Jesus is King
Last week the American rap artist Kanye West released a new album called ‘Jesus is King’. However, it was something else that got social media buzzing, as there were many reports that Mr West had become a Christian. Some rejoiced that this high-profile celebrity had been ‘born again’ whilst others were more cautious and some even cynical, saying it’s just another ‘publicity stunt’! YouTube has been screening Kanye’s ‘Sunday Services’ which is an uplifting mix of rap and gospel music (featuring a superb choir) and preaching!
As a pastor I have the joy of seeing people come to Christ and walk their own ‘faith journey’. People come to God for all sorts of reasons. Whatever those factors may be, that person reaches a point of saying ‘yes’ to Jesus. My role, and that of the church family, is not to judge, but to love, care, support and guide any new Christian. We stand together as each grows and changes as God brings about His transformation. I have seen people change as they ‘walk the walk’ with Jesus.
So, has Kanye become a Christian? I don’t know, as I don’t know him or his situation. I can only hope and pray that he has, and that he has people around him to love, care and guide him. I’m sure you have your own opinion about his ‘salvation’. We will see over the course of time what has happened.
But what about you? The Bible says that God made you and loves you! God wants everyone to know Him, but He will not force that on anyone. We have to want that ourselves. If you are feeling in need of a fresh start, I have some great news for you...
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
The Lord is Jesus and by praying this prayer and you can begin a whole new life! You will then discover, as Kanye’s album title puts it, that ‘Jesus is King’.
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader