darkness’.
I have a lot to learn, but words also have power, please stop forcing that label onto me because it is doing so much more harm than good.
God bless you
That’s another lie from Hillsong. A man’s words do not have power. The power of words is another false teaching which accompanies the prosperity gospel. Its called word of faith. Please read the only words that matter, God’s Word. I mean read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Read every word, not just the twisted scripture you get from a Hillsong sermon. If you really knew what was in that book, you would understand why that ministry is false. We have the answers , but so many professing Christians won’t pick it up. That’s how you can be a Christian your entire life and remain in darkness. Give it a shot. There are 66 books in the Bible and 52 weeks in a year. You could read one or 2 books a week if you are truly seeking God. Then come back and tell me that Hillsong lines up with the truth. The real power, power of the Holy Spirit will help you, if you are sincere. Go ahead, prove me wrong. I challenge you and anyone else who defends Hillsong or any false teaching to read the Bible, EVERY word ( not just your favorite parts) and then you will know truth from error. Truth has nothing to do with feelings. Try feeling the importance of knowing your creator, which can’t be done without picking up that book. Satan plays on Biblical illiteracy. That’s how false teachings take hold. “Christians” claim to read the Bible when they are actually reading scripture verses and devotionals. It’s like telling someone about a movie you have never seen. I’ve read the book and I know that what Hillsong teaches is not in there. The same way I know Dustin Hoffman was not in Star Wars.
I prefer not to go to a church that is basically a family run Ponzi scheme like the Mafia.
Do you mind explaining with evidence why the church is a Ponzi scheme? How is it possibly so?
I don’t know if you had a bad experience at a particular church or if you are talking about a spiritual corruption many churches may be going through, but it is not like church in itself is bad. Far from it.
Now, I disagree with the Prosperity Gospel, I don’t see it taught in the Bible. However, in my opinion, here are some things we need to consider when answering the question “Should a Christian not sing music from Hillsong?”
This is such an interesting topic with many consequences that I made a (currently) 7 page analysis of it. You can read it over at https://sites.google.com/site/worldviewcafe/blog-posts/shouldweallstopsinginghillsongsongs
I just attended my first Hillsong Church service by chance (nothing is by chance) the author of this post is right on target. May God bless him and continue to guide him through the Holy Spirit. A church without the Holy Spirit is dead. WE ARE NOT CALLED TO CONFORM TO THE WAYS OF THE WORLD.
Amen and Amen
Congratulations. You have seen Star Wars. Just like I have read the whole bible. It is unfair for you to keep saying that I live in darkness. Just because you don’t agree with Hillsong, does not mean that it is wrong, it just means that you have different opinions. My church sings Hillsong all the time, and we now have more than 30000 people globally, we see healings weekly, and the power of God moves amazingly. How can you justify the success of my church, singing Hillsong, if we are ‘living in darkness’. By the way, living in darkness, would mean that I sin regularly, and that I don’t believe in God.
A house divided against itself will fall, so why are you so intent on attacking an unperfect church that do so much for Jesus.
An also, the power of words is definitely a thing it says so in Proverbs 18:21
‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.’
You make many assumptions about me and you don’t know anything about me.
I have been prophecied on and have prophecied on other people which have been accurate. I don’t understand how I could be living in darkness if that is the case.
Please stop saying I am living darkness just because I disagree with you on something. That’s not ok.
It’s not about disagreeing with Hillsong. Hillsong is in disagreement with the Word of God. I KNOW you have not read the Bible completely through because you don’t know that what Hillsong teaches is NOT in the Bible. Thank you for proving my point.
Now you are saying you are a prophet?! Who are you , Elijah, Moses, Nathan? All of God’s prophets and prophecies are found in His word. Which you clearly know nothing about. The depths of your error are worse than I thought.
Hillsong may be working for a “Jesus” they created, certainly not the second person of the Trinity whom we know as the Son of God.
You’re just putting words in my mouth. It says in the bible, that people will be given the gift of prophecy. That is a fact. I did not say that I am a prophet of the bible. I would rather not argue with you, on this however I sense that actually really like arguing.
And you have not addressed that the power of words IS in the bible.
And I actually have read the bible. I have grown up in the church, and I don’t like you insisting that I live in darkness because I do not.
Your arguments are not even based on the bible, they are just attacks, and extrapolations on my points that I do not say. It feels like I’m arguing with a cynical 5 year old who has a whole lot of opinions and cannot comprehend that they may be incorrect. Which is why I am going to stop arguing with you. Not because I agree with you but because I have better things to do and it says in the bible. ‘It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel’ Proverbs 20:3.
God bless you and I pray that maybe some day you will find joy in things other than arguing with people on the Internet as a Pharisee.
Goodnight
Speak those words to yourself prophet. I made general comments based on the errors being communicated by nominal Christians. YOU called me out by name, remember? So the truth I was speaking about people living in darkness must have hit a nerve. As stated, I know that ANYONE who believes Hillsong preaches a true gospel has NOT , I repeat NOT read the Bible. I don’t have to know a person to know a lie when I hear it. The truth hurts. Anyone who takes the sacred name of Christ upon their lips should have more reverence for God than a mere man named Brian Houston . Please understand, your name calling means nothing to me as I know the Pharisees rejected Jesus as Messiah AND interpreted the law by their own standards. Sounds more like you then me. I’m standing on the word of God, not my feelings or the word of a false teacher. If the truth is argumentative to you, you won’t like heaven.
the number of people that go to your church has nothing to do with God….. How many Muslims are there? How many Jehova witnesses are there? How big is the Satanic Church?
I’ve been hearing a lot of concern over Hillsong lately. There was this one guy named Lance Goodall who was talking about Illuminati symbols apparently used by Hillsong. He also really was animate about getting people to listen to hymns and not contemporary Christian, and I drilled him for it.
Now, reading this article, you, Bruce Herwig, seem to have a much more compelling case.
I have some questions to further investigate this matter, especially #3:
1. Could you cite some more things that the Hillsong band and church have said that connects it to the Prosperity Gospel?
2. Do you have concerns for Contemporary Christian music in general, or just a few bands that seem to be led by apostates like Hillsong, Jesus Culture, etc?
3. Someone at my church once told me that all the churches in America, because they are tax-exempt, are incorporated, and are not allowed to preach certain things that may come in contradiction to the values of the American government. Here is an article that seems to agree with him:
http://www.ecclesia.org/truth/501-church.html
From the article:
“The truth is, ‘incorporated churches’ are subject to total governmental control — whom they may hire, what they may and may not teach and preach, they cannot conflict with ‘public policy’ nor assault the hearer’s sense of mental well-being, self esteem, sexual orientation, etc. The IRS prohibits such organizations from ‘carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation’ (26 USC 501-C-3). This prohibition extends, not only to the endorsement of a political candidate, but also any other attempts to ‘influence legislation,’ including taking a public stand against such government-protected abominations as abortion or homosexuality. Now, the church is discovering that favors from Washington, DC have strings attached. In this case, the string is a rope that is being used to throttle her once-powerful voice, to squeeze out her very life and, eventually, to hang her by the neck until dead!”
Do you suppose this is the case in the US and other western countries, and that the main reason that many churches water down the truth like this is because the government is, in a sense, forcing them to? Not that the leaders of these churches themselves are much more innocent, but do you suppose that could be a factor? Read the article carefully, especially the passage I gave. It could point to an even darker reason that this could be happening.
Here’s the problem: God has ministered to me through songs written by or popularized by Hillsong. He’s ministered to a huge number of the Christians I know–Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, charismatics–through music that originated from Hillsong. In short, God uses Hillsong’s music. Behind your post is an assumption that Christians everywhere should limit the elements of their worship to only songs created by those life and theology are completely aligned with their specific doctrinal stance, whether or not God is moving through them. That’s not how it works. If God has put it on your heart or in your head to stop going to Hillsong’s concerts or buying their recordings on iTunes, you should absolutely stop. If you want to stop singing their music in your church and you and your congregation feel good about that, that’s your decision. That said, you should probably think long and hard before you persist in a campaign to have others stop using a tool that God has blessed. If God is using it–and I think you would find millions of people who say that he is–do you really want to spend your limited available ministry time telling others they shouldn’t? Let this one go, bro. 🙂
What makes you think “God is using it” if what Hillsong is doing doesn’t match up with what scripture says. And to go by why you think “God laid on the heart” is nonsense. Jesus said the heart is filled with sin, why would we trust our “heart” and not the Bible.
How you know “God uses it” is by its effect on the spiritual life of those who listen. I know God has moved in me, not through a Hillsong song but while I sing a Hillsong song. It’s not God moving through the song, it’s God moving in us when we sing (any) songs in “Spirit and in truth.” It’s not like Hillsong is my favorite band and I only listen to them, but they do have some songs that I frequently sing because my “heart” acknowledges the need to not necessarily sing them but say the words, “Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders,”, “[My] heart, [it] cries. be glorified, be lifted high above all names,” or, “I will worship you until the very end.” I completely understand what you’re saying Jeremy about how our hearts are not always trustworthy; sometimes we “see” things that aren’t there, but something so amazing happens in our hearts when it’s something real and from God, and I’ve had those moments while singing Hillsong songs either with my congregation or simply in my bed. As for your question about trusting our hearts as opposed to the Bible, I don’t think that’s what kmoland meant or implying. There are some things Hillsong has done in the past that I do not necessarily agree with as a Christian, as I some other well-known and not-so-well-known people, but when it comes to their overall ministry I can say it has touched my life, as the others have as well.
Wow.. I think your sample space for writing this article is too small.. I always wonder how people manage to listen to one message by a Pastor and make such horrible assessments… Did Jesus not talk about prosperity himself? .. The youth of today are moving their lives totally towards hell.. Here is a pastor who God has used to reach out to soo many of them.. Please how many souls have you won yourself!? ? How many people are saved, born again and serving God because of you? Please be careful.. Don’t be a fooloish critic.. Don’t speak too soon.. If Brian Houston is not sent by God, it’s God’s work to bring him down and judge him.. But so far we’ve only seen God using him.. And all across the globe people like me are being touched by his ministry.. The day you get yourself to half where he is, we shall listen to you… For now, please stop this!
Be rewarded by God!
Dig into your Bible a little and you will find Jesus warning you of the likes of Houston. You will also find in Titus to “rebuke them sharply”.
Is God “using” ISIS and the Satanic Church as well?
Man I wish folks would crack the scriptures open before commenting
PS. I’ve heard plenty of Houstons prosperity garbage. And no Jesus did not talk about “worldly riches, he spoke of Heavenly riches
Jeremy, we have talked about this before! The tone of your responses is condescending and unkind. Jesus does not call us to arrogance and rudeness. If you disagree with someone on this site, share your thoughts HUMBLY. If you can’t share in a Christian manner, please stop posting on Christian web sites.
Look, I don’t mean to be harsh, and I know you think you’re helping, but you’re not. Just stop it. Speak KINDLY. If you’ll clean up the way you communicate, others might actually listen to what you have to say.
Nothing rude about my comments. I’m blunt and to the point and I have zero tolerance for the approval of teaching that sends folks to hell. And I will share what Paul said to the Galations. And it’s not so kind either (hint. He says guys like Houston can go to hell)
“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse! Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Galatians 1:8-10 NIV
http://bible.com/111/gal.1.8-10.niv
Also, those supporting false teachers and false gospel are not, I repeat are not my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Yes, Jeremy. If you serve a God who calls you to condemnation rather than love, we are not brothers. I know this kind of “Christianity,” the kind that rails against the false gospel of those who baptize differently, or dress differently, or worship differently; the kind that claims it relies on God’s mercy in its own life, but has “zero tolerance” for what it perceives as sin in the lives of others. That kind of Christianity is based on the same letter-of-the-law spirit Paul was condemning in Galations 1:8-10. Prosperity teaching is relatively ludicrous, but it’s not nearly as ludicrous as your stance that everyone at Hillsong is going to hell. And if that’s not your stance, then a lot of the sincere pro-Hillsong people who post here ARE your Christian brothers and sisters. All I’m asking you to do is to treat them like it. Entreat them with love. Gently show them the error of their ways. Browbeating weaker brothers is more likely to harden their hearts than soften them. If you actually want to change anyone’s mind here, it won’t happen if you don’t lose your insulting tone.
For the record, I never post in these forums, and I never call out individuals, but I feel compelled to force you to look at the way you talk to people. I’d like to think it’s because God wanted you to hear what I have to say. If God really has spoken to you; if He’s called you directly, like he did Jeremiah, to a life of railing about the sin in other’s lives, then carry on, and ignore my message, but if you’re getting this damnation teaching from some local church or pastor, then I strongly encourage you to think seriously about what you’re doing. The overwhelming majority of the gospel is a call to love. Don’t let someone convince that calling out “false teachers” is a higher calling than washing sinners’ (even churched ones) feet.
In my heart, I believe you and I ARE brothers. Since I suspect you’re a good bit younger than me, I implore you to heed the advice of a “big brother.” Stop saying things like “crack open your Bible before you post.” Be kind. Be gentle. Say your peace, but let your love shine through.
How about you stop adding to my words. I said nothing of baptism or how someone dresses. False gospel is quite easy to point out when one actually reads their Bible. It is pointed out in each and every book of the NT.
Also, calling out false teaching from the pulpit is not the same as calling out someone’s sin. Hence why I have to continue to ask you to open your Bible.
And I turn 42 in October.
And I’ll say “crack open your Bible” each and everytime you or anyone else try’s to defend fals teaching with absolutely zero context of scripture.
Calvary greetings my brother Kmoland. I’ve been following your discussion (or should I call it exchanges?) with Jeremy…very interesting inded! All through he came across as one who has the biblical facts at his finger-tips, but simply lacks the right spirit or temperament to communicate the same. That’s usually a problem with youthful zeal, I’ve seen it before when our youth ministry had issues with the church leadership: they were not as prayerful, didn’t go out to witness, prayed half the night while we slugged it out with demons all night, criticised our dress codes while they tolerated adulterers, etcetera. We were mad at our pastors and just about loathed and criticised them harshly, with scripture to back it.
But I used to hear the Spirit of God warn me clearly never to join the bandwagon. I felt agitated at the things I saw, but my tongue would cling to the roof of my mouth whenever such topics crept up. You see I was the leader of a team of intecessors and the patron of the praise & worship choir at a very youthful age. These were graces that God gave me while at a pretty youthful age because I was a firebrand believer full of prayer and the word of God. Yet somehow it felt strange to criticise my pastors even when they obviously were in era at times. I spent more time praying for my pastors to be anointed to minister God’s heart.
