Don’t Go To Your Church

 June 10th, 2009

Don’t go to your church if one of these three things are present:

- The sermons don’t include scripture.   What MUST be in it is sound “walking through the text” understanding the authorial intent of the author and making it applicable to the people.  Expositional proclamation of the Biblical Text

-They preach that they are the messenger. Wrong!  Christ is the messenger.  Don’t be deceived by preachers who put themselves where Christ should be.

-That YOU are the main agenda.  Wrong again!  Christ is the main agenda.

1 John 4

Test the Spirits

1Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

4You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

2 Timothy 4

Preach the Word

1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Selah!

Tags: church

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42 Responses to “Don’t Go To Your Church”

  1. Hero

    June 11th, 2009 at 7:59 am

    Hey jeff,
    very important. thanks.
    -H

  2. tmac

    June 11th, 2009 at 3:31 pm

    Amen it’s all about Jesus - not our agenda. Would you expound a little on the “messenger” point?

  3. Rick Brown

    June 12th, 2009 at 7:13 pm

    My daughter has been greatly blessed by your music. This past weekend her youth group was in South Carolina and had the opportunity to listen to you in concert. My daughter was unable to go, as our family was out of traveling out of state. Furtunately, we will be near Orange Beach, AL on June 25th and could attend your concert. It would mean a GREAT deat to her. I’ve tried to get tickets through your site, but have not been successful. WILL YOU PLEASE EMAIL ME, TELLING ME HOW TO GET TICKETS FOR ORANGE BEACH? yOU ARE ALSO WELCOME TO CALL. MY CELL IS 478-719-2041. I really appreciate your help!! Rick

  4. Aaron

    June 13th, 2009 at 7:55 am

    Hey Jeff, great post. I have been to churches in America that have gone weeks without quoting a scripture. They put a main text on the screen and may read parts of it. This is a great point that you bring up. I think if we tested the spirits more often then our ‘the church’ would thriving and Christ would be preached and she might be something that people might want to be apart of.

    keep up the great ministry.

    blessings.

  5. Carol

    June 13th, 2009 at 9:15 pm

    I agree with the first and third reasons. But…What exactly do you mean by “they” are not the messenger?

    The Church (universal) would be those of the body of Christ. And “He has appointed some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers…” See Rom. 12:6-8, 1 Cor. 12:8-10, 28-30; Eph. 4:11, 1 Peter 4:9-11. We ARE Christ’s messengers, but we are NOT the message…He is!

  6. kim

    June 14th, 2009 at 8:02 pm

    thank you so much for the warning! i’m going to keep a look out for false prophets. and also, it was great seeing you guys at getaway this past week! i miss it already, and you’re right, coming home is hard, but hey, people need Jesus here too!! thanks again, and i’ll be seeing you again at atlantafest!

  7. Tammy Finney

    June 15th, 2009 at 10:58 pm

    I had a chance to listen to you guys in Mpls. Awesome concert but most important I enjoyed the ministry you put out there to the youth that day. Music needs to fill them with Christ and His love for them. Not secular music that fills their heads with the words of darkness. I thank Christ for the work He is doing through you guys.

  8. Dave

    June 16th, 2009 at 7:15 am

    “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching”

    Looking at this passage, the last part really leaped out at me. It really show the temperance we need to embrace when we outreach. It brought about another set of lyrics….

    “When I talk about God’s love, hold me back now, stop me if I start to preach
    ‘Cause I don’t want to be the one, to push you out of reach” - Jaci Velasquez

    Sew the words, but don’t expect or force the harvest. To me, God has always seemed to have His own timing.

    Be there, share the word, but don’t push the Lost out of reach. Be water and trust in God that the seeds will take root and grow. Pray for a bountiful harvest!

  9. Breanna

    June 16th, 2009 at 11:26 am

    Hey Jeff, i want to start off by saying i love the band. And i want to thank you for the journal. It really spoke to me. Thanks once again.

  10. David

    June 17th, 2009 at 10:48 am

    So very true! We shouldn’t be the main focus. God should be.

    When we read through the bible we see that its about us. Gen 1- We look and see that there is a new world, light darkness, and humans were created. Look at WHAT GOD DID. We shouldn’t be the focus! God should be. God is so powerful. So detailed. So Inricate in his desing. HE is SOOO amazing. And we don’t look at that when we read the bible?? WE as people are not the focus. GOD IS!

