Keep Calm and Pray for Lecrae: 3 Things Critics Should Remember
Earlier this week Hip Hop artist, Lecrae, visited the set of 106 and Park. As someone who grew up watching the show, it was a bit surreal to see one of my favorite artist on that set, though he has been on the show a few times now.
Most Christian hip hop fans thought that the day when a CHH artist would be allowed on the big stage like 106 and Park was nothing more than a dream. Now to all of our surprise, it’s a reality. The time has come.
Different people longed for this day for different reasons. For some, we insecurely longed to be accepted and affirmed by the world. If the world thinks we’re “hot” then we must be “hot”. Yet others are excited about the fact that this is a great ministry opportunity and they desire to see the glory of Christ displayed to the masses. I would imagine that for most it’s a mixture between the two.
We should also factor in the “minority effect”. Most Blacks understand this all too well. Many Blacks experienced this during the 2008 Presidential Election. When Obama was elected into office, whether Blacks voted for him or not, some felt proud of the fact that we lived to see our nation elect the first Black President. This was sort of an accomplishment for some. It gave some and other minorities hope and a sense of ownership of the U.S. This is not an endorsement of Obama, just a reality for many.
CHH is the minority in the music community and for some time now, we have been the laughing stock of the Hip Hop community. Therefore, when a CHH artist is doing big things, CHH fans feel like they’re doing big and exciting things as well.
The CHH community has had mixed reviews when it comes to Lecrae’s performance since he started receiving mainstream recognition. Of course, you have your extremists on both sides: Those who will follow Lecrae into the depths of Sheol and those who are convinced he’s illuminati. My aim is not to address those two camps directly, though I believe that members of said camps would benefit from what I have to say. I want to address genuine critics, who I think are genuinely concerned about what they are observing. In a separate article, I hope to address the guardians, those that defend where Lecrae is and what he’s doing. No promises. I’m more concerned about the critics.
Here are 3 things critics should remember.
1. Jesus Represents the Church. We all realize that Lecrae, like all Christians, is a representative of Christ. Sadly, the negative reaction has communicated that some think that Lecrae is the ultimate and only representation and that the fate of Christianity hangs on what he does and does not do.
Yes, Christians are ambassadors for Christ, through which God makes his appeal (2 Corinthians 5:20). We represent the kingdom of God by what we say and do. Therefore, all Christians should aim to walk in a manner that is pleasing to God. As Paul states in Ephesians 6:20, we ought to “declare it [the mystery of the gospel] boldly.”
With that being understood, I would caution critics to remember that Christ is the head of the church, not Lecrae. Whether Lecrae knocks every question out of the park or not, Jesus is still running things. He is the sovereign Lord of all. We must rest in that. I think some are losing sleep over Lecrae. Even if Lecrae is faithless, Jesus will always remain faithful.
2. Lecrae is trailblazing unexplored territory, so be sympathetic and patient. This is my lengthiest point because I think Christians fail at this often. I’m sure most can say, “I would have said this or that.” Don’t be that guy. When you do, you’re the equivalent of that 5’0 kid on the sidelines at basketball games telling me, the 6’6 guy, what he would do if he had my height or if he was playing my position. Again, don’t be that guy.
The Christian should be extremely gracious and sympathetic, attempting to put ourselves in Lecrae’s position and humbly recognize the difficult challenges he’s facing. As I watched Lecrae the other day, I saw a mixture of nervousness and excitement. He had more pressure on him than most have when they come on the show. It seems he was attempting to be real and honest without being cliché and preachy. He wanted to answer the question that was asked and not go into a tangent that was not asked of him.
106 and Park Live is no Larry King or Oprah. Lecrae was on the clock. The way I see it, if he had given an answer that would have satisfied his critics, he would have either talked too long or only had time for cliché church jargon that to undiscerning ears, would not have sounded much different than what hip hop is use to hearing Christians say.
Was Lecrae perfect in his answers? No! As much as some of his guardians hate to admit it (mainly because trolls will take this and run with it), the interview could have been handled better. There is always room for improvement. In so many words, Lecrae admitted this much on his Facebook page:
If I’m honest the Cheif Keef question I was asked on 106 and Park threw me for a loop. I wasn’t ready for that one. I don’t think they were asking a theological question as much as they were asking about his sincerity and I wanted to demonstrate grace. I had a lot on my mind, fighting thru internal pressure, and time restrictions. So I was beating myself up a bit after that wishing I could go back and elaborate more, but by Gods grace I ran into Keef that night and got to chop it up with him! I’m sincerely praying for him and do believe God is up to something.
