"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

I realize that a fan of Michael W. Smith may not be willing to read this article (let alone open it at all) because he/she firmly believes that Smith is a Christian after listening to his music. For example, one of Smith's songs says the following:
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full, in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace."
-Michael W. Smith, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus," Worship, Sept 11, 2001

It sure sounds good and Christian doesn't it? There are two things that should be noted about this song, first that it was not written by Smith, only performed by him, and second, when Smith talks about "Jesus," he is NOT referring to the Jesus Christ of the Bible.

Here's a statement from Smith that you won't find on his website: "SMITH: God -- I had to personally find him in myself... I think you have to go really work out your own salvation is what you have to do. And that's what I've done." -Michael W. Smith & Larry King, "Interview With Michael W. Smith," Feb 10, 2006, retrieved Dec 6, 2014, [transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0602/10/lkl.01.html]

Michael Smith may hide behind the name of a "jesus," but he's talking about another "christ," that requires you to go work out your own salvation. He doesn't believe in the true Gospel of Jesus Christ, so how can he share it though his music when he doesn't even understand it?

As a disclaimer, I am NOT saying anyone who listens to Smith is unsaved. I am NOT saying that no one has been born-again saved at a Smith event. I am NOT saying everyone who works with Smith is unsaved. This article is about Michael W. Smith specifically, so what I'm saying is that there is little to no evidence of Smith's worship of the Christian God of the Bible, and a lot of evidence of Smith's worship of a false idol he calls "jesus."

Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
-Galatians 4:16

Taken from Michael W. Smith's "About" page on his official website:
"'Sometimes you've just got to shake things up,' Michael W. Smith says with a smile. After selling more than 15 million albums, scoring 28 No. 1 hits, earning three GRAMMYs and more than 40 Dove Awards, no one would blame the Christian music icon if he decided to coast just a little bit, but that's just not in his nature."
-Official Website for Michael W. Smith, "About," retrieved Dec 2, 2014, [michaelwsmith.com/about]

As a Bible-studying Christian, I was immediately turned off by it because the page is filled with his glamour photos, praising him for all his earthly accomplishments, and giving the reader every impression that he is highly esteemed among men. There is not any mention of the Lord Jesus Christ specifically, nor anything about Smith's belief on the Christian God of the Bible.

And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
-Luke 16:15

I went on their website hunting around for some sort of Salvation testimony from Michael Smith, but I never found anything. I later discovered a very strange website called I am Second, in which he tells the following story:

The first half of the video talks about Smith's drug addiction, then, @3:36, he says: SMITH: "Everything began to change. And in November '79, I got rescued at 12:30 at night, on the linolyum floor of my kitchen, right outside of Nashville. I went on the floor, and just began to shake. And I was crawled up like a baby, ya know, and I was just weeping and weeping. And I wept and I wept, and I cried and I cried. I just began to cry out for god -- the god of the universe came and wept with me on that floor, and I haven't been the same since. It all changed. I made up my mind that I would hold myself accountable; I would surround myself with great people. One thing led to another. Eight months later I got my first song writing contract... I thought I'd died and gone to heaven."

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
-Romans 10:17

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
-Galatians 3:24

If you're a born-again, Bible-studying Christian reading Smith's testimony, do you see anything missing? Do you see any mention of the Lord Jesus Christ? Do you see anything about God's Law? Sin? Guilt? Repentance? Faith? Belief? The Word of God in general? In fact, when I went to the I am Second website, and saw this video, there were Facebook comments below it, and one of them said, "Not one word about Jesus," and the lady who wrote that comment is absolutely correct because there is not one mention of anything related to the Gospel whatsoever in his 6-minute video testimony.

Later in this article, we will demonstrate that Smith's "god of the universe" is NOT the Christian God of the Bible. We will read in his own words that he denies the Lord Jesus Christ.

"If you weren't familiar with Michael W. Smith's standing in the world of contemporary Christian music, you might attend one of his concerts and come out none the wiser."
-Birmingham News, Feb 12, 1993, p. 5c

Incase you didn't understand it, this reporter is saying that he couldn't hear anything from Smith in his concert to indicate he was a Christian. Although the statement was made back in 1993, it is only mainstream media that has pushed his "Christian" label. The majority of his music has nothing specific that points to the Christian God of the Bible. As we discussed in our article on "Christian" rock, most rock-music lovers, and Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) lovers, will read the first verse of Psalm 66 and stop:

Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:
-Psalm 66:1

But if we continue reading, we get description of what praise to God should sound like in its words:

Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious. Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah. Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men. He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him. He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.
-Psalm 66:2-7

This is only a small sample of Psalm 66 in description of praise and worship, and very, VERY few "Christian" songs today sing of God's excellent doings among the people:

And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.
-Isaiah 12:4-5

Let's look at some Michael Smith songs and see what we find in his lyrics:

"Great is the Lord" - M.W. Smith Great is the Lord, He is holy and just By His power we trust in His love Great is the Lord, He is faithful and true By His mercy He proves, He is love Great is the Lord and worthy of glory Great is the Lord and worthy of praise Great is the Lord, now lift up your voice Great are You Lord Great are You Lord Great are You Lord Great are You Lord Great are You Lord

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
-Matthew 6:7

If our Lord Jesus Christ doesn't like it when you speak to Him in vain repetition, why would anyone think He would hear it in song? The Lord God does not hear the vain words of the heathen, and so these people thinking they're giving worship to God are completely fooling themselves because God has said that He will not hear the songs and music of those who do as the heathen do:

Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols.
-Amos 5:23

Smith claims his inspiration for this song came from Psalm 145:3, so let's read a few verses and compare them:

Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness. They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee. They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.
-Psalm 145:3-12

Where in Smith's "Great is the Lord" do you see him speaking of God's wonderful works and terrible acts? Where is God's specific acts of greatness and mercy? Where is the Lord Jesus Christ? Smith's song is so vague, that it can be (and has been) applied to any "god" of any pagan religion, including Islam, Hinduism, Catholicism, and Judaism.

For someone to read Psalm 145 and come out saying "God is great, God is great, God is great, God is great" is what we would expect from a three-year-old child. In fact, it would be rather cute in a three-year-old because young children have little understanding, but Smith is an adult, or is supposed to be:

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
-1 Corinthians 14:20

Let's look at some more examples, comparing Smith's new-age music with actual hymns of praise to the Lord Jesus Christ:

"Heaven Come Down" - M.W. Smith SELF-Centered

"A Mansion in Glory" GOSPEL-Centered

Oh, Heaven come down tonight We wanna see Your glory shine Burnin' like a flame forever I am broken Nothin' I can do I'm callin' out to You Bringin' You a heart that's open Come and light a fire Come and light a fire In this moment Hear me cryin' out I'm reachin' for You now Bringin' You a heart that's open And broken Oh, heaven come down tonight We wanna see Your glory shine Burnin' like a flame, burnin' like a flame forever Break every stronghold Shatter every wall so we can see Heaven come down tonight Break every stronghold Shatter every wall so we can see Heaven come down tonight

A mansion is waiting in glory, My Savior has gone to prepare; The ransomed who shine in its beauty, Will dwell in that city so fair. A mansion of rest for the weary, Who toil in the vineyard of love; O sinner, believe, and be ready To enter that mansion above. A mansion where heavenly music Enraptures the glorified throng; They're singing salvation, O sinner, Come, join in that beautiful song. A mansion where angels are waiting To welcome the holy and true, And when to the Savior low kneeling, They'll sing a sweet anthem for you. Oh, home above, I'm going to dwell in that home; Oh, home of love, Get ready, poor sinner, and come. A mansion unclouded by sorrow, Undimmed by the pains of farewell, Where all of earth's pilgrims will gather, With Christ in His glory to dwell.

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
-John 14:2-3

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
-Colossians 1:12-13

So we have a Gospel song that is giving praise specifically to the Savior, Jesus Christ, and is speaking of the home He went to prepare for the born-again saints, but on the other hand, we have Michael Smith, who writes about heaven coming to earth. Which one is preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ? (The answer should be obvious to those who study to show themselves approve unto God.)

"A New Hallelujah" - M.W. Smith SELF-Centered

"The Old Rugged Cross" GOSPEL-Centered

Can you hear there's a new song? Breaking out from the children of freedom Every race and every nation Let us sing love to the nations Bringing hope of the grace that has freed us Make Him known and make Him famous Arise, arise, let the church arise Let love reach to the other side Alive, come alive, let the song arise Africa sings a new song Reaching out with the new Hallelujah Every son and every daughter Everyone sing a new Hallelujah, hey Arise, let the song arise Let love reach to the other side Alive, come alive, let the song arise Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Let the song arise, let the song arise, yeah, yeah, yeah yeah Let the song arise, let the song arise Let the world sing a new Hallelujah Can you get excited church? From Africa to Australia, from Brazil to China From New York down to Houston Come on, give me arise

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, The emblem of suffering and shame; And I love that old cross where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain. So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it some day for a crown. O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, Has a wondrous attraction for me; For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above To bear it to dark Calvary. In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, A wondrous beauty I see, For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, To pardon and sanctify me. To the old rugged cross I will ever be true; Its shame and reproach gladly bear; Then He'll call me some day to my home far away, Where His glory forever I'll share.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
-Matthew 16:24

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
-Romans 5:9

Where is the blood of Jesus Christ in Smith's "New Hallelujah?" Where is Jesus Christ at all? Even if he had mentioned the name of the Jesus Christ (which he didn't), it still wouldn't have pointed back the Christian God of the Bible, because after all, his songs have to be pleasing to the ears of all pagans worldwide.

Praise music is not just some churchianity activity; it teaches doctrine!