  11. Eliud

    June 22nd, 2009 at 10:16 pm

    John 3:30
    30He must increase, but I must decrease.

    It is about Him.

    Thank you for your music and letting yourself be made usable in His hands.

  12. Elizabeth

    June 24th, 2009 at 12:20 am

    Hey God Bless You guys for being willing to post this. This kind of warning is SOOOO needed! It’s not for sure, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the times we live in witness the “great falling away”. Too many people don’t get the true gospel that Christ died to save us and the only way we get saved is to repent and follow Christ. People always say to preach the gospel and when necessary use words, but I feel like when you take words out, the doctrine becomes unclear, and if the doctrine isn’t clear, then how do you know you aren’t believing “another gospel” (2 Cor. 11:3-4)? Pay attention to this, people. Examine yourself to see if you are in the faith(2 cor. 13:5). Don’t be pushy, obviously, but be clear, and make sure your church is being clear or you will be in danger yourself. Thanks again 10th ave for telling Truth.

  13. Danelle McNew

    June 24th, 2009 at 9:57 am

    well said Jeff. There are too many preachers with agendas of their own.

  14. Scot c StClair

    June 24th, 2009 at 6:44 pm

    Bros, Thanks for being submissive to Jesus and being used by Him for His word! Also beware of wolves preaching and teaching what is contrary to God’s word in the name of the Holy Spirit, saying that He has spoken giving new meaning to old and proven doctrine. If it has been proven time and time again (2K+years) it is tried and true. We are indeed in the last days, as prophecy proves. I think Jesus will come back in my lifetime, if not, He will in yours, so trim the lamps, and be ready! Amen?! Keep up the Good work!
    Scot

  15. Ashley

    June 25th, 2009 at 3:40 pm

    Its amazing to see four young guys who spend their lives preaching the word of jesus christ so that everyone can understand it. You guys are awesome! Keep up the praise!

  16. Holly

    June 25th, 2009 at 10:13 pm

    This is all so true and i would just like to add that you should go to a church if they dont take about sin.So many churches on tv talk about faith and respect but not sin. Its a serious subject and cant be ignored.A church needs to talk about sin.

  17. Kristi

    June 28th, 2009 at 3:43 pm

    Love your music and am so impressed with this site. Keep ministering!

  18. Zach

    June 29th, 2009 at 9:48 am

    Lucky none of these happen at my church!

  19. Mike S.

    June 30th, 2009 at 3:38 pm

    I’m only 15 years of age, and so far every church me and my family go to, is exactly as you say, corrupted. We now have created our own church, and we do not preach our side of the story or lift our name up, but only His name. I just wanted to say I agree you are 100% correct. God has gifted you guys, keep on keeping on.

  20. Angela G.

    July 2nd, 2009 at 10:13 am

    My husband (youth pastor) and I work with the youth group at our church and one of our guys that plays in our band told me to look ya’ll up. I was so excited to read this journal because you are so right and this is exactly what we are trying to teach our youth as we are actually walking through the book of 1 John with them right now! It is so good to see young people (in their twenties) looking for real, solid truth and striving to lead others in the right direction, especially the younger generations. We have gotten away from truly preaching the Word and it is so great to see young influential Christians getting back to the Solid Word of God as our only source of authority and Truth. Keep up the great work!!!!!

  21. LoJo

    July 3rd, 2009 at 6:16 am

    Amen!!! what a blessing to read truth from your heart! It is about the Church not about you or the pastor…its the body…It has really been hitting me lately how many people just sit in church don’t actively participate in the sermon! They expect the pastor to do everything…but really he is just a tool to reveal the Word, we must be actively reading it as well!

    It is soooo encouraging to read this and see you guys taking a stand for truth!

    Blessings!

  22. Tina Lacey

    July 3rd, 2009 at 6:27 am

    I love you guys! My 8 year old son cranks up air1 every time “By Your Side” comes on! Him and I sing along at the top of lungs driving in the car! He knows the words by heart! His birthday is in a few days and thats going to be one of his presents! God bless you guys, you truly reach all ages!

