Poetry With A Mission

...a thought provoking poetical exercise.

Warmest greetings in our Saviour’s precious name,
my dear liberal Christian friend...

It's my sincere hope that these words I've written will not upset you, nor offend,
But I have a burning question within that I would dearly like to ask you,
And I'm also including one or two thoughts for your consideration too,
Which I trust you'll take the time to ponder on, and in advance, I thus thank you.

Would you mind telling me why it is that many liberal Christians I see
Are treating so very un-Christ-like those very ones with whom they disagree?
After all, they're quick to say that their opponents don’t exhibit Christ-like love,
That their opponents have some sort of agenda, and just push and pull and shove.

I'm finding it quite ironic that these liberal folk are making this claim,
Given that these liberal folk saying such are behaving exactly the same.
And worse so, given that they wax lyrical about focusing on God’s love,
Which is terribly hypocritical, when they too, also push, pull and shove.

You see, they’re acting so very un-Christ-like, and yet, this exact same thing,
They disparagingly say is the hallmark of the ultra-conservative wing.
The truth of the matter is, that all Christians are wrong, when so un-Christ-like they act,
For Christ has made it very clear that we should only rightfully interact.

Anyone who is pushing some agenda, and in a most un-Christ-like way,
Is hardly pleasing our Saviour, despite anything worthy that they might say.
Why? Because He won’t have a bar of any thoughtless, pushy, underhand approach,
For He expects the actions of every single Christian to be above reproach.

And note too, that “the end justifies the means”, is biblically forbidden,
For such originated with Satan — hence why with evil it's so ridden.
Such a flawed approach is usually attached to a selfish mentality,
Hence it goes without saying that this foolish method is seldom trouble-free.

Whenever we attempt to force things on others, we cross a forbidden line,
One that even Christ himself won’t cross, for such behaviour is far from divine.
The wrongful crossing of any boundary, first begins within our mind and heart;
In other words, when self gains the upper hand, forcing the Spirit to depart.

Our loving Saviour would never use methods that would split a congregation,
For He is a God of order, restoration and reconciliation.
Division and discord, my dear liberal friend, are of the devil’s making,
For Satan loves nothing more than to see churches splitting, straying and shaking.

So many Christians deludedly think that God is with them, when He isn’t so,
And hence why they’re so busy forcing others down a path that they shouldn’t go.
Yes, they’re so certain that they are right, and very militantly power on,
Unaware, or seemingly not worried, hence why it's not long before truth has gone.

The Church can well do without both the erosiveness of liberalism
And that fanaticism that comes from certain quarters of conservatism.
For both deviate from the life and path of our Lord, and thus from Scripture too,
Which condems un-Christ-like behaviour, regardless of one's more left or right view.

There'll always be Christians within a congregation who see things differently,
(A reason why we shouldn't think in terms of unity ecumenically).
For after all, unity's an attitude — a Christ-like-ness — where all are in accord,
That is, pulling together despite their differences, for the sake of the Lord.

Thus, any member of a church who wrongly chooses to push and pull and shove,
Is a member who is very misguided and displaying a distinct lack of love.
Whether a Christian be a liberal or an ultra-conservative,
They’re not a true follower of Christ, if unlike Him, they choose to act and live.

Shalom, my friend.

By Lance Landall

The Christian Right

Though God wants Christians to speak without fear or favour, thus being a voice and not just a light,
He’s hardly happy with certain behaviour and rhetoric coming from the Christian right.
The Christian’s clear example is that humble and selfless path that Christ took to Calvary,
Not that flag waving, foot stomping, placard carrying, right wing religious militancy.

No, our God is neither happy with, nor interested in, religious militancy,
And particularly that which is foolishly seeking it’s own way politically.
For such shows a people who have lost their way, and who’re putting more trust in man than their Lord,
And hence why Christ will soon say, “Depart from Me, for your ways and My ways just aren’t in accord.”

Yes, when the bride of Christ behaves like a harlot and commits adultery with the State,
The wrath of God is seriously kindled, and all those responsible have sealed their fate.
That is, unless they repent of their fornication, and quickly remove themselves from that scene,
Relying totally on the Spirit’s power, and not on some political machine.

Collusion with the State is collusion with the devil, who such a union wants to see,
For such will give him unbridled power, and blur the Christian witness and identity.
And in time will usher in that “beast” of Revelation that will force its will on all,
And that eventually decrees death on dissenters, who for its rhetoric don’t fall.

No, God isn’t found in military might, nor in those halls of power that legislate,
For His kingdom is not of this world, hence that wall of separation between Church and State.
Or at least that should be, for once that wall is removed, a return to the past we will see,
Hence that strong warning in the book of Revelation that even refers to history.

Yes, a strong warning that the Christian right should heed, given their religious militancy,
And given that they're playing with matches, whereby they'll get badly burnt, eventually.
And in the process, they'll bring troubles upon this Earth like there has never been seen before,
For the “image” of the “beast” that they unwittingly create will suddenly up and roar.

Yes, the “lamb” will turn into a “dragon,” and from its mouth will come flames that show no mercy,
For liberty and freedom will quickly give way to oppression, and truth to heresy.
And all because of those who sought the support of the State, rather than trusting in their Lord,
And who, rather than the straight and narrow, sought the false sense of security of the broad.

By Lance Landall


“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon” (Rev 13:11, NKJV). Best you read the whole chapter.

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of our God" (Psalms 20:7, NIV).


The following comments are worth noting:

"We Christians may not do as Americans something that we must not do as Christians. As we listen to and debate arguments about going to war, note how often our Christian identity is subordinated to our American identity. We have been so formed by the collusion of the church with America that we find it difficult to even distinguish between Christian and national identity, and harder to subordinate our national identity to our identity in Christ."
Jonathan R. Wilson

"As Christians we are not here to provide an ethic for society or the state, but to clearly define an ethic for disciples of Jesus Christ. In the American system of government it is difficult for this stance to be understood. We operate with the myth of being a Christian nation, and we seek to interpret for society an ethic that we can bless as Christians. We need a new awareness of the pluralism of the New Testament, that the crucial issue is the difference between the church and the world, and that the church operates "within the perfection of Christ," while the world operates outside the perfection or will of Christ. Christians influence the state for good through Christian ethics and integrity, but they do not equate church and state. Only an indepth understanding of this issue can save us from a cultural and a civil religion."
Myron Augsburger

Anchored In The Word Alone

Far too many Christians operate from the basis of their denomination, rather than from the Bible,
In other words, their beliefs are denominational bound, and they, riding some injurious doctrinal carousel.
Yes, so many are simply in a denominational rut-cum-bias, they more church bound than Bible bound,
Which is why many follow some man, have their own Bible, and keep clinging to certain beliefs that are not sound.

Now please don’t get me wrong, for I’m not knocking denominations as such, but more blind allegiance, sort of thing,
From which a faulty based ridiculing, and equally unbiblical persecuting of others, can spring.
You see, it’s not so much the denomination, but a mindset that’s attached to such, which just gets in the way,
 For where one is anchored in their denomination, rather than anchored in God’s Word, they invariably stray.

Yes, many can’t seem to be budged from certain errant beliefs; are oft caught up in rituals or tradition,
That being, they’re in some other rut, or perpetuating some errant denominational composition.
And there they tend to stay, resistant to approaches, convinced that there’s no need for reappraisal, foolishly,
And midst it all, condemning what’s actually correct, unable to see — blinded denominationally.

Rather than being captive to the Word of God, they’re simply captive to their particular faith, or some man’s word,
Thereby effectively bowing to an organisation, or some leader, and too often to what’s preferred.
Such can only get in the way of enlightenment, for rather than welcoming a challenge, they resist such,
Responding to any questioning as they would do a threat — Pharisees, who their cherished error tightly clutch.

As far as God goes, getting things wrong doctrinally is no small matter, and why we should be open-minded,
For God is the God of truth, who doesn’t want His Word obstructed via liberals or those who’re narrow-minded.
The latter so prone to fanaticism, and the other, prone to dismantling, and both, not in sync with Scripture,
Plus, God says, “Come, let us reason together” — yes, a far cry from some biased denominational picture.

And hence why we need to be sure of those beliefs that we are upholding, and should never tamper with God’s Word,
Nor worship at the foot of a mere mortal, or equally as foolish, put all our faith and trust in some herd.
No, our faith and trust, and every belief we uphold, should be built on God’s Word, and we, always ready to see
Where we might be in error; and thus acting accordingly — that is, moving more into line Scripturally.

Yes, anchored in the Word alone, alias built on the Rock — Christ — not some organisation, or pious man,
For while God may use organisations or men, subservience to either, was never a part of His plan.
At the end of the day, only Christ should be followed, receive homage, be bowed to, and only His Word should stand,
For someone coveting the same homage, and propagating his own words, (Satan), was how trouble first began, and...

By Lance Landall


"But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!" (Gal 1:8, NIV).

"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths" (2 Tim 4:3,4, NIV).

"He [Paul] writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction" (2 Peter 3:16, NIV).

"And in vain they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men" (Matt 15:9, NKJV).

"At this I fell at his feet to worship him [the angel]. But he said to me, 'Do not not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony is the spirit of prophecy [we're not even to pay homage to angels]' " (Rev 19:10, NIV).

"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6, NIV).

"Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart" (1 Peter 1:22, NIV).





Please note: The following poem relates to a family that is at the heart of the independent Westboro Baptist Church that’s located in Topeka, Kansas, and who have been termed as "America’s most hated family." They're clearly not a reflection of all Baptists, but just that few. Their behaviour is not only terribly un-Christ-like but extreme. They picket funerals of U.S. soldiers killed in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan whilst holding aloft banners that say, “Fag Marines,” “Thank God For Dead Soldiers.” If not this, they protest elsewhere holding up banners that say, “God Hates Fags,” “Thank God For Aids,” "Jews Worship Rectums,” etc. If you wish to know more about this family and why they are acting this way you will have to do a Google search.

America's Most Hated Family

You may have heard about a certain group of Christians who have been tagged as America’s most hated family,
And to some degree, understandably so, for their talk and behaviour has been very far from what’s heavenly.
You see, it’s one thing to oppose same-sex sexual acts, (for example), given that God’s Word clearly condemns such,
But vitriolic speech and unkind behaviour is completely contrary to Scripture — and they should know that much.

While Christians are instructed to reprove sin, they haven’t been instructed to mistreat sinners, for such is sin too,
And a sin that such abusers will be punished for, unless they repent, and a more heavenly manner pursue.
For one thing that God condemns equally as strongly as any other sin, is, the mistreatment of others,
Be they erring, lawless, and cold-hearted non-believers, or any erring fellow Christian sisters and brothers.

And hence why this group of erring Christians should also be treated Christ-like — yes, despite their terrible behaviour,
(For the salvation of the vilest of sinners is the desire of our loving and compassionate Saviour).
And why He no doubt hopes they’ll see the error of their ways and repent, for unless they do, they’ll be just as lost too,
That is, as lost as those doing what God condemns, unless they repent as well, and a more heavenly path pursue.

