This is just a few of the noteworthy mentions, there is a lot more, but right now I want to redirect you to my Google+, I will post more frequent and current there!! C'ya
Here's another track from "Captured" called "Nonsense"
This is the Promo Vid for "Captured"
LECRAE - REHAB: The OVERDOSE
Now, for an upcoming project, well as you may already know, Lecrae dropped an Album last September named "Rehab", well on January 11, 2011 "Rehab: The OverDose" is dropping. Im excited about this one, I love "Rehab" but this project is gonna go HARD!!
This is the Promo Vid:
Here's the single, you can cop it at iTunes, this one is called "OverDose"
You can cop both these projects on Amazon, iTunes, and their individual sites, however keep in mind that "Rehab: The Overdose" isn't dropping till the 11th!
So LampMode dropped the compilation "The Church: Called & Collected"
It's pretty tight, it is definitely hitting in a timely fashion, I have been yearning for some more theological based Hip Hop, and this definitely has quenched my thirst!
Here's the link directly from LampMode describing the project.
1. Take 'em to Church - God's Servant ft. Azriel 2. Expository Preaching - shai linne (produced by Alex Medina) 3. Conversion - Trip Lee (produced by Alex Medina) 4. The Good News - Hazakim 5. Membership - Stephen the Levite 6. Words from Mark... 7. Biblical Theology - shai linne 8. Evangelism - Hazakim 9. Leadership - FLAME (produced by Big Juice) 10. Words from Thabiti... 11. Church Discipline - Stephen the Levite 12. Discipleship - Tedashii (produced by Big Juice) 13. Beautiful Church - Evangel (produced by Big Juice)
Sometimes, I come to my Blog and get ready to post, however, I then proceed to lose interest. This is the general feeling I been having lately, with almost everything I do. I call these times seasons of calamity, or depression. Whatever you prefer, it really doesn't matter to me, I have struggled with this for the majority of my life. As a Christian, Jesus has helped me through His Word, to set my mind on things from above, and the Scriptures have honestly helped me when I struggle. But never the less, I continue to struggle. I have accepted this as a thorn, I have read about many men of the faith, that I respect, such as Charles Spurgeon to name one, that had deep bouts with depression.
Depression is difficult to understand especially if you don't struggle with it. It's roots are stem from historical events, and of course sin. I can honestly say that my depression for the most part deals with a great portion of pride and selfishness. I fall into this pity party, though I don't communicate this, I know this. Hopelessness overtakes me, and I tend not to see the great things of this life and the wonderful splendor of my LORD. I forget about the blessings and gifts He has graced upon me, such as my salvation, my wife, my children, my family, and everything else.
I have heard many say that if I struggle with depression, how is it that I can be saved. That to me is such an ignorant comment or ideology. I know many Christians who have diseases, hardships, struggles and difficulties, what makes depression different than these ailments? It's not different, it's just different, if that makes any sense. I don't blame anyone, not even the Devil, though I know his plans are to destroy me, I look at this struggle as something the Lord has allowed for a purpose, and the fact is that I may struggle with this for the rest of my life, and thats ok. The reason I say it's ok, it's simple, God is God, He is Sovereign, all powerful, and who He is is not contingent on who I am or struggle with, I am a mere man, and in essence His creation, therefore, inferior. I have no issues with that, I have been graced with the opportunity to live and die, and ultimately reside with Him forever.
