Kirk Franklin posted on his facebook that Gospel Music sales are way down. Wanna know why? I can give you 5 good reasons why, and here we go.1. Homosexuality - Even the married male gospel singers are suspect these days because they approve of the homosexual ones. They are on the stage with them, they make music with them, they have them singing background and playing instruments for them, so, where are the real men in Gospel Music? How does this affect the sales of Gospel music you may ask? Well, the devil controls the music industry so, his plan is to kill ALL sales of Gospel by merging the gospel with the secular industry.
So, as Kirk puts on the pink, and Tonex dances in drag, while Dillard drops it like it's hot, and Woods openly performs at a lesbian wedding, the devil has a greater plot. The LGBT is getting ready to shine it's flashlight on the church and it's gonna catch a lot of these artists and pastor with their pants down. Once they get the goods, they will force these Gospel Artists to come out like Tonex and support Carlton Pearson's inclusion. Who wants to buy inclusion gospel music? No one, because inclusion gospel music is secular music! 
2. Copy Cats - If you like Tupac, you'll love Lecrae. If you like WuTang, you'll love Crossmovement. If you like JayZ, you'll love DaTruth. And if you like Rihanna, you'll love JMoss? Come on, where is the originality? THERE IS NONE ANYMORE! Gospel has just flat out become a carbon copy of the secular industry, the only difference is, they say Jesus at times and the women weigh more! But that doesn't stop them from dressing sexy like their secular idols, dancing and partying, like their idols, and even touring with their secular idols. God is a God of creation, so he has the ability to create and not copy. Where are the true musicians that want to do it without worldly influences? Most of them are in the local church, praying for an opportunity to sign a record deal and become a copy cat as well.
3. Nothing special - People used to like Gospel Music because God was in it. It was different and had it's own counter culture. There was a separation and people escaped from the harsh reality of the world when they heard praises to the most high God. But that is not what this new gospel music is. This new music is a watered down, warmed over, lack luster copy of secular music. They don't get inspired by God to write, but they are inspired by what the devil is doing in secular music. Would God really inspire Kirk to put on pink lipstick and sing I smile? Would God inspire Donnie McClurkin to sing "ooo child, things are gonna get easier?" Is that the God of the bible inspiring them? NO. So, because these guys have fallen in love with fame and the world, the music of the Father is no longer a priority. Gospel Recording Artists are not doing what they are supposed to be doing.... instead they mix the 'supposedly' holy music ministry meant for the Church with the profane secular. Ezekiel 44:23 says 'They are to teach my people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.' Bottom line is that the artists are not taking a 'True Priest' approach when it comes to their ministry focus. The focus of our current Gospel Artists is to meld into a culture promoted by the record label that they have signed with. When the artists meld they sell. 
4. Carnal Audience - I preached this over and over for years and years! If you keep trying to be like the secular industry, all you gonna do is promote the secular industry! When you invite Steve Harvey and secular performers to host Gospel events, they are gonna steal your audience. They have more money, they have more resources, they have better equipment and can afford better productions, so, if they get involved they are gonna take over! Remember that old song "Don't let the devil ride. If you let him ride, he'll wanna drive". Well, now he is driving. Gospel Music was so excited to get on BET and have secular folks on their show that they didn't count the cost. What was the cost? Well, the secular folks they record and sing with, are now in position to steal their sudo christian listeners by putting a Gospel Song on their own secular records. This gives them the best of both worlds and they have absolutely, positively, no use for a full CD of Gospel music. People would rather just buy the secular music and catch the Gospel music on Sunday radio programming. Now, the church folks buy the secular music, videos, and concert tickets first and Gospel takes sloppy seconds!
5. Not worth it - In a bad economy, folks have to prioritize their purchases. Buying music is a luxury and for folks to spend their hard earned money on it, it better be worth it. Well, these modern day, turn key CD's that are being recorded by many of the popular Gospel Artists are just not good enough. You can definitely tell that the devil's plan to own Gospel Music has been accomplished. He now has women wearing skin tight dresses in front of teens and calling it ministry. He has plus plus sized women in lingerie in their Gospel Music videos and calling that ministry. Pants sagging, gang signing, street culture hip hop thugs are calling what they are doing ministry. Since the devil has taken over the gospel music industry, folks are just not willing to buy it like they used to be. Unsaved folks don't want to buy sexy gospel singers music when they can just go buy Beyonce and get the real thing. And why spend money on sub par music when you can just play it for free on youtube? It's just not good enough and it's not living up to it's label. Even though the church world is getting more and more carnal, they still have ears. And if it's not spectacular, it's pretty much gonna stay where it is and never make it into their portable music devices!
Beyonce's father just started a new Gospel Record label featuring several desperate Gospel artists and many more corrupt labels will start up and sign more desperate artists. They are making deals with the devil and luring in all those that want fame at the cost of selling their right to sing for Jesus. These folks are being foolish. Do they really think that God is using Matthew Knowles to do something for the true Kingdom of God? Do they really believe that signing a record deal is a "door" opening from God? Would God allow a deal with the devil to promote some music? Did he allow Satan to keep making music in heaven? Then why would he allow him to control his music on earth? What are these folks thinking? Well, they are all in for a great disappointment. Gospel music is on life support and will be dead soon. The devil's plan all along was to take God out of the Gospel Music and he has done that. Shows like Sunday's Mess and Verizon "How sweet the men" will not be around long because offering a record deal as a prize is not really a prize at all anymore. If Kirk Franklin and others are worried about sales, how are they gonna make a contest winner's music sell? Stick a fork in it people, because it's done! The day is soon coming when if you desire to hear a song of the Lord, you're gonna have to make melody in your heart like Ephesians says. Eph. 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Praying,
G. Craige Lewis
Amos 5:23 Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols.
Amos 5:24 But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.
Amos 5:25 Have ye offered unto me sacrifices and offerings in the wilderness forty years, O house of Israel?
Amos 5:26 But ye have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves.
160 comments:
Music, once the unrecognized enemy of the Church. Yet many will never recognize but will continue to embrace this enemy.
“It is difficult to get a man to understand something if his livelihood depends upon him not understanding it.” Upton Sinclair
Wow, I would have never known those were Gospel singers just by looking at the 106 & Park picture.
Oh, and that picture of Kirk Franklin is frightening!
I continued to ask my mom about various gospel artist to see if they wereliving the lives that they sing about. But honestly, and I can truthfully say I bought the new KF cd, but its sometimes just as a background noise or a tinkling cymbal. When I need a breakthrough, I put on some Luther Barnes, Timothy Wright or even a mix of Bishop Paul Morton and Fred Hammond. I weed out the mess. But as a whole, the industry is not a ministry....its a disgrace. Peace be unto you Min. Lewis.
I am so glad for this blog. I was just talking to some others and we were discussing why we don't buy gospel CDs. Because they don't glorify God. The artists don't glorify God in their lives nor songs. I have gone back to the early 90s and yes YouTube.
I once read an article a few years back that gospel singers were complaining they didnt make enough money. I suppose the wealth of the secular world is now their oyster. I am always suspect of a person who claims to be a man or woman of God, but must always be paid to exercise their God given gifts, thereby no glory is present if no money is involved. The first mistake the church made was including gospel artists in the ministry which is not biblical. Secondly if Satan was the music minister as they say....SMH...
I don't purchase albums/cd's anymore for the simple fact that I believe all the artists have compromised. Fred Hammond used to be my favorite psalmist but... even he has compromised. It's just shameful. I don't feel like I have the right to purchase their cd's anymore and support them/their "ministry".