How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
-Matthew 16:11-12

Michael Smith seeks to unite all nations in worship with all their pagan gods and rituals into one unified leavened lump of abomintion because he has no understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. True Christian worship doesn't just mention the name of Jesus, but also depicts His works and doctrines in enough detail to specify who exactly is being described, or in other words, Smith's songs are too vague to be forced to have interpretation from the Bible alone. (i.e. You need Smith's input to interpret it, or you have to make it up as you go.)

It is because of Smith's vague, loosely interpreted music that he has been invited to go on tour worldwide. These invitations are coming from numerous heathens and heretics:

"Prior to recording Sovereign, Smith toured the world extensively sharing the gospel in such remote locales as Bahrain, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Abu Dhabi. 'It rocked my world and it inspired me big time,' he says of his travels. 'I had some of the most memorable moments of my entire life on this world tour. In Bahrain, I had to be invited by the king to get in. They've never had a Christian concert ever, but there are a lot of churches there. Somehow a Hindu, a Catholic, a Muslim, a Protestant and a Jew all formed this committee and wanted me to come to Bahrain and do a concert of peace.'" -Official Website for Michael W. Smith, "About," retrieved Dec 2, 2014, [michaelwsmith.com/about]; The photo is from the same source.

After reading this from Smith's "About" page, and looking at all the self-glamour photos of himself littered all over it, it wasn't difficult to see how much he admires himself.

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
-2 Timothy 3:1-4

It is not hard for any discerning Christian to see the corruption that surrounds Smith when he has Hindus, Catholics, Jews, and Muslims asking him to come do concerts for them. How deep in heresy and apostasy does someone have to be to get invitations from heathen?

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
-Ephesians 5:11

It's obvious that Smith is not doing what the Lord Jesus Christ did, correcting the unbelievers and calling them to repentance, and because Smith won't rebuke the world, the world loves him. For example, Smith's 2009 World Tour called "A New Hallelujah" featured Matt Maher, a Roman Catholic worship leader, who gets personal invitations from the pope to lead Catholic worship.

"Matt Maher is a contemporary worship leader in the Catholic faith... [MAHER]: I lead a college Bible study. It's a Catholic Church... I'm just letting them know that there is a generation, now rising, of Catholics who recognize the gift of Salvation that's been given to them and that see the need for a daily relationship with Jesus and pursue it. And pursue Him actively in His Word, and also pursue it in the Sacrament... I lead worship every week. I do a mass every Sunday night at 6 PM at my church, Saint Tims, and on Tuesday nights we do a thing called XLT. Basically what it is is a gathering for high school and college students. It's consistent with about 40 minutes of worship, 20 to 25 minutes of teaching and about 25 to 30 minutes of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament."

-Matt Maher, quoted by Kim Jones, "Matt Maher: Unity Comes Through Dialog Through Relationships," April, 2005, retrieved Dec 9, 2014, [christianmusic.about.com/od/interviewsmz/a/aammaher05int.htm]; A 'monstrance' is used in adoration (worship) of the Catholic eucharist.

The Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is their worship of the supposed blood sacrifice Catholics do in the mass, drinking the claimed "blood of Christ" through transubstantiation. This is a complete abomination in the eyes of the Lord Jesus Christ, sacrificing to false gods, and Michael W. Smith believes the "god" he worships and the "god" the Catholics worship are one and the same.
(Read "Corruptios of Christianity: Catholicism - The Mass & Transubstantiation" here at creationliberty.com for more details.)

Smith cannot be reproving the wickedness of these religions, otherwise, they would be offended and reject him. Smith has to walk in the same darkness they're walking in, or they wouldn't allow him into their congregations, which makes him a liar.

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
-1 John 1:5-6

The average church-goers who love Michael W. Smith are mostly unaware of his true beliefs and secret desires. These are excerpts from a Larry King Live interview with Smith:

"KING: How did you choose that Christian music why not just music? SMITH: Well, I wish it was just music. I mean I've hated labels since day one. You know I wanted to grow up and be like Paul McCartney and Elton John and play pop music but talk about my faith. So, you know, in the early days I didn't even know what Christian music was, so it got a label." -Michael W. Smith & Larry King, "Interview With the Kesse Family; Interview With Michael W. Smith," Feb 10, 2006, retrieved Dec 6, 2014, [transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0602/10/lkl.01.html]

Smith doesn't want to be labeled "Christian" at all, nor did he even realize what it meant to be singing/writing about Jesus Christ. And since Smith doesn't believe in the Christ of the Bible, he's singing about his "faith" in a false gospel. He also talks about two people he looks up to; Paul McCartney (from the Beatles) who was into drugs and witchcraft (and also followed Satanist Aleister Crowley), and Elton John, the homosexual pianist.
(Read "What's Wrong With Christian Rock?" here at creationliberty.com for more details about The Beatles.)

This statement was made in reference to his early days writing and playing music. He has never made any comments about retracting this desire.

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
-1 John 5:21

Michael W. Smith doesn't want to be like Jesus Christ; he wants to be like worldly rock idols.

