Oh, sweet:

http://www.examiner.com/article/26-year-old-pastor-fired-for-attending-a-rick-ross-rap-concert

Unless it was a black pastor--why would a pastor attend a rap concert? :crazy:

If it had been a Lecrae or a Sho Baraka concert or some other gospel rap artist then it would have been a totally different story, but Rick Ross? Lil Wayne? I agree with the decision. He needed to be fired.

He should be fired and BANNED from ever attending any kind of church again.

Unless it was a black pastor--why would a pastor attend a rap concert?

As it happens, I believe the pastor was African-American...but of course, people of all races enjoy rap. And I imagine some pastors might well go to a rap concert- it just depends on what kind of rap music you're talking about.

If it had been a Lecrae or a Sho Baraka concert or some other gospel rap artist then it would have been a totally different story, but Rick Ross? Lil Wayne? I agree with the decision. He needed to be fired.

Exactly. Lecrae is a great Christian rapper who I highly recommend. But looking at just the titles of some songs by Rick Ross and Lil Wayne, I daresay they need to come to know Jesus as Savior. This is definitely not the kind of music any follower of Christ (whether a pastor or not) should be listening to.

He should be fired and BANNED from ever attending any kind of church again.

Well, I don't think anyone should ever be banned from attending church- this pastor needs the love of Christ as much as anyone else. And I would question where his walk is with The Lord. But he also needs to be shown grace in dealing with this- it's an area of his life that he needs to surrender to The Lord and I think the church could have handled it a little better and more graciously (i.e. perhaps they could have met with him privately first rather than have him find out when he showed up at church on Sunday to preach)- but I agree with them that they needed to address that situation and dole out church discipline, which is definitely Biblical.
Hopefully this will serve as a wake-up call to the pastor and will help him get straight with God to where he needs to be- and God can still use him and has a good plan in mind for him through all this. I pray that God will help him to get to that point.

Unless it was a black pastor--why would a pastor attend a rap concert? :crazy:
I think the pastor was black, but yeah, I can see them trying to relate to the crowd and the scene, "Go where the sinners are", etc.

It's not the same thing but my pastor and his wife were at the same Styx, REO Speedwagon, and Ted Nugent concert that I went to. I gotta say I was a little relieved in hearing that they didn't stay for Nugent. I just had a hard time picturing my pastor singing along to Wang Dang Sweet Poontang :lol:

:lol: :lol: :lol: How old are your pastor and his wife?

If the preacher is a fan of what he hears at them concerts, then he deserved every inch of his firing in my humble opinion.

God bless you and his former church always!!!

Holly

I have to say that while you couldn't pay me to listen to Rick Ross, Lil' Wayne and most gangsta rappers in general, I don't think this firing was justified unless the church had rules in place regarding what their pastors can and can't do. Then again, this is a private institution and their regulations aren't subject to public laws.

:lol: :lol: :lol: How old are your pastor and his wife?
Early 50's

Ahhhhh...I see. They would have grown up with the likes of Styx and REO Speedwagon, etc.

Jesus I though this was a free country and that people can listen to whatever they want. Pastor or not, the guy should not have been fired over his taste in music.

It's not the same thing but my pastor and his wife were at the same Styx, REO Speedwagon, and Ted Nugent concert that I went to. I gotta say I was a little relieved in hearing that they didn't stay for Nugent. I just had a hard time picturing my pastor singing along to Wang Dang Sweet Poontang :lol:
:yeahthat: :lol:

Even though he probably gets more flack for his political views in concert these days, which are oddly more controversial than his explicit verbiage back in the day.

If the preacher is a fan of what he hears at them concerts, then he deserved every inch of his firing in my humble opinion.

God bless you and his former church always!!!

Holly
Well, did the pastor go for profanity? Wait, this is a rap "concert"--what else are they gonna hear??

I don't know what this rap performer does, at least at a metal show, you'd expect to hear actual music. I'm not sure if the pastor was going to "reach out" to kids or if a he was a fan of the performer in spite of whatever he raps about.