Long story short, many of those fellow young ministers got shipwrecked over time. Others stagnated, yet others totally backslid and went back to the world. 15 years down the line, it’s the other day that several of us who were instrumental in those fights with the pastors felt led of the LORD to go back for a time of repentance, healing and restoration, so that the senior pastor and bishop of that ministry would pray for us, release a blessing upon us. What was initially a small idea by former youth ministry allumni turned into a big occasion involving former members of that church, some in the diaspora (remember we are africans in black Africa), who got involved in major ways. Others were former leaders who left because they were unhappy with the leadership for one reason or another, and justifiably so.
What’s my point? Jeremy could be right scripturally, but he’s treading on a dangerous zone. I know of one of my favourite intl TV preachers just a while ago, who spoke rather boastfully and said he wonders just how much Billy Graham would have accomplished if he were speaking in tongues of the Holy Ghost in his meetings! This was a youthful preacher whose ministry was punctuated by incredible signs of the move of God. But just after such callous statements on public ministry platform, his ministry went down and out! He is nowhere today.
This thing of calling out false teachers is a very treacherous path for Christians who love the LORD, especially if the victims are members of the body of Christ who may however be in error and only need a loving, gentle, but firm rebuke or correction, usually by someone who has the grace and authority with God to do so. Otherwise the best we can do is to intercede for them. If they are Christ’s then certainly the Master will sort them out or bring them to account pronto.
I wonder if Jeremy would listen to what I’ve just said, now that I’m as yet to quote any scripture! Our adversary the devil is verysubtle, when you think you are strong and are standing, that’s when you begin to sink! But thanks for your sound, sober responses.
Actually for This thread I’m direct and to the point. Would my approach be different if we were talking in person or via phone. Yes it would. However long winded responses hardley ever get read completely
The problem for me is the commercial side to all of these ‘successful’ songs, no matter who the author.
CCM and especially the American christian song writers are in an industry worth millions, owned by secular share holders who are looking at profit. It is based on a secular business model. Making a small minority of so called worship leaders very materially rich.
We do not pay everytime we read a great bible verse like we do singing these dongs in church.
Currently, popular worship music is creating very wordly worship leaders living like Princes. Many of these so gs are from Prosperity gospel churches. God blesses but the blessing is meant to be for his glory not their personal gain. Many argue that wealth is from God, which it is, but behind the scenes the lives don’t match the songs. That is what makes me struggle with many songs. Yes i know the arguement no one is perfect. However, bible teachers – which modern worship now is, are to be judged harshly as James says.
I also fear, that like me, many sing the songs but don’t spend the same amount in the word of God.
Worship in song is a tiny part of our lives of worship, yet it gets so much attention and publicity. These maybe God inspired words, but I often wonder whether as many Christians would attend a Bible only conference. If you put worship music on an advert for a concert I bet thousands would go.
Lets get back to the heart of worship.
@Letstalkabouttruth
As I understood it, the argument here was about whether Christians should shun Hillsong because of perceived doctrinal issues with their ministry or lifestyle concerns with their members. Whether Christian musicians should give their music away rather than charge for it is an entirely different discussion, as is a debate about whether today’s Christians sing too much and read too little. One note: You don’t pay to sing praise songs in church, but it’s likely you did pay for the paper Bible you read the scripture from. Profiting from sacred things has a long tradition inside and outside the realm of music. (Maybe this is a good place for me to plug Blue Letter Bible, an awesome free scripture resource app?)
At the end of the day, it’s all I can do to make my own life one that will warrant a positive account at its end. I don’t have time to do a lot of analysis regarding whether other workmen are worthy of their hire. These discussions can be fun, but this particular thread lost its value for me several hundred comments ago. 😦
Your right it is about Hillsong. What I am trying to say is Hillsong creates vast sums of money through their music. If you look at Hillsongs general accounts not much of this seems to go to the poor or the needy. It is spent on themselves to do their church. Just 5% of their income goes on Benevolent funds !!! Whereas nearly 50% goes on doing Church. Page 51 here
Click to access AnnualReport14WEB.pdf
Who are we to judge what our maker plans? That He chooses to reach out to people using Hillsong in spite of the problems involved (here I cite the instances in which Hillsong’s music has helped a believer turn to God in difficulty, or get through a time of struggle, and I have found both) does not imply that He gives his approval wholeheartedly to their ministry; not at all. For has He not saved or given comfort in the unlikeliest of ways? It is not that He only acts BECAUSE of our actions, but that He acts DESPITE our actions. Such is His prerogative.
I praise God for the impact that the song ‘oceans’ has had in my life, on altering my perspectives – the poetry made more clear to me than I had understood before the concept of trusting my entire life into God’s hands. This does not mean that I agree with Hillsong. The Lord brought that song into my life at the particular time that I was struggling (in the youtube sidebar!) and used it to teach me about Himself. I will not sit in judgement on these songs inasmuch as it is undeniable that He can, did, and will, use them for His own purposes.
That Hillsong itself is not something I support does not conflict with this fact, and I would urge those of you who think this to be a simple black-and-white issue, something abstract to be decided with reason alone- I would urge you to consider how such arguments might be lacking. It is right and good that you (we) would feel affronted by the false teaching, or lack of gospel teaching, which occurs. It is good to react emotionally to this, because it shows the importance of the issue – God is important! Yet we cannot and must not sit in judgement on an entire body of people, judging both the establishment, and the individuals. Though Hillsong may have led many astray by not causing them to understand the gospel, it also has led people into God’s kingdom by His astounding grace. It may be a choice we decide to make, to leave behind the music of hillsong-I myself will not lose ‘oceans’ from my collection of christian music, but nor will I seek out their new music. I agree that we must consider seriously the whole package associated with musicians we support, financially and otherwise. It is a personal choice, to be determined by our moral responsibility. If it concerns you, if you feel stubborn about it, or it troubles you, bring it to the Lord in prayer. He may not ‘lay on your heart’ the actions in any bizarre sense, but you will come to understand the right choice in your situation.
As far as Hillsong is concerned, We must pray for the leadership, praying in love and not in hatred, that christ would be proclaimed all through the church, and that those in leadership would learn to seek God with their whole hearts. We must not despair that this cannot happen, or cast them to the side as Jonah with the Ninevites.
We must pray for the christians attending the church and listening to the music, that it would be encouraging in only the right ways, not leading them astray and that God’s truth would shine through and gain clarity in their lives, that He would use the music to bring people to their knees before the cross and not become an addictive ‘spiritual high’. We must trust that He is God and He will act.
We must pray for the decieved, those who do now know the Lord, whose experience of Hillsong has not changed them or brought them close to God. We must pray that God would draw them near to Himself and save them, welcoming them into the fellowship of christians across the ages and continents. And we must trust him.
for ‘nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few’ (1 Sam 14:6).
I re-iterate that this has not to do with stance but with attitude. I think this article is fairly accurate if there are those who disagree that hillsong has problematic doctrine: http://www.paulchappell.com/2014/10/28/doctrine-still-matters-whats-wrong-with-hillsong/
In openly sharing the issues we discover with anything – hillsong included – we are acting in fellowship, and here we must consider Jude 1:23, using discernment to distinguish our task: ‘save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear–hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.’
I join with many of you in being saddened by such a poor portrayal of the truth, but let us not allow it to corrupt us in our conduct. Be at peace, and consider the works He has done, and our task here: ‘Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.’. There is one who incites disunity, and he is not the Lord. Be on guard.
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Elizabeth
For all that say there is no value in their music, your dead wrong! I was a heroin addicted drug addict for quite a few years, completely void of God. I had an experience with Christ that changed me forever. After this “come to Jesus moment,” I started looking for a Church. Music is very important to me, but I can not do the traditional choir based church, it doesnt do it for me. I do find incredible intimacy with our Creator in music, so that was and is an important part of worship for me. Well the first Church I started going to was a non-denom church with a fantastic band that did a lot of Hillsong covers. I was now hooked on worshiping Christ, to music that spoke to my soul, instead of illegal drugs. So please before you want to “throw stones”, please “take the plank out of your own eye,” their music has been nothing but a blessing to me!
God bless you. This is the truth . I pray for every person who is blinded by their satanism and witch craft. The devil has deceived them. Hillsong is mocking Jesus Christ. It is written do not use God for gain. Do not bid them God speed in their evil deeds. It is written. Anyone who teaches anything other then the true gospel let him be accursed, that is a warning in the Bible!!!!That is written. I weep for the followers of this occult practicing group hillsong and others like them. I pray now the blood of Jesus over their eyes and hearts. Discernment over them.now in Jesus name !!!
I used to like them and other false teachers in the world and at the time it helped me where I was at in my life… but God showed me more and more about the TRUE GOSPEL. and he is still showing me how to live and follow Jesus. So God can use eveything for our good. Romans 8:28. But yes they are occult. And the Bible warns us.
Interesting post as this is all new to me.
I post as an attempt at discernment, not judgment.
After reading all these comments, a reoccurring thought is ‘would Jesus support what Hillsong is doing?’ If our Lord was living in a body in contemporary times, would he be supporting rock “worship” shows? ( I know it’s a little bit of a stretch to think about this, but I think we can all see the point). Is he concerned about people being entertained into a belief in him? If the entertainment was a major source for continued ‘belief’, would he want it? When Jesus was here in body, was he concerned with entertaining people? Was the parable a form of entertainment comparable to what’s taking place today?
With so many of contemporary Christian churches, I feel what is being lost is the simple, logical gospel and the illumination of the historical facts surrounding it. They seems to be more about developing emotion, riding the emotional roller coaster, and needing to feel good in order to feel good about God and themselves in the present (as several Hillsong defenders have alluded to on this blog post). Dubious application also seems to be huge these days (gay marriage etc.)
Those that have been in churches with solid preaching understand that Christian faith is well thought of as a boxcar in a train following the historical facts which are the engine of a train. Our emotions are the caboose- they are to never lead the train but trail behind our faith in the historical facts. They like a caboose can be jolted around violently sometimes ( hey we are in the world, (no?) but not of it ), but our faith should NEVER be led by emotions, as emotions can be incredibly deceptive (look at Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, etc. – surely they have emotional experiences too that they think are authentic). Is this not what I am reading Hillsong is doing? Getting people into worship via externally produced emotion, not the words and truth of the gospel? Is it the music new believers except, or is it the Gospel? Is it really both? Do they REALLY understand the gospel? Or do they really dig the music and its lyrics?
Music should not be a prerequisite to an experience with the Living Jesus. But so many make it a prerequisite, and Hillsong appears to be blurring that distinct line. They seem to have waaaaaaay to much focus on music. It comes off as being a ‘church’ all about the performances-hoping to be impressive so that it leads people to the ‘gospel’. It seems waaaaaay to focused about the generating a feeling and emotion. Throw in some keywords of Christian faith i.e. sin, repentance, love, Jesus etc., and it’s all good? That’s good enough for our Savior? I just get the distinct feeling that our Savior wants our mind first (hear the gospel) and then our heart follows). We don’t even need music to be saved! But God gave it to us for our benefit. Are we using it in a way that benefits him and glorified him, or ourselves and are talents and abilities? He should get our mind before he gets our heart. If our heart is gotten first, are we sure that it’s given 100% to the 100% Jesus of the Scripture? Or is it the emotion of the music that brings us to the ‘Jesus’? If the music is not good, does that have a bearing on your relationship and how you feel in Jesus? Red flag!!!
I am a 42 y.o. worship music participant (team, writer) who just heard about ‘issues’ with Hillsong and Bethel just the other day. Please pray for me that the Lord gives me clarity so I can please Him through my actions, and not worry about pleasing the world. I pray some of what I have said proves beneficial to somebody’s walk here. Again, my intent is not to judge but to try to discern.
My big concern is that the modern music, music-making, the musicians, and the production are the things being ‘worshiped’. Focus taken off of our Lord Jesus Christ at any point for any reason is amiss. Colored lights and loudness are about manipulating the senses. The work of the Holy Spirit through the simple Word is the only manipulation that we should want that we know is authentic. The music should be a distant second….a reflection of the faith, thankfulness, joy, and hope in us in an attempt to further glorify God (not ourselves) by our words and deeds.
So much more to understand.
Make a joyful sound to the Lord (not any other)!
The author seems nothing more than a bitter, jealous know it all, holier than thou, judgemental person with serious personal issues!
Why spend so much time and energy trying to tear down a ministry that has lead people to Jesus for over 30 years!? Hillsong has had more impact in their own cities and even the world wide then any church on earth!
Did you forget about the parts of the Bible that say touch not my anointed ones? Judge not lest you be judged?
Honestly, this whole article can be summed up in one word: pathetic!!
‘Hillsong has had more impact in their own cities and even the world wide then any church on earth!’
That is a very bold statement and I wonder where you get your information from to back this up.
I would have thought that Alpha and other evangelistic missions over the last 2000 years might contradict that.
“Hillsong has had more impact in their own cities and even the world wide then any church on earth!”.
I would like to see some evidence for that. Hillsong (and churches like that) seriously over-estimate both their size and impact. Compared to the mainstream churches their numbers are very low.
They just look big because they have all their meetings in mega convention centers instead of many churches dispersed around suburbia the crowds LOOK big. They are very good at the publicity game.
In the last census in Australia in 2011 only about 238,000 identified as Pentecostal while the next nearest to that size is the Lutheran Church at 252,000.
Eastern Orthodox is more than double then the Pentecostal churches at close to 600,000 while the Catholic Church came in at 5,439,200 and Anglican at 3,680,000.
Even the Baptist Church is much bigger then the Pentecostal churches at 352,000.
In total in the Census 61% of the Australian population identified as “Christian” and the Pentecostal churches only made up 1.1% of this figure.
Moreover, it is very common to find that people in Pentecostal churches were in fact already Christians BEFORE they joined Hillsong so I really wonder how many people they actually convert from being completely non-Christian background.
What is amazing that despite these low numbers they make a VAST amount of tax-free money which the leaders use to live super luxury lifestyles. Hillsong in Australia along makes about $100 million per year and pay not one cent of tax.
Brian Houston has THREE luxury places paid for by the Church at his disposal including a MANSION in western Sydney, a luxury beach-side apartment in Bondi Beach (an iconic super expensive beachside suburb in Sydney) AND a ‘country retreat’ in the Hawkesbury area. They are the places we now about.
Now here is the killer: In a very dodgy real estate deal, these luxury properties were originally purchased by Brian and Bobbie Houston AND THEN SOLD TO HILLSONG at a mega profit while the Huston’s continue to live and have total control over these places. So they not only get a fully funded house provided to them but ALSO made $100,000s profit on the deal! Tax free of course.
You also have to question how the Houstons were able to purchase such expensive properties in such iconic locations in the first place. Where did the money come from? Hillsong?