"KING: So, is it described as gospel? Is that a fair description of what you sing... What do you say it is?
SMITH: You know what I just think it's pop music, you know."
-Michael W. Smith & Larry King, "Interview With the Kesse Family; Interview With Michael W. Smith," Feb 10, 2006, retrieved Dec 6, 2014, [transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0602/10/lkl.01.html]

Don't get Smith's music mixed up with actually praise and worship of Jesus Christ. It's just pop music, and he wants it to be secular.

"KING: When you were on drugs were you lying to the audience? Were you talking about believing in God and doing good things while not doing good things for yourself?
SMITH: So, this was actually before I got my first record deal but I was at a publishing company trying to write gospel, for lack of a better word gospel song, talking about my faith and then getting high and living a crazy lifestyle on the side. It doesn't quite mix does it?
KING: Do you think you were hypocritical?
SMITH: I don't think I was hypocritical at all because I just -- I mean it's a strange thing because what happened is that I became a, for lack of a better word, a God follower when I was ten years old and chose to follow Christ when I was ten."
-Michael W. Smith & Larry King, "Interview With the Kesse Family; Interview With Michael W. Smith," Feb 10, 2006, retrieved Dec 6, 2014, [transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0602/10/lkl.01.html]

In summary, Smith had been hired as a singer by a band called Higher Ground in 1979, had "Christian" songs on the radio while Smith was still battling with his drug addiction, and it wasn't until they went on tour later that year that Smith claims that he had left drugs and alcohol behind him, but believes he was not a hypocrite for being on drugs while singing on tour with a "Christian" band. And notice specifically that it's not just his music, Smith himself doesn't even want to be labeled a "Christian;" rather, he calls himself a "God-follower" for "lack of a better word."

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
-Acts 11:26

The reason Michael W. Smith avoids "Christian" labels should be obvious: he's not a born-again Christian. He doesn't care what the Word of God says, and is more concerned with making the world feel comfortable with their sin, and building up a false peace.

Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
-Luke 12:51
(Read "Did Christ Come to Bring Peace?" here at creationliberty.com for more details.)

This was quoted at the beginning, and I want to repeat it again here:
"CALLER: Hello. When people find God, why do they always find the God of their parents? And when you found God, did he tell you which Christian denomination was the right one?
SMITH: Good question. Well, you know what? I think that for me, I found out that the God -- I had to personally find him in myself. My mom and dad had a big influence on me, but, you know, I think you have to go really work out your own salvation is what you have to do. And that's what I've done."
-Michael W. Smith & Larry King, "Interview With the Kesse Family; Interview With Michael W. Smith," Feb 10, 2006, retrieved Dec 6, 2014, [transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0602/10/lkl.01.html]; Read "Denominations Are Unbiblical" here at creationliberty.com for more details.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
-Ephesians 2:8-10

Michael W. Smith does NOT the believe the doctrines of the Lord Jesus Christ. He just openly denied Jesus Christ by taking the works of his own salvation on himself, which will get him, and others who follow him, a one-way ticket to hell.

Later in this interview, Smith gives a song that he found to be most inspirational to him:
"CALLER: I'd like to ask you the question of, which one of your songs--I know you've had multiple songs, all have been popular, but if you were to say, which one of your songs was truly inspirational to you?
SMITH: Well, I would say 'Place in this World' was probably one, which was a big hit on pop radio."
-Michael W. Smith & Larry King, "Interview With the Kesse Family; Interview With Michael W. Smith," Feb 10, 2006, retrieved Dec 6, 2014, [transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0602/10/lkl.01.html]

Let's take a closer look at that song. I don't recommend listening to the video, but I posted this here because if you watch it while muted, you'll see how he sings about finding his "place in this world," which switching back and forth between shots of himself and some model actress, and when they find each other, they walk off into the sunset as if the woman is the place he was looking for in the world.

"Place In This World" - M.W. Smith The wind is moving But I am standing still A life of pages Waiting to be filled A heart that's hopeful A head that's full of dreams But this becoming Is harder than it seems Feels like I'm Looking for a reason Roamin' through the night to find My place in this world My place in this world Not a lot to lean on I need your light to help me find My place in this world My place in this world

The born-again Christian is not looking for a "place in this world," but a place in heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ. The saved Christian seeks the things of the spirit, not the things of this world.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
-1 John 2:15

He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
-Matthew 10:39

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
-Luke 12:34

It's not hard to see where Michael W. Smith's heart really is -- with the world, and things of the world.

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
-John 15:19

But the world doesn't seem to hate Michael W. Smith -- they love and adore him:
[Returning from a commercial break, they have an audio clip of former president George H.W. Bush]

"BUSH: The music of Michael W. Smith has had an impact on millions of people all over the world. He has been an ambassador of good news for 20 years. His signature song "Friends" is a personal favorite in our house. Thank you and God bless you Michael for your friendship to me and Barbara and to our kids too. KING: When President Bush the first turned 80 there was a gigantic birthday party in Houston at the baseball [diamond].