I don’t think he should beat himself up and I hope and pray he is extending as much grace to himself as I’m begging you – his critics – to extend to him. I’m not saying I would have done much better considering the time restraints, distractions, and questions that require lengthy explanations in order to answer them properly. He just didn’t have time.
I think love and prayer is crucial. I don’t mind critics being genuinely concerned. Lecrae is a sinner and human just like the next Christian. He can make mistakes and is as prone to wander away from truth as any of us. I would, however, caution you to take those concerns to God in prayer and NOT Twitter. Whether you realize it or not, you kind of come off as a troll. No one likes trolls, not even trolls themselves. Keep calm and pray for Lecrae (sorry I had to).
As Lecrae continues to blaze new trails, I think we will see him become more comfortable and improve at interviewing. I wouldn’t want to be in his position. I can’t imagine the stress, fears, anxiety, and pressures that come with a big stage.
3. Trust the local church. I can’t say this enough because I love the local church and I believe in its authority. We must embrace the authority of the local church and trust that they are asking the hard questions. Lecrae has a pastor, fellow church members, and a team (Reach Records) that love him and know him a lot better than you do. Trust that they are holding him accountable, rebuking when necessary and encouraging him to remain faithful. If we hear he has left the church all together, let the trolls out, but until then pray for the elders that God has entrusted him to. Pray for the small group that he’s a part of. I promise you that their words will carry more weight than yours will via Twitter, Facebook, and blogs.
After I watched the interview the other day, I had an epiphany. While I was stressing over Lecrae, I had my own sins to attend to. There were people around me that needed my love and attention. I want to challenge you to be more proactive and militant against your own sins. You do more of a service to Jesus and the Church if you were more concerned about your own representation of Jesus and your siblings in your local body. Are you praying for them? Are you loving them? Are you reaching out to them? Do life on life with those around you, not your favorite rapper at another church, most likely, in another city or state. It’s easy for us to vehemently call people out across social media, yet we’re afraid to face those around us.
I’m not suggesting you start trolling in your local church. Trolling is no good regardless of where you do it. I am suggesting that you embrace the Gospel, kill your own sin, and graciously be a good brother or sister where you are doing life. Encourage the downcast, love the sinner, mourn with those who mourn, rejoice with those who rejoice, and correct the wayward remembering your wayward ways lest you fall into temptation (Galatians 6:1).
I’ll leave everyone apart of this conversation with the timely words of the Apostle Paul:
But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. (1 Corinthians 4:3-5, ESV)
TODD TORRES
Deuteronomy 13 Run From Lecrea, Ron Burns, Matt Chandler, 116 CLIC, John Piper, Mark Driscol, and a host of others that began with a good gospel message and then went full left turn. I believe each of these men where with a bait and switch game to the church. The idea is to turn people from conservative biblical theology to a liberal one. In my estimation LECREA is the worst one for he HOOKED young poor black and hispanics and lead them into a destructive path. THE BLND LEADING THE BLIND!
www.Blackberry8800Series.co.uk
Thanks to the great guide
Http://Www.Earthlabfoundation.Org/8-Best-Pdf-To-Word-Converter
Thanks, it is very informative
vsharefreeforlife.wordpress.com
After fast reply, you can resume work from where you left off.
So why would anybody desire to delete cydia anyway?
SAM is a method that enables using iPhone with any other network carrier.
Winterboard app is the theme manager for iPhone.
monster high games youtube
How many times have you heard negative connotations in regards to gamers, specifically those who play MMOs.
Trevor Williams
This post was so timely. I just bought Lecrae’s new album. And I enjoyed it very much. Still listening to it in my car. How people should look at this album the way he is expressing his faith. Understand, our judgement has such a narrow lens. You don’t know who he is talking to after a show or after the stage lights go out. I look at the book of Psalms and I saw this recurring trend: the psalmist, whether in praise, worship, or complaint–it all went to God. Christians need to learn that art form as mentioned in the post, that we should take our concerns to the Father, not social media.
Lulobong
We are called upon to judge fellow christians but righteous judgement if someone wants to spread the word of God as lecrae is doing he needs to make sure he is not leading people astray yes I sin all the time, but I don’t put my sins of tv I repent in prayer to God almighty . Lecrae started with the right intentions but the world has taken control so sad Wilk pry his eyes are opened
Guest
FYI, he gave a shout out to Rev Run, bc it was Rev Run’s daughter who was doing the interview.
