evaluation/OPINION:
an awful lot is being made about rapper Kanye West's conversion to Christianity, his release of "Jesus Is King" album and, most lately, his "Sunday service journey" that drew thousands to The forum in l. a. for a church-cut back-spiritual-reduce-musical-like event.
And all the historic timey, lengthy timey and extra normal timey believers go: however is he for actual?
That's an excellent query.
nonetheless it's now not the most efficient query.
Why no longer?
The conversion of West — the last choice of the to-be or no longer-to-be Christian leanings of the rap artist — is eventually a count number between West and God. As Christians know full well, it's the Holy Spirit that faucets open the doorways of saving grace; humans best impact and serve. And as Christians additionally recognize full smartly, God doesn't shop ideal humans. Witness: Paul. previously Saul. previously Saul of "Persecute the Christians" Pharisees persuasion.
Witness: The thief on the move. The thief on the move who didn't have time to trade his actions, atone for his past, get baptized or go to church. The thief on the cross who turned to Jesus, repentant and sorrowful, and voila, changed into told via Christ, "in reality, I say to you, these days you could be with me in paradise."
Witness: each Christian within the country; every follower of Christ on this planet. no person's superb. no one's precious. no person; that's just simple Christianity one hundred and one.
So is West a true Christian?
Who knows. possibly. perhaps not.
but here is the stronger query: Does it in reality depend?
There's a component in Luke in the Bible that goes like this: "'master,' referred to John, 'we noticed somebody riding out demons to your identify, and we tried to cease him, as a result of he does not accompany us.' 'do not cease him,' Jesus replied, 'for whoever is not towards you is for you.'"
That's a fine passage to take into account when for the reason that West.
Some men and girls of religion be troubled West is leading the flock down a direction toward the devil — deceiving the unbeliever with false teachings that eventually undercut the work of the Lord. And once again: perhaps he is.
however probably he isn't.
and maybe, just perhaps, in the manner of doing his aspect, West is actually sparking some interest in Christ in those who otherwise would have completely no interest in Christ. maybe he's opening doorways that otherwise would have remained closed, and from there, the Holy Spirit's gaining a foothold.
possibly, just maybe people come to see West in all his celeb starry wonder, however depart with a bit of amazement on the concept of a saving God who can in fact flip somebody of West's superstar starry wonder into an open suggest for Jesus — and they need the identical for themselves. It's why churches present food to the homeless; the principle's the equal, correct?
In any event, as long as West isn't glorifying himself more than Christ, Christians ought no longer be troubled.
Christians ought no longer scorn.
so long as West hasn't crossed that purple line into calling for worship of himself over God, then he deserves the identical variety of prayer, encouragement and kudos than any other sinner.
anyway, in time, all could be revealed, anyway. False prophets, as the Bible teaches, are at all times outed by way of their fruit.
• Cheryl Chumley may also be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @ckchumley.
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