I had the honor of being the emcee of that event. Five former world leaders were there and Michael W. Smith was one of many great entertainers. That was a memorable night."
-Michael W. Smith & Larry King, "Interview With the Kesse Family; Interview With Michael W. Smith," Feb 10, 2006, retrieved Dec 6, 2014, [transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0602/10/lkl.01.html]

Standing next to major world leaders, and performing along side numerous wicked musicians, Michael W. Smith fits right in. But we Christians are supposed to be sanctified from such things.

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
-2 Corinthians 6:14-18

However, this would only apply to Smith if was a Christan, but he isn't. Smith needs to be born-again in Christ Jesus first, not this false new-age "christ" he puts his faith in.

As we discussed in our article, "Christmas: The Rejection of Jesus," the Christmas celebration is pagan witchcraft that no Christian should have anything to do with, but for Michael Smith, it's his favorite time of year. Smith has produced multiple Christmas albums.

"For many people Michael W. Smith's Christmas music has long provided the soundtrack for the holiday season. During his storied career the music icon has always had a special relationship with Christmas and his three previous holiday collections are among the best-selling and most-beloved projects in his extensive repertoire. This year there's a whole new reason to celebrate as the three-time Grammy winner serves up Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas, featuring Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Amy Grant, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles, a very special spoken word contribution from Bono, and Michael McDonald."
-MTV Artists, "About Michael W. Smith," mtv.com, retrieved Dec 2, 2014, [mtv.com/artists/michael-w-smith/biography]

Not only is Smith obsessed with his witchcraft celebration, he also carelessly yokes himself up with many other wicked heretical music artists. Bono from U2, for example, would perform waving an upside-down cross he wore around his neck, sang "Helter Skelter," which The Beatles (followers of Satanist Aleister Crowley) wrote and Satanist Marilyn Manson used as a theme song, and wrote a song called "God's Country" in which he declared "I stand with the sons of Cain."

Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
-1 John 3:12

Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
-Jude 1:11

Bono and U2 also did their own version of "Sympathy for the Devil" by the Rolling Stones, which says: "Pleased to meet you, hope you guessed my name, but what's confusing you, is just the nature of my game, just as every cop is a criminal, and all the sinners saints, as heads is tails, just call me Lucifer." Bono also dressed up as the Devil to sing on stage, and stated: "One thing I might regret from early times was just showing that one side of me... The egomaniac was always there, too. And some people have always seen me with horns." -Paul "Bono" Hewson, The U2 Reader: A Quarter Century of Commentary, Criticism, and Reviews, Hal Leonard Corporation, 2003, p. 113, ISBN: 9780634038327

There are millions of "rock" fans that are fooled by Bono when he states:
"I believe that Jesus is the son of God... I do believe that, odd as it sounds."
-Paul "Bono" Hewson, Mother Jones Magazine, Vol. 14, No. 4, p. 35, ISSN: 0362-8841

But if they would keep reading the interview, they would see that Bono has directly rejected the Lord Jesus Christ:
"INTERVIEWER: Do you still believe that Jesus is the way?
BONO: I don't accept that. I don't accept that fundamentalist concept. I believe, what is it? 'The way is as narrow as the eye of the needle,' and all that. But I think that's just to keep the fundamentalists out. (laughs) I never really accepted the whole 'born again' tag...
INTERVIEWER: Do you see the world of rock n' roll and the Church as at odds... ?
BONO: I don't. I don't because I think... the most important element in painting a picture, writing a song, making a movie, whatever, is that it be truthful. A version of truth as you see it. Rock n' roll, and the blues, they're truthful. It says in the Scriptures, 'Know the truth, and the truth will set you free.' So there is this feeling of liberation in the blues for me. There is salvation in the blues."
-Paul "Bono" Hewson, Mother Jones Magazine, Vol. 14, No. 4, p. 35, ISSN: 0362-8841

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
-John 3:3

They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
-Titus 1:16

Later, when asked about Prince's so-called "Christian" beliefs, he states:
"I just believe that Prince believes the same thing I do: that God is sex..."
-Paul "Bono" Hewson, Mother Jones Magazine, Vol. 14, No. 4, p. 35, ISSN: 0362-8841

There is a lot more information I could provide about the heretical actions and statements by Bono, but this article is about Michael W. Smith, but getting to the point: Why would any Bible-studying Christian yoke up with this man, let alone include his words in an album? Smith reveals some of why a wicked man like Bono is on his Christmas album in the Larry King Live interview:
"I'm a big U2 fan. So it was nice to see them win [Five Grammy Awards] the other night."
-Michael W. Smith & Larry King, "Interview With the Kesse Family; Interview With Michael W. Smith," Feb 10, 2006, retrieved Dec 6, 2014, [transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0602/10/lkl.01.html]

Michael W. Smith is a big fan of this Christ-rejecting heathen who dresses up as the Devil on stage. In addition to Bono, Michael McDonald is also contributing, coming from the Doobie Brothers, whose band is named for their addiction to drugs, and many so-called "Christian" artists have yoked up with him because of his pathetic song "Jesus is Just Alright," which attempts to bring Christ from His throne as Lord and Savior, down to just some guy who is judged by McDonald as satisfactory.

