23,257

Nov 1, 2007

3 hours ago

76

United States

Reverend

Southern New Hampshire University, University of Toledo, Strayer University, and Franklin University.

God, Jesus Christ, Love (of God and people), Family, Eschatology , Biblical Prophecy, the Environment (See Revelation 11:18 as to why), Education, Teaching, Writing, History (especially ancient), Solar Energy & other Alternative Energy Resources, Building Design (clean energy & energy efficiency), Music, Languages (ancient as relative to biblical studies and some foreign languages including French, Italian, & Spanish), Information Technology, International Relations, Humanities Studies, and others that are relative to my faith, life, and purposes.

Documentaries; The Notebook

My musical interests include Classical Piano, Classical Music, Opera, Smooth Jazz, Inspirational Songs, Songs of Love & Life (various styles including Country & Western), and Worship Music. I am not a fan of all music labeled "Gospel" because doctrinal accuracy is important to me with regard to lyrics; most spiritual songs today miss the mark. Since music and song convey messages, it is of the utmost importance that writers of Gospel music understand their subject matter because they are ministering "doctrine" of the faith with their lyrics. Since worship is sacred, the music (compositions or arrangements) should also be reverent in manner and style (ref. reverence - Psalm 2:11), not sexually seductive nor other manners of style that not only distract from the message of the Gospel or convey behavior not becoming of saints who represent Christ as they minister the Gospel. Since Gospel music is an extension of Christian Ministry, it should not be for sale (made merchandise) as the Gospel itself is freely given (ref. Matthew 10:8) because to sell it is to open the door for compromise of the message and one's ministry. When an artist has to choose between sharing their message with the people and withholding it due to costs or legalities, there is a serious problem. One either ministers for Christ, profit, and/or a business notwithstanding that those who have a message (calling on their lives) will reach people no matter what the restraints because of a true fire burning within for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God. "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (riches)" -Matthew 6:24. The same is true regarding preaching the Gospel. It is very clear that it is the responsibility of the Church (corporate Body of Christ) to support ministers of music (ref. I Timothy 5:18) in administration as they would other ministers so that musicians and singers can give their gifts and themselves wholly and without compromise in their service to Christ and the members of His Body, the Church (ref. Nehemiah 13:10; I Chronicles 9:33). Nonetheless, I do realize that due to the lack of consistent and substantial support, many Gospel artists must sell their music and sign with recording labels in order to both live and give themselves wholly to the ministry. Whether they do it for personal objectives or for the Kingdom is a matter between God and them because we all must give account of ourselves to God (Romans 14:12) who looks at our hearts (motives). Unlike any other occupation, ministry is not for sale which is why it is deemed "non-profit".

The Holy Bible (KJV); Strong's Concordance; and The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power by Joel Bakan.