Carter Walter
Phillip,
Thanks for your reply. Firstly, as much as you say that your article was more about the role of elders in the church and their regulative influence on Lecrae, your title “Keep Calm and Pray for Lecrae” gives it away. If that’s not enough you say “Earlier this week Hip Hop artist, Lecrae, visited the set of 106 and Park. As someone who grew up watching the show, it was a bit surreal to see one of my favorite artist on that set, though he has been on the show a few times now”. In one sentence you affirm a worldly show and affirm Lecrae. There is no question that you support and affirm Lecrae from your own words and tone. So as someone who can look at that I can summise that to mean that you do acknowledge the controversy surrounding Lecrae but because he’s your favorite artist and you feel he is blazing new trails with hip hop, you feel it necessary to leave it to the elders in the local church and still enjoy it and no responsibility on your part to maintain God’s standards because, as you say, “Lecrae is trailblazing unexplored territory, so be sympathetic and patient” and “Trust the local church. I can’t say this enough because I love the local church and I believe in its authority. We must embrace the authority of the local church and trust that they are asking the hard questions. Lecrae has a pastor, fellow church members, and a team (Reach Records) that love him and know him a lot better than you do”
In your reply to my comment you then say “This article isn’t so much a defense of Lecrae as it is a defense of the authority of the local church and her elders”. You are right in saying that, elders do have a major role in being overseers and choosing pastors and people to serve in the church. Elders are fallible though, because they are also mere men. Don’t forget that elders are not immune to wrong doctrine and are also prone to lowering God’s standards. Yes, they know Lecrae, but we don’t know the elders and what they believe. It’s very easy to say you believe in the doctrines of grace but practice can very different. Speaking of redemptive history, just look at Westminster Chapel, that renowned church under Dr Martin Lloyd-Jones, arguably one of the greatest preachers. Unfortunately, because the elders at that church weren’t chosen properly, with some of them being liberal and uncareful and some being conservative, when the Dr passed away that church went down the road and is now a full blown charismatic church turned away from the example set by the Dr. Why? Because of the elders who chose a new path and new pastor. So you see, I don’t put my trust in elders and as I said in my first response these same elders at Lecraes church may like his music and as such will support it. I’ve also had experience in other churches with elders to see that they are fallen beings too. Maybe you need to become an elder to see for yourself. But honestly, at it’s most basic, I don’t think the role of elders is to be supporting and taking time with this Lecrae issues simply because it falls from God’s standard particularly when you simply read 2 Corinthians 6
I can understand that you don’t want to spend too much time debating this issue but you are very decided in writing this article and your opinion about the authority of the local church. You then go to critcize the fact that the Reformers aren’t final authority, scripture is. But you are so quick to settle on the elders, who again are human. As a side note, I wouldn’t take liberty upon myself as to assume that Kuyper would support Lecrae. That in itself is insignificant, because he is human, and it’s again opinion, just like elders have opinion.
My challenge to you Phillip, because in your intial article, you barely used Scripture to support your article not your response to my argument, that you show from Scripture where there is support for Lecrae rather than the shakeable argument that we should look to the elders of the local church. There are many examples in scripture that affirm God’s standards and reprove what Lecrae is doing, regardless of what elders or Kuyper think. If you are serious and really ant to be thorough I recommend you show from Scripture rather than opinion, why you believe this. Besides, isn’t your website a reformed website and Christian website?
Carter
Phillip Michael Holmes
Carter,
Thanks for visiting the website and expressing your concern. I got an email about this being flagged. Not sure why. We welcome appropriate dialogue.
My initial concern is that you and so many others misrepresent the purpose and heart of this article. This article isn’t so much a defense of Lecrae as it is a defense of the authority of the local church and her elders. With that being said, I would encourage you to check out the videos below that took place between Lecrae, Shai Linne, and Sho. It may help. This is not an issue I care to spend time debating. What I do care about is brother’s and sisters respecting and trusting the authority of the local church unless she proves herself anathama.
Also the Reformers have weight in this conversion but their opinion is ultimate, scripture is. We can get into a Scripture debate all day (yours vs. mine) but it’s important and crucial that you look at Redemptive History. I would encourage you to read Abraham Kuyper, a Reformed, that I believe would support Lecrae.
Check out these links:
Lecrae in Athens: https://thewitnessbcc.com/2013/10/lecrae-in-athens-is-the-cultural-rebel-still-unashamed-of-the-gospel/
A Conflict of Christian Visions: Gen. 1-2 vs. Gen. 3 Christianity
https://thewitnessbcc.com/2013/09/a-conflict-of-christian-visions-gen-1-2-vs-gen-3-christianity/
Conversation Between Shai Linne, Sho, and Lecrae
http://t.co/3G7j8fyIKU
Ricky Howard
Big Phil, I stumbled across this article, while reading another that you posted on Facebook. Keep up the good work, and may the Lord continue to be with you!