In a tax avoidance scheme devised by George Aghajanian (General Manager, Hillsong) to avoid property tax, the properties are now technically ‘owned’ by Hillsong but 100% fully controlled by the Houstons. They pay no rent or maintenance or property taxes or council rates at all. All these expenses are paid by Hillsong while the properties are effectively the private homes of the Houstons. If that is not a dodgy tax avoidance deal then what is?
In the business world, when people structure their affairs like this it is called TAX AVOIDANCE and unlawful in many jurisdictions. The occupier would be deemed to be the real owner and charged by the tax Office accordingly.
Some argue that these are “parsonages’ like any church would provide to their pastor.
In that regard, firstly, parsonages were traditionally provided to pastors as all they got from the church was low salary so that was a necessary additional benefit. The Houstons personally earn MILLIONS so why do they need to be provided with a parsonage?
Secondly, parsonages were traditionally small homes NEXT To the church building, NOT mega mansions and luxury beachside and country retreats miles from the church building!!! To call them “parsonages” makes a mockery of the English language. They do the same for their other pastors.
Brian Houston says that all these matters are oversighted by a board and he has no control over them. What he doesn’t tell you is that the Hillsong Board of Elders is APPOINTED BY HOUSTON! It is not an independent board in any sense at all.
The Hillsong Board of Elders is fully controlled by Brian Houston. The Board doesn’t employ Houston. Rather, Houston effectively employs and controls the Board!!
That breaks all rules of good corporate governance and would be unlawful in the business world but apparently fine in Hillsong. BOTTOM LINE: Brian Houston is not accountable to ANYBODY except himself.
To have religious debates about whether Hillsong is a true church or not is a waste of time. As the Police say in criminal investigations: FOLLOW THE MONEY!
And what I want to ask is if some celeb or band,who according to you,doesn’t have a good spiritual life or doesn’t preach according to your ideal method,sings a Christmas Carol like jingle bell.then we too should not sing it…I always like to think the song when sung has an impact on your relationship with christ personally if have faith in the song and christ..not on just a particular worship leader…
ANYWAYS,EACH TO THEIR OWN THOUGHTS!!!
Feel free to reply..im enjoying this ddiscussion!!
And the one’s who have posted those articles about his father..
The thing is that we are to be judged by our own actions as it says in ezekiel 18..
Trying to criticize him by an article of his father is not so cool…
Hillsong music is a big name and yes its earning go to the churches but also have to consider that the band itself was started by the church and it may be tax free but maintenance and others should be present so maybe they use it for that..
I also am one who likes hillsong music. Was blessed, encouraged, inspired, revived…through their music and; we are singing their worship and praise songs often times in our church. However, I was a lil bit shocked upon reading this article which then made me doubt about the band.
Through their songs/music, I believe that many people were inspired. God has used them despite their imperfections.(Like most of us)
We, all do not know what the real thing is, behind all these. But, GOD KNOWS. Their lives, our lives are in His hands.
Hillsong, GODBLESS :-
We do know what goes on behind the music. Have a look at the Hillsong annual report, all the money from this goes back into the Hillsong Empire. It’s not going to change the lives if the poor as Jesus would. They give 8% to the poor. Shocking and so sad.
Actually all you have to do is listen to what is being preached there and you know exactly what they are doing. That’s why we have scripture to compare it to.
I listened to Hillsong, and their songs a lot, and loved them. Ultimately, what convinced me to stop supporting them is their tribute to Jan Crouch, when I realized the were in cahoots with TBN. To me, whoever remotely associates themselves with TBN, means they are enabling all the con artists who appear on the network.
Hi, thank you for helpful article.
Can I publish Japanese translation of this article?
In Japan and Hong-Kong, Lifehouse – a Hillsong(CLC)’s branch church – is producing many victims of spiritual abuse and cultic manipulations.
Please check testimonies here: https://jlhcg.wordpress.com/jlh_testimony/
I believe Hillsong’s teachings are almost new age heresy, especially it’s Prosperity Gospel and Word of Faith.
So I’d like to warn Japanese people about Hillsong teachings.
Thanks,
Permission granted.
Thank you very much for your permission 🙂
Here is Japanese version of this article: https://lhconcernjp.wordpress.com/%E8%B3%87%E6%96%99%E9%9B%86/%E7%A7%81%E3%81%8C%E3%83%92%E3%83%AB%E3%82%BD%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B0%E3%82%92%E6%AD%8C%E3%81%86%E3%81%AE%E3%82%92%E3%82%84%E3%82%81%E3%81%9F%E7%90%86%E7%94%B1/
God bless,
nice article we love the truth so when we hear false teachings it offends. Churches today just aren’t from what I’m seeing doing as the Lord commanded the two commandments love God and love others. No love for others just self prospering. As written seek another’s wealth and not your own. Preach the New Testament to the lost. Stand firm in the truth. Another thing I’ve noticed they preach the law & no sin. Christ fulfilled the law & bore how sin on the cross to translate us into the kingdom of God out of darkness. Brothers & sisters do not abide in the darkness. Do not say you have no sin for you deceive your selfs and father is not in you. I wait for the righteousness of Christ not having my own righteousness of the law but that which through faith of Christ. The righteousness which is of God by faith.
Now remains faith, hope & charity.
No condemnation for those who believe in the son of God. Love you all
Waw I can almost see you all yelling “Crucify”! Remember that ugly angry mob Jesus died for? Well reading this article and all the hatred filled comments, all I can say is that you haven’t come a long way since. It is you that need to repent brothers and sisters. Bible didn’t just warn you against false teachings, it has also warned you against SLANDER. Causing devision in tbe Body of Christ is a serious sin that many here, including the author, are guilty of. Be careful before posting such accusations and supporting them with your comments.
Have any of you actually attended a Hillsong church anywhere? So the author spent 1 hour there and he already knows all there is to know about Hillsong and counts as his duty to warn everyone else? This is such a plein demonstration of luck of wisdom that If it wasn’t for the sake of the truth, I wouldn’t even bother posting a comment on it.
Well brothers and sisters, for the sake of the truth, I testify myself that these accusations are 100% False. I have been attending Hillsong Paris at Bobino theater for 1 year now and can assure you all that the Massage that’s being tought there is indeed the Gospel of Jesus Christ such as Apostol Paul tought it, in every aspect of it, including need for repentance from sin and being saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. I befriend people who’ve been part of this church for 10 years and are the most loving, caring, spirit filled christians I met in my life. Charity and helping homeless and refugees is a big part of our church. Love for God and for one another is at this churche’s core. This is what I’ve experienced for this past year and no angry and slanderous article is going to convince me that I actually have experienced something else than what I did. Be careful brothers and sisters, you are speaking against the Body of Christ: tens of thousands of believers ( if not more) call Hillsong church their Home. You are not going to gain points in God’s eyes by calling this church and those who love it a fraud, in case if that’s what you are trying to do. On the other hand, if you want to know the truth, I encourage you all to attend a Hillsong church if there is one in your local area and judge for yourselves.
Since we are called to call out false teaching, which is exactly what Jesus did and Apostle Paul in every epistle he wrote, I’d say one doesn’t have to worry if they “gain points”. Did Jesus compromise what he said to appease the thousands that walked away from him? Nope. The road is narrow. We are called to call out the “other Jesus” and “other gospel” that we were warned that would come in Sheeps clothing. In others words it would come dressed like a Church of Christ when in fact it’s not.
Those not opening their Bibles and comparing what it says to what Houston is preaching are getting what they want. Their ears itched.
“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”
2 Timothy 4:3 NIV
http://bible.com/111/2ti.4.3.niv
Thank you Jeremy for taking time to reply to my comment. As it happens, I do open my Bible, and I do compare, and I do love Brian Houston’s teachings and I don’t find that it contradicts the Bible. As a mattet of fact the Holy Spirit bares witness in me for what I hear Brian preach. I also love the teachings of Andrew Wommack, Bill Johnson, Ravi Zacharias, Dereck Prince, C. S. Lewis and many many other great men of God. I also love catholics, pentecostals, evangelists, greek and armenian orthodox churches and every other church that belongs to Christ. Now I don’t necesserely agree with everything they teach, but as long as they confess Jesus Christ as their lord and savior, as long as they agree that Jesus is the son of Living God, is God himself, was crucified for our sins, berried and resurrected thus giving every person who calls on his name the power to become a son/daughter of God and have iternal life (now should I give you the name of every book and the number of every verse of the Bible that confirms what I just said or you know them?), as long as we agree in this fondamental truths, we are brothers and sisters in Christ. If you can’t love someone who loves Christ and keeps his comendments, while believeing that it is God’s will to prosper and bless his children so they can bless others, how on earth are you going to love muslims that worship allah and kill christians, buddists and everyone else? And may I say that you are clearly called by Jesus himself to love them.
Now we can debate the question of prosperity untill we both turn red…and that’s ok, it doesn’t mean that we don’t believe in the same God. Do you really honestly believe that Brian Houston and others who believe in prosperity are those false teachers that Jesus warned us about? Do you even live on the same planet that I do? You know I had a muslim friend many years ago who believed(that’s what he was tought all his life) that the comforter Jesus promised that would come after his departure ( that is the Holy Spirit) was actually the their prophet mohhamed? He opened the Bible, found the verses, read them and told me “you see, he (Jesus) promises that another peophet will come after him and it will be better for us to be with this other profhet”… I mean can you believe the actual brainwash begind this? Do you know that the 1,8 billion muslims have been lied to by a false prophet that twisted the whole Gospel story to fit the devil’s agenda? Do you know that there are mormons and Jehova’s witnesses out there who also believe in a twisted Bible and Jesus’ person of their own whom they do not acknowledge as God but only some sort of special messenger? Do you think that maybe, just maybe Jesus was talking about them? Can you even see the difference between disagreeing about secondary issues and disagreeing on fondamenatal truths that constitute our faith in Jesus as the son of living God, the life, the truth and the way!? If you eliminate everyone you disagree about on secondary issues, you’ll have to dismember the whole Body of Christ and soon there will be no one left beside yoitself and maybe your pastor and a couple of other people in your church. You’d think Jesus’ death and ressuraction accomplished more than just getting the 10 of you to paradise…
If you think the prosperity gospel is in the Bible you best get it back out and read it again. They are not part of the body of Christ as much as you might believe they are.
JESUS IS TALKING ABOUT ALL OF THEM. all FALSE teachers.
Houstons Jesus and the Jesus of the Bible are two different people.
“10 of us”. Lol. There are quite many more than 10 that know Houston is a false teacher.
Read this passage. Paul is talking about ANYONE doing this. Not just Mormon or Muslim. ANYONE
“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!”
Galatians 1:8-9 NIV
http://bible.com/111/gal.1.8-9.niv
You tell me my Father doesn’t want to prosper me? Hmmm…I rather believe what He’s telling me in his Word. Check this out!
Deuteronomy 15:10
Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.
Proverbs 3:9-10
Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce; So your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine.
Proverbs 11:24-25
There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, and there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want. The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.
Malachi 3:10
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.
Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.
2 Corinthians 9:10
Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness;
Philippians 4:15-17
And you yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you send a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.
Psalm 37:25
I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread.
Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Genesis 26:12
Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him
Genesis 39:3
Now his master saw that the Lord was with him and how the Lord caused all that he did to prosper in his hand.
Deuteronomy 8:18
…Remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to get wealth.
Deuteronomy 30:8-10
And you shall again obey the Lord, and observe all His commandments which I command you today. “Then the Lord your God will prosper you abundantly in all the work of your hand, in the offspring of your body and in the offspring of your cattle and in the produce of your ground…
Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.
Psalm 1: 1-3
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
Psalm 35:27
Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favor my vindication; and let them say continually, “The Lord be magnified, who delights in the prosperity of His servant.”
Proverbs 10:22
The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.
3 John 1:2
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
Ecclesiastes 5:19
Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God.
John 3:27
John answered and said, ” A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven.
1 Corinthians 9:10-11
Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops. If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?
Deuteronomy 16:17
Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you.
Matthew 7:11
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!
2 Chronicles 31:20
This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.
Deuteronomy 30:9
The Lord your God will then make you successful in everything you do. He will give you many children and numerous livestock, and he will cause your fields to produce abundant harvests, for the Lord will again delight in being good to you as he was to your ancestors.
Ephesians 3:20
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.
Proverbs 24:3
Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge the rooms shall be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
Deuteronomy 15:6
For the Lord your God will bless you as He has promised you, and you will lend to many nations, but you will not borrow; and you will rule over many nations, but they will not rule over you.
Deuteronomy 28:12
The Lord will open for you His good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hand; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.
And so on…
Lol. Twist any scripture lately? Yeah the apostles really “prospered” worldly like your false teachers teach.
BTW THE OLD TESTAMENT IS NOT ABOUT YOU!!
Bring that false gospel to 3rd world countries and to missionary’s and they will laugh you out of the room.
We are not promised any worldly prosperity here on earth. Try reading the actual stories instead of cherry picking verses like they are wise saying
Waw I bet you’d love to spit in my face right now! From your writing I can sense your anger and hate on my skin at this very moment. I’m praying that God reveals to you what LOVE is and where your heart is.. Would be a shame for you to miss on what it really means to follow Jesus. It’s all about love brother, if you don’t have it in your heart, which you clearly don’t, no doubt about that one, there is not much point for you doing anything for God or people. Peace to you brother I’m not your enemy.
Nope. No hate or anger at all. More sadness if this is actually what you think Christianity is about.
Well glad you don’t hate me:-) and I assure you there’s no need to feel sad for me, I thrive in His love for 7 years now. Been greatly blessed by my Father in every area of my life and I’m happy whenever He uses me to bless others financially or otherwise. If I am to die at this second I’ll go streight into Jesus’ arms and that’s something no one can take away from me. Feel sad for people who will never come to know Him and are headed to hell right now; spend your precious energy telling Them who Jesus is cause that’s so much more important. This will be my last reply so good luck to you and God bless!
I forgot to mention all the “new age spirituality ” teachers that proclaim all the religions are the same and we are all going to heaven no matter what… Seems to fit the verse you quoted much better don’t you think?
The Bible isn’t a simple book, and all of us should be wary of running too far based on only a single verse. Those in the “try the spirits” camp should remember the text below, which I think provides a much more appropriate guide for dealing with a ministry like Hillsong:
Mark 9:38-40
38 “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”
39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me,
40 for whoever is not against us is for us.
Food for thought.
I appreciate people’s earnest thoughts on this.
I would suggest that the above verse should not be applied.
1. V:38…Casting out demons is not equal to teaching the gospel (teaching being the subject of the original post)
2. V:39 & 40… One can be “for” someone/something but not accurately understand it and articulate it correctly to others. They should not be teachers.
The person that may cast out demons and is “for” Christ should be prudent in competently understand the simple but full Gospel, just like anyone else. Just because God is choosing to use them that way doesn’t mean they are teachers, or that they necessarily should be.
