In response to some comments left on my rap video post, my husband Gary has written a guest post today.

About 2000 years ago there were a number of "anonymous" people who were shocked at how far removed the people had gotten from what God really is, and they were saddened that so many people would follow someone who was so offensive, not to mention disrespectful to God. And they felt that anyone who wasn't offended was simply deceived and just didn't know God or the Scriptures. (See John 7:49) They were proud that they knew what was disrespectful to God. They were proud to speak for God. And they knew God would be proud of them when they attacked and killed Jesus. Jesus knew there would always be misguided "believers" so he warned that the time would come when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. (see John 17:2)

Thankfully, the possibility of being killed by a misguided believer today is small. So by comparison, a negative response from "anonymous" is hardly worth noting. But it does provide a reason why the church is ineffective today: Rather than attack Satan, "believers" often attack each other. In almost every case, it's important to the attacker to remain anonymous. It's much easier to "Stand up for God" when you're crouching in anonymity. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that one of Satan's most effective tools for hindering the church is anonymous criticism. Most church leaders have a policy of never reading anything written by anonymous. As Paul wrote in 2 Cor 2:11, we are not ignorant of Satan's schemes.

Now I want to make it clear that I am not attacking the "anonymous" who is so offended by the "Baby Got Book" rap. I did call "anonymous" a "misguided believer." The Apostle Paul was once a "misguided believer." I've implied that "anonymous" is being used in one of "Satan's schemes." The Apostle Peter allowed Satan to use him, and Jesus said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan." The fact is, at one time or another we've all been misguided and we've all been used by Satan. We can either puff up with pride and continue to please Satan, or we can humble ourselves and allow God to lift us up. (see 1 Peter 5:6).

"Anonymous" thinks "Baby Got Book" is spoofing God and the Bible. It's as though "anonymous" got sent to a different website and viewed something totally different. Actually the message of the rap was: Let the Word of God be written large in your life. Let it permeate your words, actions, and demeaner, such that others can just look at you and tell you're a Christian. Girls, don't be ashamed to share the gospel with the boys, and don't let peer pressure conform you to the immodest dress of the world. Guys, don't be attracted to what the world says is "hot."

Surely this message is not offensive to a believer, so I can only suppose it's the medium that "anonymous" found upsetting. God can use many different people and methods to share Truth. Not every way will reach every person. Some people respond better to classical music, psalms, and hymns; others will be reached more effectively through hip-hop, R&B, or rap. But whatever God uses to reach someone, the message doesn't change.

My guess is "anonymous" is drawn to the style of John the Baptist, and that's fine. The guy who produced "Baby Got Book" is obviously drawn to the style of Jesus. Personally, I like Jesus' style, but I'm not about to condemn John's style. I just want folks to be saved. In Matthew 11:16-20, Jesus spoke of those who rejected both John's style and Jesus' style. At least "anonymous" has accepted John's style. When the anonymous' of Jesus' day criticized the way he did things, he told them to go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' (see Matthew 9:10-13) If "anonymous" had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' he or she would not have condemned the innocent. (see Matthew 12:7)