SWEJ:
I never thought I would get into a deep theological discussion on an American Idol website, but I have read your letters and I just need to tell you that Jesus loves you.
Scenes we saw last night on TV are the result of a sinful world, not an uncaring God. I encourage you to read the life of Christ in His word, and listen less to us “Christians” fighting amongst ourselves.
When you saw those relief workers and celebs walking among those poor children, whether they would ever admit it or not, that was God acting through them.
God is not the cause of thier hopelessness, but in actuality, He is the only source of hope that any of us have.
“Yes, God is merciful and great because we’re so wealthy! But let’s not expect God to help the people dying of malaria… I’ll send them a few dollars after I buy some new clothes.”
Seriously… Do you think God’s has his priorities straight?
SWEJ, I would like to challenge you to read a book called Evidence that demands a verdict by Josh Mcdowell.
He was an atheist trying to disprove Christianity for a college project.
If you are as analytical as you sound, perhaps it could answer many questions that you have.
If Heaven awaits those who believe, then why should we be so afraid of death.
I’m going to pray that you find the book or that it finds you. It is good that you challenge what is said. It will only give you deeper appreciation when you find what your heart is searching for.
God Bless You during your journey.
Way to go American Idol. I know not everyone agrees with God, but His existance is evident in everything you do. Idol gives back is an example of the goodness and mercy of a God who would give people the financial means to make a difference in this world. I have a whole new respect for your show and actually for all the judges. It showed your true hearts. I pray God would richly bless you guys for taking the on the tuff issues in this world. We are all one in God’s eyes.
Bless you,
Kathy
God loves everyone equally, but ALLOWS some of his children to suffer and die horrible (and needless) deaths, because they don’t love him??
How spiteful and childish of God! Is this how the creator of the universe acts??? I don’t believe it.
For how then would you explain all the devoted believers who live and die horribly? How do you explain all the non-believers who live perfectly moral and peaceful lives?
We didn’t control our entrance in this world, and we can’t control our exit. But our Savior redeemed us through his suffering and human death………so we could live knowing that He loved us that much and that we could have eternal life with Him despite deserving nothing.
Yes, they took Jesus out……Chris…….when He is the Center. He should be on the pedestal. That song was meant to praise “Him” If we as “Christ Followers” cannot agree on this fundamental belief, how can we expect people that are searching to know the Truth?
I wonder if the Idols argued amongst themselves about using the word Shepard over Jesus and other debated terms we didn’t even hear. I think Shepard is a win. I think the fact they got to sing this great song is a huge win for Jesus, because typically, amongst all these famous celebrities, this song would be boycott. It really seemed like some of them were singing it right from their heart. It was awesome. Brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart. God is moving through this event.
I think the reason you are debating this with other Christians is because you are coming across as judgmental. You said you are only using God’s filter but you need to remember, when you are using God’s filter, it is only yourself you can use that filter on. Matthew 7:1 – “Judge not lest ye be judged.” God is telling us here He is responsible for the filtering of others! Who are we as sinners to say where the singers hearts were when they sang the song? Where is it said that someone must know Jesus to sing His praises? Sometimes, especially for someone who relates through music, it is that singing of praises that may bring him or her to Jesus.
You are relating last night’s performance as if it were sung in a church, it was not. It was sung on a TV show aired on a secular station who limits what can be said…such as the name of Jesus. I would much rather sing a song praising my Jesus in front of the secular world, even if it means I have to call my Jesus by one of the other special names I use for Him, than sing it in front of a bunch of people who already know the truth. I think you are debating this with fellow Christians because you would rather not have the song sung in a secular world at all if a different name for Jesus is used (or at least this is how it appears from your comments). Sometimes, as Christians trying to share Jesus, we have to scatter a bunch of little seeds and trust God to grow them. The negative response you are giving to the way the song was sung last night makes it appear that you expect to be able to just plop in the whole plant without first scattering seeds. Sometimes it is not possible to plop in the whole plant (sometimes you are given limitations which are out of your control). Does that mean you should remain stagnant and not try to help a plant grow? No, it means you may have to scatter seeds in a way that doesn’t make sense to you and trust the Lord to take control of the watering and growing.
