A New Thing
by Cassandra Woods
Over the years, some notable celebrities, athletes and artists have had spiritual experiences. The list includes comedian and TV personality, Steve Harvey, who presented an Introduction to Jesus Christ in a You Tube video; boxer Manny Pacquia, who says he changed when he heard the voice of God speaking to him; and music artist Selena Gomez, who via Twitter has acknowledged her relationship with Jesus. One of the more recent converts is Kanye West, and he has been very vocal about his spiritual awakening. It doesn’t matter if you’re known by the masses or just the people on your block, life can be hard and we’re all trying to make sense of why we are here. God alone has the answer to all of our questions.
Standing in a worshipful atmosphere at New Birth Church pastored by Jamal Bryant, Kanye West seems to alternate between speaking to the attendees and speaking to the One he now says he serves: Jesus Christ. While some people are skeptical about the authenticity of the change he speaks about, I believe we should be careful not to judge. Regardless of what you think about West’s testimony, it’s his journey. And one thing is for sure, he is a catalyst for spiritual change. “This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles” (Psalm 34:6). “Now that I’m in service to Christ, my job is to spread the gospel, to let people know what Jesus has done for me” says West.
What is this gospel that we’re talking about? First, the gospel espouses the role of Jesus Christ going to the cross and shedding His blood in order to pay for our sins. His death, burial and resurrection allowed us to escape deserved punishment for our sins and eternal separation from God. And it’s not just about what happens after life on earth, but what happens right now. As you read the Bible, you become aware that there are several benefits that come with a life of service to God, but the key to partaking Jesus says, is “I am the Way, I am the Truth, and I am the Life. No one comes next to the Father except through union with me” (John 14:6, TPT).
Who delivers this message and what they’ve done before is not important.
“…What does it matter as long as Christ is being preached? If they preach him with mixed motives or with genuine love, the message of Christ is still being preached…” (Philippians 1:18 TPT).
In preaching the gospel through speech or song, Jesus is lifted up. “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32, NIV). Perhaps, this explains what happened at a concert held at Bethany Church in Louisiana. According to cbn.com, over a thousand people responded during an altar call. In doing so, we can assume that some people are definitely having their own spiritual experience with Jesus, the first step in their lives being changed.
God is doing a new thing. Lives are being influenced. Music is a powerful medium within itself, but coupled with the power of God, music can ignite the anointing that has the ability to make anyone a “new creation.” You can lay down your bad choices and insecurities, turn and walk away into the future. You can become a new person. The old is gone. The new has come.
Edited by Glenda Giles