Somehow African American Christians think that Gospel music is unique and not influenced by any other genre. That secular influence should be avoided so as a musician I say where do we take Gospel music back to? Blues and Jazz formed original Gospel as those musicians played the Juke joints on Friday and Saturday and were the church band on Sundays. You can’t make black church an Island of exclusive living saints because it is and will always be comprised of sinners saved by Grace. They bring with them their culture and it isn’t an issue in Africa, Jamaica, or predominantly white churches.

So if you are 25 and grew up on Hip Hop as I did and you get saved, do you throw out all your hip hop ways and buy Shirley Caesar? Dress like Pastor so and so? In Africa the Christians sing like Africans, in predominantly white churches rock is the genre associated with their Christian music but is there a Craig Lewis ripping on them? When we all know that Rock and Metal had true demonic lyrics and imagery on their albums.

Truthfully what I see is a brother making money on half truths and instead of preaching salvation he is using Hip Hop indirectly to get paid so he should be considered a beef artist, he’s like a 50 cent of Urban Ministry calling out these rappers and he doesn’t know any of them personally so he is judging them and he hasn’t interviewed the ones he’s blasting. None of the examples that Jesus left here for us to follow are attack and scare tactics, but a message of Love.

Jesus loved the sinners and led them by dealing with them and even the Pharisees who were set against him he didn’t bash or attack. He said to love our enemies not get paid on making dvd’s to expose half truths and opinions. On one of his videos he says Redman is in Wu Tang. Well at least get the history and bio’s down before calling them out.

I liked this blog so much I’m doing a show tomorrow @ 12 noon pst.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rttalk/2010/09/03/illuminati-masons-skulls-new-world-order-hip-hop

the call in number is 347-838-8762 call in, I would love to get your comments and responses. Thanks for your time I’m Leonard Tatum on facebook or rttalk in google it will take you to me. God Bless….

[http://crystalzion.com]

Grace and peace,

tb

Thanks for stopping by our website and sharing your heart. We’re definitely in agreement with your major points, even if we don’t agree on presentation. You mentioned that we’re called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds as opposed to being conformed to the world. There’s no question about that. In fact, we have a song called Transformers that’s centered on that very theme. The CONTENT of our music is totally contrary to anything that does not submit to Christ. Have you listened to ANY of our songs? Obviously, you disagree with the “packaging” as being conformed to the world, given the style of music, but does that mean I should not preach the gospel in blue jeans? Did the church invent the suit and tie? Or is that the same style of dress worn by corrupt corporate executives who make a fortune by stealing money behind closed doors? Honestly, do you go to church to worship dressed like the Apostle Paul? Not that I expect you to answer these questions, I’m just making a point here.

You posed the question: “how can one get into the ‘Spirit of GOD’ listening to Rapp music?” Perhaps God still works in mysterious ways. First, God has always been about substance more than form or appearance. Second, I don’t recall a verse that says we are to “get into the Spirit of God.” We’re instructed to be filled with Spirit of God; that same Spirit which is that Living Water that the Lord said would flow out of the bellies of those who truly believe on Him (John 7:38). Is the Lord limited in creativity as to the manner in which that Living Water should flow out of a man? Is He not the Creator of creativity? Consider Ephesians 5:17-19 — “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” Does the Word say what style of music that is? Is it limited to a certain style? If it’s done out of a heart to honor the Lord and to bless His children, isn’t that what matters? You said yourself that God looks at the heart of everything, and you have to agree with that because God said so. “[F]or the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b. Ultimately, the only biblical stipulation to worship (correct me if I’m wrong) is John 4:24: “they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” Obviously Christian Rap doesn’t put YOU in the mood to worship God, but God created us all differently. I could share various testimonies and praise reports, but one example comes to mind. One of the first Christian raps I did was “Joy and Peace.” In terms of quality, I don’t think it’s our best stuff, but as I wrote the song I prayed that it would really minister and speak to someone’s heart. One day we got a random message on myspace from a sister we had never met. She said when she heard the song she “cried rivers of tears” because she felt as if the Lord was speaking directly to her. I believe He was, and it was an eye opener for me because I know that I’m not that good. I know it was the Lord’s hand and His infinite wisdom that the praise report came back to us as sweet confirmation that God is pleased with what we’re doing and willing to use it to advance His kingdom. If I thought differently, I assure you I’d hang it up immediately without even a kiss goodbye.

Bottom line, I agree with you that we must “stay FOCUSED on the WORD of GOD.” That’s our goal both for ourselves and our listeners, and a big part of why we do what we do at Eternal Life Music. Understand though, that it doesn’t stop here. We’re simply servants of the most High God, whether that means picking up a brother, a broom or a microphone. Now, I don’t know if all that sounds like a defense mechanism, but whether it is or is not, may God be glorified.

God bless you my brother