I totally agree with you Elder Graige, I have stopped buying gospel music along time ago, when most of them took God out of it. My spirit was disturbed. I am a Gospel songwriter and because I won't compromise I told the Lord that I would just sing them back to him with NO problem at all, after all He gave them to me. Continue to do great exploits for Christ without favor or compromise in Jesus Matchless Name, Amen!
once again you have hit the nail on the head with one blow Pator Craig! God Blesss!
This is so very true, all that you have said is so very true. The same lie that satan spoke to Eve in the garden, he is still whispering today,, but today he is saying "You will be able to reach the unsaved" And the foolish are listening because they are just wanting an excuse to fulfill their fleshly desires and (think) they have God too. Keep speaking God's word Bro.Lewis and I will keep you lifted up. God Bless You
Thank you for posting this! Expose it! God bless you.
Thank you for posting this. This is a real eye-opener. People need to see the TRUTH...and it will set them FREE!
This is so sad but true, and even I find myself listening to keyshia cole's secular cd and she has a "gospel song" on it. There are so many people that are sleep to this information. Very serious issue.
So true!
Thos blog is ok I am a gospel singer and I fell like it has nothing at all to do with homosexuals,but a lot to do with the music all sounding the same every song I hear has the same 4 coards just in defrent keys it is like u learned to play shout music u have learned how to play every song in gospel but what happend to music with diffaculty like total praisey
I know some people might not like what I said bot oooooo well
really nice drama you have post here .. thanks for this post
Naw...its all true!!! No excuses....God has left our music long time ago...possibly the day we started praying that he would leave when we say stuff like,"Yeah, i like the song, but it aint got no beat", or "He can't sing as well as others", This is my favorite one right here, "I went to church today but the chior aint sang nothin new God leave...Speaking as a producer/artist myself, It is a wonder why people even buy this stuff...We speak our minds, but in the end, even our minds are corrupt...so,are we even speaking the truth? I put my efforts in writing music that turns us back around to Christ, but are the people even listening? They would rather hear "its the God in me" because it doesnt convict anyone...and its biblically incorrect, so its easier to accept that if i ride a clean car or im so fresh where ever I go, that its the God in me. Timothy and even Matthew says that in the end times, people will become more lovers of Money than of God...We ran God out of gospel music...now, when it is sold, they make money and when we purchase, we spend money. This process is all on movies, secular music, and music that God has left years ago!!!
On point, we that claim to be apart of the body of christ often need a check up from the neck up!
Stay strong in the Lord Craige Lewis.
Nothing like truth! Stay strong in the Lord man of God.
Good blog Pastor Lewis!! I have been asking the Lord in prayer to raise up TRUE musicians like DAVID that will play and sing songs of deliverance over a generation dealing with demonic spirits (like King Saul). Even though Satan is taking over the gospel music...GOD has a remnant of musicians that have not bow their knee to Baal and they will release the sound of the Kingdom of God and a new genre will be born!
What an awesome and enlightening blog! Elder Lewis, the anointing and wisdom God has placed on your life is amazing to me. Please stay encouraged to continue to do the work the Lord Jesus has called you to do. All Glory to God!!
Here is a test.....Watch a gospel artist perform...turn off the volume....you would not know without the words that you are listening to a gospel song....I tried it....Gospel today has The World all over it.. you truly cannot distinguish the difference....Sad Times....
T Branch
This has been my headache for some time now,looking at the trend today's gosple music has taken. People these days accept gosple music by its WORDS AND FORGET THE SPIRITUAL ASPECT OF IT.Gosple music has lost it SPIRITUALITY because the focus now is making money,and so all the secular rhythms has been attached to draw attention. If gosple music and secular music play the same tunes where is the difference?The BIBLE says we are a chosen generation and a peculiar people so what do we have in common with them?
Absolutely true!!!!!!
thanks for the enlightment, I was a listerner of most of the artists featured and before you called out what was going on I was wondering why all the dancing and not praising going on, I dont think you got to be slain at all times to sing but they basically have pushed hip hop in to the gospel. We need to stay informed,
cause like you said even if we start with the New Testament Jesus did not coerce people to believe in Him, It only shows He went where the people were and His identity stayed intact, even the demons said Jesus I know, so they can continue to think they are fooling the people but the people are merely scoffing at them as if to say we got them now, they cant come at us with the Gospel when they are doing the thing.
"Gospel has just flat out become a carbon copy of the secular industry, the only difference is, they say Jesus at times and THE WOMEN WEIGH MORE?!!!"
LOLLLLLLLL, like the old folks say- it's tight but it's right Pastor Lewis =) Thanks for coming with the real.
Excellent blog! It was just last Sunday I was watching one of Fred Hammond's old videos and the difference with where he is now than where he was in the nineties is so vast! I'm also disappointed that Kirk Franklin decided to go pink. There is no holiness or sacredness among these gospel artist anymore; it's all fleshy desires & God does not get the Glory. Keep on bloggin Bro Craige...
How about a lot of the new gospel songs being infused with jazz and R&B chords on the keyboards and all?
Gospel music, be it traditional or contemporary, used to have a distinct sound and unmistakeably clear gospel message. You knew right away when you heard a gospel tune; now you have to listen for a minute or so (perhaps longer) to determine if what you are listening to is gospel or not before you scan the radio dial further.
I rarely buy gospel now because, sad to say, my spirit is just not feeling it anymore. I thought something was wrong with ME, because I used to eat, sleep, and drink Gospel music and buy the latest and greatest of everything worth listening to. Now, I enjoy the older songs of the 70's, 80's and 90's better than when they were new. There's truly been a change in the sound and the delivery of the message. Thanks, Pastor Craige for your God-given insight and prophetic writings.
I so agree with this blog. If [church folks] could just see and understand that there are SO many people who love the Lord but do not support the industry because "something about it" is hypocritical, even boring (sad to say). Just ask Boyonce; she will tell you that she loves God. Ask Steve Harvey; he absolutely loves God. Is music not a form of entertainment? The problem is that one shouldn't use "God" to entertain, so people get turned off. Lord, let me stop. All I can say is BRAVO to you for this blog. You. Are. On. Point. My. Dear. Brother.
Being an artist myself music has been my first love. I do listen to gospel music; although, it goes in one ear and out the other. There are still a lot of powerful ministers of music out here that do not get heard. Most of the young artists that I have met have denounced any form of secular music, so all hope is not lost. As for me God is my portion that's all I need. Thank you G. Craig Lewis for always standing.
This is a great article. The old seasoned saints sang songs of praise and adoration to the LORD using scripture. I'm in my thirties and I still love those songs because you can feel the anointing of GOD. It's not just a feeling ,but an ushering in of the TRUE presence of the Holy Spirit
They are down because they are masquerading under a Name they do not possess. What they sing is not the gospel. Sprinkling secular music with "Jesus" does not make the beat, the melody or the entire genre any the less profane.
its a shame how so many artist are not looking at the bigger picture and doing what gospel music is supposed too...like uplift,restore,reverance god..its in the music but no longer in their hearts all many of them see now is $$$$$$
All of these things are destroying all Christian Music forms plus we Christians keep Stealing music through Illegal Downloads and think it is OK. Stealing is Stealing.
Woooow. You hit it RIGHT on the head Pastor. The sad thing is you can see on Twitter where everyone celebrates when new artists get signed. We should be crying instead.