Farai Njovana
Hello Phillip,
Just came across your website and appreciate the effort as I see that Reformed teaching is not prominent as much among African-Americans as among many other cultures but I’m glad we are told to love our brothers/sisters not according to our culture :). I mention this as I read your article because as we look back at the Reformers and Puritans do you think that Lecrae’s method would be acceptable…better yet, is Lecrae’s method godly? I don’t see a place for a worldly form of music giving assent to God and I believe Lecrae and others like him are dangerous for the gospel as is shown with his ever increasing method of trying to appeal to the world to gain acceptance by using worldly methods and using worldly co-signs. I think it was alluded to rightly by one of the commenter’s that it’s scary that Lecrae is getting acceptance amongst the world and people that are Christians are essentially seen as ‘critics’ and misunderstanding and maybe even haters. Is it not our Lord Jesus Christ who says Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men, is abomination in the sight of God.” –Luke 16:15
It seems that you seem to want to write this article from the view of justifying Lecrae (understandably because you like him and his music) and Lecrae seems to justify himself so as to do what he thinks is God’s will yet quite simply just from reading the Word, any vigilant Christian can tell that the prophet Elijah never asked the prophets of Baal to ‘co-sign’ him or give him credibility in the way Lecrae does by appearing on 106 and Park and going around having people like Kendrick Lamar – people opposed to the gospel and whom Lecrae ought to be ‘offending’ rather than comingling with – authenticating his message. The ironic thing about all this is that Lecrae is part of 116 Clique…116 being Romans 1:16 alluding to the simplicity and foolishness of the gospel without innovation and crutches. In conclusion, this should be our peg as Christians to see if we are being true to the gospel…the gospel ought to offend the hearers and not to make them comfortable. This is not a game and Lecrae together with the New Calvinists (Keller, Piper, Driscoll etc) that support him are setting up the reformed tradition and Christian faith into one that is characterized by worldly Calvinists i.e. Christians that laud and proclaim the doctrines of Spurgeon etc but reject the obedience that comes with it. In other words what Lecrae is showing others is that you can be Christian but still be worldly in the way you carry yourself and co-mingle with non-believers in an effort to ‘win them over’ Is this not the same justification that the “New Evangelicals” led by Billy Graham and John Stott etc use to try and grow the church irrespective of beliefs with the idea that we make them comfortable and hopefully we will win them over. You can only see what has happened to the church because of such compromise 40 years ago.
The thing that saddens me the most and exhibited by your article and those that I speak to that defend Lecrae is that they always try and rationalize it and find ways to justify it (typically in an unsound manner from Scripture or from worldly reasoning) rather than defend Christ and His glory. If Lecrae goes on 106 & park and has people like Kendrick Lamar co-sign him can he then turn around tomorrow and criticize their way of living which is ungodly? As you say Phillip you are happy that CHH is now being recognized in the world – is that really something to rejoice about? My wish is that you can use this great portal of yours to truly defend and show the greatness of reformed tradition and God rather than defend the indefensible. I don’t dislike Lecrae but I believe that him among other so-called Calvinists are bringing in a worldliness that shall have repercussions down the road because if you are trul honest with yourself when you listen to his songs or go to his concerts does it instil within you a reverence and reflection upon God or does it make you feel a certain way which is what a lot of music within the Gospel coalition and maybe Hillsongs is…seeker-sensitive and contemporary (not all) but for the most part that’s what it does.
May that great warning in verse in Isaiah 48:11 be our guide
For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it;
For how should My name be profaned?
And I will not give My glory to another.
Below I’ve attached links for a dispassionate and detailed address that looks into this whole Christian Hip-Hop movement from a critical and gracious point of view and I hope it moves the hearers to holiness and obedience to the “faith that was once for all delivered to the saints”
It’s entitled “Weighing Christian Rap/Hip-Hop” and can be found in this link
http://www.metropolitantabernacle.org/School-of-Theology-London-2013-Met-Tabernacle/Free-Online-Sermons-Reformed-Christian-Doctrines
Thank you,
Concerned Believer
Char
Agree and disagree. The problem wasn’t seeking “relevance” in a cultural sense, but that the earliest ccm musicians naively allowed their work to be co-opted by people who had no interest in Christian witness. Their relevance made the industry marketable. This piqued the interest of mercenaries of music row who built a cash cow on those groups’ popularity and then unmercifully discarded them when it was expedient (I realize that’s almost a tautology).