3. Prosperity teaching would be foreign and offensive to the ears of the first church and it’s ever-increasing membership.
The principle contained in the verses is pretty clear. Jesus said anyone who “does a miracle” (I think this could reasonably be expanded to include many different types of ministries) in his name isn’t likely to turn around and throw him under the bus. In short, Jesus view of acceptable ministry was more accommodating than his disciples. Is it maybe possible that we disciples haven’t changed that much these last two thousand years? 🙂
I agree with only part of your interpretation of the principle here and definitely not your application lol!
I disagree that we can reasonably expand ‘casting out demons/doing miracles’ to “many different types of ministries”. Doing miracles/casting out demons is not even remotely close to what Hillsong is doing. That’s why this verse is not applicable here. You seem to be equating “miracle-doing” (casting out demons) to “ministry-doings” (youth pastoring, missions, music/worship, preaching/teaching etc.).
To drive the point home, do you know of someone (and I don’t mean TV evangelists) who says they have a ministry where they perform miracles on par with ‘casting out demons?’
The original post is about preaching the unadulterated gospel-something the author of this blog felt Hillsong is not doing, hence his desire to not condone their ministry by playing the music on their label.
Jesus accepts the acts of people doing good works (even miracles) in his name though maybe not part of the ‘mainline church’. But does the Master ask us to tolerate a minister/ministry that doesn’t preach the real Him? I think we all know the biblical answer to that question.
There are a thousand denominations, all claiming to know and preach “the real Him.” Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you and those who think like you are the one-in-a-thousand who finally have it right. The “Biblical answer” to any question about judging other Christians is that we are specifically instructed NOT to do so. “Judge not, that ye be not judged” is an extremely broad command that should give us pause any time we set out to say that others “believe wrong.” Jesus welcomed a variety of people most religious groups rejected, and he reserved his condemnation primarily for zealots who demanded that others align with their interpretation of scripture. You seem like a genuinely nice person. Please don’t fall into the pharisaical trap of thinking God wants us to police the theological purity of those around us. The “Biblical answer” is that he absolutely doesn’t. There are multiple testimonials in this thread from people who attend Hillsong services every week and affirm that it preaches a Biblical message that has redeemed their life. Unless God expressly moves your heart with a specific instruction to condemn Hillsong, let their words be enough to move rest of us to keep silent.
All the best to you… But this is not what “judge not” means and refers to! This is not just some person- Hillsong claims to be teachers of the Word. How can you read the words of Paul and his warnings against false teaching and read about all the crazy teachings being introduced, and then use the “judge not” verse? So many Christians don’t even know how to use this verse is what I’m realizing. “Don’t judge” does not mean do “tolerate”.
I, nor I’m sure others here, are not claiming a monopoly on form, yet we are zealous for the fundamental integrity of the gospel message (as all should be). That is not difficult to understandand. There are those that think Hillsong is not maintaining that integrity, “on display for all to see.”
Personally, I’m noticing some folks on this thread talk as if Hillsong could do no wrong, that it’s the music that means so much to them, that it speaks to them, ….that’s getting toward idolatry (can’t follow Christ without it) and we should not be feeling that way.
Let the music be- it either helps your soul connect or doesn’t do it for you. The issue is the teaching of Hillsong and we are told to ‘judge’ that.
It seems like we’re getting closer. Maybe we can agree on this much:
A. “Let the music be.”
B. If God puts it on your heart to THOROUGHLY RESEARCH a group or ministry, and you spend the time and energy to review ALL ASPECTS of their ministry–I’d think you’d at least need to attend a few services yourself–and in the end you find that they do not teach the fundamental gospel–God as our Father, Christ as our redeemer, the Holy Spirit as our guide–then shout “FALSE TEACHERS!” to your hearts content. (It seems to me that a lot of this is happening in this thread WITHOUT the thorough research, and it feels wrong.)
C. If your research shows they teach the gospel, but add things that don’t align with your current theological beliefs, only opine by giving your theological opinion, humbly, without judgement, conscious that your view could be clouded by the beam in your own eye. (Jesus talks a lot about this, and he applies “judge not” pretty broadly, so don’t misinterpret Paul’s writings as a contradictory command to judge everything and everyone.)
Are we getting closer? 🙂
By the way sorry for my grammar, I’m typing on my phone and english is my 4th language.
You sound so bitter with Hillsong. your opinion of moving away from the church is not convincing.
In my perspective, I see no wrong with the Hillsong, especially their songs- very inspiring, with diverse messages even on the power of the Cross. Regarding it as a family thing doesn’t make sense.
But am not here to judge, thats the work of God. And I still love their song.
never heard of hillsong. how fun to read this ridiculous bickering. oh. I am an atheist.
Why are you an atheist? Not judging, just curious. I want to know why you choose not to believe in anything, when God shows his miracles.
You must have nothing else to do but to critisize. You have no idea about Hillsong and what they are doing to our community and the world. Obviously you are such a great person who doesn’t have twig in your eye. On ya.
And you should open your Bible and read about calling out false teachers. It’s in every book of the New Testament and is your Christian duty to do so
Oh, my brother, please do not add to the depressing tone of this thread. The Pharisees were zealous in their calling out of false teachers, too. If the Bible teaches us anything in its entire length and breadth, it’s that love is our guiding principle, not accuracy in enforcing our own (often misguided) theologies. Look first at your own life, then humbliy seek for ways to improve the lives of others. Respond from love, even when–no, ESPECIALLY when–you think God is calling you to criticize.
Lol. No it was actually Jesus and the Apostle Paul calling out false teachers. And Gods Word tells us to, i don’t need no special “calling” to do so Again, open a Bible before debating
I really do feel for you. You obviously believe strongly that you have a complete understanding of the Bible. It’s also clear you think insults and condemnation are the correct Christian approach to perceived false doctrine. (They aren’t.) I encourage you to challenge your assumptions about yourself and your methods. The New Testament uses the specific phrase “false teachers” only once or twice, depending on your version. There are another dozen or so references to false prophets and a handful of mentions of false believers. Jesus warned us to beware of them, not “call them out.” The central, pervasive theme of God’s Word is to love others and to treat them the way you would want them to treat you. Don’t just open your Bible, marinate in it. Ask God to help you embed it in your life. If you do that, I promise you the tone of your posts will change. Whether you’re right about Hillsong matters a lot less than whether you’re right in your heart. Peace, friend. All I’m asking for is more civility.
well said! @kmoland. couldnt agree more! God bless !
Like I said. Open your bible. To make it easy for you, start in Galations 1. Let me know what Pauls tone is for false gospel.
And I’ll make it easy for you with this. Go to 1 Timothy 4. And then when you get to this, “marinate” on it.
“If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.”
1 Timothy 4:6 NIV
http://bible.com/111/1ti.4.6.niv
And I will continue to make having a bad attitude hard for you. What are “these things” good ministers of Christ are to point out? It’s in the previous two verses:
4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
How do you justify your criticism of others and your superior attitude from those two verses? They clearly don’t condone–and definitely don’t advocate–snarkiness. I love your zeal. I really do. Just pray about your tone. That’s all I’m asking.
Like I said read your Bible
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
1 Timothy 4:1 NIV
http://bible.com/111/1ti.4.1.niv
Yes, but you have read the whole Bible. In verse 3, Paul describes the actions of the people he refers to in verse 1: “They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.” In other words, those who were doing the criticizing, those who were trying to get others to abide by their narrow definition of godliness, THEY were the false teachers. I really think you mean well, Jeremy, and it’s fine if God has put it on your heart to speak out against Hillsong or participate in this thread by sharing your beliefs, but a tone that says demeaning things like, “you should open your Bible” doesn’t foster understanding or move the dialogue forward. Discussions between Christians should be Christlike, not ego-driven. The people on this thread (most of them, anyway) aren’t your enemies, we’re your Christian brothers and sisters. Please, please, please show some brotherly and sisterly love. Again, all I’m asking you to do is check your attitude. I’m going to stop posting now because at this point you will either hear me or you won’t. More words won’t help. If I’ve offended you with anything I’ve said, please forgive me. My intent was to help, not to hurt. God bless you!
1 Timothy 6:6-10
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows
Hillsongs actually focus more money then on souls..I actually attended Hillsongs Sa Cape branch last night. .They had a speaker or a guest and guess what this guy is a millionaire..:) He said that God save his soul but he spoke so little about salvation..
I won’t say that Hillsongs is on the wrong track but they must put more focus on souls and focus less on money
So important not only to judge what is said from the pulpit when a preacher opens a bible as they are accountable for every idle word that comes forth. In the same way many lyrics in Christian music that Hillsong produce and circulate into many churches around the globe fall far short in sound doctrine. Because there is a lack of discernment regarding the twisted lyrics in “Christian music” Many believers sing songs that do not give glory to God. Remember Lucifer was the head of worship in heaven prior to him being expelled and he is a master of deception. Tonight I was scrutinizing the words of a Hillsong piece called “glorious ruins” where Jesus is depicted as “ruins” and Him rising from the “ashes” at the resurrection. The Phoenix is a long-lived bird that is cyclically regenerated or reborn. Associated with the Sun, a phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor. According to some sources, the phoenix dies in a show of flames and combustion, although there are other sources that claim that the legendary bird dies and simply decomposes before being born again. Could songs like these be just an accident that the songwriter is ignorant to what he is writing and the music tagged Christian? Either way no Christian wants to gamble with his eternal soul by eating what is dished up at church. Whether we like it or not the songwriter is preaching a message through his music and as good stewards of God’s word it is our responsibility and the pastors responsibility to examine and test a message in line with God’s word.
I agree that we are to scrutinize our leaders, which truly includes all pastors (stars), teachers and musicians. God did create us to glorify HIM, not ourselves, and as a musician, my song should ALWAYS (ALWAYS) ALWAYS… did I say ALWAYS? My song should always glorify HIM, my song should always have LOVE because otherwise it is just clanging of metal for our God and for the soul. It is good to scrutinize the lyrics of ANY “Christian” singer/musician.
Arguments on both sides of this are pretty weak for the most part. I can’t say know much about Hillsong’s theology but there’s sure some bungled theology in this mess of replies. Take Michael’s discourse on Glorious Ruins for example. Talk about reading into lyrics what’s not there! Nowhere in the song does it suggest that Jesus is the “glorious ruins” or the one “rising up from the ashes”. It seems clear to me that the writer is referring to the ruins of his life that have been made glorious as a result of what Christ has done. And now it’s really secretly a song about the Phoenix? Whoa!
But here’s where the theology goes south: “Either way no Christian wants to gamble with his eternal soul by eating what is dished up at church.” Michael, no Christian is taking a “gamble with his eternal soul” by singing a praise song or even a Slayer song. A Christian’s eternal soul has been sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption. Good luck trying to break that seal.
But I digress.
I haven’t heard all of Hillsong’s music, but what I have heard is theologically sound. Now clearly there’s a bit of prosperity teaching at Hillsong, which I strongly disagree with, but what I really have trouble with is labelling it a “prosperity gospel”. Is prosperity what they believe Christ died on the cross for? Not according to what I hear in their songs, and according to my understanding Hillsong holds to the biblical standard that Christ died as the propitiation for sins and was raised to life on the third day so that all who would believe on Him would be raised from death to life and enter into His rest. In this case Hillsong does not preach a “prosperity gospel” nor a “different gospel” as some are accusing. And if Hillsong does indeed hold to the accurate Gospel of Jesus Christ, then there are many accusers of the brethren chiming in on this board. Might wanna be careful there.
I certainly disagree with churches who teach that financial prosperity is offered to every believer. Suffering is offered to every believer, and persecutions. Sometimes prison and violent death (just ask Paul). However, God does prosper some, and there is no biblical problem with being rich, as was the guy who’s tomb Jesus was buried in, and Abraham, and Job. There’s also no scriptural trouble with being paid well by the church as a leader, though it certainly looks better to take a smaller check. I would say in the case of a larger operation like Hillsong which generates much of it’s income through product or service, there warrants elbow room for bigger checks to those overseeing those operations. Nobody complains when Elton John or Clint Eastwood takes home a big check, but if a church pays it’s pastor well or pulls in big revenue from CD sales look out!
What I also take issue with is the constant misuse of scriptures like 1 John 2:15
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
This verse is continually taken out of context and used in reference to things like “music that sounds like the worlds music” or “movies the world watches” or in the case of this blog “performances that appear worldly”. Ridiculous. The very next verse qualifies the previous as referring to various types of lust and pride. If the reference is to dressing, singing, dancing like those who don’t know Christ, then stop driving cars or using computers. All the people of the world do that stuff.
One final note. A few people mentioned things like Hillsong lyrics being “too emotional” and “about God rather than to God”, or “too much about feelings”, or “not mentioning God or Jesus”, etc. Maybe open up your bible and read through Psalms. Songs are emotional, period. Songs are about feelings. You will find in the Psalms that the writers express their darkest feelings, they discuss what God has done or will do, they even write of their troubled faith and ask why God is allowing certain painful things. They praise God directly, and they tell others about Him as well. God is creative and expressive, and He’s made us creative and expressive beings in His likeness. In our creativity and expressiveness we glorify Him.
Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. If a person’s heart is genuine and truly praising Him with the simplest of lyrics or even lyrics to a song that wasn’t even written about God, He receives it as a loving father would receive a meaningless song from his daughter.
I absolutely love some of Hillsong’s stuff, and I praise my God with a very clear understanding of who I’m singing to and what I’m singing to Him. I could care less if some of the pastors teach some points I don’t agree with. I’ll find points I don’t agree with in most every church. I see a heart for Jesus and what He’s done in those songs, and I sing those songs with a heart for Jesus and what He’s done. And one thing I can tell you: my church and the people in it overall are all about the Gospel, loving God and loving people, and not on a prosperity trip, and they praise Jesus from the heart to those songs with an accurate understanding of the Gospel and the word of God.
I won’t stop singing Hillsong songs anytime soon.
I love hill song music
I was at a Hillsong conference approximately 15years ago in Sydney Australia, people such as Reinhard Bonnke, John Maxwell were taking part in the conference. I attended a Praise and Worship workshop while there, the person who was the speaker at that workshop was probably one of the most well known singer songwriters of Hillsong and still is but not based in Australia. One thing he said during the workshop that I will never forget and that he gets his inspiration or some of his inspiration from Stephen King the novelist!
I was shocked to hear a Hillsong Leader taking a praise and worship workshop and inspiring the students to look elsewhere besides the bible to inspire believers to praise and worship God Almighty!
A couple of books Stephen king has written: The Green Mile(remember John Coffey in the film drawing the demonic manifestation out of the prison wardens wife and spewing it into the not so well liked prison guard!), The Shining……. I’m not knocking Stephen King here, just pointing out that people in the world who write this sort of stuff and then for a Christian leader to get his inspiration from a devilish influence and then influencing other believers must be questioned. That is why I scrutinize music much more these days.