Thanks for pulling back the veil on this very influencial area of our lives. I'm seeing more clearly these days ... there is the religion Christianity then there are true seekers after God's heart. The gap is widening more and more each day between the two.
Rachel
If you create original creative music, lyrics and sound, people will buy it. If you dont, people wont. NOthing to do with homosexuals! hate not and judge not and you will not be judged.
HAHA!!!!!!!! That's all i can say. As a song write, i remember writing my first gospel song, very young RUNNING to the bible to make scriptures "rhyme in melody" I wanted the WORD in my songs, and as my writing matured I wanted to have an intrinsic praise wroship/glory of GOD...now it's just self..>WHOA @ the picture of trinitee 5:7 ..>WHOA!!!!! So did ANgel want to prove she can be bootylicious?!?!? I mean that is gall...even hookers try to find long sunday dresses if they EVER have to go in a church.>That threw me waaaaay of...In front of young impressionable ( SEX CRAZED) boys...WHOA!...Good for them!. I hope they all went to college. It's job seeking time!
I agree with T Branch,and that has always been my test. Mute the song - can you tell that it's about God?? G Craige your posts are convicting, almost annoyingly so - lol. Why you gotta talk about Lecrae! :) Much love and blessings to you man of God.
How many of these artists will have an opportunity to read this blog? Although the blog brings up quite a few interesting points, hoping they will see this blog and that it will bring about a significant change is highly unlikely. The BET's, Word Networks, TBN's of the world are telling them that they and their ministries are loved. Even inviting them to host shows on their networks. So who do you really think they will listen to at the end of the day? Until those who are responsible for pouring into their spirits on a regular basis will be honest enough to tell them that they are selling themselves short, and they actually listen, we will continue to have this conversation. Accountability is the issue here. No one ever tells them that "You can't bring that junk up in here". Until someone does, and they actually listen, you may see a change..
I whole heartedly agree. There is a way tho reach the world without becoming like the world. Bottom line.
Gospel music artists need to hit their knees and ask for forgiveness. They are giving our children a false sense of who God really is. The people of God are tiring of this nonsense. We'll see if they still "smile" in Hell. Let's turn it around. The song says "Take me back, Take me back dear Lord, To a place where I first....." Help us today Lord!
wow, this is so true!!! Thanks G. Craige Lewis.
You have shared the truth with us!!! Thanking God for your boldness to tell it like it is!
I am a shamed of the so called gospel singers. It just doesn't even care about souls anymore. We thought hip hop was the bad, but that is just step one. Bro. Lewis I really thank the Lord for you and your minister. I just wish you could come back to All Nations Ministries again and re-freshen the minds of the youth. I try my best to tell them the truth and minister to so called Christians in other churches, but it want get through their thick skull that the end time is near and we don't need to be playing church not even one second. As the bible say man doesn't know the time or the hour that the Lord is coming. I am still praying no matter what.
Hey Bro. Lewis I do listen to the new so called gospel, but I am horrified about it. That is why I am a YouTube person also and I listen to the old school songs that my Grandmothers sung back in the day. I still feel the spirit of God in the old school gospel music. I can't be quiet anymore about the devil using these so called gospel singer. My cousin are the main people on my prayer list cause they don't know, and you can't tell them anything either. This year I am not going to hold my tongue for no one even if it causes me to lose friends and family members. I am not going to be held accountable for not spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and him crucified. I really thank the Lord for you and your ministry. I am always praying.
Hmmmm! Min Craige this is so true or should I say resonates as true in my spirit. Question is how many Gospel artistes are listening. We really need to pray for the Church. Thanks for the blog
I understand exactly what this article is saying. The distinction between secular and Gospel is so blurred, sometimes I feel it don't exist. I grow up in the '90s and my favorite gospel music is from those years and back. The music today is about the beat. Sometimes, I find a song that has a meaningful message but that is rare. I miss the old Gospel music...the music that convicted and converted people to change and live right for God. As for the homosexuality piece, I don't believe that the author of the blog was trying to judge homosexuals. I think that the emphasis was on the fact that the power of Gospel music is being diminished and our ability to bring people to Christ is compromised because influential artists and Christians, all together, are not set apart and abiding by the laws of God. Nobody is perfect...I am a far cry from it...but we should try to live for God first the best we can and be an example to others.
Wow!!!!!!!! what a nice blog.l love your blog......
branqueamento dentário
Amen Pastor G. Craige, keep em coming!
This is sad but true thanks for teaching the truth G Craige!!
I completely agree with with everything highlighted in this post but my little contribution is "Salvation is personal"....What ever you do, make sure you make heaven.
God Bless!
http://pmvault.blogspot.com
WOW!!! THANK YOU BROTHER, WHAT A WONDERFUL ARTICLE. THE TRUTH FOR ME IS THAT I STOPPED BUYING GOSPEL RECORDS AFTER I PURCHASED A LEON PATILLA RECORD IN 1983. IT DOES NOT MOVE ME AND I AM TIRED OF SEEING THESE PEOPLE MARY MARY AND THE LIKE. SO I STICK TO WHAT I KNOW MAHALIA AND OTHERS OF THAT ERA. I HAVE NO TIME FOR THAT MESS THAT IS TRYING TO PASS FOR GOSPEL BECAUSE IF GOOD NEWS IS THE DEFINITION OF THE WORD GOSPEL, I CERTAINLY DON'T HEAR ANY OF IT IN THIS MESS THAT IS PASSING FOR GOSPEL THESE DAYS.
Hi Ijust wanted to say that @F.L. Anderson I disagree on this point that Music is NOT the enemy of The Church recognized or unrecognized The enemy of the Church that has always been is PEOPLE!! Music is music it's what is in you that (Not YOU) but people Jesus said that what come out of a man is what defiles him.
We have all of this wickedness and for the sake of "Nobody wanting to be exposed I won't say anything!
I believe that the world looking at the church from the outside was inspired to come up with "Don't Ask Don't tell",>
But Music was created by God and Jubal was the father of all who play music Gen 4th chapter and music is a wonderful thing and can be Holy but if the person playing it is Holy so that what flows out of you is coming from God!
There MUST be s Difference between Holy and Unholy and I totally agree with your quote!
“It is difficult to get a man to understand something if his livelihood depends upon him not understanding it.” Upton Sinclair
Interesting post but it completely evades the real issue.Praising God shouldn't be a capitalistic venture. The pursuit of money for praising God, and spreading the word is the problem. The fact that anyone is worried about album sales; instead of focusing on the saving of souls....is the problem.
The Gospel music industry has a rotten foundation, and now it's crumbling. It's based on the love of money, the love of fame and not God. They are praising the dollar.
2bsanctified
I think God almighty for this information. It was posted on fb today. And bro. Craig I applaud you in the name of Jesus for being a modern day David. Knowing and trusting your God and standing up and exposing the enemy within the camp. Not only do we see it in the music but, also in the pulpit. Who do we think the devil using to send these counterfeits out.The shepherds. However, that another whole subject. God bless you oh, man of God I'm with you there is power in numbers and we must continue to pray and do somthing!
Elder Craige, in an attepmt to feel like the world, the system has completely taken over the church. Pastors and Bishops have shamely disgraced the pulpits upon which they once upon a time preach the wonders of the glorious cross. We have all these pain because we lost the culture of discipleship, new convert are giving pulpits to bring in their secular gears, dance steps, gay backups all in an attempt to bring them to the Lord. What the Holy Spirit has not done, no matter how we try, it cannot be done. Keep me posted on your fiery messages, the church of Christ, at least there is a remnant that needs and longs for the songs of the cross. Stay firm and bless sir.Dan Paul Fredericks, Kaduna,Nigeria.