Christian artists made the mistake of thinking that the increased exposure and funding was going to help them spread the message of Christ. Instead they found they had made deals with the proverbial devil. Many groups never wavered from their ministry focus, and when that started to hurt revenue the industry just turned on them. Those who were smart made a back door exit before they were cut and became independent. Others bought in to the new way of consumerism and its destructive ways.
I remember when all the more ministry oriented groups were culled from the industry or abandoned it in a short space of time–this coincided with the time frame of most buy outs by bigger labels. I don’t think that’s coincidental. In fact some of those artists have freely admitted they left because the industry became openly mercenary and about money rather than Christ. Marrying the spirit of the age does always leave one a widow in the next–but the spirit married was the cutthroat consumerism of the industry.
I think there is definitely a lesson for some of the current artists like Lecrae, especially as their popularity rises. Be gentle as doves…and wise as serpents. You’re only as valuable as your last album sales to these people, and if you think pastors are manipulative, just wait.
Okay carry on.
Guest
You have to understand that when pastors, leaders and those who call themselves “Christians” abuse others, that negatively affects the way the world see’s Christians all together. Now false teachers clearly shouldn’t be grouped with actual Christians but they are. There are so many bad representations of Christ, authentic or not.
With directly dealing with hiphop, I’ve been to different churches (in America), where pastors have taught that those who rap or is involved in hiphop must be satanic and are all going to hell. This still happens for CHH artists depending on what church they get booked to minister at. So believing in the idea that the Church( God’s people) has never been the cause of abuse..? That’s far off.
Phinehas_begat_seal
That’s not the Church bro/sis. If you are talking about Heretics preaching false doctrine they should not be grouped in with Christ Church. That is the issue. Christ Church has blessed the world for the scriptures teach of Abraham that the nations will be blessed through him not abused. So lets not slander Christ Church and all the work the Church has done based off something you saw on T.V.
Trust the Scriptures. Be thankful for the freedoms and liberties Christ has won us against sin, death, and Satan. The Church is alive and well and protected by Christ himself so that the gates of Hell will not prevail it.
Grace and Peace,
seal
Guest
Leaders in the church, as well as members, have been known to be abusive to the world, NOT just hiphop. This is evident all over the world, just turn on your TV on a Sunday and see the foolishness that’s being taught to the body. This isn’t new at all.
Sherea Buford
This was a great article and well written. It addressed the importance of prayer. We should be praying for our brother in Christ. Yes, everything Lecrae said may not have been what the next person would have said but we should be extending grace to him. I could say so much more on this, but I won’t. I think these three points were important and I’m thankful that you pointed these out. I especially liked that you pointed out that Lecrae does have leaders in his church and that are holding him accountable. How quick we are to forget that Lecrae is a sinner just as we are and he like us, need brothers and sisters pouring into his life to point sin out and rebuke him. We have forgotten that before he is a Christian rapper, he is our brother in Christ.
Loved this. God Bless.
Wend Williams
This article was amazing! I thank God for putting it in your heart to shwre with us. Please keep it up and God Bless!!!!
Erin B.
This is such a great article and discussion. I just want to add, when I began following Christ, it was messy. People all around me were in error. I watched & read a ton of false teachers (not indicating that Lecrae is one) and God in His great sovereignty kept me and even helped me discern and filter truth by His W ord and alongside my growing community of believers. My point, we don’t know who is watching and how God is using everything around the erroneous to prick hearts and open eyes. Almost everything Lecrae said in the interview was peculiar and I assume most people in the crowd did not come to 106& Park looking for a Word from the Lord, yet they heard someone describe the ramifications of a heart’s conviction (he essentially said: we don’t rap about what we don’t do, we don’t do certain things b/c we’re followers of Christ), God is good, sovereign, patient, kind and so much more. And just as His kindness has lead me and others to true repentance (Romans 2), we should trust that He will continue to do the same through whomever he decides to use to speak to whomever He pleases, however, whenever. Paul said in Philippians 1: 12-18 and I will paraphrase,”[Some preach Christ from envy and rivalry, others out of good will, in love… whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and yet I rejoice].” So, how much more should we then trust God to do His work through one we have reason to believe does so with intentions of good will and in love? If Paul can rejoice when Christ is preached out of pretense and harm to himself, certainly we can rejoice when He is preached with good intent, especially among unbelievers. And even if Lecrae had spoken flawlessly he would not have been able to give a dissertation of the entire Christian faith. Therefore, I praise God for those seeds and nuggets he left on 106&Park.
