Crossover Music The Only Way To Reach The Lost?

This is a BIG thing in music now a days Ive heard of so many artist's speak on this topic and I want to get into it a little. So what Ive heard is that most "christian artists" (mostly in hip hop) believe that they need what they call crossover music to reach the lost, now trust me I understand where they are coming from as a music artist myself my goal is to lead the lost to Christ as well as edify the church. I understand the need to feel you need to reach a broader audience, though we really need to understand that holy hip hop is a sub-genre and not one in itself, hip hop is hip hop and fans of it will not turn away if its good. Now the idea of crossover music is to have a religious based album, single, ect. and make it so that the unconverted will not be lead away by the beliefs behind it. Now I am not calling out artists that do this but In my way of thinking I take everything and weigh  it by the word of God. I remember years ago the cool thing for Christians was to wear those WWJD bracelets and it was a good way to really get your attention and ask yourself am I doing what Christ would do. So if I would really think would Jesus cover up the message of the Gospel to reach the lost? Absolutely not, we know that The word of God is enough to save the lost on its own, Jesus showed us that himself to take the authority and power of the word, its what will make the change. I learned something very useful from Holy Hip Hop Legend B.B. Jay as i was being taught by him about the music industry and its that music doesn't save people, but what it does do is set the atmosphere for the Holy Spirit to work inside the person and make it possible for salvation to come. If I'm not using the full power of the word of God in my music then the atmosphere is not going to be set and no one's life will be changed. As I write my music I ask the Lord to guide my pen and he really is the inspiration of my lyrics, he's the air I breath, he's my everything, how could I possibly make music about anything else or water down the gospel? With so many artists leading people away from Christ and even artists in this indusrty preaching Christ but in no way are making any movement for the lost it's time to Stand Out! I'm not telling anyone how to make their music, just be lead by the spirit and if your goal is to reach the lost then don't water down the message use it with power! Let's keep moving forward this movement of Holy Hip Hop is taking over, were on the rise and getting the exposure to reach the nations.

ABDC Season 6 Finale this Sunday! June 5 2011

If your like me then you've been watching America's Best Dance Crew since the beginning, yes it has lost some luster over the years but it still has what it takes to catch my attention. Personally I think ABDC has become more of a popularity contest more than a dance competition (that's why the kids are in the finals) but it doesn't overshadow that there really is alot of talent. Week 1 and 2 showcased the all crews, honestly I was not impressed with most of the crews except for Street Kingdom which if they had been consistent every week might have gotten to the final 2, but still before they left they had some amazing performances and really repped the kingdom! Great crews such as Street  Kingdom, Phunk Phenomenon, 787 Crew, & Request Crew have gone home and now its down to the 2 final crews; IaMmE and Iconic Boys. Personally this is a no brainier IaMmE is better in every way, every week they have proved to be a great crew with strong performances every time and the same cannot be said for the other team. Yet lets get this straight this is a voting contest and we all know the ones who have gotten Iconic Boys to the finals are 10-13 yo girls and they know how to vote! In the end Im hoping for justice when it comes to crowning season 6 winners, but looking back at past seasons the best team does not always win. Season 5 Blueprint cru lost to the inferior crew poreotics. Season 4  Rythm City didn't even make it to the top 3! Season 3 even though Quest crew was an awesome group I personally though Beatfreaks should have won. Anyways tune in this Sunday June 5 @7:30 on MTV to catch the winning team. I may have to boycott next season if IaMme don't win! Just saying.....

Judgement day May 21st 2011?????

Im sure all of us have heard this crazy rumor that Saturday May 21st 2011 the rapture is going to happen and Judgment will be upon us, well does this go along with what the Bible says? Matthew chapter 24 says that no one knows the day only the Father in heaven... so wait how do these people know when the rapture is? Truth is they don't, its false speculation and they try to recruit people by making them fear, which God does not work in that way. We have to know the word of God so that when people try to overtake us by manipulation of scripture we can stand on our wisdom of the true content and know what is truth. Its dangerous times for those who believe, imagine giving up your job, possessions, and putting your whole life on a specific event that never comes to pass. When these people wake up on Sunday realizing that the were wrong they will be prey to thoughts of suicide, depression, and lots more so lets keep these people in prayer. And even though he wont be coming on Saturday, are you really ready for when he does come?

Urban Inspirational Awards 2011

The 5th Annual Urban Inspirational Awards went down this weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina  and let me tell you, it was Fire! The event popped off on Friday the 29th of April with an Artist Mixer & Showcase. The talent & the anointing in the room was no ordinary thing. Music genres varied from Hip Hop, Gospel, Rock & Contemporary Christian. Artists from all over the USA and even Canada traveled  their long ways to be apart of this. The Showcase was hosted by Hip Hop Legend B.B. Jay which brought the energy and set the event to a high level. With DJ Network on the spin their was never a dull moment cause the music was on point! The Show started with Overthrown Dancecrew blazing the stage, then artists such as myself (Man Of FAITH), Nu Purpose, Shanae St.Louis, and many more took to the stage and set the atmosphere on Friday for the next day. Saturday April 30th was the official date for the Award Show. In the morning a Worskshop was given to artists with key points about how to manage your business in ministry and the music industry.Red Carpet & Interviews with the artists and performers began and the event was off to a great start. Media outlets such as Planetsaved.com, Block Talk Radio Show, Prayzefest Gospel hour and many more covered the event. Again the music reached all genres. Artists such as B.B. Jay, Keisha Dream, True Witness, Nicole Michelle, El Shaadai & Hood, Karmyn, Nicois, Terri Cann, and many more brought the house down! Awards were given out to artists and Recognition was given to people who deserved so. To say the least the weekend was a huge success and I want to recognize Hood & his team for pulling this event off, and Also New Covenant Bibleway Church in Charlotte for hosting this event. Till next year, stay blessed!

Follow me on twitter - @ManOfFaithMusic

Who Did Jesus Die For?

Coming off this Easter weekend there has been alot of debate over 2 different doctrines. Ive read alot of people posting that Jesus came and died for the so called "elect" which means that not everyone was included in the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. Wait a minute is that what the Bible says? NO!..... 1 Timothy 4:10 "That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe." So whats left to question? All people means sinners and saints alike not just certain people, Jesus died so that this world would not be bound to sin but find forgiveness from the Father and receive eternal life in His presence. Yet the funny thing is I find that the people believing that Jesus did not die for all are using scriptures from the Bible and telling us not to believe them. This is exactly what the enemy uses against the people of God, it brings confusion and a false sense of belief.  If we shouldn't believe those scriptures are true, than why believe any at all? This is what is being taught and is poison to someone that does not know the word of God to refute what is being said with real truth in God's word. If Jesus did not come and die for the world then "the elect" have the ability to live in sin and still make it to heaven, and the non-elect can serve God and still are condemned to an eternity in hell. God is Love and does not choose one over the other, he loves the sinner and saint with the same perfect love. This teaching of the "elect" is wrong and dangerous for us to be declaring to a world that needs to know that Jesus accepts everybody and if we believe in him and receive him as our savior then salvation is ours. Saved always Saved (eternal security) is a wrong and is hurting the body of Christ. Hosea 4:6 says "My people perish for lack of knowledge" we need to know the word of God so that when someone comes to us with false teaching we can look to the Bible for answers.

The Blood Of The Lamb

1 Peter 1:18-19

"For you know that it was not by perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." 

Reading this first passage you can see that we have been giving a perfect gift, and it does so much for us that we may not even know the extent of the power that the blood of Christ gives us. Blood is the source of life, it runs through our veins and our heart would not function without it. Jesus bought us by shedding his wonderful blood and it brought us to salvation and eternal life. As Christian's when we come into the Lord we become covered by this blood as it protects us but that's just the beginning. Im going to be giving scriptures from the Bible that tell us exactly what it is the blood of Jesus does for us.

      Rescues & Redeems

Colossians 1: 13-14
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us unto the kingdom of the son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sin.

     Purifies

1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his son, purifies us from all sin.

Overcomes

Revelation 12:11

They overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of there testimony.

And still there is so much more that the blood of Jesus does for us in our daily lives, it will bring healing, power, miracles, change and the Bible even says that its what gives us confidence to enter the presence of God. So if your not taking advantage of this gift given to us threw sacrifice you are missing out on so much! Plead the blood of Jesus over you; life, home, family, situations, problems. There is all power in this source from heaven and by using this tool you will change your life and surroundings for good.

Don't Bury Your Talents

What are you good at? Whats your passion? Whats your hobby? What are you talented at? Our talents were given to us as a gift from God to bring him glory, what are you doing with yours? Jesus himself gives us a parable about talents in Matthew 25.  He tells us about 3 men, 1 of them doubled the 5 talents his master gave him, the 2nd doubled the 2 talents his master gave him, but the 3rd  went and buried the 1 talent his master gave him and did not multiply what he had. This tells us that no matter if we feel we have alot of talent or just a little God doesn't want us to bury it he wants us to go out and multiply them so that when we see him face to face we have something to offer to him. Take what you were given and use it! God has already equipped you for what your supposed to do. You may be the next singing star, or maybe the next top dancer, maybe your the next big artist, you'll never know until you lay it all on the line and go for it. The Bible says the the anointing of God will make space for you so wherever your area of talent  may be there is a spot just for you. Do it Gods way and  he will lead you exactly where it is he wants you.