Well Well Finally The Truth Has been Spoken without Fear! I have always said this The Cherubims don't rap or sing Rnb and soul Gospel.... They Worship GOD in Spirit and Truth that is why every single Gospel music must be Spiritual first in order to bring us before The Presence Of GOD. So that we can Unlimitedly Embrace his Truth that sets us Free from any shape of strongholds. And Also GOD is not interested in singers but GOD is looking for Holy Worshippers!
Today The Black American Church has become The new millenium Church Era which allows the ways of the world to become normal to Our Christians Values... Such as Divorces... Homosexuality all sort of Ungodly behaviours are now acceptable in the Mist of The Church what a Total Disaster....
Please give to the world what belong to it but Let us Give to Our Heavenly Father The
Glory and The Honour that belong to HIM.
I AM ALMOST CANT SPEAK RIGHT NOW!! Wow this is something I have been thinking about for a long time and to see someone type this WOW!! Lets bring back the glory to Gospel music folks..
WOW!! This is so true... Lets bring back the glory to the Gospel Industry
We must always remember what the bible says about the last dayz. it talks about a great turning away from the truth. I saw this in the early 90's.
Man of God, this is soooo true & am not very surprised cos the Bible said it that in the last days, men will be lovers of themselves,.......etc! We have to wake up!
Hello Mr. Lewis. I honestly believe that Christian Music of the old days were sung to admire God & God alone. Today's Gospel music is all about Money, Joy, Blessings, Having Haters & Rising Above haters etc. What makes me sad is that the "so called" Bishops & leaders are down with whatever. There are very few churches singing Hymns but I can bust-up in any church and here "I got a blessing with my name on it" Today's Gospel doesn't talk about suffering with Christ, reconnecting with the Lord, telling us to turn from our wicked ways or even repentance.....Today's music is all about receiving BLESSINGS!SMH
Well Well Finally The Truth Has been Spoken without Fear! I have always said this The Cherubims don't rap or sing Rnb and soul Gospel.... They Worship GOD in Spirit and Truth that is why every single Gospel music must be Spiritual first in order to bring us before The Presence Of GOD. So that we can Unlimitedly Embrace his Truth that sets us Free from any shape of strongholds. And Also GOD is not interested in singers but GOD is looking for Holy Worshippers!
Today The Black American Church has become The new millenium Church Era which allows the ways of the world to become normal to Our Christians Values... Such as Divorces... Homosexuality all sort of Ungodly behaviours are now acceptable in the Mist of The Church what a Total Disaster....
Please give to the world what belong to it but Let us Give to Our Heavenly Father The
Glory and The Honour that belong to HIM.
It is sooo true! I was telling my mom that I'm a lot of things but one thing I'm not is a hypocrite. If I wanted to hear secular music, I don't need to put a false label on it and call it "gospel" or "holy". Its so disrespectufl to God what these so-called "gospel" artists are doing. I refuse to support them and I won't buy thier music. I listen to old school gospel and its still as good now as it was then:)
Greetings Mr. Lewis and all my Brothers and Sisters;
I am so delighted to read your post. You have stated what has been on my heart for many, many years.
More importantly you have stated the Truth. It is clear from reading other comments that have been posted, that many recognize the Truth as you have stated it. It is obvious to me that all people who experience an in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit and pay attention to God's Word and inner promptings, will share in the whole Truth and as well as this portion you have shared in visible fashion.
To me, it's all part of being in the world, but not of the world. As Christians, we are challenged moment by moment by entities and things that want to pull us away from God.
At one time, I came to Gospel music away from performing and producing secular music, believing at first that I had arrived where God wanted me to be. I was astounded to find corruption planted in various areas and at various levels throughout the Gospel music 'industry'.
Today, I am at work to have an influence - an impact - on this 'industry' by promoting Gospel music ministry FIRST. That is done by putting God and others ahead of self-interest, individual personality and ego. Fulfill the mission and render service according to God's plan, and then wait to see how He blesses it. Fortunately, He has blessed me with other means of Earthly livelihood, while I pursue through stewardship the means of eternal life for all who are called and are obedient.
At all times, let us not reject our brothers and sisters who are not acting properly, but let us reject acceptance of their actions and let us not participate in them. Instead, let us do as God does and love the Sinner while rejecting the Sin. At every opportunity, let's encourage one another to seek and follow the right path.
If you have a friend headed to step into a physical pit, would you not help them avoid it?
The fact is that we need to have courage ourselves to interact with everyone to help steer them straight - not spiritually abandon them. Many eternal lives are at stake.
Because of the positions and influence that God had allowed the imperfect (all of us, really) to attain, it is even more important that we do more than offer an 'arm-chair' critique. We must approach each other directly, following the same loving compassion that God has for all of His children. All 'artists' have points of contact.
So will YOU do more? Mr. Lewis has inspired me to do more.
May God bless us all, always and in all ways.
AMAZING TRUTH! I HAVE RECENTLY BEEN BAPTISED BUT EVEN BEFORE THAT, COMING FROM A CHRISTIAN FAMILY I NOTICED A LOT THAT HAS BEEN MENTIONED. I THANK YOU PASTOR AND PRAY THAT THE POWER OF GOD WILL MOVE THROUGH HIS PEOPLE BY THIS MESSAGE AND WAKE US ALL UP! THESE TRULY ARE THE LAST DAYS AND WE NEED TO FIGHT BACK AS SOON AS!!!
AMEN Xx
Oh how true this article is. Many times I feel that I'm in a nite club instead of the House of God. The apostasy of the last days has invaded not only the music that once glorified God, but also through "the new Emergent contemplative movement," God's Word is also being diluted as well. Surely we are in the final days before our LORD returns. Keep being vigilant and exposing the deeds of darkness!
I agree with this blog 100% I am a musician and I see the change in the lyrics, rhythm, and sound. There's no comparison secular and gospel are so similar now and the gospel artist who are trying to stay grounded get the least amount of time on the air. It's sad but true. I find myself listening to the word more so the music. People are hurting and lost they're looking for music with substance along with the word of God. Gospel artist these days are seeking fame knowing full well where that road can take you which is a downward spiral. Have mercy!
I usually don't chime in on posts like this...but this article is very interesting...and makes many valid points. Songs by the Winans, Hawkins, Andrae Crouch, & other pioneers will ALWAYS be timeless because the quality of Gospel music being released now is sub par. I'm a profession musician myself...and I've played for many of the top Gospel artists. I feel that most of the Gospel music now is just TOO BUSY!!! UNNECESSARY runs, licks, and changes. As a result, it's not as effective. You don't need to play "Giant Steps" in Amazing Grace...what's the point? To impress another musician...that all the time is trying to take your gig?!?!? COME ON?!??! Musicians have become concerned more about impressing each other than serving the song. I will admit, I have been guilty of this...that still doesn't make it right. I had older musicians and artists check me. We don't check these younger musicians like we should. Instead we talk about them...all the while, allowing the quality of Gospel music to decline. Don't get me wrong...I love ALL music...secular and Gospel...however, there is a time and place for everything. I'm not gonna sing "Praise Is What I Do" to my future wife if we're having an intimate moment. Niether will I sing "Reasons" for Praise & Worship. Check this out..this blog touched on homosexuality being so abundant among the Gospel artists of this day. Please DON'T forget that some of the pioneers dealt with the SAME issues. Many of the songwriters that made us shout or even led us to accept Jesus in our lives were sleeping with the same sex, using drugs, and doing much of what we SEE now...emphasis on SEE. Clearly...just because it's hidden doesn't make it right either. The difference now is the amount of TOLERANCE. Nowadays, people aren't afraid....that's the problem. The LACK of FEAR of God. Sorry bruh, didn't mean to write an epistle...
kirk's pic is pathetic. the Lord is patient with us but we should not take advantage of that. we should all go back to the first love. anyway the scripture is being fulfilled.may God have mercy on us.
A CHANGE IS COMING!:
I am weary of anyone who says its over. Be strong Pastor Lewis, but know God is never out of control. He's sovereign. A change is coming. And the world will know the counterfeit from the real. Because the anointing of the Holy Spirit is what breaks the yokes. And God's answer will be a new music which will present an experience with GOD. People still want to be set free. And though the music industry has changed, the blood of Jesus still purifies. Satan can't mess with Jesus' blood. The messages that Jesus Saves, and He Still Heals and Delivers- Repent for He is Returning and you don't want to be left here" will be the center of a "Remnant" of artists who will not only sing with anointed skill and originality in musical ideas but with true conviction through a holy liftesyle followed by miraculous signs. God is sifting the wheat from the tares. Because friendship with the world is enmity with God. My prayers are for all the "door openers" and "trailblazers" in gospel who lost their way (hopefully not their souls), that they would repent.
But I am part of GOD's Remnant and I have watched, prayed, prepared and waited. My songs are locked and loaded. The Father God in Heaven, the only true Lord Jehovah has written my destiny. It aligns with preparing this world for the second coming of Jesus the Christ and bringing true worship and deliverance to this world again.
So in the name of Jesus all of those like me whose hearts and convictions are to this cause, write the vision-make it plain, Fast and Pray for there is a day soon coming when we will be introduced and great moves of God power will be apparent. Even the LGBT will bow and repent from the fruit of God's ministry.
For we are God's special forces in music.
I am part of the solution. To God be the glory!
JKL
Its a mess and a lot of the older gospel greats led DOUBLE LIVES.God will not leave us un aware of the Evil ones devices.Some have died under questionable conditions,cause of death not clear.either its cancer or its complications of AIDS,folk can't spell or add when they know something is not right and the don't want to be the one to divulge the TRUE info.And indeed there are many true Christians that are living the life that they sing about.You must SIFT through the MUCK and MIRE.Jesus the CHRIST didn't SAVe the whole WOrld,what makes them think the song they get PAID for wll do the trick.They world knows its OWN,they know when so-called christians are in the LIFE,or crooked etc.They are not as decieved as some church -goers are.P E A C E
If you find a true gospel artist today, go and buy their stuff! If Christians are spending all their money on secular music like Beyonce et al, then that could be why gospel artists are trying to look and sound like her. I agree that they should not be making music to make money but we should still think about where we are sending our money and what messages we are supporting with our cash.
Wow is all I can say Pastor. You truly ate doing the work of the Lord. Thank you for bring obedient. So many carnal pastors and Christians believe that the devil wants them. But really the devil wants to stop the Jesus in us. He can care less about us. He NEEDS US TO PUSH HIS AGENDA. Thank you for being humble and prayed up. You inspire young believers like myself to continue to give God all I have. Thank You Jesus for your humble servant G. Craige Lewis
THE CHURCH THINKS A PERSONS GIFTS AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFIES ONE FOR MINISTRY!
PLEASE PEOPLE OF GOD CAN WE QUIT NAMING THESE SINNERS AMONG THE TRUE SAINTS OF GOD.THEY ARE IN DIRECT VIOLATION OF GOD'S WORD AND HE HAS ALREADY SENT JUDGEMENT.
11Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
IF THEY ARE NOT BEING CONVICTED HOW CAN THEIR FRUIT EVER BECOME RIGTEOUS?WHEN I DO WRONG I DO NOT NEED MIN.LEWIS TO TELL ME THE SPIRIT DOES AND I TAKE HEED. LOVING GOD MAKES YOU KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS:
Matthew 7:16-18
16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Matthew 7:19
19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Matthew 12:33
Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
UNLESS THESE PEOPLE ARE PRODUCING RIGHTEOUS FRUIT THEY ARE NOT TO BE NAMED AMONG US AND PERSONALLY I LOOK AT THEM AS ENEMIES OF THE GOSPEL!
I still can't believe that video that "Pastor" Kim Burrell made. Is she crazy or what? Laying in a bed with a sheer gown and candles. Huh??? Then subtly lusting after a hunky landscaper? That whole video was nothing but an attempt to do the same thing wordly music does. That is to use sex and sensuality to make money.
This is awesome.... Pastor Lewis, God will bless u more for that... Thank you Lord that this blog is into existence.. i just love it so much..
I was talking this last week. For years I had the same problem with Contemporary Christian music, feeling that the lyrics are watered down. At that time I had already stop listening to Gospel music. I tried going back to listen to it but found that songs made in this decade at least are, same problem, watered down and not the same. And just as Cassandra said, I'm listening to Gospel music from the 90's, 80's, 70's and even further than. Along with Traditional hymns and Praise and Worship.
I'm also turning to the Lord for some guidance and praying that He will raise up "Davids".
Amen Pastor, this morning before I went to church, God spoke to me. It was as if I was talking to a great audience of people. I heard my voice in the spirit saying "AND STOP SELLING SEX THROUGH GOSPEL MUSIC." So why people have to look sexy to sing and sell gospel music? What does sexy have to do with salvation? God is not please. Keep on Pastor, cry aloud and spare not. You have my prayers.
WOW! I couldn't agree more. I remember going to the Stellar Awards a few years ago in an effort to meet people and promote my music and I left feeling as though I didn't belong there. I didn't know then, but I understand now. I have no interest at all in the Gospel Music Industry. It's all fake.
I remember hearing/reading that Mahalia Jackson was asked to wear a choir robe when she sang in public because her body was too voluptuous. I looked at a video when she did not have the robe on and although I did notice her body was voluptuos, I only noticed it because of what I'd heard/read. I guess sometimes it depends where your mindset is. However, the 106 & Park picture of the lady in the black...now come on. When she put that dress on she heard and felt nothing from the Holy Ghost at all??? Wow.
I don't paticularly care for Kirk Franklin so when I saw his picture I didn't really look at it. However, after reading a comment about the picture being scary I went back and looked. Why does he have on lipstick? What possible explanation could there be. I mean...that's not even flavor tinted Chapstick - that is straight up Maybelline. Lord have mercy on us all.
You are echoing what I have been saying for a long time.
I am a founder member of a premier music school in South Africa that has its roots in the Church.
I have resigned about 2 years ago from it as clearly the calling of God is in the preaching of the Gospel.
Music has taken the focus off the preaching and in turn set the Church's focus on entertainment.
The amount of money, effort and time spent in the "gospel" music industry is ridiculous. If a fraction of that is spent on saving souls the Church would grow in leaps and bounds.
Maybe if we see where the origin of music on earth through man, has come we would realize the spirit behind it. Gen 4:21 "..Jubal: he was the father of all such as handled the harp and organ". This was the reat grandson of the sinful & murderous, Cain.
This nature goes down from generation to generation.
