We start out with a new segment before diving into discussing the news about the frontman for Hawk Nelson leaving his idea of Christianity and the Supreme Court’s recent decision to continue restricting churches from meeting because they see them as entertainment.

Psalm 15

Cyberterrorists Hacked into Chick-fil-A’s Radio, Changing the CCM Muzak to Popular Secular Love Songs

Christian band responds to its lead singer saying he no longer believes in God

Supreme Court rejects challenge to limits on church services; Roberts sides with liberals

The Balm of Gilead podcast is a member of the Tech Reformation family of podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please share it with others. We enjoy hearing from you, so join us on our Discord and let us know what you’re thinking. If email is more your thing, write to us at thereis balmcast com. Thanks again and we’ll see you next time, Lord willing.

Psalm 14

Gilead Sciences – Open Letter from Chairman and CEO Daniel O’Day.

A church pays money, called royalties, to a song’s writer(s) through their CCLI license. The “Royalties Argument” says that a song’s author matters, despite a song’s content, as long as the song is not in the public domain. By singing Bethel, Elevation, and Hillsong music, a church is supporting their activities both through money and a tacit endorsement of the church and it’s teachings through the credit.

This Wretched YouTube video supplied much of our discussion: Why Your Church Shouldn’t Play Bethel or Hillsong Music.

The Bible has plenty of passages that describe the danger of false teachers. We discuss the following:

Voices, by Switchfoot

Voices, featuring Lindsey Stirling

The Balm of Gilead podcast is a member of the Tech Reformation family of podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please share it with others. We enjoy hearing from you, so join us on our Discord and let us know what you’re thinking. If email is more your thing, write to us at thereis balmcast com. Thanks again and we’ll see you next time, Lord willing.

Recently, Christian worship music leader Jeremy Riddle posted:

“I find myself increasingly troubled when I look at western Christian culture and see such a startling lack of representation or instruction on VITAL teachings in scripture; particularly the passages that warn and admonish.”

Bryan and Grant discuss why this is so significant and Jeremy Riddle’s theological background rooted in Bethel church and New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) theology. We discuss what NAR theology is, why it’s dangerous, and how to recognize it.

The Worship Song Song

Jeremy Riddle’s Facebook post from April 10.

He posted a follow up a few days later

Lindsay Davis-Knotts, former BSSM student who got out and was featured in the 3 part Cultish expose.

• Initial response
• A brief follow up a few days later

• All Music biography
• Jeremy’s teaching through Bethel.tv
• Latest album just came out, called Holy Ground. He has mentioned the album was a “2 year process” which is the same period of time he claims he has been on the long journey of repentance.

• NPR Interview of C. Peter Wagner
• IHOPKC has been listed as a NAR organization, however, they reject that classification in a carefully worded press center document.
• A Puritan Board Discussion that contains a link of a NAR “prophet” Heidi Baker.
• Pirate Christian blog post “The Six Hallmarks of a NAR Church.”

What words do people who follow NAR theology typically use? Below are a few terms that adherents to this theology (whether or not they claim to actually hold to that theology)

• Dominion
• Demon/Demonic
• Apostolic – they believe the leaders have apostolic gifts like healing and more
• Kingdom
• Destiny 
• Presence
• Glory
• Revival
• Unity 
• Global Awakening
• Global

• Forgiving sins at BSSM – claims that she has the ability to forgive sins
• Forgiveness that Leads to Joy – the speaker claims he had a vision where Jesus asked his forgiveness
• Holy Spirit like a sneaky blue genie (?) – Jenn Johnson describes how she associates the Holy Spirit with the genie from the cartoon Aladdin
• The glory cloud at Bethel – a video showing what Bethel believes is evidence of God’s presence.
• Why Your Church Shouldn’t Play Bethel or Hillsong Music – An episode of Wretched arguing that we ought not sing songs from either Bethel or Hillsong.

