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I don’t know what disturbs me more, the state of the world or the state of Christian music. Why do we have to water down the message of Christ? Why do we have to water down the songs we write so that we don’t pigeon hole ourselves as “Christian artists” If you’re reading this and thinking that this is all starting to sound like a rant well you’d probably be correct. If you don’t want to be challenged spiritually then this is right about the time where you can go and update your facebook status because I am about to get brutally honest about an issue that’s been on my heart for a few years now. This issue resurfaced for me a few weeks ago when I decided to start putting pen to paper for a long overdue solo hip hop project I’ve been talking about doing for ages. More and more I find myself only listening to music that really challenges me in my faith walk. I’ve simply had enough of watered down Christianity.
Two years ago I was in my local Christian music store searching for something new and fresh and I found the cd of a new rapper from Tennessee named Lecrae. I listened to the cd in the store and was blown away by the boldness of his lyrics. I was blown away by his passion for Jesus and even more by the fact that he made sure his music was all about Jesus and not about him. When I got home I jumped online and checked out his label and to my amazement I found even more rappers that were just as good and just as bold for Christ. I discovered the “116 movement”. It’s based on the scripture Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” What an awesome example to set for a generation of youth that are being torn in so many different directions. There’s never been a better time than now to bring a clear and concise message of hope, a hope that can only be found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. That really is the bottom line here, so why is it that we can represent Jesus at Church on Sunday but when we hit the stage the next night were more concerned about selling records then speaking the truth and speaking it clearly. We are too concerned that we might offend someone with the message of Christ. Have we become so politically correct that we’ve forgotten who our God is? Have we forgotten His promise that if we stay focused on Him everything else we be taken care of?
I’ve seen the “what is Christian music” argument battled out on Christian forums for years and for me there is no excuse for luke warm Christianity. If you’re a believer and Gods given you musical gifts I believe you should be using those gifts to glorify God. Right now there are more than a few Christian bands on the secular scene that have thousands of fans that aren’t even aware that the band members are Christians. They spout watered down “positive” lyrics so they can “appeal to a wider audience” And then the bands that are speaking the bold truth get trashed by fellow believers for playing at secular venues? Would you prefer they only present the gospel in church? That doesn’t even make sense! Newsflash! The unsaved don’t go to church.
I hate ranting all the way through a blog without offering a solution. So if your into hip hop and you want to be seriously challenged in your faith then check out a few of these artist links.
Lecrae: Http://myspace.com/lecrae
Trip Lee: http://www.myspace.com/triplee116
The Ambassador: http://www.myspace.com/ambassador215
Shobaraka: http://www.myspace.com/shobaraka
Flame: http://www.myspace.com/flame314
Step bold or don’t step at all.
Peter Graham.
This is a copy of a note from my facebook profile.
1. I believe there is nothing greater then my Gods grace.
2. I thank God for my wife everyday.
3. My ultimate home is where my family is .. but God might have other ideas.
4. Unlike my sister I would rather have a dishwasher then do the dishes.
5. I believe country music is of the devil
6. I’m a good friend because I tell it like it is.
7. I am a member of the facebook group “I secretly want to punch slow walking people in the back of the head” – Dont hate .. is has over a million members!
8. American Idol auditions are the funniest thing on tv hands down.
9. My favorite ice cream is peanut butter and chocolate.
10. I think instant coffee should be outlawed.
11. I believe gambling is really just a tax for stupid people.
12. People who are anti (insert country name here) are racist.
13. You cannot set limitations on a God who knows no limits.
14. I hate it when people ask me .. is that an accent you have? No! its just the way I talk!
15. Thanks to my wife I have seen every single episode of sex and the city.
16. My breakfast of choice is a double shot latte.
17. I believe 911 was a terrorist conspiracy not a government consipracy.
18. 3 people tagged in this note have changed my life with positive words.
19. After nine years living overseas I still get home sick about once a month.
20. My two nephews are the coolest kids on the planet.
21. My favorite food is anything Italian
22. I believe retail is the best form of training for going into full time ministry.
23. I have a moderate road rage issue.
24. I find it sad that good customer service is becoming a lost art.
25. The customer is NOT always right.