Yes, God wants us to be bold in speaking out, but when Christians go about such wrongly, they shame Christianity,
And also aid any calls for bills that outlaw hate speech — bills that invariably encroach on freedom and liberty.
Yes, things have a way of swinging in the other direction, when it’s more about educating another,
And setting an example, for outlawing "hate speech," (and what’s hate speech?), Christ’s call for boldness will eventually smother...

Given time, that is, and the coming "beast" power that we've been warned of.

Knee-jerk reactions to errant behaviour that’s coming from certain folk, will not help any of us, quite frankly,
And responding in kind simply places us in the same flawed, prehistoric, and injurious territory.
While some folk never seem to learn, learning curves do take time, and why we must be patient with all — and tolerant too,
For what we consider wrong, others don’t, at least not initially, and if we respond poorly, they may never do.

That is, they may never come to consider it wrong too, having hardened their hearts, and all because of our folly,
Which is the opposite to what we’re wanting, and God too, whose love for all, should be beating in us just as soundly.
And yes, His mercy and compassion too, for we all err at times, indeed many times, and sometimes terribly so,
And what do we desire? Yes, that same loving forgiveness — GRACE — that flows from Calvary, and that gives us time to grow.

Given that our Saviour only hates sin, and not the sinner, Christians shouldn't have a hate for any family,
And that is, regardless of its composition, for our hatred should be focussed on evil, not humanity.
After all, Christ died for humanity because of His love for humanity, and knowing its sad condition,
A condition that afflicts all, and not just some "most hated" family — such being more a worldly definition.

By Lance Landall


"We should be eternally vigilant against attempts to check the expression of
opinions that we loathe."
Oliver Wendall Holmes, Jr (1841-1935)

" 'But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you' " (Matt 5:44, NKJV).

"Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him" (1 John 3:15, NIV).

“ ‘But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions’ ”
(Matt 6:15, NASB).

No God, No Point

If I weren’t a Christian, and knowing myself like I do, or to put it another way, being totally honest,
And given that “the heart is desperately wicked,” I doubt if I’d worry about doing what’s right or best,
Other than to avoid earthly consequences, that is — and not some divine justice, given my atheism,
Or if not atheism, (and given that I would hardly be open to the Spirit’s leading), my scepticism.

And I venture to say that most of us would think and act the same, hence why darkness covered the earth prior to the flood,
For the hearts and minds of men were continually evil, and the earth full of debauchery, villainy and blood.
Oh yes, how they knocked old Noah, so sure that they had nothing to fear, their disbelief and vice blinding them to the results,
For those who’re not attuned to the Spirit’s prompting, hardly see reason or purpose, nor have their finger on the pulse.

Well, forgive me being frank, but such folk remind me of those Christians who think that all they need to do is take God’s grace,
And that despite what they do, they’ll be in His kingdom — His standards and Law, (one and the same), hardly having a place.
Yes, their folly, (come heresy), and worldliness, blinding them to what the Holy Bible is really conveying,
And like all those who effectively think — no God, no point — (and that’s where I came in), they are perilously straying.

But God is savvy, and knows all this, and hence why His standards and Law do have a place in all this, actually,
For though we’re saved by grace alone, we’re still judged by His moral Law, lest we think that we can still act rebelliously.
You see, when we walk in obedience to His will — that is, keep His standards and Law, we prove that we’re genuine,
And such God needs to see, for He knows that given our natural sinful bent, we’d happily take grace and still sin.

That is, if it were all about grace and nothing else, for why would we bother if we were home and housed — such meaning:
Assured of a heavenly place despite continuing to willingly rebel — and thus God’s Law contravening?
Sure it’s all about grace in the sense that we can’t work our way to Heaven, but let me clearly point out this, dear friend,
Any who think that they can get to Heaven on the back of sin, will ultimately discover a fiery end.

Yes, just like me, if I weren’t a Christian, (and thus thinking: No God, no point), most Christians would just continue to sin,
Willingly, that is — for if there were no Law, and no consequences — there’d be little need for Spirit led discipline.
But as I mentioned, there is a need for God’s Law, consequences, and Spirit led discipline, as God knows very well,
For though we should obey Him out of love and gratefulness, there aren’t too many Christians who would, as far as I can tell.

Yes, for the non-believer — no God, no point — and for deluded Christians — no Law, no point — well, effectively,
Given that such appears to be the way they’re thinking, the way that they’re acting, and even talking, effectively.
For they say that God’s Law was done away with at the cross, which for sin-bent fallen man acts so conveniently,
And why it’s hardly true — a lie, in fact — for such lawlessness makes a mockery of what Christ did on Calvary.

By Lance Landall


"The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; who can know it" (Jeremiah 17:9, NKJV).

"Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law" (Rom 3:31, NKJV).

" 'But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the Law to become void' " (Luke 16:17, ESV).

"For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins [God's grace is made void], but a fearful expectation of judgment..." (Heb 10:26,27, ESV).

"So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty" (James 2:12, NKJV).

" 'I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are luke warm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth' " (Rev 3:15,16, NKJV).

“The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4, NKJV).

Do You Believe That You're Saved?

Such is an interesting question, one that people will hesitate over, or say “Yes!” to immediately,
And there are those who’re quite sure that they’re not saved, and perhaps some of them have good reason for thinking that, quite frankly.
Yes, on one side there’re those who’re unsure, and on the other side those who’re very sure — that is, that they are or aren’t,
And I guess that there’re those who when it comes to our saying whether we are or aren’t, would say that either way we can’t.