All believers are meant to be ministers of the gospel whether preachers, singer songwriters or whoever is an ambassador of The Lord Jesus Christ and are meant to represent him here on earth. Therefore any person who thinks he can write a Christian song and totally twist and distort the message of the gospel in music are in for a rude awakening at the Judgement Seat of Christ. Paul clearly warns the Galatian church not to preach any other gospel as this would result in damnation. Galatians 1:6-10
Please look also at 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 Paul mentions about another Jesus being preached, receiving another spirit or accepting another gospel by the devils subtilty.
Whether the music is from Hillsong, or wherever it must be tested against scripture. In other words does this called Christian song truly define the gospel? does it honour God? Unfortunately a lot of what is called Christian music today is never scrutinized but if a preacher shares a message from the bible we the believers make sure he’s preaching the truth. But it seems to me a lot of “Christian lyrics” in music flys under the radar.
“Take Michael’s discourse on Glorious Ruins for example. Talk about reading into lyrics what’s not there! Nowhere in the song does it suggest that Jesus is the “glorious ruins” or the one “rising up from the ashes”. It seems clear to me that the writer is referring to the ruins of his life that have been made glorious as a result of what Christ has done. And now it’s really secretly a song about the Phoenix? Whoa!”
To respond here Kevin of my discourse on “Glorious Ruins” I would suggest that when reading the chorus that ruins don’t come to life they are executed and done away with at the cross, they no longer exist. That was what Calvary was all about, I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Christ liveth in me!
“Rising up from the ashes God forever you reign”
This is exactly how this line in the chorus is written.You see what I mean the gospel is not defined in these words at all. It looks to me like God is rising up from the ashes.
But here’s where the theology goes south: “Either way no Christian wants to gamble with his eternal soul by eating what is dished up at church.” Michael, no Christian is taking a “gamble with his eternal soul” by singing a praise song or even a Slayer song. A Christian’s eternal soul has been sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption. Good luck trying to break that seal.
Kevin read Matthew 7:15-23 Our Lord is talking about false prophets and in verse 22 many will say Lord, Lord and he will say depart from me you worker of iniquity!
There are many warning passages in the bible such as this one above. There is a visible church in the bible and an invisible church in the bible. There are the wheat and the Tares, Good fish and bad fish, the parable of the sower (true and false conversions). We must always test the fruit, whether it be Hillsong fruit, or Bill Johnson fruit, or Jesus Culture fruit. Jesus says you will know them by their fruit.
Hillsong mega-church was founded in Sydney, Australia in 1977 by a lifelong secret pedophile Pastor Frank Houston, Brian Houston’s father, who died in November 2004. In 1999 Frank Houston confessed to being a lifelong pedophile. I have extensively researched how many boy and young male teen sexual abuse victims there were and I have uncovered 14 to date. By conjecture given Frank Houston confessed to being a very active secret pedophile particularly in the 1960s to 1970s my estimate of the number of mainly little boy victims is over four hundreds. In addition Frank Houston had thousands of masked homosexual contacts throughout his life. Pastor Frank Houston is the worst Pentecostal pastor since the Day of Pentecost almost 2000 years ago. He is waiting for the Great Final Judgment now. We’re not the judge but he’s probably waiting in Hades with all the other deceased pedophiles. This is the rock Hillsong is built on. Pastor Brian Houston his only church-going son, is due to be charged soon with pedophile protection crimes. In October 2015 the Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommended that Pastor Brian Houston be charged with not reporting his pedophile father to the New South Wales Police and for sheltering and protecting him from the Police and Australian authorities for five years until he died in November 2004. I attended Hillsong in the 1980s and 1990s. My personal blog-site donaldelley@WordPress (or google Donald Elley) has hundreds of articles about Hillsong, Pastor Frank Houston, Pastor Brian Houston, his wife Bobbie, Hillsong New York City, Hillsong Los Angeles and many related topics. It is the most authoritative and comprehensive source of information on the sins of Hillsong and the Houstons. The information on my site was one of the main reasons the Australian Royal Commission investigated Hillsong, the Australian Assemblies of God church (now called Australian Christian Churches (ACC)) and the Houstons. An important aim of mine is to make Americans aware of the evils and perils of Hillsong and the Houstons. Most Americans are unaware of what I’ve just shared and what has been shared in Bruce Herwig’s above article. The Hillsong presented to the world is not the real Hillsong. The real Hillsong is very dark and satanic.
Donald, I’m sure the Devil has a nice long list too. Maybe you guys can work on a blog together!
Brian was just as shocked and dismayed as anyone (or certainly more so being his son) to learn of his father’s homosexual pedophilia. I can attest that it is a very traumatizing thing to learn that your father is homosexual, as I did, let alone a pedophile. As we all know – the forces of darkness will grab at anything to demonize a big move of God. These events did not take place at Hillsong, but at or around Brian’s father’s former Pentecostal church. Brian has refuted allegations of cover-up, and has not been convicted of such…yet the serpents slither out from the crags and blogs with venomous accusations, bringing about destruction and dividing brothers.
The Devil’s favorite recipe is to to take a bit of truth and mix it with a lot of lie, spice it with some twisted scripture and bake at a high temperature until we have a nice batch of Deception Cookies for everyone. And MAN do they taste great! People gobble them up!
If even one of your multitude of accusations is unfounded or inaccurate or an embellishment of the truth, then you are bearing false witness. I’m guessing you don’t put nearly as much energy into loving prayer for them as you do logging their sins. Just a guess.
As for Michael – In regard to fruit, I’m a bit concerned about your legalistic Pharisee fruit. Not to mention your scripture twisting fruit and your accuser-of-the-brethren fruit.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
The scriptures you mentioned are in regard to believers and unbelievers, not believers who became unbelievers. In Mathew 7:22, as you mentioned, those who were turned away are those relying upon what they have done (works) rather than what He has done (grace). They asked hadn’t they done all these various things in His name. He told them He never knew them. But yes, there are false prophets out there.
There are a few ways we tell the difference.
This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.
1 John 4:2&3
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1 John 4:7&8
I think it’s absolutely awesome that this guy got inspiration from Stephen King. Who gave Stephen King his creative talents? The devil? God gave each of us our unique abilities. The devil may step in and use those abilities to his ends, or a person may use his God-given abilities to serve himself, but the ability itself came from God. So we, as believers, can draw our inspiration from anyone and all of God’s creation. That doesn’t mean we take inspiration from an evil message itself, but we can draw inspiration from the creative style given by God which the person wrongfully used to present the evil message. If a wicked person designed a boat strictly for the sake of going to battle against God and His people, it would not be involving yourself in wickedness to use that same boat to bring Bibles to a distant land or bring medical supplies for the sick. The vessel itself is not good or evil, what is done by the human heart with the vessel determines that.
Much of what we did in the past while still sinners makes up our character. Our sinfulness brought ruin and destruction, but through Christ God redeems those things and uses them to His glory. A former drug user can now in Christ use his understanding of that world to help others overcome, etc. In the same way books I read or music I listened to in the past are now built into my character, and I can draw on those things to be used to His glory. And that’s really the story of rising up from the ashes. When you discussed the song that you read so much into, you cite two separate lines as one line. As a songwriter myself I clearly understand this process. It’s obvious to me he’s referring to his life in one line, then how amazing God is in the other. But even if taken the other way and those are one line, it’s a metaphor in either case. The ashes can represent all of our destruction and sin that was placed on Jesus. I think the lyrics are quite beautiful myself, and represent exactly what God does with ruined lives. Can’t wait to hear it now. But go ahead and judge the heart of the writer. Certainly you know his heart. Maybe write and ask him what he meant before coming to an accusatory conclusion that takes much conjecture to arrive at.
In regard to worship songs or Christian songs in general – the gospel does not need to be clearly represented in every song. As long as truth is accurately represented and it glorifies God there is no problem. And Bruce, judgment and sin don’t need to be discussed in every service. They weren’t discussed in Philemon or Esther. Maybe someone should have a sit-down with God and make sure He gets his act together there. God is multifaceted and has much to speak to us in many different ways. Maybe He should appoint you guys as His council to oversee His kingdom on Earth though. You’d make good judges.
Keeping a list of sins and holding them against people: Satan
Remembering sins no more: Jesus
Accuser of the brethren: Satan
Redeemer of all who believe: Jesus
These six things the Lord hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.
“The Muslim and you, we actually serve the same God…” Brian Houston, Hillsong United
UPDATE MARCH 29/2014: This story caused an impact heard ’round the world, and within 24 hours it forced Hillsong United pastor Brian Houston to issue the standard quickie denial of the things he said in the video clip below. In interest of fairness, click here to read the full context his denial of Chrislam. You can make up your own mind if he is sincere or not, and if he meant what he originally said or not. We take it at his word and believe he meant what he said in the video segment below. The story stands.
Chrislam, no, but if Muslims & Christians are both correct that there is only one god, and if there are godly in both houses sincerely serving him, then such Muslims and such Christians are serving God. But I do so hate god-type talk (http://mdtc.eu/wgggodtype.html): there is no “same god” (polytheism), there is one god, God (monotheism). Other things being equal, in practice, the Muslim would serve God less well because their Allah concept of him is less well. The Athenians likewise had an inkling of him even within their polytheism (Ac.17). In fact, even the christ rejector Judas, served God. At its highest, service becomes worship.
The TRUE message of the gospel is…YOU CAN!
You can be saved.
You can be forgiven.
You can be a fisher of men.
You can follow Jesus and emulate his life.
You can empower the Holy Spirit in your life through the Baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues.
If God can actually forget our sins…why can’t you?
Can you specify which songs bother you and/or bear false witness? The title of this article is very misleading. I thought you would site specific examples of songs and how they bear false witness in their lyrics. instead I am reading about your perceptions of the pastor and the church. One doesn’t have to do with the other. God speaks in many ways and if His message is clear in the lyrics of the Hillsong music then why would you not listen to it or try and discourage others from listening to it as well?
I was in a leadership role at Hillsong movement for 10 plus years. None of their projects are initiated without an agenda to derive a successful, measurable outcome (meaning dollars to financially assist the next project).They use a ‘marketing collective’ to word their slogans and intentions with immaculate care and thought.HS leadership manipulate and coerse specific members/groups of the congregation to generate mood and excitement during the course of the service/events (be this during the offering time or prior to a designated leader ‘preaching’ a word). I did not once during my time at HS hear a message expounding the nature of fallen man/fallen world and how we are to deal with the challenges of sin in a sinful world (including Easter – when the general tones of the message conveyed the picture of Christ’s crucifixion for the purpose of providing a ‘better’ life in the now).
Bruce,your overview has encapulated many concerns within HS.I believe there are genuine people who attend these and similar congregations,however members have complete trust in the propogated message and they are instilled with a mantra of maintaining complete trust in leadership without questioning decisions.It was only after leaving I quickly discovered again how poor the standard of preaching is having commenced my passion for reading and studying God’s Word.
HS chooses to highlight it’s doctrinal perspective with eisegesical hermeneutics (reading into the meaning of the text rather than extracting truth from within the text) hence are able to justify and promote their version of prosperity gospel.As believers, we are called to be ‘salt’ and ‘light’ unto the world. With musical cues and inspirations directly modelled from their personal ‘idols’ Coldplay and U2,HS are seeking to promote the gospel with the aid of the worlds channels. Bigger in not necessarily better- but one has to assume when basing cues on the NAR/Dominion theology rhetoric,they require the numbers to ensure the ‘end time revival’ comes to fruition (despite the Bible clearly countering such viewpoints and highlighting the deception within the church with the preaching of ‘pseudologon’).
I sing songs that GOD GAVE TO THEM.
I.
DON’T.
SING.
HILLSONG.
They did not “create” the songs. GOD GAVE THE SONGS. I feel GOD in the lyrics, and I feel something so different than when I listen to the other christian songs, unless it’s Jesus Culture. I don’t want to know about them, their minister or what they’re doing with their lives, because I DON’T CARE.
I just want to sing to the Lord and there are the most beautiful songs on old hillsong plus with Darlene. And I rather listening this than Christian music in my country because is just about… suffering and pain or singing that they will be happy when they die, do you know this? I don’t think so.
In my country many ministers just wants to know about money, like Silas Malafaia/Marco Feliciano yeah, you may not know them but they’re popular here and many people don’t like them. They deceive people and the most popular church here UNIVERSAL, has something to do with MASONS.
They used to say on every meeting: GIVE US ALL YOUR MONEY and God will give you back, this is such a joke. People do belive on them. Many people here needs God, but no one talks about the true. No one cares about this country here, and the number of atheist/LGBT people here are increasing greater.
Most Churchs have problems
I’m happy here with God, I don’t need to die to be happy.
You don’t have to stop singing, but remember that the lyrics belongs to God.
http://www.ldshymns.com/lds-hymns-176-200/197-o-savior-thou-who-wearest-a-crown
Religious lyrics, yet written by a mormon. Would we use this song in our church. Is it Holy Spirit inspired ?
As soon as a christian outfit starts making any money you will find the people who are going to say everything about them is not biblical… So dont sing Hillsong then, different strokes for different folks… Hence why in life we have a choice. If you dont think you need money then go live in the bush and eat locusts and wild honey!
Christians are really narrow minded!
Leave Hillsong to make as much money as they can, they are changing the face of the planet for Jesus. Let them be as greatly financially rewarded as they can.