This is my life. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Now for some music updates 2 Projects I'm excited about about here they go:
Trip Lee's album "Between 2 Worlds" Dropping June 22, 2010
Here is one of the 2 singles:
Here's the tracklist: 01. Real Life Music (DJ Official) 02. Snitch (JR) 03. Invade ft. J. Paul (DJ Official and Joseph Preilozny) 04. Prognosis (DJ Official and Jospeh Preilozny) 05. No Worries (G-Styles, Co-Produced by Alex Medina) 06. Covenant Eyes ft. PRo (Tony Stone) 07. Life 101 ft. Chris Lee (Cheese) 08. I Love Music ft. Sho Baraka (DJ Official and Joseph Preilozny) 09. Limitations ft. Leah Smith (Joseph Preilozny) 10. Yours To Own ft. Jimmy Needham (G-Rock) 11. Apathy (Interlude) 12. Twisted ft. Lecrae, PRo, Thi'sl (Cheese) 13. Bear With You ft. Tedashii (G-Styles) 14. Show's Over ft. Mitch Parks (Joseph Preilozny) 15. The Invasion (Hero) ft. Jai (Big Juice and Alex Medina) 16. My Lord (Bonus Track) (DJ Official)
Aight so Last Night Flame was on Pastor Pagani's online radio show HollaFest Radio, It was very interesting, and I like what transpired last night. Unfinished Business was taken cared for, check the interview HERE!!!
Hazakim - "No Not One" off of GrassRoots vol 2 This joint reminds me of a The Doors for some reason! Download this song alone >>>HERE!!!
Listen to song Here!!
This is a hot clip!! Im gonna hunt, no pun intended, this preaching down!!!
So Official's dropping a compilation with many features, reminds me of classic Reach/116 stuff (which I love) here is the Album Artwork, the single and the Tracklisting. This single features LeCrae and Flame, song name is Show Off!! Enjoy see ya soon! Pray for the Brethren in general, we all need it! Oh almost forgot, there is going to be various versions of the project, check em out HERE and Pre-Order too!!
There's some surprises on the project, that got me wondering (uh, 2/3's of ADF, hint hint) should be interesting, I hope this project isnt disappointing. the single is coo, but I'm looking forward to the Trip Lee, Evangel, Stephen the Levite, & Thi'sl appearances, def interesting!!
Tracklisting: 1. Enter The Mission - Dr. Eric Mason, DJ Official, R-Swift 2. Show Off - Lecrae & Flame 3. Use Me - Tedashii 4. Streets of New York - J.A.Z. & Magellen 5. Get Busy - Trip Lee 6. Go - H.G.A. & Tedashii 7. Not My Own - Stephen The Levite, Phanatik, Evangel 8. Love Fallen - Gems, Jahaziel, Benjah, Dillavou 9. Nothing Without You - JR & Lecrae 10. Chaos - Sho Baraka 11. Chisel Me - Thi'sl, Json, K-Drama, Tedashii 12. On My 116 - Lecrae, Tedashii, Sho Baraka, Trip Lee 13. Streets of Philadelphia - Mac The Doulos, Young Joshua, Ackdavis, R-Swift 14. Missio Dei - God's Servant 15. Forward Me - Cam 16. Outro (Thank You)
Album Artwork by Alex Medina (click on Pic to enlarge)
I say in my title "Jin...who is a "Christian"", very loosely. There is a sorta fascination with celebrities who convert to Christianity, and honestly I am weary of these events. You may ask "Why are you so critical, judgmental, and/or concerned, Les?" To be honest, I really dont know how these converted privileged "Christians" live, I am not judging that at all, what I can judge is what is presented to me through the Media, which isnt a great source in the first place. However, with blogs, videos (YouTube) and internet resources we have a means to see more than what the media shows us. Which brings me to the subject of today's Blog, JIN the MC. I dont know if and any of you know who Jin is, this is a link to a description from wikipedia, which isnt a great source but this info is confirmed: >>>Click Here
Anyways, back to my post, the reason I'm blogging, answering the "Why?" portion of your question , why Jin? Here it goes, Jin released a song and video claiming Christ, first the song right here:
So naturally I hear this, and I get excited, because Jin with all respect is a sick MC, I figured that this guy with the right guidance, discipleship and leadership can be an instrumental tool for the KINGDOM!