Well, upon our genuine repentance, and determined desire to move forward in obedience to God’s will,
And thus having accepted Him as our Lord and Saviour, we’re to live in faith that we are saved, and that all is well.
But treading very carefully, I must add — aware that we can come out from under God’s merciful umbrella,
And thereby, via our continuing to willingly sin, descend into the hopelessness of the devil’s cellar.

In other words, via our own choosing — though all is not lost — for should we repent, and once again call on Calvary,
A robe of righteousness, alias God’s gracious umbrella, will once again cover us, promise eternity.
But we shouldn’t play cat and mouse with God, so to speak, as after our repentance, a consistency should follow,
For where there’s no consistency in our walk, our repentance is hardly genuine, and our walk just as hollow.

And therein lies danger, for though we’re saved by grace alone, we shouldn’t play, become complacent, nor act smugly,
For not only is such smugness pharisaical arrogance, but proof that we’re at risk, or plain lost, currently,
Given that there’s no such thing as once saved always saved, for imagine what Christians might do with that — now let me see —
Wear sexy clothing? Frequent bars, nightclubs and casinos? Idolise actors and pop stars? Watch anything on T.V.?...

Yes, etc, etc...

Is this why most Christians are only so in name? — given all the worldliness and disobedience that we see,
For if they think that they don’t have to concern themselves with righteous living, I dare say that they aren’t, perilously.
Would you? And that is where a certain smugness could come in, and even a degree of irresponsibility,
For if we’re saved regardless, might we not concern ourselves with this or that, and when we should do, acting gratefully?

By that I mean, look at what Christ did for us! So why would we just take grace and forget the rest, ignoring His will?
And hey, how often do the Scriptures tell us to walk in paths of righteousness, so that within, the Spirit can dwell?
For after all, the Spirit certainly can’t dwell in an uncommitted, worldly, rebellious, unclean heart and mind,
And why those Christians who see it any other way, bitter disappointment, and a very sorry end will find.

Yes, Heaven is not for the smug or rebellious, but for those who’re humble, obedient, teachable and willing,
Who can have a quiet confidence, living in faith that they are saved — true followers from whom the fruits of the Spirit spring.
Not just believers, but doers, not earning their way, but choosing to obey — empowered ambassadors for their Lord,
Whose true and faithful witness, tried and proven faith, and glaring contrast, our righteous, Holy Saviour will soon reward.

By Lance Landall


Note the texts under the previous poem or under my poem "The Laughable Christian" which is one more poem down the page.

Another Raggle-Taggle Bunch

When I ponder on today’s Christian, I just can’t help thinking of those Hebrews that God rescued from Egypt, and who,
On their way to the promised land, foolishly wished that they could return to Egypt, and past injurious things pursue.
Yes, what an ungrateful, murmuring, raggle-taggle bunch, still caught up in, and hankering for the old and worldly,
And here we are on our way to the heavenly Canaan, still caught up in, and hankering for the same, crazily.

In other words, we’re simply repeating history, despite being able to learn from their experience, and,
Despite being within striking distance of the heavenly Canaan, a bountiful, joyous, death and trouble free land.
Yes, it seems that we’ve hardly left Egypt, are full of ungrateful murmurings too — and are even hypocrites,
Given that we seem to want things both ways, which, with the will of our Saviour, neither rightly or comfortably sits.

Yes, another raggle-taggle bunch, who though rescued via grace, can’t help looking back like Lot’s wife, or haven’t left at all,
All of which, the God who died to save us, provides for us, and desires our sanctification, must surely appal.
Weren’t those Hebrews once oppressed? And weren’t we too, when under the devil’s control? — and yet, here they were, and here we are,
Which, when one seriously thinks about it, is not only tragic and most ungrateful, but utterly bizarre.

Yes, blind as bats, caught in the headlights of worldliness — thinking we’re saved, yet still enslaved — thus playing Russian roulette,
And just like a generation of Hebrews, may never see the heavenly Canaan — even laughing at the threat.
Well, history is full of fools, and dare we be amongst them, for this Earth’s pleasures can’t compare to eternity,
But how could we be so callous, just like those soldiers with those nails, given what Jesus did for us on Calvary?

By Lance Landall

The Laughable Christian

Yes, the laughable Christian, only so in name, his or her appearance in church only seen once a year,
Or sporadically so, too tired to bother, other things to do, it’s cold and wet, don’t like some folk there.
Yes, the laughable Christian, he or she thinking they can have it both ways, a foot in each camp — perilously —
For God's hardly laughing, He finding such lukewarm Christians insipid, and gagging over their poverty...

Spiritual poverty, that is.

Seems these Christians just don’t get it, haven’t read God’s instructive Word, or they simply don’t know it very well,
For God’s wanting committed followers — ambassadors — embodiments of Him — yes, witnesses that gel!
And not those whose Christian profession is nothing but a joke, a sham, a laughable please them self affair,
They hardly serious in intention, but rather, lazy, undisciplined, self-focussed and insincere.

And hence why God gags, for He finds such nauseous, and hence why He rebukes their condition, their excuses, which,
Come His judgment, will bear no weight, despite any “But what about Your loving grace” pitch, or last minute switch,
The latter always dubious, for were such folk given more time, they’d just resort to the same behaviour,
For those who’re truly grateful, and thus deserving of divine grace, don’t mess about with their Lord and Saviour.

Yes, the laughable Christian, picking at God’s Word rather than devouring it, and finding reasons for doubt;
In other words, they challenging this and that here and there, and if they had their way, would leave certain things out —
That’s if they bother to read the Word — too caught up watching TV, or some weekend far from Christian movie,
Or perhaps they’re cruising nightclubs, attending rock concerts, and if they’re females, dressed anything but modestly.