I don't know, I'm not even a rap fan, I'm totally metal, but I don't think a concert is a reason why a pastor should be fired. For actual major sins and crimes, I can see that.

If preacher was there for another reason, he should have made sure his reason for being there was known.

God bless you and him always!!! :) :) :)

Holly

If preacher was there for another reason, he should have made sure his reason for being there was known.

God bless you and him always!!! :) :) :)

Holly

You go to a concert to hear music that you like and enjoy. You do not need to explain yourself as to why you attend a certain concert if it's something you like.

^^^ Being a fan of lyrics that go against the word that he was preaching only turned him into a hypocrite and I believe that is why he got fired: for setting a bad example. That is why I have nothing to do with my dad. He sets a bad example and he isn't sorry about it.

God bless you always!!!

Holly

P.S. My only regret is that I didn't wash my hands of my dad sooner. :( :( :(

Rap music is from the devil. I support this church's decision.

Rap music is from the devil. I support this church's decision.
Actually, I must agree, when I really think about it. It's not even music.


Metal is from God.
:rock: :guitar: :guitar: :rock: :notworthy :notworthy

Rap music is from the devil.

I was just waiting for someone to say something like that.:rolleyes: There is such a thing as Christian/Gospel rap in case you didn't know.

^^^ Being a fan of lyrics that go against the word that he was preaching only turned him into a hypocrite and I believe that is why he got fired: for setting a bad example. That is why I have nothing to do with my dad. He sets a bad example and he isn't sorry about it.

God bless you always!!!

Holly

P.S. My only regret is that I didn't wash my hands of my dad sooner. :( :( :(

If you believe in the "word" then you'll know that humans are imperfect creatures. As long as someone believes in God (or some higher form whatever the religion), I'll think they'll get a pass on their musical taste. I don't really remember "Thou Shall Not Listen to Lil' Wayne" as one of the ten commandments, but it's been awhile since I've read that part of the Bible.

Rap music is from the devil. I support this church's decision.

I've yet to see a production credit on a rap album that lists Lucifer as producer, mixer, engineer, or any other credit you can think of.

^^^ Being a fan of lyrics that go against the word that he was preaching only turned him into a hypocrite and I believe that is why he got fired: for setting a bad example.
As a Christian, I'm glad you have no beef with metal. :rock: :rock:

I don't know, though, was the artist in question (okay, so "artist" is too strong of a word) whose concert the pastor attended one who used copious vulgarities and explicit, provocative matter?

Well, the first of the Ten Commandments says that "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me." (Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5, if you want to see the list.)
The third one says, "Thou shalt not take the name of The Lord thy God in vain."
Jesus said, "If you love Me, you will obey Me." (John 15)

If we truly love God and are following Him, why would we be listening to music that takes the name of The Lord in vain and uses other foul language and promotes values antithetical to what Christ teaches in The Bible?
If we choose to listen to such music and dwell on a message opposed to God's Word, then the music becomes a god to us, since we are putting it before God- thus breaking the First Commandment.
The Bible definitely commands us to think on good and clean and pure things, as Philippians 4:8 says- “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Colossians 3:1-4 tells us who are in Christ that we have died and our lives are hidden with Christ in God. Verse 4 flat out says that Christ is our life! And we must set our minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 2:8 says to rid (among other things) filthy language from our lips. We shouldn't be thinking on filthy language either [as Philippians 4:8 says]- as the old saying goes, "Garbage in, garbage out."
2 Corinthians 10:5 also says that we must take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ.
What we read, listen to and see all affect our thoughts- and thoughts lead to actions.
2 Corinthians 6:17-18 and 7:1 tell us that we are to separate from the rest of the world- as Christians, we should be different and "touch no unclean thing". (Also see Ephesians 5:1-21- verse 3 says not to have even a hint of sexual immorality or any kind of impurity or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.)
As to church discipline, all of 1 Corinthians 5 talks about this- The Bible clearly says to expel the wicked man from among you.
As I said before- yes, we should still practice grace and remember that we are no better than this pastor. (as Romans 2:1-4 talks about.)
So I do think the situation could have been handled better- but it definitely needed to be addressed.
This is not a matter of civic rights that we have granted in America through the First Amendment. As the Declaration of Independence declares, we have those rights endowed to us by our Creator.
1 Corinthians 6:12 tells us who are in Christ that everything is permissible for me- but not everything is beneficial. Verses 19 and 20 remind us that we are not our own- we have been bought with a price. Therefore, we must honor God with our body. (The passage is talking in a context dealing with sexual immorality, but the principle still applies to whatever area of life we're talking about.)
We no longer hold to any rights as we have given them all up to Christ- it is all about Him and not about us. And we must be holy and perfect as God is holy and perfect. (Matthew 5:48)
We obviously don't always reach to that- and certainly we don't reach any holiness or perfection in our own strength- it's all through Christ and His work- but that's why we have 1 John 1:9 that tells us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [Remember that this verse is written to Christians, though obviously it applies to anyone who calls on the name of The Lord for salvation in Jesus as well.]
Praise God for that. He's still working in me and in everyone who calls on Him for salvation- and He will bring us to completion on the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)