Thank God that the blood-line of our Saviour comes from Seth.
Blessings in Christ.
Pastor G
grt.fisherofmen@gmail.com
it is a shame goespel music lacks the creativity and really does try to copy cat like being in the club.the pink lipstick on kirk is nonsense gospel artists need to give us pure music,pure lives ,and know the real people of god will stop buying music from artists that compromise the gospel like so many pimp preachers on tv.give me the truth not a lie
Wow! I was just having a similar conversation on my Facebook page. Only it was about the new Tyler Perry film. I was lamenting how carnal & tasteless it was. Of course I was accused of being judgemental, which is what most folks (particularly Christians) do when you question the ethics of their favorite people, music, or films. Never gave it much thought as far as Gospel music goes, but, now that I read it in black & white, I have to agree. Thank you for this blog. It's very timely; I don't know about anyone else, but I needed this wake up call! Blessings!
THANK YOU FOR THIS!!!! MORE PLEASE. Over here in Nigeria where we just simply copy and 'Americanize" everything, the gospel music industry is a free-for-all thing now. Its shameful. Its breeding weaker Christians, those who cannot differentiate between the righteous and the profane. Yet these people THRIVE, But y0u know God, he said in Ezekiel44:10-13
10 ¶ And the Levites that are gone away far from me, when Israel went astray, which went astray away from me after their idols; they shall even bear their iniquity.
11 Yet they shall be ministers in my sanctuary, having charge at the gates of the house, and ministering to the house: they shall slay the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before them to minister unto them.
12 Because they ministered unto them before their idols, and caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity; therefore have I lifted up mine hand against them, saith the Lord GOD, and they shall bear their iniquity.
13 And they shall not come near unto me, to do the office of a priest unto me, nor to come near to any of my holy things, in the most holy place: but they shall bear their shame, and their abominations which they have committed. Please continue to be a LOUD voice, crying out in the wilderness!
GOD HELP US ALL!
Malachi 3:17-18
Amplified Bible (AMP)
17And they shall be Mine, says the Lord of hosts, in that day when I publicly recognize and openly declare them to be My jewels (My special possession, My peculiar treasure). And I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him.
18Then shall you return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him who serves God and him who does not serve Him.
Thank you so much for this article! Is there a link to share it on Facebook or Twitter?
and you shall choose this day who you will serve, the lord or the devil
God help us. This blog is true and not only are gospel artists compromised but our pulpits are disgraceful. All I can say is God help us. Dr. Karen Bethea, Baltimore, Md.
Music was created by God. I believe that He created it a spiritual vehicle to carry His love,His power as well as His comfort to the hearts of people. Our God is not a looser. His plan for music to carry the good news of our redemption and the love of God, is a plan that will be fulfilled. Music is God's gift to humanity. It is written,"For the gifts and the calling of God are without repentance." Romans 11:29
Be encouraged; God will have the last word.
i pray that GOD continues to use you in this ministry. i was so ignorant of all this, but thank GOD for making you to expose the truth always. the lord is your strengt Amen!
You made some valid points however, I would like to crack this open a little bit more. One of the biggest reasons is theft, saints copying CD's illegaly! Hey, they even do it to your DVD's! I've examined the history of African American Church, Gospel, and its worship practices and they are all suspect!
What I find out about our "Heros of the Faith" and I'm talking about old time heros - is just startling, some wanting to preserve paganistic practices of "slave religion" and other abominations!
I don't believe the Gospel music ministry is that at all...its industry - with the purpose of selling CD's (sad but true).
Wow...OMG...Trinity 5:7 now you know those dresses look like they are going straight to the club.
Why, Why, Why! This is a clear indication to me that their are no boundaries in place for us when it comes to attire and how we represent the Kingdom.
It is a constant struggle for our Christian young women and young men with sexual purity because of images like that. We need to speak out about stuff like that and we don't, we keep silent. Even worse, we continue to purchase their music so they can buy those ridiculous dresses and look like hoochie mamas. When you carry yourself and present yourself like a woman of God who will not compromise to sell records, then God can put his stamp of approval on the ministry of music he entrusted you with.
Help us Jesus....Much Prayer...Where is the morning bench because I need to put them all on there. I am praying.
Thank you so much for having the courage to speak boldly about the spiritual decline that is taking over the gospel music industry.
thank you for this word . . . God sees it all.
What an amazing lesson/teaching that you've presented here. I would love for the music industry to comment on your teaching as I think it might bring about changes in how we do ministry. I saw an advertisement today where a Christian artist was advertising her autograph with the purchase of her record. I was like, are you for real? And to who gets the glory of your signature is what came across my mind.
Well i do agree with this blog.....however being a musician not only the small church but the mid size and the mega for the pass 15+ years.....we musicians have to feed our families and ourselves why is this statement SO TRUE "They have more money, they have more resources, they have better equipment and can afford better productions," we don't go over because we love their music and fame...we go over just like you get up and go to a secular job everyday.....because they simply pay you and pay more! And I'm get tired of these flaming Gospel artist.....but we have no one to blame but ourselves because the church accepts it!
Elder Lewis, I just want to thank you for obeying the call of God and telling the truth about the music industry.."Gospel" and Secular.My eyes have been opened WIDE! And I thank God for the revelation! Oh and that picture of Kirk Franklin..Ih my LORD his face....its like a homosexual spirit manifesting in his face...JESUS help!
I will say this: I agree with this article because Rev 2:20 Jezebel teaches my servants to commit fornication (mix with the world) and eat things sacrificed to idols (secular music) that hasn't been sanctified by the word &prayer.
But realize all the old musicians from 80s, 90s, even original gospel music itself all copied from the world at its time. Double standards are hypocritical.
Rom 14:14 The Lord Jesus says nothing is unclean of itself, only he that esteems it unclean.
The key is not to teach people how to copy the world (by being original and creative from God), and to sanctify all music by the Word and Prayer.
The world is in a mess. If Jesus doesn't save us, we will all be lost.
Wow and you know just the other day I heard on the news that people were actually going to thrift stores looking for vinyl records, they are growing tired of the auto tune sound and the low quality digital creation, nobody knows how to create music anymore they just throw down a couple meaningless words, some silly tracks, and loop them over and over again to something that sounds like video game music.
The sad thing is some of the music really is video game music, I went to a church service once and they actually played video game music while people were dancing and praising the Lord. The young people seemed like they couldn't get enought of it. I just can't stop shaking my head....
~Anointed
The way you express yourself is very facinating and everybody can see that. The information you offer your readers is relevent, well done for you.
It is so funny that because of the gospel music today, I have often questioned the words of songs that God personally gave to me for deliverance of myself and others. I admit that I thought that people wouldn't understand or that they wouldn't get to hear the words because Jesus is mentioned so often.it is amazing how quickly we will believe a lie because it has been fed to us for so long. I wonder how long of a time had passed between Satan speaking to Eve and Eve acting on her lack of faith. Who knows? I just know that this blog is definitely awake up call! I have been saying for years that it's not about the singer but about who the singer is serving ! If you serve the Lord, your fruits will be apparent and no one will have go guess or wonder what god you serve. Thanks for the awakening !
A major problem here is that most of these musicians have the backing of great "men of God" who simply refuse to tell them the truth and just urge them on.
I get more presence from bili thedford's gospel album made back in the 70's than the gospel music today! He made a song called 'Jesus is Excitement" you can sense the genuine shameless, gratitiude and worship going towards the Lord in that song!