I don’t think any of the Christians out here dispute the fact that it was a shame that the name of Jesus was changed during the performance. I do feel their dispute is only in judging those that sang it. We do not know their hearts or their intentions, only God knows that. I find hope in the fact that the song was recorded for sale with the name of Jesus in it. This tells me it wasn’t the singers with the issue, rather it was a source or restriction beyond their control.
Once again, the legalistic Christian monster rears its head! Of course, it would have been better if the name of Christ had been included in the live performance, but give me break guys! That was an incredible moment! People will be drawn to that song and they will hear and read the name of Christ in it. (unless of course, they can’t because of all the Pharisee’s cutting the song down). Don’t you find it interesting that most if not all of the negative comments about the performance are from believers? Shame on all of the nay-sayers out there who think that God isn’t powerful enough to touch hearts just because of a little lyric editing. He is infinitely bigger than that.
FYI to everyone on the full version on ITUNES they have the original song lyrics including, “Jesus”.
On a personal note you guys wonder why un Christians don’t like us it’s cause we Christians fight each other. Let’s praise God for the work He is doing in an un-Christian world. We are on the same team guys. Thank you
I’m glad many of you guys jumped on your soap boxes after I pointed out they ignored the name of Jesus. Right, the name of Jesus isn’t important…?.. How many of the unsaved know that Jesus is called Shepherd? Did you know before you ever heard the gospel or walked into a church? Maybe you were raised in church – not everyone is. Legalistic? Pharisee? For one, the Pharisee’s would not recognize Jesus for who He was – something I have no problem doing. In Mark 3:22 they say that “He is possessed by Beelzebub”. Nice argument on the use of “legalistic” since it was Jesus who came to fulfill the law – “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” (Matthew 5:17). Ever read that? Legalism still wants to sacrifice the fatted calf. It has nothing to do with being unashamed of the name of Jesus.
Why would they not sing it as is? Tell me. Is it because Jesus is a rock of offense? Surely we can’t offend someone… that would be politically incorrect, wouldn’t it? Isaiah prophesied some 700 years before Christ as to Him being a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense (Is. 8:14). By whose name is it that the lost shall be saved (Acts 4:8-12)? Shepherd? You say everyone knows Shepherd means Jesus? I doubt that. Can the Holy Spirit take that song and minster in the format it was presented last night? Absolutely. But why are you so easy to sell out to the notion that it was “just” the word Jesus that was changed? If you knew that song you had no doubt that it was talking about Jesus. If you have been in a church service even a few times, you probably knew that Shepherd means Jesus. What about those who have never entered the doors of a church service?
I’m not concerned with whether or not the believer knows who the Shepherd is. If a person who claims to be a believer does not know the Shepherd then there are a whole set of other issues to deal with. So the sinner that has never heard the Word preached, hears that song last night and he feels convicted. Convicted by who? Does he know who? He wants to turn to “someone”, who does he turn to? God? Which one? Does he just get in the religious buffet line and pick one that suits his lifestyle or current truths? You know the one that says that there are no absolute truths. If it feels like truth to you then it must be, right? I’m a good guy, I never hurt anyone, I’ll get to Heaven, right? Will the virgins be there? I can earn my way in, right?
Jesus is the only savior? Try going to www(dot)turntoislam(dot)com and see if everyone thinks that. Here’s a little snippet for you “Allah said, “If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you.” If you are not ashamed, send this message…only if you believe. “Yes, I love Allah. Allah is my fountain of Life and My Savior.” Wow, I guess some people are not talking about Jesus when they say Savior, huh?
A little hear and a little there “It’s only the word Jesus they left out, everyone knows that Jesus is the only one referred to as Shepherd or Savior”. Wake up people!
Prayer works. It works for me because I have a relationship, not religion, but an actual relationship with GOD. He loves those people suffering from malaria. It’s not GOD who gave them the disease. It’s sin in the world that has allowed these things to happen. He doesn’t love me more than any of His creation. The fact is though that some of HIS creation have not chosen Him.
It’s about a relationship. What do you have to lose by following Christ? I don’t mean that in a well might as well do it attitude, but truly what do you have to lose? Pain, Suffering, guilt? When you follow Christ it’s not all happy times, but it is doing His will that I can count ALL things JOY!
“Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:…What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.” Phil 1:15-18
Paul said he didn’t care why people were spreading the Word about Jesus, even if they were doing it for the wrong reason, he rejoiced because the Gospel was being spread.
Right. Put faith in yourselves because when your dead and gone you can still go to Jesus’ tomb and he won’t be there, but when we dig up your dead corpse you’ll be there, and in a very disfigured disgusting form.
Please believe in yourself and we’ll change the world. Is that really a possibility? Can you really look at yourself in the mirror and say “I can save the world today?” Cause if that were possible…….War? Poverty? Disease?
GET REAL!
How could you not like what happened last night? I think as Christ followers we can’t put us up on a pedestal. I know they took Jesus out, but they called him Shepherd. 2 names which I use in my relationship with HIM. He was glorified whether AI people wanted that or not. That song can do nothing else, but point to the one true GOD! It didn’t point to Oprah’s god or the lord of hollywood, but to the ONE TRUE LORD!
Jesus is definitely our spiritual saviour. As for God being a physical saviour, yes, he can play some part in it. But only if we pray. And also yes, we can make a difference just relying on ourselves, but if you add prayer to that, it will just make an even better impact.
As for your post before that,
“Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks]…”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Amplified Bible
Thank you American Idol for having the courage to perform a christian song on Idol Gives Back. In response to the negative comments that God is responsible for the suffering in the world. Numbers 23:19 says”God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Praise Jesus! Our Jesus is a gentle God, a true gentleman. We as people continue to push Him out of our homes, schools and government we remove ourselves out from under the umbrella of God’s protection. Jesus will never force himself on anyone but wants all to come to Him freely with open hearts. Thank you again American Idol and all the contestants for performing Shout to the Lord last night. I can only imagine that souls must have been touched by that song . I pray that all of you will come to know our Lord Jesus Christ on a deeper level. God Bless.
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SWEJ:
I never thought I would get into a deep theological discussion on an American Idol website, but I have read your letters and I just need to tell you that Jesus loves you.
Scenes we saw last night on TV are the result of a sinful world, not an uncaring God. I encourage you to read the life of Christ in His word, and listen less to us “Christians” fighting amongst ourselves.
When you saw those relief workers and celebs walking among those poor children, whether they would ever admit it or not, that was God acting through them.
God is not the cause of thier hopelessness, but in actuality, He is the only source of hope that any of us have.
Greg,
Thanks, I will look for the book at the library.
Likewise, here’s where I’m coming from:
http://www.secularhumanism.org/index.php?section=main&page=affirmations
Peace.
So what you’re saying is…
“Yes, God is merciful and great because we’re so wealthy! But let’s not expect God to help the people dying of malaria… I’ll send them a few dollars after I buy some new clothes.”
Seriously… Do you think God’s has his priorities straight?
SWEJ, I would like to challenge you to read a book called Evidence that demands a verdict by Josh Mcdowell.
He was an atheist trying to disprove Christianity for a college project.
If you are as analytical as you sound, perhaps it could answer many questions that you have.
If Heaven awaits those who believe, then why should we be so afraid of death.
I’m going to pray that you find the book or that it finds you. It is good that you challenge what is said. It will only give you deeper appreciation when you find what your heart is searching for.
God Bless You during your journey.
Way to go American Idol. I know not everyone agrees with God, but His existance is evident in everything you do. Idol gives back is an example of the goodness and mercy of a God who would give people the financial means to make a difference in this world. I have a whole new respect for your show and actually for all the judges. It showed your true hearts. I pray God would richly bless you guys for taking the on the tuff issues in this world. We are all one in God’s eyes.
Bless you,
Kathy
Get over it.
Jews love God too.
Chris,
So let me get this straight…
God loves everyone equally, but ALLOWS some of his children to suffer and die horrible (and needless) deaths, because they don’t love him??
How spiteful and childish of God! Is this how the creator of the universe acts??? I don’t believe it.
For how then would you explain all the devoted believers who live and die horribly? How do you explain all the non-believers who live perfectly moral and peaceful lives?
The fact is, God is nowhere to be found…
We didn’t control our entrance in this world, and we can’t control our exit. But our Savior redeemed us through his suffering and human death………so we could live knowing that He loved us that much and that we could have eternal life with Him despite deserving nothing.
