The Dream Center Church of Atlanta is a member of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, an American Charismatic denomination. [1] Dream Center Church welcomed 2024 with a worship service that was streamed live online. The event gained attention because Bishop William Murphy, the church’s senior pastor, led his congregation to dance to the rap songs “Walk it Out” by Unk and “Swag Surfin” by Fast Life Yungstaz, which feature lyrics that glorify smoking and alcohol.
“You Don’t have to Go to the Club,” Declared an Atlanta Megachurch Bishop as He Led His Congregation in Dancing to Rap Songs Celebrating Smoking and Drinking #sda #adventist #adventista pic.twitter.com/dx8t5KgxmD
— Advent Messenger (@Advent1844) January 6, 2024
As the worldly music blasted inside his church and as the people danced, Bishop William Murphy reminded his congregants to “keep it sanctified.” Additionally, he said to the worshipers that they didn’t have to go to the “club” anymore, suggesting that the church could now offer similar forms of entertainment to those found in bars and nightclubs. He called this worship experience the “new wine.”
Only in Atlanta are people swag surfin in church. pic.twitter.com/pIBGkvzxnU
— Everything Georgia (@GAFollowers) January 2, 2024
These are the backslidden, drunk Babylonian pastors leading their congregations, who have also been made drunk and blind through the strong drink of false doctrine (Revelation 18:3). The Spirit of the Lord was not in this place because this is not worship. They were Swag Surfin’ in the New Year, just like every other nightclub and bar did at the beginning of the New Year. This type of worldly desecration of the church offends God.
“Wherefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish thee; neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity.” Ezekiel 5:11.
Unfortunately, some members of the Adventist community are trying to imitate these Babylonian churches. It is a shame that we have people who want to be like the world when it comes to dancing and music, but it is impossible to sanctify Satan’s entertainment by incorporating it into Adventism. There is danger whenever our churches try to imitate the outside world. It always results in the loss of biblical identity, values, truth, and purity.
“Some will urge that if religious teaching is to be made prominent our schools will become unpopular; that those who are not of our faith will not patronize them. Very well; then let them go to other schools, where they will find a system of education that suits their taste. It is Satan’s purpose by these considerations to prevent the attainment of the object for which our schools were established. Hindered by his devices, the managers reason after the manner of the world and copy its plans and imitate its customs. Many have so far shown their lack of wisdom from above as to join with the enemies of God and the truth in providing worldly entertainments for the students. In doing this they bring upon themselves the frown of God, for they mislead the youth and do a work for Satan. This work, with all its results, they must meet at the bar of God” (Testimonies, Vol. 6, p. 142).
Sources
[1] http://tdrcatl.com/more-about-us/
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Babylon is fallen is fallen.
That last quote needs to be sent out to all Adventist schools of learning. From K-12, from college to university, from academy to mission outpost.
Blasphemy, this is utterly disgusting.
These unconverted people have no spiritual vision or compass.
The International Churches of Christ, also known as the Boston Movement [of the Church of Christ] either owned or leased a club in downtown Hollywood, not far from the SDA church. The Bostonians had a specific outreach model to recruit young people as “sold out” disciples. They had a very strong emphasis on chastity before marriage and developed a program which encouraged healthy relationships leading to marriage. The nightclub they owned was designed to provide opportunities for young people to meet and socialize in a safe setting. Mostly college age disciples from the Southern California would meet at the club to make new friends. There was singing and fellowship, not sure if there was any dancing. I didn’t see any. Although denounced as a cult and banned from some college campuses, they attracted many young people who embraced the strict lifestyle the church promoted. Most of the discipling was done by the members who shared their faith with peers and classmates, many of whom were college age young people. I met young/aspiring physicians, lawyers, scientists from places such as MIT, UCLA, Cal Tech, and other schools.
One feature of the church was strict accountability to elders appointed to oversee small groups. While many SDA young people leave the denomination, large numbers were joining this church. Quite a thing to experience!