The Balm of Gilead podcast is a member of the Tech Reformation family of podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please share it with others. We enjoy hearing from you, so join us on our Discord and let us know what you’re thinking. If email is more your thing, write to us at thereis balmcast com. Thanks again and we’ll see you next time, Lord willing.

Psalm of the Week – Psalm 12

Starting things off, we briefly discuss two fairly popular songs and ask some questions of the lyrics.

You love me even when I fall apart

I can’t explain it

That’s just who you are

Don’t want perfection

You just want my heart

1 Peter 1:14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Leviticus 19:1 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.

Matthew 5:48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

When the days up ahead look a little bit brighter

But the grip of the past holds a little bit tighter

I’m reminded Your grace never asks for perfection

Oh I’m restored ’cause I’m Yours and I stand forgiven

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 

We also toss out a couple related links you may be interested in

• Bible Project Holiness and Leviticus WARNING: 2CV on one or both videos 
• Babylon Bee: Which Character Are You In The Story Of David And Goliath? Take The Quiz!

Two songs, head to head, but take two approaches to the resurrection story. Both are sensational, but only one is true.

At issue is the phrase “Our God has robbed the grave.” This is quite problematic and Bryan and Grant tackle it from a number of angles.

Links mentioned

• Steven Furtick coins the phrase
• Tim Challies responds
• God Broke Antinomianism for Love says Jared C. Wilson
• Is God a Law-Breaker? asks Todd Pruitt

Death was Arrested has a similar theme, but without calling God a sinner as in the other song.

This song is from North Point, pastored by Andy Stanley. Mr. Stanley has gotten himself in trouble before with phrases like “Unhitching Christianity from the Old Testament.” This gives us pause and we recall a fantastic, good-natured yet serious debate about if we can “unhitch” the OT from Christianity. It also, predictably, brings up a host of quality content from our favorite satire news source.

Shane and Shane – The Eagle Song

Spotify Playlist of songs mentioned in this episode. Song.Link to each song below for your favorite music service

• Through Your Eyes – Britt Nicole
• Even Then – Micah Tyler
• Resurrecting (Live) – Elevation Worship
• Death Was Arrested – North Point Worship

The Balm of Gilead podcast is a member of the Tech Reformation family of podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please share it with others. We enjoy hearing from you, so join us on our Discord and let us know what you’re thinking. If email is more your thing, write to us at thereis balmcast com. Thanks again and we’ll see you next time, Lord willing.

1 Chronicles 29:10-13

Your hosts discuss the second half of Type 2 songs (those that are fun to listen to and have Christian themes) that are too often thought of as Type 1 songs (Songs suitable for worship).

Song links to Song.link

• Fear Is a Liar
• You Got This
• Not Today
• Good Grace
• Hold Me
• We also briefly mention So Will I, Stand in Your Love, Raise a Hallelujah, and Up Again
• Check out the Spotify Playlist

• Worship Leader Under Investigation For Not Playing ‘Oceans.’ – The Babylon Bee
• The Lightest Form of Flogging Ep. 35 – Where Jim does 20 minutes of Martyn Lloyd Jones talking about Star Wars.
• Re: You Got This
  • Rom 8:28 https://relight.app/bible/Rom.8#V28
  • Jn 9 https://relight.app/bible/John.9#Vundefined
  • Gen 50 https://relight.app/bible/Gen.50#V20
• Re: Good Grace
  • Westminster Confession of Faith 2.1
• Mark Lowry – I love you. With both my kidneys (Yes we grew up in the 90’s)

Join us on Slack!

Send us an email: thereis (at) balmcast (dot) com

The Balm of Gilead podcast is a member of the Tech Reformation family of podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please share it with others. We enjoy hearing from you, so join us on our Discord and let us know what you’re thinking. If email is more your thing, write to us at thereis balmcast com. Thanks again and we’ll see you next time, Lord willing.

This is part 1 of a two part study of 12 Type 1 songs (that is usually sung in worship) that really ought to be more Type 2 (that is songs with Christian themes, but not suitable for worship).