So then, He releases this video:
After watching this video it excites me even further, seems very sincere, and now Im believing that he is truly converted. He does an interview with DaSouth.com <<Click Here
So, a week or so later Jin drops this remix of a popular song by Drake, though I dont know the first thing about Drake, I hear he is the "next big thing" the name of the son is "The Best" listen here>>>
So now, Im stoked, though the song isnt the "best" Theological or Doctrinal, I see hope in Jin, and hopefully he hooks up with the right people, nah mean. I know that Flame has reached out tho him, I also am aware of other sound rappers and producers who have made contact with Jin.
Now, bring me to the latest concerning this progress, Jin releases a video a few days ago, Im not too sure about the details but accepts or challenges these freestyle battle mc's to a battle mid November in California. Here's the video:
So this is why, I mainly posted this blog today, is it possible to Battle and be a Christian? When you view the video, you get this sense of "cockiness" and "arrogance" from Jin, is that Christ-Like? I understand that this is the nature battling, but does this justify it? I mean is it safe to say that by saying he wants to battle two dudes on the same day, you assume that he is saying that whomever he battles first already caught the L? I know that Jin knows what to expect, and he may have a plan. I just hope he doesnt disappoint us, me? Im just tired of the likes such as Ma$e, DMX, KRS-ONE, R-Kelly, CoCo, and these other so called Christians who claim to follow Christ but their fruit as we see it says otherwise.
Jin, I am truly praying for you, I hope your conversion is genuine, dont compromise and remember to always seek HIS kingdom first, and all else shall follow.
This past weekend I got to see a bunch Christian Artists in Concert, it started with Reach Records "Dont Waste Your Life Tour" on Friday at Christian Tabernacle, my son and I went, it was a lot of fun, and I gotta say that I saw the Gospel being played out through a series of songs throughout the Concert, it was awesome!! I love the theme of the whole concert, its a concept! If you can catch em near you do so!! Check dates and locations here!!
We also went to Jones Beach on Saturday and Sunday for some FREE Concerts, we got to see Michelle Bonilla, P.O.D. (though I am not a fan of them), KUTLESS, Delirious, Jars of Clay, and The Dont Waste Your Life Team Again!! It was absolutely an awesome weekend, full of entertainment and Ministry!! My wife and daughter came out to the Jones Beach portion of the Concerts, and we had a great time, just like the old days!!
Moving Along... I love the comparison my Bruh is doing here, he is on to something, I know a lot of people not gonna like what he got to say, however, The truth hurts, right?? Check it!!
This is Passion for Christ Ministries doing a great segment on the subject of Homosexuality!! Check it!!
This is a response to a controversial forum topic concerning Eternal Security directed to Flame's "Who Can Pluck Us" These dudes Essence, Flame, Shai Lynne, and Azriel approached this rightfully appropriately!
Listen its very humbly presented! I thank God for these brethren!
Ya gotta listen to this past Lord's Day Sermon, it is Bread for Days! I thank God for Pastor Bob Gianserra, keep doing what you doing Bruh! Don't comprimise, keep preaching the TRUTH, keep feeding us, and MOST IMPORTANTLY we are praying for YOU! The sermon is on Marriage will be posted in the upcoming days.(That is if it was recorded, LOL!!!) Jess listen to this! Put your seatbelt on! Coming in a day or two! Visit the New Blog Links in my recommended links!
And in keeping with this weeks theme, Perseverance of the Saints, I have added this rap song by Flame its called "Who can Pluck us" listen to it, its number 1 on my media player, its an awesome song, even if you're not into Christian Rap you gonna dig this song! I made it available for FREE download for this week only! So just click the arrow next to the tag in the media player, it will open in another page, go to file, then save page as, and save (these instructions are for firefox, dont know if it will work for IE) - ENJOY!>>>
Answer: Perseverance of the Saints is the name that is used to summarize what the Bible teaches about the eternal security of the believer. It answers the question: Once a person is saved, can they lose their salvation? Perseverance of the saints is the P in the acronym TULIP, which is commonly used to enumerate what are known as the five points of Calvinism. Because the name perseverance of the saints can cause people to have the wrong idea about what is meant, some people prefer to use terms like: “Preservation of the Saints,” “Eternal Security,” or “Held by God.” Each of these terms reveals some aspect of what the Bible teaches about the security of the believer. However like any biblical doctrine what is important is not the name assigned to the doctrine but how accurately it summarizes what the Bible teaches about that subject. No matter which name you use to refer to this important doctrine a thorough study of the Bible will reveal that when it is properly understood it is an accurate description of what the Bible teaches.