Yes, the laughable Christian, treating some well and others not so, moving in certain circles-cum-snobbery,
Their wallet glued to their back pocket, others going without while they dine out, or splash out, indulgently.
And still saved? Well, you’d have to be a fool to swallow that, hence why God’s shouting otherwise, for His coming’s near,
And so too, the demise of the laughable Christian, for charades God won’t wear — and this, friend, is crystal-clear.

God doesn’t begrudge appropriate pleasures, nor we spending some money on ourselves, but prudently,
For surely you know as well as I, that things have gone well beyond the pale, indulgence now obscenity.
Enter the laughable Christian again, or shades of the laughable Christian found in each congregation,
Which should have us all on our knees, and crying, “Oh Lord, show me where I’m erring,” lest we’re due condemnation.

Yes, it’s time we gave more thought to such, lest we be found on the fringes of the laughable Christian, and there,
Not where God would have us either, we not immersed in such, but still dabbling, as it were — though very sincere.
Little things rather than glaring things — thoughts, words and actions — which disappoint God, given they’re not heavenly,
Yes, shades of the laughable Christian, ungodly shades that God doesn’t intend play a part in eternity.

By Lance Landall


" 'I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are luke warm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth' " (Rev 3:15,16, NKJV).

" 'You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet' " (Matt 5:13, ESV).

"For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins [God's grace is made void], but a fearful expectation of judgment..." (Heb 10:26,27, ESV).

“The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4, NKJV).

"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin"
(James 4:17, ESV).

“ ‘Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven ’ ” (Matt 7:21, NKJV).

Where Is Your Trumpet?

Though we’re to think, speak, and act from the heart, we’re not to be slow in reaching for that trumpet in our care,
And nor is it meant to be blown softly, for it’s a trumpet, one that is meant to be blown loud and clear.
Yes, it’s an instrument of warning, one that folk are meant to hear, one that’s been commissioned by our Lord,
Who, a loud trumpet of His very own will soon be sounding, which with ours, should strike a resounding chord.

Yes, though we’re to think, speak, and act from the heart, we’re not to leave that trumpet just sitting in its loaned case,
But rather, we’re to regularly keep it cleaned, oiled, and tuned, for it certainly has its time and place.
And given the wicked times we live in, we shouldn’t be short on practice, and nor in ability,
And more so given that trumpet blowers are few these days, and that time’s running out for humanity.

In the right hands, a trumpet is a strident, stirring, worthy vehicle, one well equipped for the task,
And thereby, its skilled player not only able to sound a warning, but also able to unmask,
For godly trumpet players are able to vary their playing according to whatever the need,
In the hope that others will see some danger that is lying in wait, or some general warning heed.

We’ve all been given a trumpet, hence my question, “Where is your trumpet?” for God’s waiting to hear its sound,
That is, if He hasn’t been hearing it, and given that we are in the middle of a battleground.
Yes, not only are watchmen needed on the walls of the Church, but anywhere where they can clearly see,
For not only are Christians straying and rebelling, but being captured by a satanic enemy.

By Lance Landall


"Also, I set watchmen over you, saying, 'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!' But they said, 'We will not listen.' " (Jer 6:17, NKJV)

"But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes, and takes anyone of them; that man is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman's hand." (Ezek 33:6, RSV)

Just Bricks And Mortar?

A church is just bricks and mortar, they say — oh, how wrong they are! — for it’s a symbol in an evil world, and,
One that should fly like a flag — yes, a Christian witness that should dot every town and city throughout each land.
Yes, badges pinned upon Earth’s green breast, pennants amidst the pagan hordes, and there, pointing to the Creator,
And hence those attempts to silence their proclamation — such engineered by a devilish operator.

One who wants to see them somehow removed, or exchanged for a common building, hence those arguments we hear,
And those worldly sounds and activities now coming from churches, that once, folk would never dream of or dare.
For where else is respect for the sacred learnt — that is, in a tangible way, and far more so children wise,
Thus, is it any wonder that less respect for sacred times, and certain set-aside-things, is on the rise.

Yes, our God’s a jealous God, who desires that certain things be set aside just for Him; thus making things clear,
That being, that there’s a time and a place — and such being, worship and that churchy building-cum-certain atmosphere.
And nothing aids such more than a quiet sanctuary, a “house of prayer,” one that’s architecturally designed,
That is, with our God in mind, hence those stained glass windows and so on, that focus and keep the sacred in mind.

Yes, it’s only when a church looks different that it stands out, just like a mosque does, so obvious to all,
And by that I’m meaning, unmistakably so, thus most unlike a commercial building, a house or hall.
Such don’t display a distinct sacred purpose; a place where only spiritual exercises should occur,
Thus ensuring that some wrong mixture, or common building, our purpose, witness and identity doesn’t blur.

Just bricks and mortar? No, light-years from such.

By Lance Landall

Don't Foul The Sacred

There’s nothing in the Bible about worship being fun, unless one’s getting confused with some celebration-
Cum-festival, as such events were part and parcel of the ancient and religious Israelite nation.
So where did the idea of introducing fun into worship come from? Certainly not the apostles,
But rather, the modern money changers, they effectively taking their cue from Satan — hence all those ills.

You see, wherever there is wrong, you’ll find Satan, (whether folk realise this or not), and hence the need for care,
Especially when it comes to worship, for oh, how he likes to interfere with that sacred atmosphere.
And he does so via the likes of those who think that worship should be fun, they introducing what’s not holy,
And such being that which has no place in worship-cum-the dedicated to sacred exercises sanctuary.