Erin B.
This is such a good article and thread. Great discussion. I just want to add, when I began following Christ, it was messy. People all around me were in error. I watched & read a ton of false teachers (not indicating that Lecrae is one) and God in His great sovereignty kept me and even helped me discern and filter truth by His W ord and alongside my growing community of believers. My point, we don’t know who is watching and how God is using everything around the erroneous to prick hearts and open eyes. Almost everything Lecrae said in the interview was peculiar and I assume most people in the crowd did not come to 106& Park looking for a Word from the Lord, yet they heard someone describe the ramifications of a heart’s conviction (he essentially said: we don’t rap about what we don’t do, we don’t do certain things b/c we’re followers of Christ), God is good, sovereign, patient, kind and so much more. And just as His kindness has lead me and others to true repentance (Romans 2), we should trust that He will continue to do the same through whomever he decides to use to speak to whomever He pleases, however, whenever. Paul said in Philippians 1: 12-18 and I will paraphrase,”[Some preach Christ from envy and rivalry, others out of good will, in love… whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and yet I rejoice].” So, how much more should we then trust God to do His work through one we have reason to believe does so with intentions of good will and in love? If Paul can rejoice when Christ is preached out of pretense and harm to himself, certainly we can rejoice when He is preached with good intent, especially among unbelievers. And even if Lecrae had spoken flawlessly he would not have been able to give a dissertation of the entire Christian faith. Therefore, I praise God for those seeds and nuggets he left on 106&Park.
Jeremiah Vaught
Phillip, thanks for very solid insight. Blessings
Mr. 116
Great article. Keep em coming.
Phinehas_begat_seal
Phillip,
I think your article is well written. I do disagree however that you understand the brevity of what Lecrae propagated on 106 and Park. HIs comment that states (2:42 mark):
“Hip Hop in the past has kinda like been abused by the Church and Pastors trying to manipulate us so on and so forth.”
This statement is much worst and atrocious than anything he had to say about Chief Keef or Baptism. People seem to be up in arms about all these other things but this statement is what should be most concerning.
This statement undermines the local church and pastors. The Statement was made with no justifications and was extremely over generalized. When has the Church ever abused Hip Hop? Not to mention by what standard is Hip Hop bringing moral judgements against Christ Church.
You didn’t address this in your article (perhaps you were going to in the future) and many who I have spoke has no regards or even sees this as a issue because they either believe it or thinks it has some merit. No Lecrae is not a pastor, Christian Rapper, or even a minister. Yet he gave an gross opinion and assertion about the Church and to many who will watch that show/interview he has a platform to speak about the Church. Let’s just say that he spoke ill-advised but there still needs to be ramifications for this.
Saying Pastors are manipulators again is a very heinous statement. Not all Pastors are manipulators and that statement should of have clarity given to it. So yes we must trust the local church but we must also protect the local church against wayward opinions and assertions. Yes, Christ is Sovereign for all authority in Heaven and Earth is his. Understanding this we should be mindful to be watchful for ideologies and thoughts that are not subjected to Christ. And we are free to articulate that.
Lastly, from your article you affirm that Lecrae is in uncharted territory. Agreed. There may be a reason for that though. There could be plenty reasons why other Christian Rappers haven’t had such success amongst our secular counterparts. Yet I am not here to open up that can of worms. All of us have froze and not given clear gospel truths in our walk with Christ to unbelievers. That’s apart of the Christian life and us being sinners clothed in Adam’s members so we are bound to fail there because of weakness. Yet, Christ is still glorified in our weakness. However, Lecrae made this statement (3:00)
“Ultimately, You need people like me to explain what it really looks like and articulate it from a realistic standpoint.”
He then goes on to say he’s not Kirk Franklin or whatever. However, what does he mean by “people like him are needed.” Needed by whom? The Church? I was going back and forth with this statement to try and see what his intent was behind the statement. I’m still unclear. If he meant that Church needs people like him he is dead wrong. The Church has never needed anyone, but everyone has always needed the Church. He was responding to Bow Wow’s question about the Rappers uses religious symbols so perhaps he was speaking that Hip Hop Culture needs him. Which is also just as incorrect. They need Jesus to dictate to them the only culture that is noteworthy. Christian Culture.
