Should Gospel Hip Hop/Rappers Participate in Awards Shows

"Some men become proud and insolent because they ride a fine horse, wear a feather in their hat or are dressed in a fine suit of clothes. Who does not see the folly of this? If there be any glory in such things, the glory belongs to the horse, the bird and the tailor."
St. Francis de Sales.
It is said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, i.e. copying someone is flattering because it shows you want to be like that person.[i] The Gospel Hip Hop/Rap Artist Industry seems then to be flattering the secular Hip Hop/Rap Industry in its' pursuit of awards. Gospel Hip Hop/Rap Awards ceremonies are cropping up all over the world. And, it would appear that following the world and not the word of God is what they are doing. So the question begs, is this right or wrong of them?
At first blush the answer seemed simple when viewed through the lens of this quotation of Charles Caleb Colton. [ii]But, whenever we consider a saying, wives' tale, or adage it is imperative that we also consider the character of it's' source. In this case, history records that this church abandoning Vicar Colton's "performance at church related function was erratic…. at times conscientious and brilliant while at other times cursory and indulgent. He left …church service."[iii] His pastimes included collecting wines and paintings, and partridge shooting for sport. Additionally, he gambled away his fortune and depending on his immediate family for means. Colton, in the end, committed suicide.
With this knowledge what at first appeared clear cut became murky and as usual it was incumbent to the light of scripture upon this dilemma. It was only then that the answer became understandable. What answer? The yes answer. Yes Gospel Hip Hop/Rap Artist should participate in gospel hip hop/rap award ceremonies and seculars as well if they were to invite them. Why? Now there is the true question that opens up the knowledge that man not only needs praise but that others should deliver it to him.
Praise
Proverbs 27:2
Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
Commendable work must be commended by those who know the artist as well as those who do not. When a Gospel Hip Hop/Rap Artist's light shines before men and his preach and teaching are sound and seen, not to be seen per se, so that the artist may applaud himself but to praise his God then he must be praised. Thus, the awards ceremonies that seek to praise those artists/ministers who have done a praiseworthy job give adhere to this passage giving praise to which praise is due...

Glory
Pro 25:27
It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
Thankfully these awards ceremonies on take place once a year. However, if Gospel Hip Hop/Rap Artist is searching them out they will find the award not glory but vainglory [iv] Honey is good and I love it with fried chicken a biscuit or two. But, too much of that same honey that is actually good to and for me in moderation can make me sick unto death in excess. Over and again I heard and often expressed to others, everything that is good to you is not good for you. Now, I must add and everything that is good for you may not be good to you in excess. These are some of the rules of the road in this life to help us avoid some of the potholes.
Just like with the honey Gospel Hip Hop/Rap Artist must never be greedy for glory, seeking it; and chasing men's applause and trying to make themselves popular (so, how do you make a living if you are not popular? People who don't know you, won't book you, etc…. does that mean Gospel Hip Hop/Rap Artist should not promote or have a promoter for their message?) . The artist that is prayerful will be led by God to the places and people he should minister to on both sides of the production spectrum from co-laborers, rappers, producers, promoters, labels, crews, to churches, arenas, clubs, streets, stadiums. The journey must remain true to both its form and function: preaching and teaching. And, take it from an old hand, the Lord has led from boarder to boarder and coast to coast to find the truth of his truth concerning faith. With food and clothes, be content.
40 years in the wilderness the children of Israel wandered and their clothes never grew old and their feet never swelled. Yeah but they didn't get to buy anything new, and fly, and tight and straight. If a Gospel Hip Hop/Artist considers these priorities he should hit his knees until his right mind comes back to him because he has lost it. And, do you know what a tremendous blessing it is to have your health?! God will see to it that you get what is due you from men in this time now and in the future.
Honor
I Timothy 5:17
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.
The people you feed and care for that are true saints of God will give you double honor i.e. respect and remuneration (money). This verse was not written singularly to pastors or it would have said pastors. Instead the writer chose the word elders as in oldest ones among you. And, those who rule are those who are put up as the Church of God in Christ called it in my early years of preaching. When my ruling elders in the church decided I was fully ready and possessed the gifts and graces to preach and teach from the pulpit at 16 years old, knowing I would be ruling over them all as reprehensive of the Kingdom of God and would be building there faith by preaching the great stories of the Gospel and Teaching the timeless principals for living therein.
Have you ever met someone chronologically young, but far beyond intellectually? This is the sophistication we seek in the Gospel Hip Hop/Rap Artists of our day. As well, this is the one we not only want to give a plaque, certificate or trophy. This is the one we want to praise, give glory and honor with respect and remuneration (money). So, unlike the secular awards programs that for the most part do not give out money to their winners let this mark our difference and it will make up for all the non-paying gigs our dedicated Gospel Hip Hop/Rap Artists performed ministered.
If you would like a more personal study on paying Gospel Hip Hop/Rap Artist or any other Bible Study topic feel free to contact me directly at the listed email address. Also, if you would like to get a weeks worth of topics covered on my radio show, blogs, and vlogs email me for my free newsletter. Until next time, may the Lord bless and keep you, may he make his face shine upon you and gracious unto you, may the Lord lift his countenance upon you and give you peace.