Yes, such is what worship and churches are all about — holy exercises — nothing more and nothing less,
Hence why in regards to either, there’s no mention of fun in the Bible, for such God can’t condone nor bless.
No, worship and fun are world’s apart, and likewise a church, hence why halls are often attached, which all makes sense,
As worship is a holy affair, and God a holy God, who at such disrespect here, takes great offence.

A church wasn’t meant to be a theatre, concert venue, or entertainment centre, and rightly so,
As such detracts from worship’s purpose, blurs critical distinctions, trivialises and cheapens, and wrongly so.
For both worship and church are for God-centred adoration, (and not for self-centred gratification),
They both being a time and place for serious but joyful praise, study, instruction, prayer and quiet contemplation.

We need to remember that God hasn’t changed, and should be worshiped as if we’re in His very presence, and
That wherever worship takes place, the same principles apply, and that angels are no doubt close at hand.
Thus, whether in a field or church, worship is worship, and we there to do just that — yes, worship and not play —
Which harks right back to creation where God rested on the seventh day and then hallowed that very same day...

A day He set apart as holy, one that wasn't for work or play, He having given man the other six,
And so it is with worship, for it’s His time, and not our time, and why His things and our things we’re not to mix.
And to be honest, only the selfish would, (not to mention the errant), for we’ve got our own time and place,
Not that we should err there either, for we’re His ambassadors, who only what’s right should pursue or embrace.

When the Israelites mixed heathen elements into their worship, they incurred God’s wrath, and so will we too,
As such results in a blemished offering, we acting like Cain rather than Able, and like Satan too,
For Satan loves to mix error with truth, defile all that is sacred, and deprive God of any glory,
Of which he has been very successful, thanks to that selfishness-cum-rebelliousness of humanity.

So no, don't foul the sacred.

By Lance Landall


"Oh, how unlike the complex works of man
Heaven's easy, artless, unencumbered plan!
No meretricious graces to beguile,
No clustering ornaments to clog the pile,
From ostentation, as from weakness, free,
Majestic in its own simplicity."
William Cowper (1731-1800)

Dressed Up For Man, But Dressed Down For God

When we come together to worship God, we should dress and act as if we’re in His very presence — thereby —
Conveying the importance of the occasion and the being we’ve come to meet, who via such, we magnify.
We also showing how much He means to us, that He comes before anyone and anything else — period —
Well, in our lives anyway, though He should in the lives of all, for He’s the King of kings, the great I Am, GOD.

If only this was the way that all Christians behaved, they dressed in their very best, and appropriately,
But no, far less so nowadays, hence that drop in standards that’s seen within most churches-cum-sanctuary-
Cum that casual air — true reverence replaced with clapping, clowns, drama, carnal beat, the trite and worldly,
All of which suggests an everyday occasion and equally common personage, and this, so wrongly.

Yes, these very same ones dressing up for a meeting with an earthly king, but not for the righteous King of kings,
Oh dear. A president? Yes. A prime minister? Yes. A night out? Yes. But God? No. Which oh so badly rings.
And by the way, all earthly kings are of pagan origin, those kings of ancient Israel too, effectively,
For such was demanded by those wayward Israelites, God most reluctantly agreeing, naturally.

It seems that most are more interested in that which comes from a pagan source, and not a heavenly one,
They hankering after the things of Earth, seemingly more hooked on men than they are on the Father and Son.
“I want to go to heaven,” (they convey, snatching at grace), “But meantime, let me revel in sin and mankind,”
(They showing that lukewarm condition that sickens God, even a spiritually schizophrenic mind).

Or a divided loyalty, but is it such? — given man’s getting far more attention than our Saviour,
Yes, a foot in God’s camp, leg in man’s — the observer assuming hypocrisy given such behaviour.
And hence that fading and tarnished witness come worship, that casual attire, those golden calves, hoots and laughs,
And ultimately, those eternal graves-cum-tombstones-cum those “I never knew you: depart from Me” epitaphs.

Yes, dressed up for man, but dressed down for God, and such getting worse by the day — a selfish liberality —
Which shouts that God’s not worth the effort, excuses coming thick and fast, part thanks to some new theology.
Well, last I knew, God was still “Holy, Holy, Holy,” and unchangeable too, so what’s the problem with man?
Forever learning but never coming to an understanding — “Sorry, God, but we’ve got a better plan.”

And that plan is at odds with every worship principle that’s enshrined in God’s Word, for worship is worship,
Hence why “Lord God Almighty” we sing — oh, such Holy majesty, which man has no right to reduce or strip.
And why those who shame God so, let alone Christianity, have reason for concern, for Christ will soon appear,
A God whom Holy angels fall at the feet of, so how much more should we? — showing due respect-cum-healthy fear.

Yes, all glory and honour belongs to Him, who's called the "King of kings." 

By Lance Landall


" 'I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are luke warm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth' " (Rev 3:15,16, NKJV).

“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?’ And then will I profess unto them, ‘I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity’ ” (Matt 7:22,23, KJV).

"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe" (Heb 12:28, ESV).

"God is greatly to be feared [respected] in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about Him" (Ps 89:7, KJV).

"And He taught, and said to them, 'Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations' " (Mark 11:17, RSV).

“Guard your steps when you go to the house of God; to draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know that they are doing evil” (Eccl 5:1, RSV).

"But the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. 'We want a king over us' "
(1 Sam 8:19, NIV).

