If You Knew Him

So I had the privilege of seeing The Perrys recently in concert. As usual, they were awesome. This particular performance saw them using a live band (that the church provided) on all but one track, and I have to say I ended up leaving the concert wishing they had their tracks. That certain Perrys' element was missing, and I as a fan missed it (but that's fodder for another blog altogether...)

The Perrys sang their current #1 song "If You Knew Him" - and the more I listen to this song, the more it resounds with me. Initially, when I heard this song, I thought it was just a typical Southern Gospel ballad. It was nice, but it didn't really knock my socks off or anything. However, the longer the song has been on the air, and especially after hearing it live, I know that this is a song that is meant for this time.

However, I couldn't sit there, in this church where the concert was being held, and listen to this preacher preach after such a stirring and moving song and not note the irony of the situation. The Perrys had just ministered a beautiful message of the resurrection power in our lives - and now the preacher was using the song to promote his brand of religion. Rather than preach about the overcoming power of the cross, resurrection power of God's salvation, or joy that comes with those things - the sermon consisted of berating those who read from other translations of the bible, listened to music not deemed as "Gospel", and people who liked things "new and improved."

Really? Is that how you reach people who are actively seeking something that has the power change their lives? You just had a group that presented the Gospel of hope with love and power - and you just get up there and tear down any progress they may have made? All because you believe your brand of Christianity to be the most correct?

What happened to spreading the LOVE of Jesus. Since when did it become about tearing down other believers to make ourselves look more holy?

Here's the deal Mr. Pastor - if YOU knew him like I knew him, you would know that it's not about what bible you read, what kind of music you listen to, or anything else you find wrong with Christianity. If you knew him like I knew him - you would know of the overwhelming and STRIKING freedom that is given to us by a life found in Jesus Christ.

Kudos to The Perrys for doing what they were called to do that evening. It made it worth my evening.

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