Psalm 11

Fear is legitimate. There are real things that are reasonable to fear. Ultimately, we need not fear anything because God is sovereign, but we are fallen and we do fear. I plan on doing an episode on fear in the future, but I wanted to take some time and briefly talk about a real concern that is plaguing the world: the Coronavirus. We don’t know what is going to happen. We don’t know if we can protect ourselves or our loved ones from the virus, and we don’t know if we can realistically care for ourselves or our loved ones if or when we do get the virus. This is especially true for the immunocompromised. I want to say this now, because I don’t want to downplay or illegitimize real fears. I want to empathize with our brothers and sisters paralyzed by fear and I want to remind them of the words from Psalm 56:3 “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” God is in control, and we are not. No amount of social distancing will guarantee that we will stay healthy or survive any illness. God knows our days and works everything out for our god if we are his.

• Oceans by Hillsong UNITED
• Reckless Love by Cory Asbury (Bethel Worship)
  • See Bryan’s article.
• No Longer Slaves by Bethel Worship
  • Romans 6:15-23
  • Galatians 4:1-7
  • YouTube of Live performance
• In Christ Alone with “Apocryphal” Bridge by Kristian Stanfill

Babylon Bee: K-Wrath

Join us on Slack! https://slack.techreformation.com

Playlist

The Balm of Gilead podcast is a member of the Tech Reformation family of podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please share it with others. We enjoy hearing from you, so join us on our Discord and let us know what you’re thinking. If email is more your thing, write to us at thereis balmcast com. Thanks again and we’ll see you next time, Lord willing.

Psalm 10

This week, your hosts open by talking about the top 10 streamed Christian songs that Spotify put out a little bit ago. Then we dive into our main topic—discussing how Jesus is Prophet, Priest, and King. To show this, we read a lot of Scripture.

1. “You Say” – Lauren Daigle
2. “Reckless Love” – Cory Asbury
3. “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” – Hillsong UNITED
4. “O Come to the Altar (Live)” – Elevation Worship
5. “So Will I (100 Billion X)” – Hillsong UNITED
6. “Rescue” – Lauren Daigle
7. “Who You Say I Am – Live” – Hillsong Worship
8. “Look Up Child” – Lauren Daigle
9. “Do It Again” – Elevation Worship
10. “Whole Heart (Hold Me Now) – Live” – Hillsong UNITED
    

• John 1:1-5
• Hebrews 1:1-4
• Matthew 5:17-20
• Matthew 13:10-17

• Psalm 2:6-7
• Matthew 3:16-17
• Matthew 17:5-6
• Matthew 28:18
• Philippians 2:4-11

• 1 Samuel 13:8-14
• Genesis 14:18-20
• Psalm 110:4
• Hebrews 5:7-10
• Matthew 22:41-46
• John 17:1-5

• Isaiah 53:3-6
• Mark 15:24-32

• John 15:12-17
• Proverbs 18:24

Email us at thereis balmcast com

Join us on Slack!

The Balm of Gilead podcast is a member of the Tech Reformation family of podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please share it with others. We enjoy hearing from you, so join us on our Discord and let us know what you’re thinking. If email is more your thing, write to us at thereis balmcast com. Thanks again and we’ll see you next time, Lord willing.

Psalm 9

Songs, generally, should say the word “sin.” If it doesn’t it should at least talk about sin in Biblical terminology. If you don’t acknowledge sin, it leaves out the reason for the gospel. While more songs should talk about sin, not every one needs to.

Without acknowledging sin, we cannot worship.

Quote from C.J. Mahaney (who quotes John Stott), used by Shai Linne at the end of his song “Were You There” on his album “The Atonement”.

“‘Were you there when they crucified my Lord,’ the old negro spiritual asks. And we must answer, ‘Yes, we were there, not as spectators only, but as participants, guilty participants, plotting, scheming, betraying, denying, and handing him over to be crucified.’ We may try to wash our hands of responsibility like Pilate, but our attempt would be futile. ‘Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us, [leading us to faith and worship], we have to see it as something done by us, [leading us to repentance]’ (John Stott, added commentary by Mahaney). Only the man or woman who is prepared to own his share in the guilt of the cross may claim his share in its grace” (formatting Bryan’s for clarity).

