Ever considered how much the Kingdom Songs mould the group thinking and loyalty of the R&F?
Take Song #8 as an example:
Loyally Submitting to Theocratic Order
1. As Jehovah's people sound throughout the earth
Truths about the Kingdom, of such priceless worth,
Theocratic order they must all obey
And remain united, loyalty display.
(CHORUS)
Loyal submission in recognition,
This to our God we owe.
He gives protection, tender affection.
Loyalty to him we show.
2. Jesus Christ, our Leader, is in full control;
He equips the soldiers that he does enroll.
'Tis a spir'tual warfare, so we have to act
As a group, united, close-knit, and compact.
(Chorus)
3. Then we have God's steward and His active force.
These will ever guide us in our Christian course.
So may we be steadfast, seeking God to please,
Loyally proclaiming all his wise decrees!
(Chorus)
Notice how the Organisation is lauded, even accorded equal status with the Holy Spirit! Yet who should receive the glory? Now look at a well-known Christian song that deals with a similar topic, i.e. being loyal servants:
Jesus Christ, the King and Saviour
Humble birth in Herod's reign,
Jew and Deity,
God was with them one for all,
Shared humanity.
John the Baptist knew His sign;
Prophesied the Way:
"Turn to God, His Kingdom's near,
Repent, believe, obey!"
(Chorus)
Jesus Christ, the King and Saviour,
Blessed Lord, Emmanuel,
Living Word, God's Son, Messiah,
The victor over Satan's realm!
Jesus taught His Father's will:
Truth with certainty;
Showing from the Word of God
His authority.
Challenging His enemies
Who refused to hear.
He fulfilled all prophecies:
His Majesty was clear!
On the Cross where Jesus reigned
In His Father's plan,
Israel's Suffering Servant died;
Our Passover Lamb.
Many saw this Son of Man
coming in the clouds
to the presence of His God
In glorious, risen, power!
No-one knows when He'll return
For the Judgement Day,
But He tells us "Wait in faith,
Hope and watch and pray!"
This command from Jesus' lips:
"Speak to all mankind;
Make disciples in my Name,
I'm with you for all time!"
(Sally Tretheway) CCL No. 167540
Notice that the attention of the words is fixed firmly on the Saviour, Jesus. There is no mention of glory being given to anyone else. Now isn't that what the Scriptures tell us?
Which song gets it right? Which song is the more Scriptural?