Vote For Who You Want On The Cover Of Madden 2012

This is a blog for all my NFL Football fans just like me! We as fans still don't know if their is gonna be a season this year, but we can choose who we want on the cover of this years video game. Madden has been a hugely successful video since it first on on the market years ago and now for the first time ever we as the fans have the decision on who we want to place on the cover. We are down to the final 4. Match 1- Aaron Rodgers vs Peyton Hillis; the current superbowl mvp has huge competition in "the Juggernaut" Hillis who exploded with power and athleticism this year. Match 2 - Michael Vick vs Adrian Peterson; The comeback kid of the year faces the 4x pro bowler. So many big names have been eliminated already during these past few weeks and now its crunch time, so no matter who's side your taking get to voting cause nobody's safe!


http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/feature/madden2012cover

Facing Fear

 

2 Timothy 1:7 

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind

The definition Fear is "a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc.". It comes from the "unknown" what we can't see, hear, or feel. Fear frequently can start as a young child when the fear of the dark comes in, because who knows what's in the dark if I can't see it maybe it can harm me. The enemy knows this is an effective way you bring fear to destroy a life because if the enemy can bind a child to fear than he can grow in to an adult still bound by it as well. Fear is a weapon the enemy knows how to use and uses it against our lives to hold us back from the things of God for us. Many times it will be used in the life of ministers to stop or slow down what God is doing through them and to keep them from reaching as many people as they could. We can fear in a sense of being scared of something, or someone but also in a sense of emotion maybe of moving on or even a change in life whether it be for good or bad. It can be the most hindering thing in the life of a believer when we open a door to it because it sets itself up against the will of God in our lives which leads to depression, pain, disappointment, discouragement, ect. I know this is something Ive personally dealt with in life and there is only one way to defeat it and its by facing it head on. Philippians 4:13 tells us "I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me" so through the strength the Lord gives us we can say face it and overcome. Don't allow fear to hold a piece of your heart, take up the authority the Lord has given you to close that door in your life and say Goodbye to fear.

*Video is the title track from Kirk Franklin's new album "Hello Fear" In Stores now*

Using Music To save Souls

Music these days is a universal tool, it can either be used for good or bad. At this time it is seen that more artists than ever are standing up for God and ready to make an impact on a culture of sin threw music. Think about it, who doesn't like music? Everyone listens to it and why not take advantage and bring it back to what it was invented for in the first place which is to bring God glory and at the same time reach souls in a way that maybe a pastor on a pulpit would not be able to. We also have to understand whats going on in the spiritual realm, satan was in charge of worship in heaven he knows music better than anyone else and is binding this generation the best way he knows how to. Secular music has taken a demonic direction and isn't hiding it anymore. Yet there is a force that cannot be ignored which is in christian music. Whether its gospel, hip hop, rock, pop or anything in between the fact of the matter is ministers of God are uniting to preach the gospel to the nations threw music. All genre's of christian music are thriving showing the world that we can match sales and every prospect that secular artists reach. With recent major releases by names such as Israel Houghton, Kirk Franklin, Francesca Battistelli, Mary Mary, Chris Tomlin and so many more toping charts and expanding inspirational music through the airwaves we can show the world we are here to leave a mark. Though I find it hard to believe how crazy it is that we in the faith can be are very worse enemies. I cant even count the number of times I have been siting down listening to someone preach while they're coming against a certain genre and ministers in them. Are you serious? I dont understand the need these "ministers" have to cause damage to something being used for God's glory. Come on now The Body of Christ should not be attacking itself. Opinion is being preached too much if you ask me, thats why the Bible says his people perish for lack of knowledge. Read your word and you won't be fooled when things like this come up. So lets make it a point to go support our artists. Go buy their albums, see them live in concert, lets show the world that music was made to give to it God.

Music Monday #2

Its Monday March 28 2011 and this is the 2nd installment of Music Monday. Tomorrow is tuesday which means new music in stores! Last week's post was on Gospel veteran Kirk Franklin and his new release "Hello Fear" this week also features Gospel veterans Mary Mary, Gospel's biggest female group to date. Since their first album "Thankful" Mary Mary has been changing the way people listen to music and have expanded the audience of their genre with hit album after hit album. "Something Big" is the title of their new release and with all the buzz around this album its sure to make a big splash. Their first single "Walking" was released a few months ago and is a hit on christian and secular radio to add upon a strain of hits from the past. I think that is time for Gospel music to be as Big as God intended go support Mary Mary and buy this album!