Music's Not Amoral

If one thing’s clear, it’s that music isn’t amoral, such nonsense having been plucked out of the air, sadly,
Yes, it more falsehood courtesy of liberality — so, what’s with that argument to the contrary?
Well, that’s all it is, an argument — in other words, not fact — for even sense says that such couldn’t be fact,
Hence the music we hear that’s been designed to create a certain atmosphere, or that’s behind those who act.

Sure each single note may be innocent —do, ra, me, fa so, la, ti — but they don’t stay innocent for long,
Given that they’re mostly strung together, emphasised in some way, and more often ordered around some song.
Hence all those combinations, those cords, changes of key, and different rhythms — mood changers, effectively —
Which have folk feeling this way or that — and where the devil’s concerned, we’re largely talking sensuality.

Oh yes, how he loves to appeal to the loins, how he loves to arouse those feelings that are low and earthly,
For such draws our attention away from the heavenly — thus enter same music in the sanctuary,
And no surprises here, for Satan’s not happy with sacred music, music dedicated to our Lord,
Hence why within Christian worship there have been striking changes in instruments, and in rhythm, key and cord.

Oh yes, no surprises here, for as God’s Word predicted, most Christians have become increasingly worldly,
And as a consequence of their lowered standards-cum-tastes, have demanded such within the sanctuary.
Such paralleling the apostasies of ancient Israel, they adulterating holy worship too,
Which wasn’t right then and isn’t right now, for holy worship is exactly that, and a holy God too.

Hence why Christian music should have a certain sound, an appropriate rhythm that is free of loin type beat,
Yes, a combination-cum-melody that’s wholesome and uplifting, and lyrics that God’s approval meet,
They not generic, but Scripture-cum-God focussed and based, and they free of those vain repetitions as well,
Or to put it another way, music that via its sound and words shouts that it’s Christian, and thus seen to gel.

Hence why it’s time folk stopped misinterpreting Scripture, a prime example being Psalms one hundred and fifty,
For there, David’s conveying nothing about instruments or venue, but just speaking figuratively.
His point? That God’s deserving of the praise of everything that lives and breathes, anytime, anyplace, and everywhere,
Which we know is true, but not sullied praise — a holy and unholy mix — for such God refuses to hear.

And once again, sense conveys this, for God has His demarcation lines, lines that are seen all throughout His Word,
But no, come the modern-day Christian, and just like with ancient Israel, certain departures and blends are preferred.
Yes, a stubborn people He called them, too used to their Egyptian ways, and only prepared to go so far,
They wanting both Heaven and Earth, like most today, hence why in worship we see that drum-kit and rock guitar.

By Lance Landall

Satan's Puppet Musicians

"So shall Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence...And the sound of
harpers and minstrels, of flute players and trumpeters shall be heard in
thee no more..." (Rev 18:21,22, RSV).

Whether Babylon be the world, or it representative of denominational apostasy,
Or everything that’s false and corrupt, we’re told via Scripture that it’s musicians will not see eternity.
And the reason why they won’t is, because both they and Babylon are going to be destroyed very shortly,
Which is why Christians are being warned to come out of this Babylon, its musicians fuelling its anarchy.

In other words, its rebellion, for it’s clearly in opposition to God’s will, and it a parallel,
For it’s akin to that Babylon of old where all were forced to worship an "image" — remember Daniel?
And such we’ll see again, for we’re told that another power will shortly force all to do the same, foolishly,
It also using Satan’s puppet musicians, they like little drummer boys, fuelling its apostasy.

And as I understand it, they being those Christians who’ve adulterated any Christian sanctuary,
They defiling worship with their ungodly drums and rock guitars, sounds that are anything but heavenly.
In other words, a beat that appeals to the physical, stirring the loins rather than the head and the heart,
Or to put it another way, a contemporary music that when it comes to worship is worlds apart.

Yes, musicians that boogie down, rap it, jazz it, cabaret-like croon it, or anything else it, sadly,
They clearly ignorant of what a holy, righteous God desires and requires, or such choosing not to see.
They only interested in a worldly version of worship of which God won’t have a bar of, hence their end,
For such a self-pleasing worldly-cum-corrupted form of worship can only but our holy God offend.

And why I personally believe that Babylon represents apostasy within Christianity,
An apostasy like that which occurred within ancient Israel, once a holy, righteous theocracy.
That being, as opposed to worldly nations with their mixed multitude, and all manner of abominations,
Many of them now being found within the Christian Church, with its forbidden political aspirations.

And that is where the forced worship of Revelation’s “image of the beast” will come in, eventually,
Fuelled by those puppet musicians, they like those on the plains of Dura, paganistically bold and brassy.
And hence God’s coming wrath, for Babylon-cum-the “image to the beast”-cum-the “false prophet” will be destroyed,
But not before Satan’s worldwide counterfeit religious movement and persecuting measures are employed.

Yes, the connection with ancient Babylon is unmistakable, musicians busy at work there too,
For Satan appeals to the senses, has Christians going by their feelings rather than God’s Word, which they’ll rue.
Well, eventually, that is — when their hollow, false and corrupted worship is exposed for what it is,
For had they truly consulted God’s Word, they would know that any power behind their workings isn’t His.

Though God does attempt to bring good out of bad.

No, when it comes to worship, what’s done before our holy God must be in accordance with the heavenly,
Which translated means: Music that’s untainted, its lyrics, style and sound far removed from that which is worldly.
Such being plain common sense, as we live in a fallen world that we're told to come out of, and very quickly,
For according to God’s Holy Word, those who don’t are doomed, they puppets and slaves of our old adversary.

By Lance Landall


"Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, 'Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues' " (Rev 18:4, RSV).