Some news, there is no true gospel and prosperity gospel… because they are one and the same… Do you think Jesus came to earth and died a vial disgusting cruel death for us to eek out some meager existence… think again…
I have a huge problem with prosperity gospel too because people end up missing the true joy of salvation which is actually SALVATION and everything else we should consider as nothing compared to it…….I haven’t listened to Brian enough to judge his ministry but am an ardent consumer of their music which I have to say it is really empowering and full of legitimate doctrine e.g. even when it hurts,from the inside out,to know your name, oceans so i completely disagree with you that we should refrain from it…..my advise is fight the false doctrine….not the institution…
Everyone!! You are all “judging” people on who says what. I don’t really care what anyone is saying. But I have read through all these comments, and I’ve realized almost everyone is fighting over these this blog. Didn’t God tell us not to fight among each other. A lot of people are saying the “real gospel” needs to be preached. Well can you care to explain what your version is? Because I can only recall one, and almost everyone who is commenting has their own version. The only version and authority on this Earth is, the Bible, our gift from God for the hard times and the happy ones. Let me ask you this? How many of you go to church regularly, like as in every Sunday unless there is an absolute emergency? How many of you are missing for ball tournaments? How many of you are missing for vacation? How many of you are missing because you just don’t feel like it today? Are you going to church just for social reasons? (ex. friends, boyfriend/girlfriend) How many of you REALLY pay attention to your Pastor’s sermons? When is the last time you really let God in? Or prayed? Or had quiet time? Have you tithed lately? I know I am guilty of these things, no one is perfect, but you can at least try to do what God expects of you. A lot of Christians today are using the saying “don’t judge me”, and to be honest we really can’t judge anyone. In James it says that God is the one and only judge. You can’t judge anyone, because all sins are equal. Instead of fighting, we need to hand in hand teaching the world about God, not bickering over who is right and who is wrong. Don’t keep telling the person who is in the wrong that their wrong, God is having judgement day and they will answer to it. Don’t play God, just do what God has called you to do. There is no need to bash anyone or speak angry words towards one another. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. They eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.” Proverbs 15:1-3
Guys I know we can come together, and do what God calls us to do instead of arguing. Love your neighbor as yourself. I am only a sophomore in high school. So I know y’all can do it also. Love everyone!!
woww! I’m Paul from Rwanda/Africa ,I was just searching a hillsong song chords called your my strength I was practicing guitar, and I came about to this post and I was so interested ,I have read some of your comments and they are truth on some points,but let me just share a story, I got interested to know God it was around 2006 and there is this church called Rwanda for Jesus, that captured my intention thru there worship team music,I wished to visit everyday just to hear them singing, it was my first time to hear such music, it became my church Till now ,and I discovered that the worship team was so much influenced by Hillsong music,to the extend that there was some of there songs we turned into our language/ ikinyarwanda and I think that it is among the reason why Darlene came to visit in 2000,the worship team became among the great leaders in worship in my countries ,songs were so much doing great work to win souls from 2000-2010,I joined the wteam in 2009 and that is when my life changed I start to discover myself and hillsong became my favorites till now,so my conclusion is this one ,yes I thank the poster who did that great work,it can be real or false but with those videos and audios if is convincing somehow,it can be true ,what I want to say is yes there messing up,yes they do prosperity gospel(u should see here in Rwanda lol!they take it to another level),etc..what u must know is people mess up everyday ,I mess up everyday ,you mess up everyday,so we are humans ,we mess up all time, the best thing we can do is to look on a positive Side of a thing,I love hillsong ,I love what they are doing,they bless me everyday,I never heard any other song that touches my heart like they do,am a worshiper too ,I know a song full of Gospel of Jesus and which is not ,sometimes you listen to a song and what you here is nothing than YOU ARE WORTHY ..who ?but what hillsong lyrics are beyond that ,they sing scriptures more than any other worship team, hillsong are :
1)visionaries
2)Grace oriented(I heard that that brook Fraser participated in there albums while she was in secular music)if that was the case in my country they could have banned her
so lastly I want u who posted to tell u that even if u showed us everything that they are doing are wrong,u have no right to tell us to stop listening there music,it is your research u can share it ,but take your own decision unless you are jealous that there making profit. thank you guys!hillsong FOREVER!!
ENTÃO NÃO CANTA. SÓ PORQUE VOCÊ NÃO GOSTA, NÃO QUER DIZER QUE VOCÊ TEM O DIREITO DE FAZER AS PESSOAS ODIAREM O HILLSONG. VÁ VER NO BRASIL E VAI SABER O EVANGELHO TEM ESTADO PODRE.
O QUE VOCÊ TEM FEITO PARA AJUDAR? ISSO MESMO AMIGO, VOCÊ NÃO FAZ NADA.
E AS PESSOAS AQUI SÓ CONTAM COM A PRESENÇA DO BENNY HINN E MUITOS OUTROS POUCOS PARA SEREM CURADOS E ISSO ACONTECE UMA VEZ AO ANO.
FIQUE NA SUA PRÓPRIA CAVERNA E AFASTE-SE DE DO “HILLSONG” QUE VOCÊ DIZ.
SE NÃO FOSSE PELO “HILLSONG” EU NÃO CONHECERIA À DEUS COMO EU CONHEÇO, EU SERIA OUTRA PESSOA PERDIDA.
VOCÊ NÃO SABE O QUE DIZ.
VOCÊ APENAS IRRITA! AS PESSOAS.
SÓ ISSO.
Todo aquele que IRRITA o seu irmão, é homicida; e sabeis que nenhum homicida tem a vida eterna permanente em si mesmo.
1 João 3:15 (NTLH)
—
THEN DO NOT SING. JUST BECAUSE YOU DO NOT LIKE, DO NOT WANT TO SAY THAT YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE PEOPLE HATE HILLSONG. GO TO SEE IN BRAZIL AND YOU WILL KNOW THE GOSPEL HAS BEEN ROTTEN.
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO HELP? THAT SAME FRIEND, YOU DO NOTHING.
AND THE PEOPLE HERE ONLY CONTINUE WITH THE PRESENCE OF BENNY HINN AND MANY OTHERS TO BE CURED AND THAT HAPPENS ONCE A YEAR.
STAY IN YOUR OWN CAVE AND AWAY FROM “HILLSONG” THAT YOU SAY.
IF IT WAS NOT BY HILLSONG I WOULD NOT KNOW GOD AS I KNOW, I WOULD BE ANOTHER LOST PERSON.
YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOU SAY.
YOU JUST IRRITATE! PEOPLE.
ONLY THAT.
Every one that makes his brother angry, is a murderer; And ye know that no murderer hath everlasting life abiding in himself.
1 John 3:15 (NLT)
Just by you comment you prove Hillsongs false teaching, as we come to God as GOD calls us. The only God you know because of Hillsong is a false God as they teach a false gospel. Open your Bible and read Galatians and see what Paul says about Those teaching a false Gospel.
I’ve read and understand the points that have been made here, though I am unable to share your view entirely. The word of God admonishes us to test all things and hold fast to that which is good. I try my best not to throw the baby out with the bathwater, but I do hear what you’re saying. You must do what the Spirit of God tells you to, so I would never tell you that the decision you have made is wrong. In the same way, I hope that you’d respect or at least lend a nonjudgmental ear to the views which differ from your own.
The Bible tells me that the Seventh Day is the Sabbath of the Lord my God, but the Roman Catholic church through Constantine began to acknowledge Sunday or the “The Lord’s Day” as the official day of worship in AD 321 and many denominations have since followed suit. I believe with ALL MY HEART that the Sabbath Day is Saturday but that does not mean that I am going to unfriend all my catholic friends and stop listening to every song ever written by a catholic because it may bring notoriety to the institution. No, I will grasp every ounce of truth that I can even if it comes from an “unexpected source” and ask the Spirit of God to help me to discern error.
On the other hand, what good is a medication that kills just as many good cells as bad ones? We must be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” and test all doctrine. If there is something that is not in line with scripture, it is our duty to bring attention to it (as you have done), lest anyone be deceived (as long as we are praying earnestly that we ourselves are not deceived). I have also noticed a watered down “gospel” message that seems to leave out all of the foundational doctrines such as the 3 angels message, repentance, and the righteous wrath of God and preaches prosperity, love and peace exclusively. Yes, it is God’s wish to prosper us, but that prosperity must be in accordance with His will. When God uses a word we have to understand that it may not be meant as we understand it. Prosperity does not have to mean an overabundance of wealth. As far as not preaching the wrath of God, I think many people like to take “honey vs. vinegar” approach when talking about God. No really jumps at the chance to talk about judgement. It’s always mercy! mercy! mercy!. The fact that God’s mercy triumphs over judgment by no means negates a judgment. Judgement will come and sin and everyone who is a son of sin will be destroyed. It may not be a palatable message but it’s the truth. There seems to be an argument here about what the true gospel message is. I’m no expert but I always thought it was the whole, perfectly balanced, unadulterated word of God.
I think I’m done now. Thanks for your post. Really got ‘dem wheels a turnin’.
This post is not meant to upset or condemn anyone. I just wanted to chime in on the discussion.
I just wanted to add one thing. On Hillsong’s “We Believe” page on their website. They do in fact state that they believe in some of the things that you mentioned they were not preaching about. I will quote few below:
SIN
“We believe that sin has separated each of us from God and His purpose for our lives.”
REPENTANCE
“We believe that in order to receive forgiveness and the ‘new birth’ we must repent of our sins, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and submit to His will for our lives.”
JUDGEMENT (Although this is not quite judgement as I understand it, but they do believe in heaven and hell)
“We believe that our eternal destination of either Heaven or hell is determined by our response to the Lord Jesus Christ.
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is coming back again as He promised.”
All in all, though this still seems incomplete to me, at least it is proof of what they believe rather than speculation. It’s a declaration straight from the horses mouth (so to speak).
In response to the poster on judgement.
A great writing – I believe, on the subject by John Piper
http://www.desiringgod.org/messages/final-judgment
I love listening to their songs as I can’t explain it inspires me even before I became a Christian. So i decided to join a church that has been affiliated or the same doctrine as what they are teaching (Assembly of God) I don’t find any problem with them as I felt the warm acceptance which is not present in catholic church. I felt that we are family, I felt Christ and I said it is more than a song that inspires me but our Lord.
One thing I found as I spent 2 years in their church is their repetitive teachings about money. There is no Sunday that we didn’t touch the word “money” “business”. I will admit that the church inspires me too to start my own business and I thank them. But for years of the same topic over and over, I get tired and I believe that Jesus and being a Christian is more about money.
Until i read your blog and the term “prosperity gospel” thank you as I understand it as how you explain it here which unfortunately NEVER mention in the church. In myself I know that I don’t believe in such teaching, it is clearly for me that being a Christian is not easy and it is not all about prosperity.
Despite of it I”m still looking on their views and why they believe in such. I understand that people will easily follow the things they want to hear. We are living in poor country and hearing about prosperity will be easier than hearing about hell, torment, etc. And like I’ve said they inspired me on both spiritually and earthly and I just go on things I believe is right.
I stopped going to church, as I respect their teachings and for me to get respected too.
It is a lie from the Pit of Hell (and the Social Gospel that seeks to pervert the Truth with obeisance to Political Correctness) that believers are not to judge the teachings and actions of other believers. We are COMMANDED to test and judge the man and his message. The scriptural admonitions are many… Here are just a few…
Proverbs 20:11
It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself If his conduct is pure and right.
Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
2 Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
Romans 16:17-18
Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on (watch, test, judge) those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.
Galatians 1:8-9
But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!
1 Timothy 1:3-4
As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith.
Romans 12: 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove/test/judge what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
1 Thessalonians 5:
21 Prove/test.judge all things; hold fast that which is good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
1 Timothy 3:
10 And let these (believers who wish to be leaders) also first be proved/tested/judged; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
1 John 4: 6b By this test/judgment we can distinguish the Spirit of truth from the spirit of error.
Definitive post on this part of the rabbit hole. Thanks. So can we put this to rest now everybody?
For the love of our Lord, before anyone posts from here on out, can we please make sure it’s not about that people are not to judge other people’s speech and actions??? Sheesh, I got accused earlier of being Pharisaic by kmoland for wanting to maintain and affirm basic biblical scholarship and understanding in this discussion.
Enough is enough people… back to the main thread. Enough distractions.
Actually, Jeremy/Matthew, I believe my primary concern before was with your tone which, for what it’s worth, seems greatly improved in the post above. I do, for the record, feel that you and many Christians fall into the Pharisaical trap of thinking the Torah, the prophets, the gospels and the epistles of Paul and others were given to us primarily to act as a set of rules, as if by ferreting out all the commands they contain we could create a “to do” list or publish a set of “don’t” that would make us righteous. I see in them a broader purpose. I believe they paint a portrait of who God is so that we may better know him and commune with him. Unlike you, I rarely, if ever, use scripture as means for judging others. (I understand that Christian tradition is with you on this point. Biblical texts have historically–often tragically–been used to judge, and even to defend an advocate for judgement itself, as was done above.) Paul, certainly, was zealous for true Christianity. I just have a hard time believing that he or Jesus would spend there time writing negative blogs about Hillsong if those two were alive today. Clearly, you believe that they would, and you see it as your mission to do that work on their behalf. If that’s where your heart is, have at it. As long as it’s done in a spirit of relative love, in a way that won’t cause others to stumble, I certainly won’t tell you to stop. I just hope you dont let your need for judgement overwhelm and consume the overall message of the Bible: God is love.
Well, thanks again for judging me in that you think I go around readily judging others, or suggest it at least. You again suggest I’m being pharisaic.
Kmoland, will you please stop posting unless you have light to share, which you definitely haven’t brother. We are supposed to be talking about Hillsong not each other, unless you are insisting on degrading the comments section. Oh, is my tone not to your liking? You seem to be playing the role of blog cop here…lol!
So, what I am learning here is how difficult it is to try to make any headway in such a forum as a blog (I’m a little new to this). People just post whatever suits their fancy, then others rabbit hole, then others misuse scripture, then others say no they aren’t, then others….
Above all, it’s most of the Jesutainment industry ( not just Hillsong ) that makes me seriously double-take when taking notice of them. Think about what’s going on in it for awhile.
This will be my last post as my contribution ( if you call it that ) has run its course.
May we all rest in the rock solid fundamentals of the Christian faith.
Heaven help us all.
Please forgive any offense, Matthew. Perhaps “Pharisaic” was too strong a term for me to use in this forum, and I apologize. Your description of what’s wrong with this thread is spot on. Unfortunately, comments like “please stop posting unless you have light to share, and you definitely haven’t any brother” are part of the problem. I challenge you to assess your own approach to the discussion to determine whether it is as Christian as it should be. And, for what it’s worth, I stopped posting here weeks ago. I only replied to you because you called me out by name. If you’d let us old sleeping dogs lie, maybe you wouldn’t have to spend so much time complaining about our barking. 🙂
The scriptures you quoted do not support your point for the most part. Context is WAY off for some. Yes, we are to make judgements in the proper context (which seems to allude you). We’re not to judge hearts or motives because we don’t know hearts like God does, but we can make a discerning judgement on a person’s doctrine or actions based on its accordance with scripture. We are not allowed to condemn, accuse falsely, or judge a person superficially. We are not to judge self-righteously or without humility, and we are not to slander. Plenty of scripture to back that up. People continue to misuse scripture in order to condemn, accuse and slander members of Christ’s own body who, in their written statement of faith, hold to the accurate eternal gospel of Christ Jesus. (The “gospel” is the compilation of elements pertinent to the cross and redemption in the Lord Jesus).