A Sinner Forgiven – Luke 7:36-50
Isaiah’s Vision – Isaiah 6:1-7
Laws for Sin Offerings – Leviticus 4
Jesus, the Great High Priest – Hebrews 5

Psallos’ album “Hebrews”

Shai Linne’s album “The Atonement”

Paul Washer’s classic sermon

Babylon Bee: Scheduling Error Causes Paul Washer To Preach At Lakewood Church; Thousands Dead

The Bible Project’s Read Scripture video on Leviticus

Fiction Family 

Shine

Bryan and Grant start by reviewing two collaborations that pair artists that are a bit off with those who are ?

• Nobody by Casting Crowns ft Matthew West
• Echo by Elevation Worship ft Tauren Wells
  

• Singing is holistic
  • singing takes mental effort
  • singing takes physical effort
  • singing takes creative effort
  • singing takes emotional effort

• Exodus 15 – song after Red Sea crossing
• Deut 32 – entering promised land
• 2 Sam 6 – return of the Ark
• 1 Chron 15 – instituting tabernacle musicians
• 1 Chron 29 – dedication of the temple
• Isaiah 6 – temple throne room
• 2 Chron 29 – rededication of the temple
• Ezra 3 – rebuilding of the temple
• Rev 5 – heavenly throne room
• Zeph 3:17 – God sings over us.

Email us at thereis balmcast com

Join us on Slack!

The Balm of Gilead podcast is a member of the Tech Reformation family of podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please share it with others. We enjoy hearing from you, so join us on our Discord and let us know what you’re thinking. If email is more your thing, write to us at thereis balmcast com. Thanks again and we’ll see you next time, Lord willing.

• KJV Song 5:4 and direct translation.
• Psalm 119:11
• Deuteronomy 6:5
• Mark 12:30

• The Shema – Deuteronomy 6
• The Greatest Commandment – Mark 12
• The Woman at the Well – John 4
• Living Sacrifices – Romans 12

We can worship God with our thoughts, with our deeds, with our attitudes, and with our devotion.  There is a complex overlapping of these vehicles (much like the overlapping of red, green, and blue light to create all possible colors of light). All worship practices originate from heart, soul, mind, and strength. 

However, when any of these vehicles is used intentionally much more than the others, it will lead toward unhealthy worship practices.

The view that God’s love for us is of utmost importance. The idea that we should primarily focus on what God has done for me. Valuing declared love over true obedience.

The view that feelings are of utmost importance. The idea that we should primarily focus on achieving a closeness to God. Valuing personal experience over actual spiritual growth.

The view that action is of utmost importance. The idea that we should primarily focus on our work for God. Valuing the letter of the law over the spirit of the law.

The view that knowledge is of utmost importance. The idea that we should primarily focus on learning and understanding God. Valuing knowing about God over knowing God.

All four of these views of worship are idolatrous and worship the vehicle rather than use the vehicle to worship God.  However, when God remains the focus of worship, while the worshipper may be inclined toward one vehicle, he will be drawn to seek God through the others as well.

• Join the conversation on Slack! http://slack.techreformation.com
• The Lightest Form of Flogging – Translation episode
• Mark Lowry – Seat of the Emotions
• The Bible Project – The Shema
• Praise Songs about Love
• Babylon Bee – Power Of God Waits In Church Foyer Until Chorus Of ‘Holy Spirit’
• The Heidelblog – Your Honor, The Prosecution Rests

The Balm of Gilead podcast is a member of the Tech Reformation family of podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please share it with others. We enjoy hearing from you, so join us on our Discord and let us know what you’re thinking. If email is more your thing, write to us at thereis balmcast com. Thanks again and we’ll see you next time, Lord willing.