  23. Lexi

    July 3rd, 2009 at 8:55 am

    Hey Jeff. During Sunday School, my teacher usually doesn’t even mention a Bible verse. He just goes on and on about what “he” thinks and that’s about it. What should I say or do? I ask because the rest of the church is fine. My preacher is on fire for God and I couldn’t ask for better. I don’t want to switch churches just because of my Sunday School teacher.

  24. Kevin Cortese

    July 6th, 2009 at 1:51 am

    Matthew 7:1 “Judge not, that ye be not judged.”

  25. Diana

    July 6th, 2009 at 8:35 am

    Hey Jeff,
    I totally agree with what you are saying; I don’t know what I would do if our church didn’t mention a single bible verse during their teachings. Fortunately, I’m blessed (along with many others) to attend an SDA (Seventh Day Adventist) church in Michigan. Everything they teach always has one or more texts to back it up.
    You know, you guys are coming to Monroe, which is in Michigan. Feel free to stop by our church. It’s called Pioneer Memorial Church and it’s in Berrien Springs, MI. AKA Andrews University. Perhaps you guys can perform there someday…. *sigh hopefully*

    By the way, I absolutely love your music. I get up every morning, and one of the first things I do is listen to By Your Side. It always reminds me that God is always watching us, no matter what we are doing. Your music is very different from other Christian music. It not only is positive, but it also has a deep message in it. Not all Christian music has that deep of messages in it. Your music always makes me think a lot about what God has been doing for us mere humans.
    Peace!!

  26. Brenda

    July 7th, 2009 at 6:30 pm

    Amen! Everything we do should point to the Word and the Savior!

    God bless you guys, keep up the good work…

    Can’t wait to see you fellas in Chicago in a couple weeks!

  27. Shelby

    July 8th, 2009 at 8:04 pm

    Jeff, thanks so much for your first point…. I can’t be an advocate for that one enough. We have to be Bereans in our studies… bringing everything back to scripture. Keep up the GREAT work! Praying for ya’ll!

  28. Sisterlisa

    July 9th, 2009 at 1:35 pm

    I agree. We must be aware of what false prophets are and how to identify them.

  29. Jesse Hagan

    July 11th, 2009 at 9:59 pm

    Hey Jeff,
    My name is jesse and you and the band are amazing. i am going to your concert tomorrow at Louisville Ky, i am hoping that i can meet you guys.it would be amazing if i could.

    Oh yeah… you are absolutely right about don’t go to your church…

    God Bless you and T.A.N.
    Your brother in Christ,
    Jesse

  30. DavidF

    July 16th, 2009 at 10:08 pm

    Thank you for the great music and the calling to TRUTH - as dictated from the mouth of the Eternal YHWH. more below

    My family (children from 6-12 and my bride) really, really enjoy your blessings to us and the world through your music - keep it up!!!!!

    point 1 - Dead on - dig in to the enduring Truth
    point 2 - Our Savior pointed to the Father and Glorified the Father, and did, obeyed and said only what the Father instructed - I can’t wait for his return so that we can be like him - eternal children of the Father,brothers and sisters of Christ Jesus our King God and Savior. We are to be like him NOW and walk as He did.
    Are we????? What day would He go to worship God? the day He is Lord over?? (Sabbath day-seventh day - no I am not SDA) Matthew 12:8
    What Holy days would He keep?? Passover or Ishtar???, I mean Easter.
    Find all your answers in the Word of God, the sword of the Spirit of God. 1John 3:4 - 1John 2:3-6 - Matt. 7:21-23 - Matt 5:17-19

  31. Nichole

    July 17th, 2009 at 9:51 am

    Your 2nd point is so accurate….

    -They preach that they are the messenger. Wrong! Christ is the messenger. Don’t be deceived by preachers who put themselves where Christ should be.

    I was born and raised in a christian based group that the preachers teach that they are the messengers of God - Just like Jesus was (they do not believe that Jesus is God) This completely elevates the person and not Jesus Christ.

    I would say run from any group like this.

    Jeff, thanks for great advise!!!

  32. Stephen

    August 4th, 2009 at 7:19 pm

    You are so right!!!

    i’ve been to these churches that talk more about events and get togethers than preaching the word of GOD. I go to an independent fundamental church where the King James bible is thundered from the pulpit. And i wouldnt trade it for the world. “And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Rev. 22:19 KJV. We just have to get away from the compromising preaching and get back to calling SIN by its name.