In fact, I’d say statements like “It’s from the pit of hell” are from the pit of hell themselves, and the use of terms like “social gospel” and “prosperity gospel” show a misunderstanding of the actual gospel. Unless a person claims that Jesus was crucified and resurrected that we might have money, or that we might have social interaction, that person is not preaching a “prosperity gospel” or a “social gospel”. There’s a big difference between someone’s gospel they hold to of essential truths pertinent to the cross of Christ, and their doctrine of non-essentials where there may be disagreement between believers. I absolutely disagree with prosperity doctrine as much as I disagree with poverty doctrine. God has a different plan for each of us. Job and David were quite prosperous; John the Baptist lived in the desert and ate bugs. Some don’t seem to get that, and preach stuff that doesn’t appear to line up biblically, but in non-essentials and gray areas we give grace and gently instruct or debate. We can go to a different church or choose not to listen. We cannot slander or falsely accuse. Hillsong has made a statement of faith which lines up with scripture, and unless they teach heresies elsewhere claiming Jesus is not God or didn’t come in the flesh or die for the sins of the world, etc, they are beloved children of Almighty God and brothers and sisters in Christ whom are being viciously accused by people who claim to be co-heirs in Christ. And that’s wickedness.
Just because someone writes a “faith statement” that aligns with scripture doesn’t mean the teach or believe it. Using the name of Jesus Christ to swindle money from people IS from the pit of hell as it is demonic
Hmm, interesting. You might actually be referring to yourself there with your fruit of bearing false witness and your false accusations of the brethren.
Swindling has to do with using deception to deprive a person of their money or property. Simply selling a product people want is not a swindle. You have evidence of no such thing.
You may want to read what the Bible says about confessing faith, because it certainly does matter what a person’s statement of faith is. Furthermore I hear nothing in their songs which would contradict the essential doctrines of the Christian faith, but rather affirm them. Therefore they do teach and affirm in their music at least what their statement of faith claims. I have yet to see from any of the accusers of the brethren here any evidence of teaching from the pulpit at Hillsong which contradicts the essential doctrines of the faith. I’ve certainly seen evidence of problematic doctrine, but not of heretical doctrine.
Your bearing false testimony against God’s own beloved IS from the pit of hell and is demonic.
My new book, “Singing’s Gone Global” (Kindle), picks up more on Hillsong’s unitarian bend – as a trinitarian I walk out before the congregation affirms that “Jesus alone is God”, disaffirming the father & the spirit, and pray in the toilet that the singers may see the light. There is so so much Jesusism, IMO, in Hillsong, undermining trinitarianism, undermining the church for which Christ died. I presume a fervent theological illiteracy.
Steve, this statement is simply inaccurate. I even read over the lyrics to about twenty or so songs before responding. There is no “Jesus only” doctrine or denial of the trinity going on there at all. In fact there is strong affirmation of the trinity and regular reference to Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They even do “Holy, holy, holy – Lord God almighty – God in three persons – blessed trinity”.
I replied the same day, but somehow it didn’t get posted. From my book, footnote 98, says [Few songs challenge centuries of sidetracking God’s name. One can still sing Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah (William Williams: 1771 English edition), then Merla Watson’s (1974) Jehovah Jirah. Pete Lawry wrote Yahweh! Jehovah Is The Lord Our God (1983): exclamation indeed. Second Chapter has a Yahweh song. So too has Reuben Morgan (Lam.5:19), although I am unhappy with his song, and he has a long history of the “Jesus, you alone are God” theology, characteristic perhaps of Hillsong. Why should we be baptised in the same heretical baptism wherein (I fear) Morgan/Hillsong are baptised? While Morgan has sung to the father (Still) and spoken of the father’s son (The Fear), see his Mighty To Save; You Alone Are God; Inside Out; and Let Us Adore, for clear expositions of Oneness. My Redeemer Lives, et al, probably also stem from Onlyism. Several of his songs (for example All The Heavens, and Eagles Wings) are ambivalent, and admittedly trinitarianism is difficult to get our heads around, since it’s counterintuitive. Allowance must be made for Morgan’s head, for his heart may mean well. Even Page 2004:96, which is mostly correct, misleadingly states that Jehovah isn’t in Scripture—the ASV/NWT have high Jehovah quotient. What he probably meant was that the hybrid form of God’s name, Jehovah, is inauthentic.]
You might care to see my reviews on pages http://lyricology.eu/enc.html http://lyricology.eu/gia.html http://lyricology.eu/tiog.html
Quotes from my book include Chris Idles (Reform Anglican): “hymns by Unitarians, of which we sing not a few”, “‘Jesusism’—that rather sentimental attachment to Christ sometimes found in charismatic circles that leads to a tendency to neglect other members of the Trinity” David Allen (AoG); “…most Western Christians are practical modalists” (Robert Letham’s The Holy Trinity, 2004:212 – (Reformed)). I’m not alone. I think in short that the Western sector of the church has long been slipping into Sabellianism – the times I have heard in different denominations thanks to the father for dying on the cross, and folk prayer to the father as lord, then name him Jesus the lord, is enough to fill a volume. My last church (Nazarene) often had Morgan’s “you alone are God, Jesus”, only to have its pastor comment afterwards, “yes, the father alone is God”: I think he tried to cover up Hillsong’s heresy by drawing attention to the father, although ironically substituting it by a heresy – the father alone is not God ultimately, though is the biblical highlight (1 Cor.8:6). My book covers prayer & the trinity is some depth.
I very much commend the music of Hillsong, and would love to recommend its songs but for my trinitarian toes which it squashes all too often – perhaps your feet are tougher feet.
what a bunch of religious freaks on here, staring at a TV screen instead of actually doing something with their life. thanks for promoting hillsong! I’m sure they got a lot of money from this post! LOL. This Bruce Herwig guy is a joke
All you talk about is money throughout constantly in your post, highly biased and disgusting at that. Ontop of that, someone else asked and inquired to make the film about them (or so called 6th C in your ‘report’).
You lost all integrity and respect after referencing about money the first time round while destroying all context around it.
The word of God does clearly command us (as believers) to test every spirit. I cannot disagree with your views and though some may think it is unnecessary for you to speak up and out, the bible also condemns false prophets and also tells us that “they have received their reward”.
Again, I cannot disagree with you, and it would take a little more digging, but there is something that my soul is in disagreement with some of the churches that belong to this group.
One faith
One love
One gospel
There may be some areas he has missed it
There are some areas you have missed it also
I had also missed in some areas before 2009
and there are still areas I am not perfect in…
I still see in part
We should always be growing to adjust to the truth of God’s word
and not our experience
God has so much more for the believer to experience
Don’t fight him
Just follow God’s lead and do what He says if he has an assignment for you.
Have a good day.
what i did today was asking google the difference between hillsong and hillsong united, and i came a cross to this article, i wanted to know the difference because of hillsong’s leading pastor Brian houston, i’ve seen his interviews, blogs, peoples comments on him and the church, and that all i could sum up was that majority of it was prosperity, or more like profit, making money etc, if only i could ask why, all though they do preach the gospel where Jesus saves, Jesus washed away our sins through their songs it still count as preaching, in which God commanded us to do. However i consider it as false teaching if you focus it on money, Paul taught us to give, seek God first and everything shall be given unto you, but the Bible’s(God’s Word) main purpose is to preach the gospel in which we are sinners and that we can’t save ourselves, thats why Jesus came to save us. I went to a local church that also has the same doctrine as Hillsong, most of the pastor preached was business stuff, profit, money, it felt like my heart was so heavy and couldn’t stand it, even in their bible studies they dont mention the book of revelation, it was even forbidden to be a topic, all i could think why is because maybe if the church members would know the false teachings in which John prophesied through the power of the Holy Spirit maybe the church would go down,they even told me to stop going to their church and teach them about the book of Revelation when they found out about me, i went went home that day thinking John was right, the bible was right there are people teaching wrong stuff, misleading them, or maybe pastors mislead themselves because of their own understanding, meaning we really have to read our bibles to seek the truth, God’s word and the Holy Spirit guides us, leads us to what is right, that is why some people might say that “somethings wrong”, “this ain’t right” i don’t think you can call that judgement if the Holy Spirit tells you not to, and sharing what the Holy Spirit is teaching or saying to be considered as judgmental. if your saying that “common hillsong your just using your songs to make profit, and have many followers to even have more profit.” then that would be judging. But i get what the writer is telling, if they have false teachers, even if their works are fine and good, you shouldn’t compromise on everything that they are teaching, One topic that Hillsong doesn’t want to open up is same sex marriage, the Bible states that it is wrong and God forbids it, i doubt God would change that, he is the unchangeable God after all, And if some is reading this comment i’d like to tell you that honestly we play their songs on our church, but not all of them, we in fact are aware of their teachings but we play them as an act of worship to God, out of love towards God not because we love hillsong and their songs however after reading this article and confirming it for myself i’m taking a step back. Rather than taking any sides, id rather pray and follow what God’s will is,other than bad mouthing people because we love this and we hate that. I hope i haven’t offended anyone, sorry if i did.
Blue, on Revelation, you might like to read Stephen Smalley’s The Revelation To John (2005) for deep study, or Vern Poythress’ The Returning King (2000), for an easier read. I think you’re right about your point that Revelation is too under-read and under-mentioned.
However, I don’t know that this thread is so much “bad mouthing” people, as bad mouthing (or defending) their output & thinking. The Prosperity Gospel (the teaching has some biblical content) can be preached not to make a fortune, but because the preacher genuinely believes it is gospel. In this case, the preacher can stand in good conscience before God (Rm.14). If the motivation is to make a buck or millions for personal gain, then the preacher is not a prophet but a loss to themself. Either way they have an obligation to study the scriptures to the best of their ability – failure to do that would, IMHO, take them out of Rm.14’s protection.
Their motives I cannot judge, but their output I can & do do, and wish that their undoubted musical talent was linked to theological talent. I indeed fear that they may be ensnared by, and ensnare in, the PG, but even with wrong motivation preaching Christ is acceptable (Php.1:15) – my beef is with unitarian content, which for my money is unacceptable, not preaching the true christ, and like Paul’s beef with the Circumcision Party, I wish they would cut themselves off from the church, or walk the trinitarian walk.
I’d suggest to check Galatians 1 where Paul says even if Him Or an angel preaches a false gospel let them be damned. No where in scripture can you preach a false gospel
Jeremy, to be fair, Gal.1:8’s context was where an alternate ‘euangelion’ undercut the idea that Christ died to sufficiently redeem us from Sinai. Immediately Paul noted that in fact any so-called alternative wasn’t an alternative ‘euangelion’ at all. It was “not good news at all!” (CJB: Gal.1:7), but it was sadly what the Circumcision Party, the back-to-Sinai folk, were preaching. To be clear: I do not endorse the so-called Prosperity Gospel. However, I defend its highlighting of the positive as a biblical truth – we can too often look down. I also denounce its ignorance of the biblical negatives: we can too often look up. Heb.11 offers balance: faith can hack the ups & downs. But I don’t go so far as to liken it to the Sinaitic call for salvation as embracing both Moses & Yeshua, which misunderstood the core doctrine of justification through the cross (Gal.2:16). Thus, I don’t think Paul’s epistle to the Galatians justifies us really calling the so-called Prosperity Gospel a fundamental undercutting of the cross. Christianity has many alternative ideas, mind you, but to damn Calvinists (eg false teacher Whitefield?) because they choose to preach Calvinism, or Arminianists (eg false teacher Wesley?) because they must preach Arminianism, would perhaps be another example of misunderstanding Paul. Obviously, as C S Lewis pointed out, some answers are nearer being correct than others, and some answers are downright nonsense. Hillsong will have a cluster of doctrines you & I could discuss, though I think you’ve repeatedly made your reason for not singing Hillsong clear on this blog. For my part, Hillsong might be (IMO are) woolly unitarians, they might be into Prosperity Teaching, they might be greedy, but they are not damned if they love God—and their hearts I cannot judge.
Ummm. Twisting scripture and preaching a false Jesus to become rich most certainly will get you damned and also shows exactly where their heart is
So, people who believe in the real Jesus, his shed blood for the remission of their sin, and forgiveness through God’s grace, but also believe prosperity theology, or sprinkling instead of dunking, or physical transubstantiation? If those people preach their whole package to sinners who then believe, is the whole lot–them and their converts–bound for eternal damnation for embracing beliefs from, as you say, “the pits of hell?” Exactly how narrow is your “narrow way?”
Sprinkleing vs dunking is quite a bit different than preaching a false gospel and the prosperity Jesus is not the real Jesus. This isn’t that hard to understand
So, if someone believes Jesus died for their sins, they trust his shed blood for the remission of their sins, and they believe God intends for them to be prosperous, they are going to hell?
This dialogue has become unproductive.
It depends on what Jesus you are talking about. The Bible warns us of false teachers preaching “another Jesus”. If a false Gospel is preached…. it’s not the Jesus of the Bible they are preaching either.
I just dont understand whats wrong with this blog! The things which u couldnt do, people out there are doing that. They are saving souls for Christ. I have been attending hillsong since 1 year and the speakers never twisted the scripture foe their profit. My husband who was a strong hindu accepted Christ and now Hillsong is really doing wonderful great work! they help the people who help in financial need as well. Last week the speaker said if u have Jesus, and u r poor financiially, consider urself as the richest! they teach according to the word. They doesnt twist or use them for profit. They have been kindhearted. Im not a fan of Hillsong, nor any church. i have the habit of shifting from one church to another until i find a church that speaks Gods word straight. thats how i found hillsong. btw, what is this prosperity gospel, just out of human mind! nobody ever knew Gods heart or what He is going to do in his peoples life. please dont think as if ur someone better to keep on criticising what hillsong is doing. Many lives have been impacting in a wonderful way! the people are walking with love and compassion, staying humble, and being a blessing to people around them. what more do u want? Gods wishes for the souls! please stop this now. God has a purpose for your life as well! please move on with that. peace and blessings.
First of all only GOD saves. Second of all, you better reopen your Bible if you think Houston preaches the Word of God. He is a heretic.
Yes ofcourse God alone saves. what i mean is instead of sitting down and criticising other churches they have got that willing heart to serve God and leave the judgment with Him. Im not praising hillsong, im just honouring them for what they are doing! Praise only belongs to God. Let them do their work! u can just pray. If there is real trouble or something hindering the people to know who Jesus really is, then God has that ability to get them down! He will do it! we need not argue and waste our time on this. repentance is more than anything and with my eyes i’ve been saying many peoples life been touched and regretting for the things they have done. people have been repenting and breaking down with tears. of course without listening to houston or other speakers, i would never comment. they have been preaching true Jesus who died for our sins. as far as i have been attending hillsong since 1 year, i never heard them saying u will always be prosperous when u come to Jesus! the speakers really stress on subjects of our salvation, putting our faith in God in the midst of the sorrows and troubles. One speaker robert ferguson, he speaks up just straight, he always speaks about repentance first. Let them do their work! If God has anything against them, He will take care of! Good bye!
