THE ART OF CULTURE BY SCHUYLER ELLIOT
Guest Writer:
By Schuyler Elliot
“Culture is all around us, it’s intangible; you can feel it, you can smell it, and you can hear it. Culture is the ultimate influencer that drives our motives, intentions, and actions as a society. It’s who we are, what we do, and where we belong. Our world and society are both built on different cultures from our heritage and ethnic backgrounds, but there is also a social culture that drives our motives, our way of life, how we do things, and what we value.
Culture is a beautiful concept when used to set the tone for a positive environment that produces harmony, change, and, ultimately, a culture that serves our Lord. Our universe was created by a God who loves culture, the culture to live in freedom, to serve those around us, and to ultimately worship Him.
But what happens when the power to control “culture” is in the hands of the wrong individuals and leaders? Chaos? Fear? A fallen society? We currently live in a lost society where every individual is searching for identity at every corner, forgetting the fact that we have already been given an identity, an identity with purpose, drive, contentment, and excitement.
We constantly speak of a culture that has gone “downhill,” a generation that is “lost.” But what we fail to realize is that the wholesome culture we once knew is still there, but we are the ones who have walked away from the lives we were created to live. A culture of unity, identity, power, love, and integrity. Not a culture of confusion, isolation, devastation, and separation.
It was us. No one forced us to change our ways, our habits, or our mindset; we did it on our own because we thought a world without Christ was better than a world that relied on a Savior who came to save us all. We took His light for granted and exchanged it for our own darkness.
We see that our culture has destroyed principles that were created to keep us following after Christ and allow us to truly live a life of freedom and abundance. Free from the chains that weigh us down through our own daily struggles and battles. We forget that our war has already been won.
We have been manipulated into thinking that “our way” is the best way to live; we have failed to open our eyes and see that the decline in our own society and community isn’t anyone’s fault but our own. We have failed to see that we are to blame. We hold the power to kill the culture that the world has enforced on us. Not only do we have the power to kill it, but we are called to; it’s our mission because we are called to answer and join the great commission.
Most of us live in fear, afraid to ruffle feathers when deciding to speak up, but it’s because most of us have gotten too comfortable with silence. After all, we have been beaten into submission by way of silence. For things to change, it all starts with us realizing that war is inevitable for a society that is at odds.
Culture is an art that we have the power to control, we have the authority to set the tone of our society in an attempt to get us closer to the lives we were created to live, but it starts with the change within ourselves first.”
Take a peek at my interview with Schuyler Elliot as we dive into “Killing the Culture” Tap the link below!
Host of “The Kill Culture Podcast” Streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube.
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But Know that there is …..
-Someone Greater-
Written by: Unknown
There’s a battle happening all around us—a battle for your heart, your mind, and your soul. A battle that’s not only physical but also spiritual. A battle with literal enemies who impact the seen and unseen world.
John wrote:
“But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”
1 John 4:4 NLT
Yes, we are in a real battle.
Yes, we have a real enemy.
Yes, the kingdom of darkness is constantly fighting against the kingdom of light.
But for those who are trusting in the finished work of Christ, greater is the One living inside of us than the one who is living in this world.
We have a real Savior.
This story isn’t close to being over.
The kingdom of darkness will never prevail against the kingdom of light.
Our enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. To pervert, manipulate, confuse, distract, divide, and disable.
But God is greater than the doubts that clutter your mind, the enemies that frustrate your plans, and the heart-wrenching and even soul-crushing situation that’s currently consuming your thoughts.
You can fight from a place of victory because the battle has already been won.
Jesus has already conquered death. And now, while we wait for others to come to salvation and for God to bring all things to completion under Christ’s authority, we can fight with confident hope.
There’s a real battle happening all around us—a battle for your heart, for your mind, and for your soul. But greater is the One living inside of you than the one who is living in this world.
6 Reasons Why Worship for the Believer is so important
WHY WORSHIP?
By Sonya Camille
It’s interesting to be as old as I am and having to admit that I knew very little about worship, but it’s true. I grew up in a Christian home and went to a Christian school most of my life, and sadly, I have to admit that I knew nothing about true worship until recently. While in college, I would witness students or staff lift their hands in worship during certain songs, and because of my upbringing, I automatically assumed they were one of “those” Christians. You know, the Holy-roller, show-boater type of carnal Christian that my church often talked about. I grew up in a highly legalistic Baptist church. Don’t get me wrong; I appreciate the Biblical knowledge acquired and the family-like relationships; however, the time spent unlearning most of the extreme legalism, self-righteousness, condemnation of others, and other nonsense honestly took time and tears. I find it amazing to see many church leaders from my childhood practicing, participating in, or condoning many things that were once frowned upon. The double standards are too many to list, and certainly nothing I care to discuss. But I am well aware that they exist-and, I certainly remember them all.
So my church was one that the founding pastor proudly stated on many occasions that he came from a pentecostal background, and he wanted nothing to do with that. That said, he swung the pendulum in the opposite direction, making even saying amen above a whisper feel as if it were almost a sin. It was quiet. Leaders often mocked, saying don’t lift your hands unless they are clean, which, of course, made everyone self-conscious to do so as not to appear holier than thou, so to speak. But then, who honestly wanted to do anything but quickly sit down after about the third stanza of “how firm a foundation.” The hymns are good songs, mind you, but songs that referenced Jesus but not true worship songs, so you didn’t want to do anything but hurry and get through them so you could quickly sit down. You stood, you sang quietly, and without any thought or emotion, you then sat down. This was how it was-zero connection between the words sung and my appreciative heart that was forever changed as a result of what Christ did for me. That thought alone should have caused at least one person to belt out a “hallelujah” or a “Thank you, Lord.” but it didn’t. And if someone were to say anything, the quick head turns, and hard looks would likely make them never want to do or say that again. Ice-cold Sunday singing that no one really wanted to participate in. No one, that is, except for a few rather zealous older saints or the one pre-selected leader that was in front leading the song from the pulpit. The song leader, well, he did try to liven things up a bit but usually to no avail. That, my friends, is pretty much how I remember it. Perhaps that’s why I liked hearing the choir sing so much-more feeling and more connectivity. Anyway, I do believe some may have wanted to attempt to worship freely, but it was the unspoken, frowned upon that kept most from saying a word, so they didn’t.
Instruments were frowned upon in my church but playing a song on the soundtrack, which had instruments, was permissible. So you sang a hymn. Then another hymn then, sat down to hear a message, and then went home. That was church. Even contemporary Christian music was not highly regarded. I remember, as a young girl overhearing a group talking after church, condemning Sandi Patti for the pants outfit she wore on the cover of her album. Or Andre Crouch for sporting his afro on his album cover and for having the second button on his dress shirt unbuttoned. I kid you not; I’m not making this up. It was condemnation after condemnation. If someone became sick, it was said that it was because of sin or past sins in their lives. If someone passed away, a parent, a spouse, or a child, people were told that God was trying to get their attention for some wrong they did. All of this was, of course, until the said leaders started to experience death, sickness, or hardship; then, the narrative changed quickly. As you can imagine, this all had a huge impact on my ability to worship.