Drink And Never Thirst Again

In the book of Genesis we have the first mention of life, and this life comes from water, "Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life" so in water we find the beginning of life. Water is the purest element known to man, without it we could not live, it satisfies us when we are dehydrated and this world itself is made up of over 70% water. Now the topic of this blog is not about actual H20 but the water that the Lord himself give us to drink in the spirit. In the book of John the Lord tells us "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." Imagine never being thirsty for anything in life ever again, always feeling satisfied and nothing in you or around you ever going "dry". This is what the Lord offers those who serve him, pure satisfaction in every area nothing lacking, nothing missing, nothing thirsty. The bible tells us that rivers of living waters will flow from within those who believe in him. So satisfy yourself and drink from the Lords well and you'll never thirst again.

Sponsor a child, Change a life

James 1:27 tells us to look after orphans, Kids Alive International is a non-profit organization and charity that does exactly this. Since 1916 Kids Alive has been taking care of children in need, originally started in China it is now Internationally helping "at risk" kids with housing, medical attention, education and other care. Their goal is to reach kids and need and enrich their live with the the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I personally am partnered with this ministry and know that they are doing what they say they do. We must recognize when we care for the people and things of God he also takes care of us and our things. So change a life and make a difference sponsor a child and open a door for Gods blessing over your life. Go to www.kidsalive.org for more information on how you can help, and even if you don't partner with this ministry this blog is to inspire you to make a difference in what way you can.

 

This video/song is from christian pop star Beckah Shae with footage of her missionary trip.

Worldly Influences Shaping This Generation?

Romans 12:12 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...

This is a very powerful verse that seem to be overlooked by youth these days. In a world of sin we see the foundation of faith in God and holy living no longer the focus of life, it now seems to be "uncool" to be a believer and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bible clearly explains that though we live in this world we are not of it, we cannot act, speak, or think as this world does, we are told to have the mind of Christ and follow in his ways. Now where did we go wrong? The age of drugs, alcohol, sex, and smoking reaching kids becomes younger all the time, cursing is a must to look cool in front of your friends and you cant mention the name of Jesus without some type of ridicule. Homosexuality has spread like wildfire and is taking over every age, and now we cannot speak against it without it being labeled as a hate crime. Idolatry has reached a new level with teens as they have placed certain people in the the spot where God belongs in their lives by obsession and fantasy of these idols. God does not approve of these things his words states that friendship with this world means emnesty with God. How is it that shows like Jersey Shore are influencing the minds of kids and leading them to believe that life in sin is not only good but will satisfy your life in every way. How could singers such as Rihanna  have smash hits with the song theme of demonic possession in "Disturbia" yet inspirational and christian based music is no where to be found on popular radio? How can we be okay with the suicides of children happening after an addiction to violent video games leads them to the action of taking their own lives? I believe that as Parents, Leaders, and servers of Christ its our job to make our voice be heard and no longer be silent in these matters. We the people of God are to be the trendsetters and make Holy living the point of direction for this generation. Its time to make a difference, not only are we told to not conform to this world but also renue our minds which can only happen through reading the word of God. As a Youth Pastor I know very well the difficulty of this matter, rebellion is running wild over this upcoming generation and we must take a Stand against sin Do your part and lead them to the cross. 

*This blog is not intended to take shots at any particular person, but to prove the point of the topic*

Music Monday

Its Monday May 21, 2011 and that means tomorrow we will be having new albums hit the shelves of stores and online everywhere. Its a great year for Gospel so far and Im excited because one of my favorite artists Kirk Franklin will be releasing his 1st album since 2007 titled "Hello Fear". This highly anticipated album has been fueled by his first single "I Smile" which has been giving everyone a great taste of whats to come for this album. Kirk Franklin has been making history with his music since the early 90's with sales in the Millions God's favor has follow him his whole career. So as you wake up tomorrow morning remind yourself to pick this album up, you wont regret it!

On another note R&B veteran Bobby V. (formerly known as Bobby Valentino) will be releasing his 4th solo album "Fly On The Wall". With a list of singles including one of my favorite songs right now "Words" this album is promised to fill the void R&B music has had by bringing love music back to what it became popular for..... LOVE!

Welcome to All About The Kingdom

This is my very first post on blogger but not my first time blogging. This blog will be themed by the most important issues in faith, music, movies, sports, culture, fashion, world issues and anything on topic that's effecting this generation. I hope you enjoy and are blessed, and don't forget to Subscribe!