By your comments you show you clearly don’t read your Bible much. Each and every book in the NT written by the Apostles tell us to expose false teachers. Hillsong is NOT a Christian Church. They preach a false gospel and a false Jesus.
i know how much i read my bible! yes i accept Paul says to expose them, but they are not doing any false teachings! They are not saying Jesus died so that u can accumulate wealth and be prosperous on earth. They are not robbing ur money. They are showing Jesus as Son of God who died for our sins and we can have relationship with him as His sons and daughters. They are not teaching religious stuff! They have been stressing on being repented and having relationship with God! They are saying only through Jesus we can have salvation. At the end of service they pray the prayer of repentance and accepting Christ. Their songs depict love of God which He has towards His people, their songs ate biblical and so uplifting. By listening to their messages every week, we always talk about what changes we need to make in our lives, how much more we choose God everyday of our life.
what more do u think true gospel is? shouting to everyone and saying u will be rotten in the hell if u dont believe in jesus and condemning broken people? instead of telling everyone to reopen their bibles u can do that and ask God for the revelation and His purpose on ur life! If u want to expose them go into their church and do that!
Nope. I will refer people to Gods word and not to believe me but open it and examine themselves
Now please im ending my conversation here. Yet u havent answered our question, what does true gospel means according to u? As kmoland stated this thread is not profitable! I pray that God will enlighten u what He really wants from His children. U just stick to ur opinion rather than truth. No man can change that! Peace and blessings! Goodbye
“According to me”???? Sorry once again I’ll point you to scripture. This is the gospel. No mention of giving Brian Houston money and God will bless you.
“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
Colossians 2:13-15 NIV
http://bible.com/111/col.2.13-15.niv
wow! brilliant! Thats what we do believe in and so do the church we are going!! They point all the verses above, how God delivered us by His blood and we are not saved by our own works. Amazing! this proved that they are not preaching false gospel. We all believe in the same gospel, but ur view is different. Amen! Thanks!
Jeremy, please listen. Jhansi (and Dr Steve and countless others) are right. I know you think you are defending the true gospel, but you’re not. My heart goes out to you. I know you are trying to do what you think is right, but you are sewing discord among the brethren and upsetting decent, honest believers. Every Christian who believes differently than you is not a “false teacher.” We know and love God. We accept Christ as our Savior. We read and understand our Bibles. Your condemnation does not come from where you think it comes from. I strongly encourage you to find its true source.
Unfortunately, Jules is also right: This thread is no longer profitable. I am going to stop posting here and, instead, I will pray that God helps all of us to learn to represent him better, even–or maybe ESPECIALLY–to our Christian brothers and sisters. .
Peace.
What are you even talking about? He most certainly preaches a false gospel
http://www.piratechristian.com/messedupchurch/2016/2/the-brian-houston-hillsong-cornucopia-of-false-doctrine-abuse-obfuscation-and-money-generation
Jeremy, he’s responded quite clearly to the larger of these nasty witch hunts that the evil spirits, yourself, and these cults of false accusation have levied against the body of Christ. The site you linked is mostly a parade of vile persecution of God’s beloved. “He who loves not knows not God, for God is love”. You clearly misunderstand the Gospel if you believe he teaches a false gospel. I’ve already explained the difference between a “prosperity gospel” and “prosperity teaching” among other things, and Brian has clarified his position in the faith by both word and deed, but you are showing yourself to be one to not hear but accuse and slander.
Anyway, it’s late. You and Satan should probably pull up the covers and get some rest. Another long day of persecution tomorrow!
Synoptic Gospel passages to consider: Mark 9:38-41; Luke 9:49-50
Can’t wait for the persecution of Christians to crank up in the ‘free’ English-speaking countries to the point of death threats, imprisonment and martyrdom by beheading, like it was for the Church of Acts and has been in many parts of the world for decades. That’ll sort out all these nit-picking heresy hunters and we’ll know really quickly who’s who and what’s what. I say that in love, as one who shamefully spent many years being one of those dogmatic, judgemental, self-righteous dudes who was sure I had The Whole Truth’ and ‘The Narrow Path.’ Failing that level of persecution, a good fall and true experience of God’s love and grace can accomplish the same thing. I hope you find that… by hook or by crook.
The only ones in bed with Satan In this discussion is prosperity preachers and ones who defend them. And you prove my point with your response. You can twist it anyway you want, prosperity preaching comes from the pits of hell.
Thanks for your thoughts Bruce. I’m so grateful for the time we had you and your discernment on our pastoral team in Redlands. Keep up the good thoughts friend.
“If Christians spent as much time fighting the devil as they do fighting each other, he would be in the back end of hell sucking on a Maalox bottle.” ~Pastor John Hagee
Jeremy, as I pointed out before, I certainly disagree with prosperity preaching in the context of “God wants all His people to prosper financially”. It’s pretty clear to me that is inaccurate based on scripture, and there are certainly people out there preaching a false gospel and using God’s word as a means to satisfy greed. These are not those people however. If you cracked open the scriptures more you’d find them pretty lucid on what qualifies as heresy, but you continue to twist the scriptures to laud vicious and unfounded accusations against God’s own. The Christ that Hillsong preaches is God the Son of the one and only triune Godhead, sent by God the Father (because He so loved the world), born of a virgin, come in the flesh, sinless and perfect, anointed by the Holy Spirit, died on a cross for the remission of sins and as the propitiation for sin taking the sin of the world upon himself, was buried, raised again to life on the third day to ever sit at the right hand of the Father in glory. That is the Christ Jesus of the Bible. They preach no other Christ and no other gospel. Certainly you are aware (certainly not) that there are both essential and non-essential doctrines held in the scriptures. An example of an essential doctrine of the faith is: “By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves that any man may boast”.
A denial of this would be heresy.
Teaching that God wants all of His people to prosper financially or all to be physically healed is a misunderstanding (in my view) of a non-essential doctrine on the other hand. It’s a very reasonable misunderstanding because there are many passages which reference God causing His people to prosper. And even that is up for conversation as to what prosperity even is — a place to live and food for the week? But it’s not heresy, another Christ, or another gospel. If they were to preach “Christ died that you might prosper financially” they would be preaching a false gospel and a heresy, but such is not the case.
If you opened your Bible more often though, you would find that slander, false accusations, dividing brothers, maligning, and lack of love are definitely from the pit of hell.
Hopefully you got some good rest though. After you and Lucifer share a morning coffee you guys can get back to business as usual.
I admire the zeal of Hillsong to proclaim the gospel to others through songs. However Paul warns us of zeal that is “not according to knowledge” (Romans 10:2 ESV). They preach through their songs a false gospel. And Paul also warns us elsewhere against such people (e.g. Joel Osteen).
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach unto you any other gospel than that which we preached unto you, let him be [accursed]. As we have said before, so say I now again, if any man preacheth unto you any gospel other than what ye received, let him be [accursed]” Galatians 1:8 ESV.
People do not need money as Brian Houston has made it clear in his book. God does not promise an easy and prosperous life, and we shouldn’t advocate and support such philosophy. Paul has pronounced them ACCURSED.
That being the case, it makes you even wonder if they are Christian or not?
Plus they wanna please men more than God, seeing as they don’t wanna offend people by evading the topic of sin, hell, holiness and repentance.
This entire comment section has just degenerated into a big pile of… sad. The bickering, sniping and outright lies being told here are inexcusable. For example as I stated above, I’ve recently personally witnessed Brian Houston on TV preaching about sin and repentance, and seems to me there’s a lot of sin and not much repentance about it going on right on this wall, from people claiming to be brethren and followers of Yeshua.
Phil Keaggy said a mouthful in his song “Jesus Loves the Church” (also covered by Sheila Walsh in ’88):
You say that You believe in us,
At times I wonder why
You say You see the Father in our eyes.
But I think if I were You, Lord,
I’d wash my hands today,
And turn my back on all our alibis.
And we crucify each other,
Leaving a battered, wounded bride,
But Jesus loves the church.
So we’ll walk the aisle of history,
Towards the marriage feast,
For Jesus loves the church.
We fight like selfish children,
Vying for that special prize,
We juggle with our gifts before Your face.
And I know You look with sorrow
At the blindness in our eyes
As we trip each other half-way thru the race.
http://www.allthelyrics.com/lyrics/phil_keaggy/jesus_loves_the_church-lyrics-1170201.html
I’m going to unfollow this thread now; it makes me sick to my stomach to read this stuff which surely must grieve the Father’s heart too.
Amen, JJ!!
“The leaven in the music of Hillsong United” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcGviKVRV94
Call upon the name of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:2), the Son of God (1 John 4:15), at all times (Ps. 34:1), and go not after other gods (Jer. 25:6).
Bless the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (1 John 3:23), the Word of God in the King James Bible (Ps. 12:6-7, Isa. 45:22) made flesh (John 1:1, 14).
LOL… That was absolutely the weirdest and worst edited video I have ever seen. Did someone leave the door open at the funny farm? LOL… wow.
Um…have you even read the Bible? Appealing directly to God, Lord or Holy Spirit as a person who’s already placed their faith in Jesus Christ is not error. If it is, then every single writer of the scriptures is in error.
You can pretty much turn to any page and just start reading to conclude this, might might as well start with Romans 10. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Romans 10:13 KJV
The reference there is to Jesus Christ, in case you were confused. Even though he wasn’t specifically named. Maybe you can go through and edit the scriptures though.
The funniest thing was the idea that anyone who uses “the world’s channels” is rolling with Satan. Maybe that doesn’t apply to your video on YouTube or your comment on a blog?
@ KevinJ: “LOL…LOL…”
^
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. (Prov. 15:2)
Praise God’s Son Jesus Christ
First of all, all scriptures referenced by me are always only from Jesus’s Word in the King James Bible (as I see from your posts that you trust in corrupt, non-KJB texts…a comparison of Acts 8:37 and 1 John 5:7 in your NIV with the KJB quickly reveals the perversion you are receiving / the stranger you are following (John 10:27, 5, 8:47) – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+5%3A7%3B+Acts+8%3A37&version=KJV;NIV )
Jesus reveals in John 14:6, 14-24, 15:16, 16:24 that his children are to always call upon God in the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and that man must always appeal to Jesus (through his name – John 14:14-15) as the mediator between man and God / the Holy Ghost (John 14:16, 1 Tim. 2:5).
This specifically is what Jesus is referring to when he says that we who love him keep his commandments (John 14:14-15, 21, 23), and that those who do not love Jesus keepeth not his sayings (John 14:24).
KevinJ: “Maybe you can go through and edit the scriptures though.”
^
Jesus’s children are to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15).
If a scripture says to “pray to God” or “ask God”, Jesus’s children are to do so in the name of God’s Son Jesus Christ as commanded by Jesus (John 14:6, 14-15)…
this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another (1 John 3:23)
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (1 John 2:3-4)
Jesus’s children have communion with the Holy Ghost and fellowship with God through our faith in the name of his Son Jesus Christ (Col. 3:17, Eph. 5:20, 1 Tim. 2:5, 1 John 2:23, 3:23, 4:15, 5:12-13, John 3:18, 10:9, 14:14-16, 21, 23, and 20:31), not by appealing to any other name including the words “God”, “Lord” or “Holy Spirit” (Acts 4:10, 12, 1 Cor. 1:2).
1 Cor. 1:2 reveals that Rom. 10:13 is speaking of calling upon the name of God’s Son Jesus Christ, not the word “Lord” (“all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ” – 1 Cor. 1:2).
Your “world’s channels” comment is confusion. The point made is that worldly acceptance and success is necessarily enmity with Jesus Christ (John 15:19, 17:14, Matt. 10:22, Jas. 4:4); it has nothing to do with using the internet.
KevinJ: “there is no biblical problem with being rich”
^
Matthew 6:24, 19:23-24
KevinJ: “I absolutely love some of Hillsong’s stuff…I won’t stop singing Hillsong songs”
^
As can be seen by your comments, you defend hillsong according to your lusts (2 Tim. 4:3), and are offended at the truth about their willful witchcraft being made manifest. Incidentally, children of Jesus are not condemned for enjoying music; we are safe as long as we do not chant the witchcraft chants disseminated thereby, but rather call only upon the name of God’s Son Jesus Christ (1 John 5:13, Eph. 6:16).
Your comments reveal that you also believe the false doctrine of ‘once saved always saved’, and are ignorant of the fact that the scriptures clearly reveal that even after having once believed in Jesus, a person can depart from faith in / deny God’s Son Jesus Christ and be damned (1 Tim. 4:1, Luke 8:12, Heb. 10:38-39, 1 Cor. 15:2, John 8:31-32, Rom 11:22, 1 John 2:22-23, Heb. 3:12, 14, Col. 1:23, Rev. 2:10, 3:11); this is why the third angel in Rev. 14:9-11 warns all people not to “worship the beast” (i.e. depart from the faith) whereby they shall be made to “drink of the wine of the wrath of God”, but rather to KEEP the faith of Jesus whereby we shall be saved (Rev. 14:12-13).
He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. (Prov. 19:8)
hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. (Rev. 3:11)
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an EVIL heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. (Heb. 3:12)
WHOSOEVER denieth the Son, the same HATH NOT the Father (1 John 2:23)
Now if any man HAVE NOT the Spirit of Christ, he is NONE of his. (Rom. 8:9)
be thou FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH, and I will give thee a crown of life. (Rev. 2:10)
IF thou CONTINUE in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. (Rom. 11:22)
Bless the name of God’s Son Jesus Christ
Come on guys, this thread’s moving from a Hillsong forum to a KJVO forum. The latter is an interesting conversation better held elsewhere – I’m close to publishing a book on it, comparing the following (http://mdtc.eu/wggc.html). And even in that conversation we should not resort to name calling & excessive ridicule, though some good clean give & take humour is justified.
One point in the thread (germane to why I seldom sing Hillsong) is confusion of Persons. Is their “Jesus alone is God” (perhaps true if the father & spirit have left the trinity) really any worse that calling Jesus our father, implicit if we are his children? The Athanasian Creed’s ontological teaching can get us back to trinitarianism. Biblically, whatever English version we prefer, all Christians are heirs/children of the father, joint heirs/siblings with Christ (Rm.8:17; Heb.2:11). Mk.10:24 does not refute this point: Paul and John also called disciples their children, but as regards God’s family all Christians are brothers & sisters.
When I posted this blog post on Hillsong, I had no idea it would get any traffic. As the comments started, I made the decision to post everything. It’s been “interesting” experiment. I’ve seen thoughtful comments and useless drivel, with exchanges among “Christians” where I cringed and was embarrassed to read.
Bottomline, my concerns with Hillsong, their various ministries and associations still stand. My hope and prayer are that all that call upon the name of the Lord will worship Him in “Spirit and in Truth” (John 4:24). I would encourage you to be a Berean and think before you sing.
So after almost 2 years, I’m closing comments.