It wasn’t until I heard the most impactful message on worship from my current pastor that the light bulb, for the first time, went off. I got it for the first time, which literally brought me to tears! It helped that my church during worship isn’t fully illuminated- which I absolutely love. No one is looking around, so I felt protected. I felt less judged and oddly protected in the darkness, with only the stage where the musicians and worship team stood being lit. No eyes on me or others, and for the first time, I felt free to worship without fear of condemning eyes looking at me. It also helped that I was new to this church. I was in a state of, shall I say, needing much healing due to extreme brokenness as a result of losing my sweet, Godly mama. My heart was broken, and I wasn’t in a good place at all. I needed a Word or two or maybe three from the Lord. So I sat in the back. My adult children were off doing their own things, and I was content not knowing a soul and sitting in the darkness by myself with my Lord. Most Sundays during worship, I lifted my hands and cried, and no one saw me, so I felt safe. Songs like I speak Jesus by Charity Gayle (see link below), All Hail King Jesus by Bethel Music & Bethany Wohrle, Champion by Brandon lake, Same God by Elevation Worship, Give me Jesus by Upperroom, Christ be Magnified by Cody Carnes and House of Miracles by Brandon lake were just a few of the worship songs that my church worship team sang. In my heart, I cried out to my creator for help-I needed it. I cried because I so desperately want to be closer to him, and I needed to feel his presence. I lifted my hands and sang along with the worship team, reading every word on the screen, even if I knew the words. Singing to the Savior of the world who loves me and was holding me at one of the lowest moments of my life. I lifted my hands, I sang as loudly as possible, or sometimes I couldn’t sing at all and could only lift my hands as tears rolled down my cheeks. I worshiped the God of my salvation and the lover of my soul. And for the first time in my life, the chains fell off, and I was free to Worship my Creator in Spirit and in Truth.
So, my friends, that’s my background. Or at least a part of it as it pertains to this post on worship. I thought I would kick off the new year with this post. Why? Because it all starts with Jesus! And you can not talk to Jesus, walk with Jesus, or ask for blessings in this new year unless you first give God what He desires and deserves- your total praise and your worship!
I am convinced that you can not live the life God desires for you to live until you learn to worship God freely without inhibitions. Until you learn the why, as I did (shout out to my current pastor), you likely will continue to be chained by your past thoughts on worship or your personal inhibitions relative to worship. If you, for just a few moments, closed your eyes, lifted your hands in surrender to God, and sing to him as if it were just you and he in the room alone, it will change your relationship with God in the most amazing way imaginable. Listen, worship isn’t foolishness, wild acts, or confusion. Worship isn’t attention-seeking. It is the most intimate moment between you and your God. It’s now almost two years since my mom’s transition to heaven and one year after hearing the most powerful and impactful message on worship, and although not completely healed, I am healing and in a much better place than I was a year ago. Healing is a process, and the journey is different for each person. I do feel like my heart can smile again. I am excited to serve again, and my worship is one of gratitude and thanksgiving to the One who both saved my soul and made me whole. My friends, He is worthy!
6 Reasons Why Worship for the Believer is so important
1. WORSHIP GOD BECAUSE OF WHO HE IS.
God is the Creator of the universe! He is the beginning and the end. We worship Him because of who He is. He is God the creator who has revealed Himself in both science and history, and the two subjects are intertwined. He is the omnipotent Creator and Redeemer of mankind. He is God the Trinity; God is one Being in three Persons-the Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and God The Holy Spirit). God is Love. God is the eternal, supreme being who created and preserves all things. God is worthy of our worship!
2. WORSHIP GOD BECAUSE OF EVERYTHING HE HAS DONE FOR US.
God created mankind, the earth, and its inhabitants; therefore, we worship Him.
We also worship God because if by faith, you accept Christ into your hearts as Lord and Savior, if you confess with your mouth that you are a sinner, that you believe that Jesus is Lord and that God sent him to earth to die on the cross for your sins, was buried and rose again on the third day, according to scripture; then, by faith, you are saved. God sent Jesus to die on our behalf so we might be free from sin.
3. WORSHIP GOD BECAUSE HE COMMANDS US TO WORSHIP HIM.
In John 4, We are told in scripture that God is seeking true worshipers and that those who worship God must do so in both spirit and in truth.
4. WORSHIP GOD TO BLESS GOD AND HONOR HIM.
We do not worship just because we enjoy the emotion or sensation of doing so. Worship makes us feel good, but that is not to be our primary motivation for worshiping God. We worship God because He desires us to do so. It pleases God when we worship him.
