This weekend social media was ablaze with comments about Kanye West’s new album Jesus is King.
As I scrolled past the tweets and posts, I also stumbled upon an article on CBN entitled “Thousands Gave Their Lives to Christ at Kanye West’s Latest ‘Sunday Service’ in Baton Rouge.”
Now, that got my attention.
I must admit, I don’t know most of Kanye’s music. I’m familiar with a few popular songs like Gold Digger and Heartless. But to be honest, the profanity in his other songs kept me from listening further.
And then, of course, there’s the relationship with Kim Kardashian whom he began dating back in 2012 while she was still married. West and Kardashian were married on May 24, 2014.
So, when I heard about his conversion to Christianity followed by a worship album, let’s just say I was intrigued.
The first song I listen to was Hands On. You know what? It brought me to tears. As if an eerie omen, Kenye’s lyrics say that “Christians will be the first to judge him and make it feel like no one loves him.” I urge you to listen for yourself.
This breaks my heart because the lyrics have proven to be true. I sat on my couch last night reading comments, tweets, and articles that were beyond critical—they were downright cruel and hateful.
Christians, this is a shame and a black eye to “the church.”
I’m not sure about you, but when I first came to the Lord, I came with a past full of sin. I was excited about my new-found relationship in Christ, but I was also still dealing with some heavy baggage.
“My job is to spread the Gospel and let people know what Jesus has done for me,” Kanye said in one of the interviews I read.
I’m reminded of another conversion story that got people to talking. I’m referring to the apostle Paul.
“Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”” Acts 9:14-16.
By the way, Paul went on to be recognized as one of the world’s greatest missionaries to ever live. The man who once murdered Christians was used by the Lord to share the hope of salvation.
Listen, my brothers and sisters, we need to be very careful. The same Jesus that forgave our sins is the one who wants to save the entire world.
For the people who are saying it’s not a real conversion, I would like to say this, only the Lord knows his heart.
Every single day, God is in the business of saving souls just like Kanye. Will you join me in prayer for our new brother?
Jimmy Kimmel asked Kanye, “Do you consider yourself a Christian artist now?” Kanye responded, “Hey, I’m just a Christian everything.”
All I can say to that is, “Amen, brother!”
Readers, I usually post on Mondays but I wanted to share this article published on SoCal Christian Voice and get your thoughts.
Please share your thoughts and/or prayer requests in the comments below.
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Praying for Kanye, and all those whose hearts will be moved by his testimony to submit their lives to Christ. Oh, the baggage we bring when we accept Jesus into our hearts, and oh, how He forgives and forgets! Let us remember to love always, as Christians, and leave the ultimate judgment to God. May Kanye’s mission bring a bountiful harvest!
Blessings, Beckie!
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Oh, Martha. I cannot imagine what it would be like to live in a fishbowl like Kayne. Thanks for joining me in prayer for him and the lives his testimony will touch.
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Beckie –
This post is spot on! Thanks for holding a mirror up for us to look at ourselves. We all need to remember the murk and mire we were sinking in when Jesus pulled us free.
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Amen, Robin! I appreciate your encouragement. I knew that I might ruffle a few feathers, but felt led to cover this important topic.
Thanks for joining me in prayer for Kanye West and those he will reach.
Blessings!
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Paul was the first person I thought of when I heard the uproar about Kanye representing Christ. Time will tell how deep his faith is rooted, but isn’t that true for all of us? Anyone who thinks someone’s past disqualifies them to serve Christ has forgotten what they themselves have been rescued from. I do not care for the style of music Kanye records, but I listened to His album and the lyrics are powerful and sincere. I pray that God continues to use and encourage Kanye.
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I totally agree with you, Joshua. I think about the person I was the first several years after giving my whole heart to Jesus and thank Him that I didn’t live in a fishbowl, like Kanye. And as a matter of fact, I’m still a work in process (with the Lord’s help).
Yes, let’s pray for Kanye and his family.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
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I’ve been in the middle of a move and was not up on the news about Kanye West. Not that I’ve ever had any desire to follow him. Thanks for putting this current event before me because had I heard I would have been immediately skeptical.
Unfortunately, Christians are often too quick to judge. And I count myself among them. Thanks for reminding me of this transgression. I vow to be not only more open-minded, but also more open-hearted.
I love his response to Kimmel, “Hey, I’m just a Christian everything!”
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Candace, I hear you. I was certainly skeptical … until I listen to the lyrics, listened to some of the interviews with Kanye, and saw that people are coming to Christ at his concerts.
Thanks for taking time to comment.
Blessings!
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Beckie, it breaks my heart when I hear Christians from all positions bite and devour other believers. I heard of Kanye’s conversion, but haven’t kept up and so haven’t read what you talk about. I think it is wise for new believers, especially celebrities, to give their faith some time to mature, but if your life is changed then it will change how you do work, especially in a change as drastic as this. It stuns me when Christians are so harsh since the Bible speaks against that in so many places including Gal. 5:15. Jesus said we’d be known by our love for one another. It makes me wonder if there aren’t a lot of wolves in sheep’s clothing, or at least “carnal” or immature believers as Paul described 1 Cor. 3, participating in this.
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Debbie, thank you for sharing these applicable Scriptures.
Kanye and his family need our prayers. The enemy will not relent when someone with his influence comes to know the Lord.
Thanks for your comment.
Blessings!
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I love the way God uses the most unlikely people to draw others to Himself. (Paul & Rahab….) I am excited to see what God will do through Kayne West.
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April,
Me, too! In the meantime, Kanye needs our prayers. My goodness, living in a “fishbowl” would be very difficult.
Thanks for taking time to comment.
Blessings to you and yours!
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