What Rev Greer says in this video clip is very true. Any attempt to introduce ‘modern, jazzed up music’ or ‘Contemporary Christian Music’ MUST indeed be opposed and stopped.
Rev John Greer, Clerk of Presbytery, preaching at the ordination and installation of his son, Stephen, as minister of Coleraine Free Presbyterian Church, 4th December 2024.
How?
But how is that to be done? There seems to be a great reluctance on the part of some senior Free Presbyterian ministers to recognise this evil and speak out against the very evident introduction of CCM that has already taken place. Its introduction is not merely a possibility to be opposed but a tragic thing that has already happened.
There have been public denunciations of CCM and the threat which it poses to traditionally scriptural worship. It has been stated on numerous occasions that any attempt to introduce it must be condemned. However, when evidence is produced that CCM is ALREADY within the ranks of Free Presbyterian congregations, the response is not concern and alarm, but rather abuse directed at the one producing the evidence!
The type of music which Rev. Greer objects to IS ALREADY IN THE DENOMINATION!
A look at a number of congregational websites will show that to be so. But despite many warning articles being published, no action has been taken by our Presbytery oversight. Action should have been taken by it since, as Rev Greer states, such a sin must be resisted.
So what is to be done?
One response would be to compile some examples of the music which Rev. Greer objects to, actually being used in Free Presbyterian congregations, and then publish it in a video as a means of exposing just how this infiltration has taken place.
If one were to do that, however, he may be accused by some, who ought to know better, of violating the command of Christ in Matthew 18:15. “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.”
Baseless
Of course, such an accusation is baseless. We do not transgress this commandment when we rebuke openly broadcast, public sin, such as the introducing that which Rev. Greer rightly says must be opposed.
It is very wrong to openly boast on a church website of a congregation’s use of CCM and thus encourage others to follow you in this folly! Such a PUBLIC sin is to be rebuked PUBLICLY!
Matthew 18:15 is JUST about a private offence caused by a brother. That matter is to be PRIVATELY dealt with between the one offended and the offender. If the offender will not accept that he has transgressed ONLY THEN does it becomes a PUBLIC matter.
The introduction of CCM into Free Presbyterian Church congregations is not a PRIVATE matter between two brethren but a very PUBLC matter between the offenders and the members of the Free Presbyterian Church, as Rev Greer made clear!
When such public transgressions take place then it is to be PUBLICLY rebuked.
This was the practice of the Lord Jesus. Consider the case of Peter in Matthew 16:23. “But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”
That rebuke of Peter took place in the presence of the other apostles.
It was this very practice and pattern of protest against sin that the apostles urged upon first century Christian ministers. Paul urged this upon Timothy. “Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear,” 1 Timothy 5:20.
No matter how careful one is to avoid saying anything improper, and to merely let a clear demonstration of the public evidence, posted online by the offenders themselves, demonstrate that this vile music has in fact permeated the Free Presbyterian Church, one may still find himself charged with sin.
If he then fails to apologise for doing that which God’s Word urges to be done in order to reverse the introduction of that which is wrong, more serious discipline may follow!
One may be even deposed and cast out as a miscreant!
But that has often been that case in the history of God’s work. Faithful prophets were mocked, mistreated, abused and even killed by those to whom they preached God’s Word out of hearts burdened with a love for the honour of the Lord and the souls of those deceived and misled.
So, I ask again, what is be done in order to obey Rev Greer’s exhortation? It is clear that wicked music has already been introduced to some of our congregations and young people are being swept away into worldliness by it.
Should the concerned, faithful Christian act, no matter what may be the consequences, or simply ignore what is happening and make pious-sounding empty declarations of intent, while the evil is blatantly taking place?
I know what I believe the Lord would have His faithful servants do in such a case. The actions of Rev David DiCanio is absolutely in keeping with my understanding of the will of God as set forth in Holy Scripture!
May I suggest a look at my article: The duty of pastors, past, present and future!
Sincerely in the Saviour’s name,
Rev Ivan Foster (Rtd)
Friday 13th December 2024