McDonald still holds dear his Catholic beliefs, and his own personal beliefs, but nothing about the Jesus Christ of the Bible:
"I've always wanted to do a gospel album, toyed with the idea,' said McDonald, who had a Catholic upbringing in St. Louis. 'I have my own beliefs and have wanted to move my music in that direction. ... Christmas goes deep into my psyche all the way back to childhood. Midnight Mass and those kind of things make me sentimental.'"
-Michael McDonald, "Jesus is Just Alright for Former Doobie Brother," Eugene Register Newspaper, Nov 29, 2001, p. 20

I don't want to go into the other so-called "Christian" artists on Smith's Christmas album because we are going to do articles on some of them in the future. However, Smith has managed to put together a cluster of pop-idols that are NOT saved Christians, all to sing music in honor of pagan traditions that are an abomination to the Lord Jesus Christ, and propogated by the wicked Catholic church.
(Read "Corruptions of Christianity: Catholicism" here at creationliberty.com for more details.)

"'What is it about Christmas songs that they are just a part of a fabric of your childhood and your life?' Smith asks. 'When I hear these songs I think about growing up in West Virginia, the Christmas tree, my mom, dad and friends, and my mom cooking for them. There are certain songs that somehow stay glued to you and just remind you of Christmas. There's something that's still fun about singing these songs with family and friends during the holiday, just brings back so many amazing memories'"
-Michael W. Smith, MTV Artists, "About Michael W. Smith," mtv.com, retrieved Dec 2, 2014, [mtv.com/artists/michael-w-smith/biography]

Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
-Jeremiah 10:2-4

Though Christmas has nothing to do with the Lord Jesus Christ, at least Smith is willing to admit it's all about his personal emotional attachment to paganism that's the driving force behind his albums. His inspiration for his Christmas music has nothing to do with Christ or His Gospel -- it's all about his personal feelings.
(Read "Christmas: The Rejection of Jesus here at creationliberty.com for more details.)

What gets really strange is when we analyze some of the runic witchcraft he has inscribed into some of his albums. The above image shows the front and back cover of Michael W. Smith's album The Big Picture. His name is written forwards and backwards in what many people believe to be "random" fonts, but there are two that are not so random. The two highlighted letters of "t" and "m" are actually used in Nordic witchcraft.

Museum of Natural History:
"The runic alphabet or futhark... is shown here in one of its earliest forms."
-Museum of Natural History, "The Futhark Runic Alphabets," retrieved Dec 8, 2014, [mnh.si.edu/vikings/learning/runes.html]

Encyclopedia of Modern Witchcraft and Neo-Pagainism:
(Photo from book by Timothy Roderick, Wicca: A Year and a Day - 366 Days of Spiritual Practice in the Craft of the Wise, Llewellyn Worldwide, 2005, p. 53-54, ISBN: 9780738706214; Roderick is a psychotherapist in southern California and an initiate in Traditional Wicca.)

"The magical use of runes is well documented. There are several passages in the Norse Sagas and Eddas and in Anglo-Saxon literature telling of people carving runes into bits of wood, artifacts such as weapons or drinking horns, and even body parts, in order to achieve magical effects such as healing, cursing, or protection."
-Shelley Rabinovitch & James Lewis, The Encyclopedia of Modern Witchcraft and Neo-Paganism, Citadel Press, 2002, p. 237-238, ISBN: 9780806524061; Rabinovitch is a cultural anthropologist at the University of Ottoawa, Ontario.

Concerning Mannaz (the 'M' shape on "Michael"):
"M is connected with the holly tree, and the gods Heimdall and Odin. The Norse names are mannaz, man, and madhr. The literal meaning is 'mankind, human being, or the physical world.' The magical and divination meanings are a male influence in life, new career opportunities, and developing a link with the deities."
-D.J. Conway, Wicca: The Complete Craft, Crossing Press, 2001, p. 342, ISBN: 9781580910927; Conway is an honorary member of the Council of Elders of the Society of Celtic Shamans, and she has studied/written about new-age religions and witchcraft for more than 40 years.

Concerning Tiwaz (the 'T' shape on "Smith"):
"T is connected with the oak tree, and the god Tyr. The Norse names are Tiwaz, Tyr, Tiu, and Tir. The literal meaning is 'sky god or the god Tyr.' The magical and divination meanings are wisdom, justice, the law, justified victory, and success."
-D.J. Conway, Wicca: The Complete Craft, Crossing Press, 2001, p. 342, ISBN: 9781580910927; Conway is an honorary member of the Council of Elders of the Society of Celtic Shamans, and she has studied/written about new-age religions and witchcraft for more than 40 years.