You people just don't get it. Gospel music has gone the way of Baal. Turn it off, pray and pick up your bibles and READ IT. You people don't want God. You want a form of Him.
You want the things these gospel artist want and you love the things they glorify. Many of you have no love for the Truth and the Truth is Jesus Christ.
"How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.
Oh Craig Lewis ! I'm from Africa and I looked on youtube your preaching on the hidden history of hip hop. I was issued that day and your article on gospel music today has been such a blessing to me. God bless you
God is not asleep, for there comes a generation that fear God and which would surely accomplish the will of the father in these Last days.
That is one true talk. I totally agree on what you have expressed and i believe the good Lord will do all things in a righteous way and never allow the devil to take precedence. Christians must have the entity to listen to Gods voice and abide by His ways only as written in the Book so to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.Any earthly riches for self is an abomination unto the Lord.
I sincerely agree with you man of God. God is decent and every of his child must be like Him. In Him we live and do whatsoever we do on earth. The time of ignorance has past now God call every man to repent.
This whole problem originates from the idea of lead singers in Church. Nowhere in Scripture do we see the people of God promoting their talent singularly, and for PAY no less. There were choirs, yes, but none of what is now the norm musically in churches. The children in these churches are taught that they are to be up front, folks telling them that they can 'sang', skits, potlucks - it's all flesh gratifying entertainment. I have YET to walk into a (I'm going to go there) AA church and not be confronted with this worldly behavior. I've looked; that would include living in 11 states. This is a cancer and so long as AAs look for those who can perform vocal gymnastics, allow homosexuals in positions of leadership, not hold Holiness as a REQUIREMENT to participate in not only the choir, but the outreach to the poor, and last but not least the study of and obedience to GOD'S WORD, this filth will continue. I say again, this entire phenomena is birthed in the soil of the AA church and it needs to stop -- but it won't. Why? Because people like having their flesh fed; that's why. As someone posted previously, Satan was the Minister of Music!
Indeed I agree fully with the article.I have noticed how gospel music seeking worldly self satisfaction has hardened the harts of men to be touch by the real Word. It is high time that gospel music be indeed Gospel music - reaching the hearts of listeners for salvation, not sinking them into ungodliness.
That was great!
THank you sooo much! only now is easier to realize the severity of music in my life. CAN you please talk about some other music genres because its only hip hop. hip hop really isnt my issue, i really like country music and i want to know if it is also degrading GOd.:( help!
That was real deep. Thank you for the eye opener. I have a new perspective on music now. I Really Really needed to read that.
-D.S
Thank you so much for bringing up this subject.Gone are the days when listening to christian music will actually make you rethink and re-evaluate your stance with God. unfortunately, today's so-called gospel music is about making people dance and using ungodly tunes in the name of "attracting non-believers".
Give me that old time religions because its God enough for me. Enjoying your blog.
Truth. Heavy truth.
BET should be called DET - devil's entertainment television.
I would be embarrassed to be on BET for ANY reason.
not even the world can tell the difference between secular and gospel. check this out.
http://freddyo.com/chanita-foster-and-jason-terry-put-on-concert-for-a-cause-chanita-foster-apologizes-to-eddie-longs-son/reality-tv/
This is so true,some are now simply listening to gospel music for enjoyment
This just breaks my heart. I just got born again recently and God saved me from the hole that's secular music. Music plays a major role in my life and to imagine that the people who are supposed to bring us closer to God are already being conformed to the ways of the world, AGAIN!!!, just makes me wonder what hope there is left..well at least we can still hold on to 1980's Don Moen concerts. You played a major role in my acquisition of salvation Craig (to bad for u God got the lead lol) keep teaching the gospel n may God clear your path from all evil.
Most Christians dont want to educate themselves in the
Word!! They enjoy more of the power and love for our people.
But we forget about knowledge. I am a Gospel
artist myself underground, and people say they fear
My music, this is because Yahweh made me read
The bible from the age of 12 til now I'm in my late
30s. I really want you all to know that I'm promoting
the Word through HipHop to educate on the streets
of New York City the Word of God... I won't disappoint you Israel
Please support Crizere...
I understand that this is about GOSPEL MUSIC, but I wanted to ask, Pastor G. Craige Lewis, or anyone else, what is your opinion on CCM artists like Chris Tomlin, Phil Wickham, Hillsong? Do you believe them to be genuine? Trustworthy? Are they really sharing the Gospel? Are they copy-cats or sell-outs?
I am always convinced that, that which is holy should not under no circumstances be share with secular people, music, etc. For example, a church pulpit!
Brother Craig thanks for all your presentations.They are insightful and uplifting. Is there any immediate plan of making them available in South Africa
You are right on.To me gospel music makes me think about God. Good gospel music has a Godly message which we can take to heart.
Thanks.
Mike Rupe Sr.
Gospel Music And me.blogspot.com
I had a actually never realised that Kirk was In pink lipstick. Thanks for highlighting this Pastor Lewis.
Thank you so much Minister Craige for your insight that is led by the holyspirit. The message that the LORD has put in your spirit is reaching us too here in Africa.
Those who are led by the spirit of the Lord are the true sons of God.
That is why i only listen to Hillsong and Bethel music.
The only thing that needs to be said now is AMEN.
God Bless You
I have had so many discussions over the years with musicians who try to justify why they play for secular groups and choirs who sing secular songs. I refuse to be part of any community choir where the members are not all professing Christians. I have got to the stage where I no longer attend church parties of Christians or if I do I leave straight after the food because you can guarantee that secular music will be played, alcohol consumed and the same people who calls themself 'anointed' on FB is the first to get up and dance no matter what the tune is. Too many who claim to be followers of Christ make music that causes the unsaved to ask "is that gospel music". Many of the songs we sing in church are so spiritually anaemic that we wonder why there is no real demonstration of the power of God in our services when the focus is entertainment and feel good...Lord have mercy on us and take the scales from our eyes
You have said more than a mouthful! I am a singer/songwriter of the gospel, and I will continue to wait on the Lord to fulfill the promises He has made to me. I don't listen much to gospel music because half the time I have to strain my ears to hear/understand what they're saying. You can't tell if they're talking about Jesus or junk! The music has become watered down, and it doesn't speak to your spirit. A lot of it is not moving anyone to change, but it's moving them to shake. Lately, I have had people trying to get me to go the route a lot of gospel artists are going just to sell records. I cannot compromise what the Lord has freely blessed me with. God is going to clean up his music. He is going to bless the faithful. There is going to be a flux of new gospel artists that are going to burst onto the scene with music that is truly going to invoke change in the people. Ministering music. Music that will have people giving their hearts to Christ.
THANK YOU so much, i have this discussion with a pastor and he gave me so much explanations trying to justify this.......May GOD open his eyes and me, i will continue to think that we don t have to make compromise!!! (sorry for the mistakes, i 'm french)
Excellent post. I thought I was the only one sickened by today's gospel music. I was starting to feel like an outcast because I prefer hymns and the "old school" gospel music. I just find there is safety in tradition that honors God.
It's obvious that today's "gospel" music is no longer ministry. What makes a song gospel is not the fact that they mention Jesus in it. I think these trends have happened because the leadership of the body of Christ hasn't provided the blueprints for effective ministry for a lot of these guys. Some of them had a simple desire to reach more people for God through their music but got caught in the web, already spun by the devil, in the music industry.