Yes, they took Jesus out……Chris…….when He is the Center. He should be on the pedestal. That song was meant to praise “Him” If we as “Christ Followers” cannot agree on this fundamental belief, how can we expect people that are searching to know the Truth?
I wonder if the Idols argued amongst themselves about using the word Shepard over Jesus and other debated terms we didn’t even hear. I think Shepard is a win. I think the fact they got to sing this great song is a huge win for Jesus, because typically, amongst all these famous celebrities, this song would be boycott. It really seemed like some of them were singing it right from their heart. It was awesome. Brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart. God is moving through this event.
Christine,
I think the reason you are debating this with other Christians is because you are coming across as judgmental. You said you are only using God’s filter but you need to remember, when you are using God’s filter, it is only yourself you can use that filter on. Matthew 7:1 – “Judge not lest ye be judged.” God is telling us here He is responsible for the filtering of others! Who are we as sinners to say where the singers hearts were when they sang the song? Where is it said that someone must know Jesus to sing His praises? Sometimes, especially for someone who relates through music, it is that singing of praises that may bring him or her to Jesus.
You are relating last night’s performance as if it were sung in a church, it was not. It was sung on a TV show aired on a secular station who limits what can be said…such as the name of Jesus. I would much rather sing a song praising my Jesus in front of the secular world, even if it means I have to call my Jesus by one of the other special names I use for Him, than sing it in front of a bunch of people who already know the truth. I think you are debating this with fellow Christians because you would rather not have the song sung in a secular world at all if a different name for Jesus is used (or at least this is how it appears from your comments). Sometimes, as Christians trying to share Jesus, we have to scatter a bunch of little seeds and trust God to grow them. The negative response you are giving to the way the song was sung last night makes it appear that you expect to be able to just plop in the whole plant without first scattering seeds. Sometimes it is not possible to plop in the whole plant (sometimes you are given limitations which are out of your control). Does that mean you should remain stagnant and not try to help a plant grow? No, it means you may have to scatter seeds in a way that doesn’t make sense to you and trust the Lord to take control of the watering and growing.
I don’t think any of the Christians out here dispute the fact that it was a shame that the name of Jesus was changed during the performance. I do feel their dispute is only in judging those that sang it. We do not know their hearts or their intentions, only God knows that. I find hope in the fact that the song was recorded for sale with the name of Jesus in it. This tells me it wasn’t the singers with the issue, rather it was a source or restriction beyond their control.
Your sister in Christ,
Jennifer
http://www.jenniferraack.blogspot.com
Once again, the legalistic Christian monster rears its head! Of course, it would have been better if the name of Christ had been included in the live performance, but give me break guys! That was an incredible moment! People will be drawn to that song and they will hear and read the name of Christ in it. (unless of course, they can’t because of all the Pharisee’s cutting the song down). Don’t you find it interesting that most if not all of the negative comments about the performance are from believers? Shame on all of the nay-sayers out there who think that God isn’t powerful enough to touch hearts just because of a little lyric editing. He is infinitely bigger than that.
FYI to everyone on the full version on ITUNES they have the original song lyrics including, “Jesus”.
On a personal note you guys wonder why un Christians don’t like us it’s cause we Christians fight each other. Let’s praise God for the work He is doing in an un-Christian world. We are on the same team guys. Thank you
I’m glad many of you guys jumped on your soap boxes after I pointed out they ignored the name of Jesus. Right, the name of Jesus isn’t important…?.. How many of the unsaved know that Jesus is called Shepherd? Did you know before you ever heard the gospel or walked into a church? Maybe you were raised in church – not everyone is. Legalistic? Pharisee? For one, the Pharisee’s would not recognize Jesus for who He was – something I have no problem doing. In Mark 3:22 they say that “He is possessed by Beelzebub”. Nice argument on the use of “legalistic” since it was Jesus who came to fulfill the law – “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” (Matthew 5:17). Ever read that? Legalism still wants to sacrifice the fatted calf. It has nothing to do with being unashamed of the name of Jesus.