We are beneficiaries of worship, but that shouldn’t be our primary motivation to worship. Our motivation to worship should be greater than that. True worship is never self-serving or self-centered.
Remember, Worship. Is not primarily for us. Certainly, we benefit from it, but worship is, first and foremost, a selfless act of reverential love toward the Almighty God.
5. WORSHIP GOD BECAUSE WE LOVE HIM.
When our relationship with God means much to us, we worship Him wholeheartedly. We will desire to worship him in complete adoration, exaltation, and appreciation. Because we love him, it will be impossible to hide our feelings for him, and as we fall deeper in love with him and have a closer walk with him, worship will be part of our daily interaction with the God we love and serve.
6. WORSHIP GOD TO DRAW NEAR TO HIM.
When we worship God with music, we find God’s presence.
In Psalm 100, we are taught to come into God’s presence with songs of joy and to enter His gates with thanksgiving, praise, and rejoicing. We are told here to be thankful and to bless His name as we enter his courts.
God becomes enthroned by our praises. Psalm 22 says that God is holy and that He sits enthroned upon the praises of Israel and that He inhabits the praise of his people. He desires our praise, and when we praise, God comes. James 4:8 says Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. God is worthy to be worshiped!
My thoughts:
Friends, God seeks to have His way in literally every area and every aspect of our lives. This isn’t to strip us of our free will, nor is His desire to directly control our actions as if we have no free will; but when we yield our will to His, He has the freedom to work in us in ways we could never imagine.
The Holy Spirit lives in our hearts when we become believers, and His power is shown in our thoughts, actions, and in our interactions. The most amazing part of this is recognizing and knowing that our great God steps right into our worship and that He magnifies Himself through it. So, the next time you are singing in church, the next time you are praying with a friend or family member, or even the next time you feel the call of God to do something with your life, know that your God will literally step right into your worship and work His amazing power through it. Friends, remember this, while you are worshiping your God, the amazing presence of God the Almighty will inhabit your heart and shine through in your worship. That is pretty incredible! Follow the link below to one of my favorite worship songs.
WORSHIP IS:
-Worship is ESSENTIAL to spiritual survival
-Worship is a NECESSARY PRELUDE in the preparation of our hearts to receive God’s
Word.
-Worship is REQUIRED-it is required before entering the presence of God in prayer.
-Worship is PERSONAL- it is a time of personal self-reflection in the act of complete
surrender to God.
-Worship is POSITIONAL- it is reverential.
-Worship is SUPERNATURAL- it is a supernatural communication between God and man.
-Worship is an act of DISCIPLINE-it is a time to block out all distractions and focus solely on
the awesomeness of God.
-Worship is INTIMATE- A time of personal one-on-one time with the Almighty God in the
most vulnerable way imaginable.
-Worship is an EXPRESSION OF LOVE & OBEDIENCE- it shows that you are willing to set
aside everything in your life that is not in alignment with God in
acknowledgment that God is above everything in your life. It is an act of complete humility in surrendering your will to God.
-Worship is an ACT OF SURRENDER- an act of reverential surrender to God. Raised
hands, bowed head, or falling to your knees during worship
signifies complete and utter submission. Worship is an act of
total surrender to the Most High God.
-Worship is AN ACT OF LOVE- an act of showing and receiving love from God
-Worship is ESSENTIAL TO LIFE
Psalm 100
-Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
-Serve the Lord with gladness: COME BEFORE HIS PRESENCE WITH SINGING.
-Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
–ENTER INTO HIS GATES WITH THANKSGIVING, AND INTO HIS COURTS WITH PRAISE: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
-For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting, and his truth endureth to all generations.
*****
My prayer is that as you draw closer to God, you will become completely free, as a true worshiper, to worship the God that you love in spirit and in truth. He desires your total praise. He is worthy!