In my conclusion, I am not concerned at all about whether Lecrae will always be johnny on the spot with his responses. None of us are. I am concerned however about what he says about Christ Church and the image he paints of her. That my friend is the the smoking gun. That I will defend like a Dog for his master and I don’t mind BARKING about that. I hope his church and elders are voicing their concerns about these statements. I have given this interview to my Elders at my church about what is being said about the Church. They are not happy nor should they be. The LORD will protect his church and his sheep from all prejudices that are cast against the church even by Christians themselves promoting them. Yet, I think it is in the realm of Biblical orthodoxy to contend against those who contend publicly against the church.
My thoughts….
Grace and Peace,
seal
Phillip Michael Holmes
Hernandes, thanks for stopping by brother. Clarify something for me, are you responding to this particular article or are you expressing your frustrations in general.
If you’re responding to this article, I would love for you to address specifically how what I have expressed fits in to what you said above.
Keep in mind, there are those of us that don’t feel Lecrae has been flawless, yet, see the need to show grace and pray for him. I believe that brother still loves Jesus and is in this thing for the right reasons. Has he been perfect, no. Dude is human.
I would rather him be unashamed in private than, like a Pharisee, scream Jesus when he has the microphone. Better this than denying Jesus in private like a Peter.
But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. (1 Corinthians 4:3-5, ESV)
If Lecrae is in unrepentant sin, leave it to Jesus.
Saiko Woods
Great question Teddy. People have been sending me messages about this situation and for me it seems like you and I are on the same page regarding Lecrae and his response. No one who is genuinely concerned is viciously attacking him and if they are they need to repent, but this doesn’t negate the issue of what’s going on.
To whom much is given, much is required. Thank you brother for bringing balance, commitment and truth to this discussion.
Hernandes Union
After expressing the duality of my feelings of Lecrea on BET on my radio show…the term hater is thrown around. Some don’t believe the platform he aspires to is Godly and have a conviction that Hip Hop is not God’s intent for music. People who feel this way are vehemently ostrisized as judgemental and not discerning. I dont consider raising questions hating just like I don’t consider ignoring obvious problems with the overwhelming desire of many to reach a BET platform to feel vindicated and not saying anything about it, is loving. Just like using one affirming scripture from Paul doesn’t prove a point about how to address this issue. Just one PKs opinion…b blessed.
Chaumone Robinson
Thanks for sharing this! We can get too distracted on the rabbit trails around us that we forget to realign ourselves & our prayers. Praying over finger pointing
Jonathan Williams
Brother Holmes,
I’m thankful for you developing a platform such as RAAN to represent Gospel centered African Americans. Let me say that I have followed Lecrae from the beginning when he was with Cross Movement and that I’m a big fan of his ministry. Like the first reply, the music industry is wicked and I believe if there is a brother that can represent Christ to the fullest, I believe its Lecrae.
My concern is with Lecrae being at TD Jakes Megafest via the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour he’s on this summer. I had a brother in the Lord call me regarding this conference, where Lecrae would be in the company of TD jakes, Paula White, Creflo Dollar, Joel Osteen and a host of other bad teachers. Last year, he shared a platform at a conference with Rick Warren. This is troubling because these bad teachers can have great influence on him, not like some worldly artist who do not know the word of God. I get the fact of him reaching out to others, but I pray that he is not in the first stages of compromising the Gospel and embracing the heretic teachings of these preachers and teachers.
Joe Wisnieski
I hate to pull the age card, but we had a version of this back in 80’s when
it seemed that CCM was coming into its own. I remember watching some of my
favorite Christian singers doing the same type of performances and interviews,
and feeling the same sense of nervousness that you described while watching
Lecrae.
But when I look back at the state of CCM in the 80’s, it seems to me that far
too much of it was a mistake that had very little lasting fruit; and there are
still significant problems in the industry today. Where did it go wrong? By
trying to appeal to, and be “relevant” to a fallen culture. It’s a slippery and
subtle trap. There is always the temptation to get that “large platform” and
“crossover” to the culture. But what inevitably happened, as the platforms grew
larger, the Christian professions grew smaller. If you look at many of the
biggest names from that era, you will find a lot of personal train wrecks.
Ultimately I think the answer to the dilemma I’ve described is this:
whether you are a Christian making music for the church, or a Christian making
music for the culture, you must first and foremost be concerned about the
Audience of One, and be prepared to let the chips fall where they may. But the
life blood of the music industry is giving the people what they want to hear
and buy; the larger your platform, the greater the temptation not to do or say anything that might turn off your fan base. I do not say that as a criticism, it is just
a reality. (We see a similar dynamic with “churches” who are trying to do church for the unchurched.) If a Christian artist is to remain faithful, he or she must be willing to lose whatever notoriety they have gained at the drop of a dime for the sake of Christ. The moment their love of fame and popularity begins to eclipse their love of Christ, there will be a problem.