Why would they not sing it as is? Tell me. Is it because Jesus is a rock of offense? Surely we can’t offend someone… that would be politically incorrect, wouldn’t it? Isaiah prophesied some 700 years before Christ as to Him being a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense (Is. 8:14). By whose name is it that the lost shall be saved (Acts 4:8-12)? Shepherd? You say everyone knows Shepherd means Jesus? I doubt that. Can the Holy Spirit take that song and minster in the format it was presented last night? Absolutely. But why are you so easy to sell out to the notion that it was “just” the word Jesus that was changed? If you knew that song you had no doubt that it was talking about Jesus. If you have been in a church service even a few times, you probably knew that Shepherd means Jesus. What about those who have never entered the doors of a church service?
I’m not concerned with whether or not the believer knows who the Shepherd is. If a person who claims to be a believer does not know the Shepherd then there are a whole set of other issues to deal with. So the sinner that has never heard the Word preached, hears that song last night and he feels convicted. Convicted by who? Does he know who? He wants to turn to “someone”, who does he turn to? God? Which one? Does he just get in the religious buffet line and pick one that suits his lifestyle or current truths? You know the one that says that there are no absolute truths. If it feels like truth to you then it must be, right? I’m a good guy, I never hurt anyone, I’ll get to Heaven, right? Will the virgins be there? I can earn my way in, right?
Jesus is the only savior? Try going to www(dot)turntoislam(dot)com and see if everyone thinks that. Here’s a little snippet for you “Allah said, “If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you.” If you are not ashamed, send this message…only if you believe. “Yes, I love Allah. Allah is my fountain of Life and My Savior.” Wow, I guess some people are not talking about Jesus when they say Savior, huh?
A little hear and a little there “It’s only the word Jesus they left out, everyone knows that Jesus is the only one referred to as Shepherd or Savior”. Wake up people!
Prayer works. It works for me because I have a relationship, not religion, but an actual relationship with GOD. He loves those people suffering from malaria. It’s not GOD who gave them the disease. It’s sin in the world that has allowed these things to happen. He doesn’t love me more than any of His creation. The fact is though that some of HIS creation have not chosen Him.
It’s about a relationship. What do you have to lose by following Christ? I don’t mean that in a well might as well do it attitude, but truly what do you have to lose? Pain, Suffering, guilt? When you follow Christ it’s not all happy times, but it is doing His will that I can count ALL things JOY!
“Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:…What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.” Phil 1:15-18
Paul said he didn’t care why people were spreading the Word about Jesus, even if they were doing it for the wrong reason, he rejoiced because the Gospel was being spread.
Chris,
If prayer works for you, why doesn’t it work for those poor people suffering from malaria?
Does God love you more, or them more?
Or is he indifferent?
Right. Put faith in yourselves because when your dead and gone you can still go to Jesus’ tomb and he won’t be there, but when we dig up your dead corpse you’ll be there, and in a very disfigured disgusting form.
Please believe in yourself and we’ll change the world. Is that really a possibility? Can you really look at yourself in the mirror and say “I can save the world today?” Cause if that were possible…….War? Poverty? Disease?
GET REAL!
How could you not like what happened last night? I think as Christ followers we can’t put us up on a pedestal. I know they took Jesus out, but they called him Shepherd. 2 names which I use in my relationship with HIM. He was glorified whether AI people wanted that or not. That song can do nothing else, but point to the one true GOD! It didn’t point to Oprah’s god or the lord of hollywood, but to the ONE TRUE LORD!
SWEJ,
Jesus is definitely our spiritual saviour. As for God being a physical saviour, yes, he can play some part in it. But only if we pray. And also yes, we can make a difference just relying on ourselves, but if you add prayer to that, it will just make an even better impact.
As for your post before that,
“Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks]…”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Amplified Bible
Thank you American Idol for having the courage to perform a christian song on Idol Gives Back. In response to the negative comments that God is responsible for the suffering in the world. Numbers 23:19 says”God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Praise Jesus! Our Jesus is a gentle God, a true gentleman. We as people continue to push Him out of our homes, schools and government we remove ourselves out from under the umbrella of God’s protection. Jesus will never force himself on anyone but wants all to come to Him freely with open hearts. Thank you again American Idol and all the contestants for performing Shout to the Lord last night. I can only imagine that souls must have been touched by that song . I pray that all of you will come to know our Lord Jesus Christ on a deeper level. God Bless.