[i] http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/Imitation+is+the+sincerest+form+of+flattery
[ii] http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/27484.html
[iii] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Caleb_Colton
[iv] http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1T4ACEW_enUS301US302&defl=en&q=define:vainglory&ei=X7axSqGECZ-qtgedj6ylCA&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title

Are Hip Hop Artist's Declaration of Faith Alone Enough?

"In 1893, engineer George Ferris built a machine that bears his name--the Ferris wheel. When it was finished, he invited a newspaper reporter to accompany him and his wife for the inaugural ride. It was a windy July day, so a stiff breeze struck the wheel with great force as it slowly began its rotation. Despite the wind, the wheel turned flawlessly. After one revolution, Ferris called for the machine to be stopped so that he, his wife, and the reporter could step out. In braving that one revolution on the windblown Ferris wheel, each occupant demonstrated genuine faith. Mr. Ferris began with the scientific knowledge that the machine would work and that it would be safe. Mrs. Ferris and the reporter believed the machine would work on the basis of what the inventor had said. But only after the ride could it be said of all three that they had personal, experiential faith." Author Unknown

This type of "personal, experiential faith" is the only true faith the Bible speaks of. In this day and age of verbally acknowledged faith the Hip Hop community must put some D's on it and drive through the hood for real. Recently, China based, Asian Rapper Ayo Jin changed teams. He went from secular battle rapper to sacred Christian rapper. "Welcome to the Light Club", a song he newly released on his myspace and youtube sites raised more than a few eyebrows on both teams. Is he really saved? Has he really been converted? Does he really have faith?

I would agree with those who say Jin's relationship with God is none of our business except for the fact that Jin is an artist that lives his life in the limelight and whether he or we like it or not, he does in fact make an impression on us as a society and on the most impressionable minds therein, those of our children. Good or bad I will not venture to say for generalizations are not suggested as a wise course in Scripture. "...the workmanship of each person will become evident, for the day of judgment will show what it is, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work." I Corinthians 3:13.

However, some lyrics from Jin's musical testimony, if you will sheds much light on what he believed his prior work was and his future work is. "...I use to battle I declared I'm the boss I couldn't be defeated... until I lost....ego crushed...it....taught me humility... no escuses for the stupid records I made would I still be sayin' this if those records had got me paid?" His honesty and candor though appreciated raises some serious red flags regarding his faith. Is it grounded in his failure or is it a faith that comports and complies with the four things Jesus said is necessary to have faith and the one thing the Apostle Paul said is also necessary to grow faith?

Enter the rapper Mace or Play of the group Kid 'n Play, or MC Hammer, Richie Rich, Jay-Z, DMX, or Kanye West, all at one point having recorded and marketed one or more songs mentioning the name of Jesus and or otherwise declaring their faith in Jesus. But, is their declaration enough to satisfy the standard God set in His word for having and growing faith?

4 Parts Necessary to Receive Faith

The Heart

The center of circulation because the Bible declares in Leviticus 17:14 "... the life of every creature is its blood..." And, therefore when one is prepared to shed their blood and die to this earth for their faith. Their God. Then they begin to ready themselves to receive faith.

The Soul

The emotional seat of consciousness determines to bear the burdens and weights attendant to their readiness to die for their faith. The fiery trials are then counted as joy for the eternal weight of glory set before them.

The Mind/Spirit

The intellect and understanding that accepts the reality that it is appointed unto a man once to die and after that the judgment, embraces death to selfishness, as well as ostracism by family and friends, and regualrly engages the Scriptures and prays to God for continued guidance in the receipt of an ever growing faith.

The Strength

The ability and might or force to trust God in all circumstances and matters must be increased over time and experience at the point of recieving faith.

After these four parts of a person are actively engaged in believing God and His Word there is one last essentail part necessary, that must continually be used to add or grow your faith.

1 Part to Grow Faith

The Hearing

The hearing of the spoken Word of God through the ear, by way of oral instruction, preaching and testimony will serve to demonstrate that the same God who performed great and wonderful things yesterday is the same today and tomorrow.

Augusberg Fortress Sunday School Curriculum the ministry of publishing within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America notes four areas of manifestation wherein Faith traits exhibit themselves.

Love

Manifest Faith traits of generosity, kindness, humility, compassion, empathy, respect and thankfulness

Trust

Manifest Faith traits of cooperation, loyalty, obedience, boldness, and reverence

Courage

Manifest faith traits of responsibility, self-dsicipline, perseverance, forgiveness, justice, honesty, and wisdom

Hope

Manifest Faith traits of harmony, stewardship, patience, peace and joy

Is a mere declaration of faith enough by these Hip Hop/Rap artists? Have they dedicated the 4 parts to receive Faith and the 1 part to grow Faith? Many Bible verses have been used to debate both sides of this argument. Yet, the main line of Scriptures lean toward the fact that more than a declaration of faith is necessary. A decision of faith is the mandate.

People with Faith Have Made a Decision

Acts 2:21
"...whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

The key word in this verse is the English word call. The meaning of this word call in Greek is "to invoke for decision." Therefore, it is not merely a saying of the name it is a decision to trust or rather have faith in the name in alignment with the above discussed requisites to receive and expand your faith.

People with Faith Have Made a Promise

Romans 10:9
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in thine heart that God has raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

Of note here are the two words confess and believe. The Greek meanings for these two words in turn are assent, promise, and put in trust with. So, the Word again is not suggesting that merely speaking words brings faith but, agreeing with and promising your allegiance and loyalties to God through Jesus Christ.

People with Faith are Law-Abiding Citizens

St. John 14:15
"If ye love me, keep my commandments."

A commandment is a law such as those of the decalogue which Jesus (Yeshua) repeated to the rich young ruler. Or even the new commandment Jesus gave in St. John 13:34 "A new commandment I give to you. Love one another as I have loved you."

People With Faith Love Sacrificially

St. John 15.10
"Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends."

It is said among the Jews in the Talmud that any commandment may be broken in order to save a life, for life is the most sacred thing God has given us.

People with Faith do not Practice Sin (Crime)

Romans 6:1,2
"What shall we say then, shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?"

The significant term here is the word continue which means in Greek "to stay over, remain." The old way of life without faith is clearly not a reflection of what the new life is intended to be with faith.

People with Faith do not Hate Their Brother

I John 4:20
"If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother he is a liar: For he who loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen."

Disagreeing agreeably is the true sign of a person of faith not allowing differences large or small to effect the love that you have been charged to demonstrate from a sincere heart toward your brother.

People of Faith Walk Softly

Ephesians 4:1
"I therefore, the prisoner of our Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called."

The faith filled person believes the Lord is ordering their steps and whatever job, occupation or profession they find themselves in, from lowly to esteemed in our society, they walk in humility and meekness knowing that the Lord is ordering their steps and giving them opportunity to walk or rather live their faith out loud. Sometimes without saying many if any words.

All being well, these 4 things necessary to recieve faith and this 1 thing necessary to grow your faith has revealed some potential gaps or pitfalls you may have been prey to and shown where and how you may close the gaps and climb safely out of the pitfalls. In any event the best of us falter because we are still human. But, we must continue to get up determined to do better. Always remember faith is also an action word so put some D's on it and put it on the road.

If you would like a more personal study on faith or any other Bible Study topic feel free to contact me directly at the listed email address. Also, if you would like to get a weeks worth of topics covered on my radio show, blogs and vlogs email me for my free newsletter. Until next time May the Lord bless and keep you, May the Lord Make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you, May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

C-Murder Convicted To Serve Life AGAIN!

Having served county time myself, I cannot imagine what a lifetime in prison would be like other than crazy-making, unless you knew the Lord, the Words of prayer and a way to witness and do everything you do as unto the Lord. Today I entered a Christian rap competition at DaSouth.com BarsofFreedomContest. The title of my song Rain Down on Me Melodies. It is taken from the Bible text where disciples Paul and Silas are locked up in a Philipi jail for preaching and teaching Jesus. But, at midnight they begin to pray and sing praises to God. After a while the jail begins to shake all the chains and shackles on the prisoners fall of and the doors of the cells open.

How I hope somehow Corey Miller will at least have the opportunity to hear this piece or at least be directed to the passage in Acts16:25 - 34 that he might know musical bars are far, far stronger than iron ones.

That yet another young man was sentenced to life without parole is heart wrenching for me. I also understand the loss of a very young man such as 16-year-old Steve Thomas. But, to this day I do not understand how such a young boy would have been allowed into a bar with those over 18 or twenty-one. For that I look to his parents and their parental judgment. That seems to me an accident waiting to happen.

Really, we're talking about in the middle of the night. Why would your sixteen year old even be out the door? And, wasn't school in session? While I sympathize with the sentiment that they can't bring their baby back, if they would have kept him home it would be a non-issue. So, for me the boy and his parents carry the lions share of the responsibility.

A sixteen year old's mind is not fully developed so he must rely on the judgment of his parents and if they see fit to allow him to get into harms way it must be expected that each time he finds himself there, the more likely it is that he will be a victim of harm.

All of the hate being spewed by so many because of the type of music he made and maybe the attempted murder charges he pled no contest to and served 3 of a 7 year bid is altogether justified. A time like this is never a time to rejoice, but a time to pray. Anyone that is happy about this verdict is sick in their hearts and also need prayer if not psychotropic medication.

May God be will all involved inside and out, including us, and teach us to let him order what we say and do in these last hours of our lives.

By the way do you want to learn how to produce and promote your own rap music on a shoe-string budget?Download my new recording "How to Jump Start Your Rap Career Online for less than $50.00" here: email me at GoonGospelGrind@aol.com to receive CD for shipping fee of 7.77.

Rev. Lucious Clarence "G.G. Grinder" Conway, Jr. teaches, coaches, and consults, individuals of all ages and backgrounds as well as large, medium and large corporations on how to package and sell themselves and their products online above market rates. G. G. says, "If you have the skill set to rap and/or produce it and you want to get out there on a label or start your own, I can get you there." Visit GG at: www.USLegalResearchGroupLLC.com