AboutPastor Don Carpenter Expertise I believe that every word of the Bible is God- Breathed. This blessed book is the foundation of truth for faith and practice. If you ask this volunteer a question you will receive an answer from the Bible that is based upon a literal, normal interpretation, taking into account the grammar and culture of the time.
Experience I have been in the ministry 20+ years. During that time I served as a youth pastor, christian counselor, assistant pastor, church planter, and a senior pastor.
Publications Revival Baptist Chronicles
The Fundamental Baptist Voice
Education/Credentials BS in Bible, from Baptist Bible College in CLarks Summit PA
Question QUESTION: 1. IS it wrong for a Christian to listen to secular bands like Artic Monkeys and Godspeed You!Black Emperor? I'm really confused.... Btw, can you guide me to a proper Christian website? I've struggling in my walk with God but i would really like to work in the ministry one day? Can you help me out? Thks a lot, i really appreciate your time... God bless
ANSWER: Hi Kevin,
THank you for your questions. These are some very practical questions. Obviously, the Bible does not list bands and genres that are forbidden, and bands and styles that are accepted. If you were to ask 100 different pastors for a list like that, you would get 100 different lists. I have not heard of these bands, and I consider myself to know quite a bit about music and metal. The best thing to do in a case like this is to answer some general questions about the band or music style in question.
1. Would you be ashamed if you were listening to these bands when Jesus returns personally?
Matthew 24:44
44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.
2. Does this music hurt your ability to reach others with the truth about Jesus? Would others think that you were in sin?
1 Thessalonians 5:22
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.
Romans 14:16
16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.
Romans 14:20-21
20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. 21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.
3. Be fully persuaded in your own mind that this is a pure activity before God. If you doubt even a little that it is, then do not do it.
Romans 14:22-23
22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.
I hope that this helps you.
In Christ
Pastor Don
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: JUst around last year, a reverand came to my church and prophesied that one day i would enter into the ministry... I mean, i would like to serve God but looking at my current life now, i would say that God has a really wierd sense of humour.... My christian life is still an up and down turmoil and sometimes i get so depressed about it, other times i just choose to ignore it but somehow this problem reamins at the back of mind.... I'm still confused....I really do not know what to do... I tried reading the Word of God but each time i keep slipping back.... Is there still hope for me? I really don't kmow cause this problem has been going on for a long time... Can you help me out?
ANSWER: Hi Kevin,
Thanks for this follow up question. It seems that you are discouraged because you struggle with the flesh from time to time. The struggle is a good sign. If you did not have the Holy Spirit, you would not struggle.... you would be content to follow the passions of your flesh. The presence of the struggle shows the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:17
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.
The Apostle Paul had a real struggle with the flesh and records it in the following passage:
Romans 7:14-25
14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.
So keep on keeping on! Do not get discouraged, keep reading, keep coming to church, and serve where you can in the ministry of your church.
I hope that this helps you.
In Christ
Pastor Don
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Sir, what is the difference between being a Christian and a disciple of God?
Answer Hi,
Thanks for this follow up question. I am not sure about this specific term if it refers to a specific sect or not. If you mean a disciple of the true God in a general sense, there would be no difference because the true God sent Jesus to pay the price for our sins.
John 17:3
3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.