I'm sure there are Michael W. Smith fanboys and fangirls out there who will rake me over coals for daring to suggest that Smith has anything to do with witchcraft, but I am not the one who is using them in my albums, so these people are misplacing their anger at me. Smith has used these runes in more than one place, for example, on his 1989 Christmastime album:

Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
-Acts 17:29

If someone wants to believe these are just coincidental, you are welcome to your beliefs, but I would ask what you are basing that on? I'm clearly showing evidence that Smith understands these runes, knows their meaning, and is applying them subtly.

Michael Smith's Rocketown organization also uses the 'T' symbol for it's logo: (Photo taken from Rocketown website, "About Rocketown," retrieved Dec 8, 2014, [rocketown.com/about-rocketown])

Since we're on the subject, let's look closer at Smith's "Rockettown."
"Rocketown was founded in 1994 by Michael W. Smith... The first of its kind in the Southeast, Rocketown has grown into a regional outreach as well as a model for Christian-based relational outreach across the country."
-About Rocketown, "History," retrieved Dec 8, 2014, [rocketown.com/about-rocketown])

REPORTER: "This is a metal band called Toxic Holocaust, singing its song 'Hang the Pope.' Some of the lyrics, quote, 'Let's go to the Vatican, get him out of bed, put the noose around his neck, and hang him 'til he's dead.'" REPORTER: [Concerning bands hosted by Rocketown] "The headliner Black Dahlia Murder has a song called 'Black Valor.' Part of the chorus is, quote 'striking with Satanic force, we'll crush their fabled Christ.'" ROCKETOWN SPOKESWOMAN: "I understand that there are some people who find this controversial. We're a very non-traditional ministry, and we're proud of that."

Again, music teaches doctrines. It's sickening how many people listen to whatever they want without understanding that. Letting teenagers listen to doctrine that teaches them to "strike with Satanic force" is not leading them to Christ, and it's ridiculous that I'm even having to write this out because this should be common understand.

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
-2 Corinthians 10:5

I don't see Rocketown casting down imaginations. I see them making excuses to justify their wicked actions, and they will only do exactly what their founder (Michael W. Smith) would agree to do.

And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
-Luke 16:15

(WARNING: This is a performance hosted by Rocketown. This is filled very hate-filled death metal screaming; may not be suitable for children.)

Abstain from all appearance of evil.
-1 Thessalonians 5:22

Let all things be done decently and in order.
-1 Corinthians 14:40

Why would anyone think this is a Christian group? Again, from Rocketown's "About" page:
"Rocketown has grown into a regional outreach as well as a model for Christian-based relational outreach across the country."
-About Rocketown, "History," retrieved Dec 8, 2014, [rocketown.com/about-rocketown])

This is sickening. This is evil. This is not Christian in any sense.

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
-2 Timothy 2:22

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
-Matthew 18:6

Let's change gears for a moment and discuss an organization called "World Vision." "World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice... Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, we serve alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God's unconditional love for all people."
-World Vision, "Who We Are," retrieved Dec 9, 2014, [worldvision.org/about-us/who-we-are]

Sounds like the typically fluffy, cotton-candy organization that millions of church-goers would want to support. However...
"World Vision, a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, calls itself 'the largest privately funded, faith-based relief and development organization in the United States.' Despite its popularity and respected image, however, World Vision is generating criticism because of its support for population control. A 1995 World Vision policy document called 'Health and Healing,' reported that 'World Vision will supplement governmental and other NGO [non-governmental organization] efforts in making modern family planning methods available to the couples... These include copper IUDs, [intrauterine device for birth control] pills, and condoms. Furthermore, according to a recent article in WORLD, an American Christian magazine, an internal survey of the organization last year revealed that 'all responding NOs [national offices] are engaged in some type of family planning-related activity, either as a straightforward family planning or reproductive health project or buried within child survival, maternal health, or women's health activities. WORLD also notes that $55 million of World Vision's $241 million revenue last year came from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) - a group notorious for promoting population control in the third world."
-LifeSiteNews.com, "World Vision Supports Population Control," Mar 2, 1999, retrieved Dec 9, 2014, [lifesitenews.com/news/world-vision-supports-population-control]

The U.S. Agency for Internation Development has long been restricted from using tax-payer money to support abortions, locally or foreign. However, that all changed in 2009:
"President Obama repealed rules on Friday that restricted federal money for international organizations that promote or provide abortions overseas, sweeping aside a pillar of the social policy architecture of George W. Bush's presidency... 'For the past eight years, they have undermined efforts to promote safe and effective voluntary family planning in developing countries,' Mr. Obama said of the restrictions. 'For these reasons, it is right for us to rescind this policy and restore critical efforts to protect and empower women and promote global economic development.'"
-Peter Baker, "Obama Reserves Rules on U.S. Abortion Aid," New York Times, Jan 23, 2009, retrieved Dec 9, 2014, [nytimes.com/2009/01/24/us/politics/24obama.html?_r=0]