Actually, I must agree, when I really think about it. It's not even music.


Metal is from God.

lol- God gave rock and roll to you! Put it in the soul of everyone. :) :cool:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9OYfCRXC5k

Well, the first of the Ten Commandments says that "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me." (Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5, if you want to see the list.)
The third one says, "Thou shalt not take the name of The Lord thy God in vain."
Jesus said, "If you love Me, you will obey Me." (John 15)

If we truly love God and are following Him, why would we be listening to music that takes the name of The Lord in vain and uses other foul language and promotes values antithetical to what Christ teaches in The Bible?
If we choose to listen to such music and dwell on a message opposed to God's Word, then the music becomes a god to us, since we are putting it before God- thus breaking the First Commandment.
The Bible definitely commands us to think on good and clean and pure things, as Philippians 4:8 says- “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Colossians 3:1-4 tells us who are in Christ that we have died and our lives are hidden with Christ in God. Verse 4 flat out says that Christ is our life! And we must set our minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 2:8 says to rid (among other things) filthy language from our lips. We shouldn't be thinking on filthy language either [as Philippians 4:8 says]- as the old saying goes, "Garbage in, garbage out."
2 Corinthians 10:5 also says that we must take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ.
What we read, listen to and see all affect our thoughts- and thoughts lead to actions.
2 Corinthians 6:17-18 and 7:1 tell us that we are to separate from the rest of the world- as Christians, we should be different and "touch no unclean thing". (Also see Ephesians 5:1-21- verse 3 says not to have even a hint of sexual immorality or any kind of impurity or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.)
As to church discipline, all of 1 Corinthians 5 talks about this- The Bible clearly says to expel the wicked man from among you.
As I said before- yes, we should still practice grace and remember that we are no better than this pastor. (as Romans 2:1-4 talks about.)
So I do think the situation could have been handled better- but it definitely needed to be addressed.
This is not a matter of civic rights that we have granted in America through the First Amendment. As the Declaration of Independence declares, we have those rights endowed to us by our Creator.
1 Corinthians 6:12 tells us who are in Christ that everything is permissible for me- but not everything is beneficial. Verses 19 and 20 remind us that we are not our own- we have been bought with a price. Therefore, we must honor God with our body. (The passage is talking in a context dealing with sexual immorality, but the principle still applies to whatever area of life we're talking about.)
We no longer hold to any rights as we have given them all up to Christ- it is all about Him and not about us. And we must be holy and perfect as God is holy and perfect. (Matthew 5:48)
We obviously don't always reach to that- and certainly we don't reach any holiness or perfection in our own strength- it's all through Christ and His work- but that's why we have 1 John 1:9 that tells us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [Remember that this verse is written to Christians, though obviously it applies to anyone who calls on the name of The Lord for salvation in Jesus as well.]
Praise God for that. He's still working in me and in everyone who calls on Him for salvation- and He will bring us to completion on the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)
So what do you like best about metal? :rock: :rock: :guitar: :guitar: :notworthy :notworthy

lol- God gave rock and roll to you! Put it in the soul of everyone. :) :cool:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9OYfCRXC5k
COOL!!! KISS!!!!!! :rock: :rock:






