The Celebrity Everyone Likes but Nobody Loves Part 2

So why do I say that nobody loves the celebrity who I was referring to in part one? Because I don’t think anyone is telling him the truth about how his artistry has deteriorated morally. Now I can’t be sure of it, but I think that if someone features you in their pulpit, has you on their Christian Television show, attends your studio opening, then they are pretty much sanctioning your work.

Years ago, healing Evangelist Kathryn Khulman got involved with a married man when she was in the ministry. This man divorced his wife and married Kathryn. I read about this story in her book. Well what happened back then, would never happen now. No churches would receive her and her ministry and she ended up getting out of that adulterous marriage because no one would allow her in their pulpit. After that, her ministry soared. The ministry she is known for happened after her fall. But today, you can claim Christianity and live any kind of lifestyle and you will be featured and celebrated as long as you are financially successful.

I can’t be sure of it, but I think the reason why no one will take a stand against this man’s compromising artistry is that he is probably writing some big checks. I know that he did write a large check for Joel Osteen’s church. And sadly today’s church is ruled by the mentally that if we mention something is wrong, then you are judging. How tragic!

I started out watching some of this man’s TV shows and then for a year or two, I didn’t have cable. Later when I got cable again, I went to watch the shows and I couldn’t. I noticed the cursing and explicit heterosexual and homosexual loves scenes and I just couldn’t watch anymore. A few times I tried to give his shows a chance, it was like an assault on the eyes. I know it’s because I am very careful about what I watch, so some people would not have this reaction. My spirit was grieved and I was so saddened by the blatant moral decline.

So I have seen this argument online: The Bible deals with sex, violence, etc, so the shows are no different. But here is the difference. When you show debauchery it has an effect on your spirit. There is a big difference between reading about something in general and watching an explicit depiction of it. It’s no different from pornography. It corrupts the soul and the spirit.

²⁸ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Matthew 5:28 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁵ Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Colossians 3:5 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁹ Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, ¹⁰ nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. ¹¹ And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Corinthians 6:9-11 English Standard Version (ESV)

So what is the problem? The problem is this man’s artistry has gone from edifying to corrupting. And even though he is very popular, nobody is saying anything. And don’t give me that “but he’s successful:”. Porn Hub has 95 million views per day. Pretty successful right? Also pretty corrupting.

Listen, if you don’t attend church, you drink, party, cuss, fornicate and live with your girlfriend, you’re NOT in the faith. It’s no big mystery.

A Tree and Its Fruit

¹⁵ “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. ¹⁶ You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. Matthew 7:15-20 English Standard Version (ESV)

2 Corinthians 13:5 King James Version (KJV)

⁵ Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

I know this sounds harsh, but when you care for people, you tell them the truth even if it hurts. God is not going to allow this to continue, especially when the person creating this stuff claims to be of the Lord. A storm is coming to get this brother back on track and in my next post I will share what I see. Meanwhile, pray for this brother, whether you know who I am referring to or not.