"Let no one in any way deceive you, for it [the second coming] will not come unless the apostasy comes first..." (2 Thess 2:3, NASB).

"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe" (Heb 12:28, ESV).

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a sevant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10, ESV).

" You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the Lord and the table of demons" (1 Cor 10:21, RSV).

"...Do you not know that a little leven ferments the whole lump of dough?" (1 Cor  5:6, RSV).

"Guard your steps when you go to the house of God; to draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know that they are doing evil" (Eccl 5:1, RSV).

"And He taught, and said to them, 'Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations' " (Mark 11:17, RSV).


Note also Ezek 9:4,6; 22:26; Amos 5:23; Isa 56:10; 2 Chron 36:14-16; Rev 7:11; 5:14; Deut 12:2-4,30,31; Ps 96:9; 5:7; 89:7; 95:6; Hab 2:20; James 1:7.

Also note Revelation 19:20 and chapter 13, especially verses 11-18.

You may also wish to read my poems "Is There Any Chance You've Changed," "A Certain Type Of Beat," "It's Not Just A Guitar" "The Worrisome Drum-kit" and "Should I Go Or Should I Stay" which are found half way down my general Christian poem list.

 Satanic Preparation

There’s no question that humanity is being prepared for a huge deception, courtesy of our arch enemy,
And he, being aided and abetted by deluded, evil, earthly agencies — behind the scenes activity.
Yes, Satan knows his time is short, and in order to have things go his way, he’s influencing folk via the occult,
For strong exposure to such supernatural evil, will soon numb them to his deception, his End-time assault...

That being, his disguised takeover...

Helped by his signs and wonders, for folk will have been immersed in fantasy, confusing fiction with reality,
And thereby, many so sure that it’s God who’s behind such, when the truth is, it’s that same old lying enemy.
Yes, the one who ever since his fall has set about deceiving, and here he is today, using the same old tricks,
Which will soon culminate in a paganistic, (new age), spiritualistic, heretical religious mix…

Yes, some universal religion that will be enforced on all, eventually.

But meantime, he’s creating a huge interest in the supernatural — that is, the dark side of such a sphere,
For once he has folk hooked on such, (weeping statutes, ghosts, UFOs, wizards, and so on), they’ll be much easer to steer.
Hence why he’s saturating the world with the likes of Harry Potter, the Vampire Diaries, and the Lord of the Rings,
All of which contain creatures and things that are far from the heavenly, and which a darkness on humanity brings.

Once kids were more into reality, cowboys and Indians, pirates and knights, and other associations,
But now, it’s the likes of aliens, wizards, witches, trolls, spells, enacted supernatural manifestations.
Or to put it another way, the world of the occult — and such being, the territory of fallen angels, and,
Where the evil, aberrant, cruel, bizarre, foul, ghoulish, false, corrupt and mystical is cunningly designed and planned.

Such territory dulls and deadens the spiritual senses, and has Christians looking in the wrong direction,
And, also has them mistaking Satanic inventions for the heavenly — thus drawing some faulty connection.
And this is what Satan wants, for via such, things will swing his way, see Christians falling for his End-time deception, and,
Thereby ensuring that everything goes his way — in other words, exactly the way that he has cunningly planned.

And hence why, (thanks to Hollywood and television), we’re seeing the occult reaching deep into the family,
And also via certain books, all of which, one way or another, have made deep inroads into Christianity,
Along with New Age gurus in various forms, itchy ear pleasers, crowd teasers, false prophets, teachers and healers,
As well as certain leaders treating the Church more like a corporation — they thus being, Judas wheelers and dealers.

And this is why the Christian Church today is nothing like the apostolic one, but rather, more a mongrel mix,
Which those calls for a return to Church and State, universal Sunday resurgence, or some holy leader, won’t fix.
Only apostolic Christianity and doctrinal purity, and obedience to all of God’s Law
Will please our unchangeable God, who, this sad state of affairs that’s aiding Satan’s End-time worldwide power, foresaw.

By Lance Landall


“The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved”
(2 Thess 2:9,10, NIV).

“And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works” (2 Cor 11:14,15, NKJV).

"And he [the second "beast," alias the "image"] performed great and miraculous signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in full view of men. Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth..."
(Rev 13:13,14, NIV).

You may also wish to read my article on UFOs which may tie in with this, and which is on my Bits 'n' Bobs page.

You may also find the following of interest:

"Science has given way to the belief in the nonmaterial world. Materialism is dead. No longer clinging to the view that nothing exists except matter, science now admits the reality of a nonmaterial dimension governed by mysterious forces and inhabited by nonmaterial intelligences that it can neither identify nor explain. Every facet of occultism is now being explored as the new hope in medicine, education, psychology, business, military intelligence and space science.
The Mind Science cults such as Christian Science, Science of Mind, Religious Science, and Unity School of Christianity openly embrace the occult. Their brand of occultism has invaded charismatic and Pentecostal churches through the Positive Confession movement of Hagin, Copeland, Cho, Wimber, Hinn, and other false prophets and healers. The same “positive” occultism has invaded the evangelical church through Peale and Schuller and their followers. “Christian” psychology and related practices of inner healing or healing of memories and 12-Step programs have accelerated that invasion as well.
All of these streams are now coming together through the ecumenical movement. Its scope is unprecedented in human history. What we are seeing can only be the great apostasy which Paul said must come in order for the day of Christ to dawn and the Antichrist to be revealed. All that remains for the occult invasion to triumph is the establishment of a New World Order…"
From the book, Occult Invasion, by Dave Hunt

Also beware of the works of the likes of Eckhart Tolle.

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