  33. Ari

    August 9th, 2009 at 3:41 pm

    That’s very important!!
    :)
    It’s so important that the people know GOD…You know what I mean? The real God, the real love of God, the perfect sacrify of the cross…the message that brings freedom to our lives, because the people that hear a wrong message, don’t recieve freedom! and worst of all, the can’t experiment the real perfeccion of the cross in their lives…

    pd:I’m sorry my english It’s not so good, I’m from Chile.
    pd2: Your band it’s amazing…I love the music, and the lyrics!

  34. Gloria

    August 14th, 2009 at 2:50 pm

    You are so right! Those churches with their “sevices” all about nothing to do with Jesus are wrong. Thank you so much.

  35. Kell

    August 21st, 2009 at 9:45 am

    Thank you Jeff!

    I thoroughly believe that this is why Tenth Avenue North is so gifted and blessed. They prove over and over again that they are serious about God, not just some guys who play inspirational music.

  36. Karen

    August 21st, 2009 at 2:56 pm

    Ok, makes sense, but isn’t a messenger someone that conveys a message from a higher power? Like someone that brings the news to you, doesn’t that make a messenger, someone that brings you truth, there are many things i wouldn’t know if it wasn’t for the messenger that conveyed it to me, that doesn’t make the messenger God, it proves to me that he loves God because he wants me to know the truth, know the word of God and know the source of my only salvation. I love you band and the message you send to others.

    Rocking on in Gods name.

  37. Amy

    August 23rd, 2009 at 8:15 pm

    It’s so great to know that there are other people in the world, and even in America that believe so strongly in just basically preaching the solid word of God. Its amazing that this is such a hard concept to grasp even today in America. There are so many churches out there that are corrupted with false doctrines and the mentality that they have to get something out of it. When in reality we should be worried about how much we can give BACK to God. I was so blessed to find this posting, I’ve been reading a lot about false teachers and prophets in my daily quiet time (Through Word of Life Local church ministries) and it is really cool to here other outlooks on it. Thank you for all you do, and keep on preaching the truth.

    Come to West Florida, near Tampa if you get a chance too. My mom hates driving far to concerts.

  38. Caleb S

    August 25th, 2009 at 9:50 pm

    Hey Jeff,
    I want to thank you, and all of the guys for posting stuff like this. it really means a lot to me to see you guys living out your faith. This was a good word and I needed to here it, especially the part about itching ears. Anyway thanks for the word and your ministry. Keep it up.

  39. Anna

    August 29th, 2009 at 12:00 pm

    I hope you guys accually read this…I saw you play this past wednesday in Muscle Shoals, AL. The thing that stood out about you guys was seeing all the joy you guys had while you were perfroming, and you were worshiping while enjoying yourself. I can see Christ shining out of your music and your live performance. Keep it up.

    John 3:30 “Christ must increase, I must decrease.”

  40. Marko( South Africa)

    September 15th, 2009 at 3:36 am

    Amen!! Christ must increase we must decrease!! Watch watch watch!!

  41. Ross

    September 18th, 2009 at 7:43 pm

    I love you guys and your Christian maturity. Thats few a far between in the Christian music industry. When your journal posts are about how to find a church that teaches and applies the scripture, you know God will bless you guys even if you never sing another note together. God is lifting Christ up high with not only your music, but with your thoughts and proclamation of scripture on your website, it gives a real validity to what you’re singing about.

    Thanks again, Jeff and Tenth Ave.!

    Blessings,
    Ross

  42. Bailey Caruthers

    October 9th, 2009 at 7:35 pm

    Great ministry. love you and the band. God bless you all. I will pray for you all.

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Jeff

I'm excited to fill this journal with literary compositions, artistic trials, and an echelon of ideology. Several thoughts have filled my head on what to put exactly on here. I thought about applying some form on nonsense lesson in each journal. Quite frankly, I don't know how this will all turn out...

But Like Mrs. Who said in A Wrinkle In Time:

"The more a man knows, the less he talks."

Feb. 11Augusta, GA
Feb. 12Mobile, AL
Feb. 13Greenville, SC
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Feb. 18Roanoke, VA
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