I know, I know, it's a song that Petra covered by Argent. And so did KISS.;)

Well, actually the link I put up is from Petra- a Christian rock legend! (and still around today.):) :cool: (and one of my all time favorite bands period.)
British rock band Argent actually first performed the song back around 1973 or so I think- Petra helped make it famous in 1977 (and later rerecorded it in 1984)- KISS didn't release it until 1991. (and of course, it was used in "Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey" at the end.)

LOL! I just saw your post in tiny print.;)

If you believe in the "word" then you'll know that humans are imperfect creatures. As long as someone believes in God (or some higher form whatever the religion), I'll think they'll get a pass on their musical taste. I don't really remember "Thou Shall Not Listen to Lil' Wayne" as one of the ten commandments, but it's been awhile since I've read that part of the Bible.
There is more to the Lord's word than the ten commandments.

God bless you always!!! :) :) :)

Holly

P.S. I don't believe that the rest of his word is just filler either. Everything that is in there is in there for a reason.

So what do you like best about metal?

Heavy metal is way cool! I particularly love Stryper (which is still around, by the way- new album coming out this fall! Can't wait)- but I also like some bands like Emery and Underoath- and European band Narnia.
I have heard some stuff from Black Sabbath (a friend of mine is big into this group)- and some lyrics are almost Christian themselves- though I'm not really sure that Ozzy Osbourne and any of the other guys truly know Christ or not.
I don't keep up with all the metal groups out there, but I certainly don't mind listening to it- it's all good. :) :cool:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xgSHwVhWQg

P.S. I don't believe that the rest of his word is just filler either. Everything that is in there is in there for a reason.

Amen! All of God's Word is important. (2 Timothy 3:16):) :cool:

Amen! All of God's Word is important. (2 Timothy 3:16):) :cool:

We don't know how much of God's "word" is in the Bible. It was written by men, not God. Therefore, the Bible, IMO, is not something to be taken literally. Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness."

It's amazing that here we are in the 21st century and people still cling to these puritanical values over a music concert. Cain was a murderer, David was a philanderer, Peter denies Jesus as the son of God, etc. There are a myriad of examples of people not doing the "Lord's work" in the Bible, only to overcome their mistakes and redeem themselves. I don't see how anyone who is a strict interpreter of the Bible could have any problem with a man attending a rap concert.

The Bible was written down by men inspired by The Holy Spirit- and yes, all of it is God's Word.
"The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God will stand forever." - Isaiah 40:8
Jesus Himself said while praying to God His Father- "Thy Word is truth." (John 17) And Jesus upheld all of the Scriptures- Matthew 5:17