That said, I also believe that there's a difference that some of these guys and upcoming artists are not making. Is this music thing just a career or a ministry? If its a ministry then do the values of God control all that I do? I run a blog at changagents007.blogspot.com that focuses on helping christians influence society by providing quality content in media and one of the things I always tell people is that the One who sends us is first priority in our efforts to evangelize the world, not the methods and definitely not the packaging.
Gob bless u for this write up. A lot are being blinded wit money and fame. Sometimes u even see the so- called gospel artist listening to worldly songs, some have it in their gadgets.ALL IS WELL.
Dear Mr Lewis, I am inspired by your contributions. One just have to look at these so called christain artists and wonder what on earth is going on! I once used to spend my boarding school allowance on christian cassettes (still in the loft) in the 80s and my late father telling me off for not spending my money on books. Now one cannot remember the last time I spent a pound on a CD or DVD or the last access to music technology. I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to prevail.
Very disappointing to see this happen seeing as a few years ago english gospel music was the biggest of big in the music scene.
That is right, when I listen to gospel music it hurts my heart to just say it isn't the same. As I was a child I listened to Keith Staton, Commissioned, Dawkins and Dawkins,Virtue and so on. I have to go on youtube to look up these great artists that aren't even singing anymore to really want to hear a true anointed song. I just cant get with these watered down gospel singers I have to resort back to the 90s music to hear someone really praising the Lord
Elder G. Craige Lewis, I will continue to pray for you and your family and Ministry, You have brought so much truth and I have researched just about everything you speak on and have found that it is all the TRUTH.. I have since experienced God more in my life since Repenting and turning away from my ways.. God yet has more to speak to the body through you and I pray that you stay strong,continue to speak the truth and I will continue to sow into the Ministry so this message can be spread world wide..
WOW. thanks for opening my eyes bro. I was considering going into the industry but now i feel in my spirit to focus on heart-felt worship because true worship does not sell. i wanna God to use me to change lives, and i know that it wont happen in the Gospel music industry; so my only option is to go evangelize in song. thank you brother, God bless you. Stay strong, keep up the good work.
Absolutely! Satan had made his way into the church along time ago. Just like in the Bible, he started out as a snake and now he's a beast.
Lecrae and I attended high school together; we shared the same group of friends. He was recently offered a record deal by Jayz. He said he didn't accept, but I know soon he'll give in. J will make him an offer he can't refuse.
I grew up hearing old school gospel. That's all my mama played, but I'm just as careful with "Gospel" music as I am with secular. It's mind control. I'm vigilant with all things Christian as well since it is and has been for a long time so heavily polluted with falsehood.
Really I am very much delighted for this blog. I was just talking to my friend and we were discussing why gospel music sales are down. Thanks so much for your valuable information.
Deleon Richard
I thank our Heavenly Father that I never allowed my children to freely listen to worldly music. I've always taught my children the Unleavened Bread of YaHuWaH our Elohim, especially in its ancient Hebrew & Aramaic tongues, taught them Scriptural Prophecies, Torah, Haftarah Portions in the TaNaKh (Old Covenant Scriptures, erroneously coined as 'Old Testament') & Brit Chadasha (Renewed Covenant Scriptures, erroneously coined as 'New Testament') Portions, as each teach the Words of our Awesome Creator & HIS Prophecies about HIS SON. I also taught them about Yahushua (Jesus) our Messiah, & by HIS Ruach HaKodesh (The Set-Apart Spirit), both I & my 11yr old daughter have the gift of discerning spirits. She said that she doesn't like to listen to the so-called Christian music on the radio b/c it sounds too much like worldly music. She'd much rather listen to true Praise & Worship Music w/o drums & w/o hyped-up dance music. She prefers to hear flutes, harps, violins, & calm, soothing music that brings joy to her heart & tears to her eyes, that which the angels would sing!
I am very much delighted to read this blog. Looking forward to read more info.
Deleon Richards Sheffield
Gave up on gospel music over a decade ago - Mostly because it just stinks and is Godless. Stick with praise and worship music folks, ain't no Beyonce wannabes in that genre.
In my country (Kenya), some 'Christian gospel' musicians have composed songs in which they sing love songs to a God or a Jesus whom they compare to a sexualized Baby or girlfriend! They are just secular musicians who have crossed into gospel.
Good word Elder Craig...
Wow what truth.great blog/article on this subject. God bless G.Craig Lewis!
Thank you, my friend/brother. Yes, I will do more!!
I do however appreciate G. Craige's blog keeping me aware of certain folks & things going on.
I totally agree. There was a time when all of gospel music had distinct sound. Today much of it sounds like R & B. It doesn't help that people see gospel singers out not living what they sing about. I heard singers make the excuse "I am not perfect". This true, but willfully doing corrupt things is not. Professing Christ as a minister of music carries a responsibility to be the example to the rest of the world that Christ has called every Christian to be. 1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
God has wonderfully blessed us with His music. I love to hear musicians present original praise. However, We all have to be careful not to be influenced by the world.
Let us get back to setting the standard. Gospel Music is healing, heart felt, thought provoking, meditating, spirit lifting..... A leper can't clean another leper. Meaning sin can't heal sin. Gospel Musicians of all levels please spend time with God by praying, reading his word, attending bible study, Sunday School as well as church services. Stop letting fame and $$$ incriminate what God has blessed us with.
I was raised in a house where Sunday morning was all about gospel...Mississippi Mass Choir, Brooklyn Tabernacle, our own church choir recordings, etc. To be honest, while I no longer consider myself a Christian there are days when I'm just overcome by the overwhelming need to hear gospel music so I turn my Sirius Radio to the gospel channel and....OMG. The horror. I literally can't tell the difference between any other hip hop or r and b station. In fact one time I was driving and didn't realize I was listening to a gospel station until about six songs in. So yes, I agree with this article wholeheartedly regardless of my views on Christianity.
Can't argue with the brother. But how many us gospel musicians get turned away because we "don't sound like somebody else?" I can't count the number of times that I've heard my music is "too radical." If you try to bring something different to the table, you get shut down before you even get in the door. I hear ya bruh... I'm praying too.
Goodness! Come four years after this post and What Pastor G. Craige's written here is still largely relevant.
Sadly too, what he has written here too seems to be universal as the trend is the same right here in Nigeria, especially the second right down to the last point.
God bless EX Ministries abeg!
Goodness! Come four years after this post and What Pastor G. Craige's written here is still largely relevant.
Sadly too, what he has written here too seems to be universal as the trend is the same right here in Nigeria, especially the second right down to the last point.
God bless EX Ministries!
It's very sad, but I deleted my gospel playlist after learning that every gospel artist I had on my list are under the influence of the Illuminati. Is nothing sacred. I don't listen to "wishy washy" gospel, but it doesn't matter what's coming out of your mouth, even if it is the gospel, when the devil is reigning big in your heart. I can't be a partaker of that. Music is not an idol to me. My relationship with Yahweh and Yeshua are way more important to me than that. I just don't trust the music industry any more. Sad, but true.
so grateful to God for EX Ministries.thanks for fighting the good fight.God bless
Be encourage saints you shall the truth and the truth shall make u free we r not alone the truth is for the church we have the to heat what the Spirit is telling us the true church continue to watch and pray El loves you Elder G
I really would love to share this on Facebook because everything he said was true! Gospel music has gotten out of hand and that song by Erica Campbell that sounds like a rap song "Luh God" is the absolute worst! The video is deplorable as well!
Amen... The remnants are here and we will not hide in the caves anymore
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