"World Vision has filled the TV screens of many over the years, showing the terrible conditions to which poor children are exposed and offering us a chance to help bring hope to poverty-stricken children and their families. It seems, however, that World Vision's world vision includes all sorts of birth control, including those which are considered abortifacients, as well as connections with pro-abortion resources worldwide. While World Vision has actually tried to distance itself from the word abortion, there is no doubt of its association. A report from United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a U.S. government organization, from September 13, 2012 says:
'World Vision found that FP [family planning] was misunderstood to mean abortion by many people, so they changed their terminology from FP to Birth Spacing and then to Healthy Timing and Spacing of Pregnancies (HTSP), and it became easier to talk to people about family planning.'"
-Susan Michelle, "World Vision Sponsors May Be Sponsoring Abortifacients Along With Children," Live Action News, Feb 11, 2013, retrieved Dec 10, 2014, [liveactionnews.org/world-vision-sponsors-may-be-sponsoring-abortfacients-along-with-children]


In case you didn't understand, World Vision is changing their terminology from the word "abortion," to something that sounds more pleasant: "Healthy Timing and Spacing of Pregnancies." World Vision is a group of liars, deceiving pro-life groups into giving money for the support of abortions.
"However, this connection with World Vision and abortion goes deeper. [World Vision spokesperson Sheryl] Watkins asserts:
'[I]n all of its work, World Vision implements an extensive due-diligence process to ensure that the work that we do aligns with the purpose of our mission and the underlying principles. Accordingly, we take all reasonable precautions to ensure that we are not partnering with or funding any organization to provide, fund, or advocate for abortion services.'...
Also in question is World Vision's $242,786 grant to the abortion-supporting organization Save the Children, as reported on its last tax form:" -Susan Michelle, "World Vision Sponsors May Be Sponsoring Abortifacients Along With Children," Live Action News, Feb 11, 2013, retrieved Dec 10, 2014, [liveactionnews.org/world-vision-sponsors-may-be-sponsoring-abortfacients-along-with-children]; Photo from same source.

Let's take a look at SaveTheChildren.org's "Reproductive Health Toolkit:"
"Adolescents should be provided with information and access to safe abortion services when legal."
-Save The Children, "Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Toolkit for Humanitarian Settings," retrieved Dec 10, 2014, [savethechildren.org/atf/cf/%7B9def2ebe-10ae-432c-9bd0-df91d2eba74a%7D/SC_UNFPA_ASRHtoolkit_HumanitarianSettings-Sept-09.pdf]

What does all this have to do with Michael W. Smith? Guess who sponsored Michael W. Smith's 2010 tour?
"World Vision and AEG Live announce the 'Make A Difference Tour 2010' featuring New York Times best-selling author Max Lucado and some of the top names in the Christian music industry—GRAMMY® award-winning recording artists TobyMac, Michael W. Smith and Third Day."
-Ellie Crumbaugh, "Make A Difference Tour - Coming This Fall!" World Vision, July 22, 2010, retrieved Dec 9, 2014, [wvartists.org/article/make-a-difference-tour-coming-this-fall]


If you're not already angry at the organization lying about it's backing of abortions around the world, even the God-hating atheists could back me up being upset that Michael W. Smith may be potentially funded by our tax-dollars! If you remember earlier, over 20% of World Visions income was from a U.S., tax-funded agency, which means Michael W. Smith may now be federally funded for his tours via baby-killing organizations.

In addition, he tours with Max Lucado, who believes some heretical doctrines of his own. For example, his belief that Baptism grants salvation: "Baptism separates the tire kickers from the car buyers... Baptism effectively seals our salvation, uniting us to him and his body... In baptism God signs and seals our conversion to him." -Max Lucado, "Baptism: The Demonstration of Devotion," Mar 22, 2014, retrieved Dec 10, 2014, [maxlucado.com/read/topical/baptism-the-demonstration-of-devotion]

Meaning that unless you're baptized, you not joined to Jesus Christ in salvation, and he even claims that if you're not baptized, you didn't "buy the car," meaning that you never were saved. That's the Catholic false doctrine of "Baptismal Regeneration."

Smith is well-known for yoking up with many different wolves in the mainstream spotlight. Amy Grant is one of those wolves, and we have a similar article on her that, if you found this informative, I would highly encourage you to read: "Wolves in Costume: Amy Grant"

I will most certainly be making additions to this article in the future, but for now, I've seen enough. Michael W. Smith is too busy writing his pagan and secular music, while hiding behind plausible deniability, yoking himself up with wicked men and organizations, all the while Smith himself has denied the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
-Exodus 20:7

Michael W. Smith is hiding behind the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, while he builds his own earthly fame and glory in heresy and vanity. We didn't even get to the huge homes and properties, which is so typical of the average mainstream "preacher," claiming to be charitable "Christians" with their millions of dollars of wealth. If you have any compassion for Michael Smith, pray that the Lord Jesus Christ humble his heart and bring him to repentance, and pray also that the Lord God would keep our eyes open and vision clear so we can watch out for wolves like Smith.

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