According to Webster's Dictionary, puritanical means- "very strict in moral or religious matters, often excessively so; rigidly austere."
Considering that Jesus commanded us to be perfect as God is perfect (Matthew 5:48)- I don't think that's a bad thing.
(Obviously, we can't be perfect in our own strength- it's only through Christ working in us that God does this work in us. - 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:8-10, 2:19-22, 2 Corinthians 4:4-7- numerous other passages)
Cain was indeed a murderer, David was a philanderer who also committed murder, Peter did deny Jesus- and there are a number of others in The Bible who disobeyed God. I don't know if we can say for sure about Cain- but both David and Peter repented. (see Psalms 51 for David's confession and repentance and John 21:15-25 for Peter's.)
To be clear though- God redeemed them- it's not a work of themselves. And yes, God definitely uses broken and fallen people- as we all are. The pastor made a bad choice and listened to music that is not edifying to him and disobeyed Philippians 4:8 and 1 Thessalonians 5:22- among other verses. (Psalms 5:9 says not a word from the mouth of the wicked can be trusted. Romans 14:8 says, "If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." Colossians 3:23 says to do everything we do with all our heart as working unto The Lord and not unto men. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says to do everything we do unto the glory of The Lord. It's hard to justify listening to music that is opposed to so much of God's Word as being unto God's glory.)
I don't have a problem with someone attending a rap concert. I don't have a problem with rap music- I like the musical genre myself just fine. I don't like all the lyrics- this is where I have an issue. The lyrics of the rappers that the pastor went to see use foul language and encourage sexual immorality as well as bad views of people in general. This is not good for the pastor to be thinking on and it's not a good example for the congregation or the rest of the world.
As I said before, I do think that the situation could have been handled better, (i.e. perhaps a little more grace could have been shown and the pastor could have been given a chance to repent and ask for accountability in this area.)- but some form of church discipline was definitely needed. It is a hard thing to do sometimes- especially since we must remember to get the plank out of our own eyes before trying to help get the speck out of our brother's eyes- but nonetheless, we are also commanded to warn our brothers and sisters in The Lord when we see such behavior that does not please God. Jesus Himself specifically talked about this in Matthew 18:15-20.
Also see Titus 3:9-11, James 5:19-20, 2 Thessalonians 3:13-15, Galatians 6:1 and numerous other passages.

The Bible was written down by men inspired by The Holy Spirit- and yes, all of it is God's Word.
"The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God will stand forever." - Isaiah 40:8
Jesus Himself said while praying to God His Father- "Thy Word is truth." (John 17) And Jesus upheld all of the Scriptures- Matthew 5:17

According to Webster's Dictionary, puritanical means- "very strict in moral or religious matters, often excessively so; rigidly austere."
Considering that Jesus commanded us to be perfect as God is perfect (Matthew 5:48)- I don't think that's a bad thing.
(Obviously, we can't be perfect in our own strength- it's only through Christ working in us that God does this work in us. - 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:8-10, 2:19-22, 2 Corinthians 4:4-7- numerous other passages)
Cain was indeed a murderer, David was a philanderer who also committed murder, Peter did deny Jesus- and there are a number of others in The Bible who disobeyed God. I don't know if we can say for sure about Cain- but both David and Peter repented. (see Psalms 51 for David's confession and repentance and John 21:15-25 for Peter's.)
To be clear though- God redeemed them- it's not a work of themselves. And yes, God definitely uses broken and fallen people- as we all are. The pastor made a bad choice and listened to music that is not edifying to him and disobeyed Philippians 4:8 and 1 Thessalonians 5:22- among other verses. (Psalms 5:9 says not a word from the mouth of the wicked can be trusted. Romans 14:8 says, "If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." Colossians 3:23 says to do everything we do with all our heart as working unto The Lord and not unto men. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says to do everything we do unto the glory of The Lord. It's hard to justify listening to music that is opposed to so much of God's Word as being unto God's glory.)
I don't have a problem with someone attending a rap concert. I don't have a problem with rap music- I like the musical genre myself just fine. I don't like all the lyrics- this is where I have an issue. The lyrics of the rappers that the pastor went to see use foul language and encourage sexual immorality as well as bad views of people in general. This is not good for the pastor to be thinking on and it's not a good example for the congregation or the rest of the world.
As I said before, I do think that the situation could have been handled better, (i.e. perhaps a little more grace could have been shown and the pastor could have been given a chance to repent and ask for accountability in this area.)- but some form of church discipline was definitely needed. It is a hard thing to do sometimes- especially since we must remember to get the plank out of our own eyes before trying to help get the speck out of our brother's eyes- but nonetheless, we are also commanded to warn our brothers and sisters in The Lord when we see such behavior that does not please God. Jesus Himself specifically talked about this in Matthew 18:15-20.
Also see Titus 3:9-11, James 5:19-20, 2 Thessalonians 3:13-15, Galatians 6:1 and numerous other passages.

Would you have had a problem if the pastor attended a Rick Springfield concert?