I want to be clear, I’m not accusing Lecrae of any of these things. I am just
trying to describe the unique challenges of this industry. Having seen some of
the train wrecks in the past, I always get nervous when a Christian begins to
gain notoriety with the world. It is my hope and prayer that Lecrae understands
the difficult road he is on, I hope he holds his current fame with an open hand, I hope he understands how many well known Christian artists have crashed and burned in this industry, I hope he proceeds with fear and trembling, and I hope that Christ remains his first love.
I enjoy Lecrae’s music, and I’m praying for Him, but he’s on a road that is fraught with peril and difficultly. I pray that he will be able to run the course that has stumbled many others. And, if I can borrow from the writer of Hebrews, though I speak this way, I am convinced of better things concerning you.
Phillip Michael Holmes
Teddy Dee, thanks for stopping by brother.
I was not aware of this before writing the article. I’ve never been a fan of Rev Run, so I appreciate you bringing this to my attention.
Nevertheless, if I had known about this, I’m confident that I would have written (for the most part) the same article. This article isn’t so much a defense for Lecrae as it is a defense of God’s sovereignty, local church authority, and the Gospel of grace. If I’m defending anything, I’m defending these great truths. Take notice to a few lines in my article:
“…I would caution critics to remember that Christ is the head of the church, not Lecrae. Whether Lecrae knocks every question out of the park or not, Jesus is still running things. He is the sovereign Lord of all. We must rest in that. I think some are losing sleep over Lecrae. Even if Lecrae is faithless, Jesus will always remain faithful.”
“Was Lecrae perfect in his answers? No! As much as some of his guardians hate to admit it (mainly because trolls will take this and run with it), the interview could have been handled better. There is always room for improvement.”
“Lecrae is a sinner and human just like the next Christian. He can make mistakes and is as prone to wander away from truth as any of us.”
“We must embrace the authority of the local church and trust that they are asking the hard questions. Lecrae has a pastor, fellow church members, and a team (Reach Records) that love him and know him a lot better than you do. Trust that they are holding him accountable, rebuking when necessary and encouraging him to remain faithful.”
The point of the article was to caution Christians to pray and trust that the local church is doing it’s job, show grace, and rest in God’s sovereignty.
I think you are genuine but I honestly don’t think you’re asking questions that those closest to him are not asking. I also don’t think that social media rants are helpful. Email him privately. I think that would be more loving and helpful. It communicates that you are concerned for him and not just trying to be the guy that puts Crae in his place. Not at all implying that these are your intentions.
I know for a fact that he is privately getting push back from those close to him. One of our contributors is a friend of his.
So to answer your question, I’m not trying to justify his perceived endorsement of Rev Run. I would like to hear him clarify or explain what he meant and perhaps he will in due time. I just think that your time would be better spent (as my article states) praying for him instead of ranting on through social media.
Rest in God’s sovereignty (over Lecrae and his listeners). Trust the local church. Extend grace. I think this is the best response. Take it or leave it.
Thanks for engaging the content. Grace and Peace be with you brother.
Phillip Michael Holmes
Thanks for reading bro!
Teddy Dee
Phillip, were you familiar with the theology Rev Run holds to before writing this article? I ask this because Rev Run is not only a prosperity preacher, he believes Jesus, Mohammed, Abraham and “Lord Buddha” are one–amongst many other absurd teaching that violate Scripture. Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng3lsyugUTs&feature=youtu.be
I ask this concerning Lecrae’s comment, “…shout out to Rev Run for the model he’s set…”. As it stands, I consider this to be an explicit violation of two verses in that little known book we often don’t read or preach through called 2 John, 9-11: “9Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
10If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”
How does Lecrae’s comment not warrant clarification or correction? Rev Run is a false teacher that has misled many and needs to be publicly denounced, not adorned with the title “model” to say the least. What will this do to young believers who can’t discern their left from their right hand?
LaBrian Wells
Keep it up Bro!
Phillip Michael Holmes
Grace to you sis! Again, thanks for reading.
Phillip Michael Holmes
Thanks for reading bro!
Thomas Anderson
Well written. I appreciate the time you took to focus on what is key points as and reminding us of the central authority in the church.
laaysiah
Dear Mr Holmes,
I am impressed with your writing. The article you wrote on Lecrae was very great. God bless you bro.