The simplest explanation of this doctrine is the saying: “Once saved, always saved.” The Bible teaches that those who are born-again will continue trusting in Christ forever. God, by His own power through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, keeps or preserves the believer forever. This wonderful truth is seen in Ephesians 1:13-14 where we see that believers are “sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchase possession, to the praise of His glory.” When we are born again, we receive the promised indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit that is God’s guarantee that He who began a good work in us will complete it (Philippians 1:6). In order for us to lose our salvation after receiving the promised Holy Spirit, God would have to break His promise or renege on His “guarantee,” which He cannot do. Therefore the believer is eternally secure because God is eternally faithful.
The understanding of this doctrine really comes from understanding the unique and special love that God has for His children. Romans 8:28-39 tells us that 1) no one can bring a charge against God’s elect; 2) nothing can separate the elect from the love of Christ; 3) God makes everything work together for the good of the elect; and 4) all whom God saves will be glorified. God loves His children (the elect) so much that nothing can separate them from Him. Of course this same truth is seen in many other passages of Scripture as well. In John 10:27-30 Jesus says: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one." Again in John 6:37-47 we see Jesus stating that everyone that the Father gives to the Son will come to Him and He will raise all of them up at the last day.
Another evidence from Scripture of eternal security of a believer is found in verses like John 5:24 where Jesus says: “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” Notice that eternal life is not something we get in the future but is something that we have once we believe. By its very nature eternal life must last forever or it could not be eternal. This passage says that if we believe the Gospel we have eternal life and will not come into judgment, therefore it can be said we are eternally secure.
There is really very little scriptural basis that can be used to argue against the eternal security of the believer. While there are a few verses that, if not considered in their context, might give the impression that one could “fall from grace” or lose their salvation, when these verses are carefully considered in context it is clear that is not the case. Many people know someone who at one time expressed faith in Christ and who might have appeared to be a genuine Christian who later departed from the faith and now wants to have nothing to do with Christ or His church. These people might even deny the very existence of God. For those that do not want to accept what the Bible says about the security of the believer these types of people are proof that the doctrine of eternal security cannot be right. However, the Bible indicates otherwise and it teaches that people such as those who profess Christ as Savior at one time only to later walk away and deny Christ, were never truly saved in the first place. For example 1 John 2:19 says, "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out from us, in order that it might be made manifest that they all are not truly of us." The Bible is also clear that not everyone who professes to be a Christian truly is. Jesus Himself says that not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:21-22). Rather than proving we can lose our salvation, those people who profess Christ and fall away simply reinforces the importance of testing our salvation to make sure we are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5) and making our calling and election sure by continually examining our lives to make sure we are growing in godliness (2 Peter 1:10).
One of the misconceptions about the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints is that it will lead to “carnal Christians” who believe that since they are eternally secure they can live whatever licentious lifestyle they wish and still be saved. But that is a misunderstanding of the doctrine and what the Bible teaches. A person who believes they can live any way they want because they have professed Christ is not demonstrating true saving faith (1 John 2:3-4). Our eternal security rests on the biblical teaching that those whom God justifies, He will also glorify (Romans 8:29-30). Those who are saved will indeed be conformed to the image of Christ through the process of sanctification (1 Corinthians 6:11). When a person is saved, the Holy Spirit breaks the bondage of sin and gives the believer a new heart and a desire to seek holiness. Therefore a true Christian will desire to be obedient to God and will be convicted by the Holy Spirit when they sin. They will never “live any way they want” because such behavior is impossible for someone who has been given a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Clearly the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints does accurately represent what the Bible teaches on this important subject. If someone is truly saved, they have been made alive by the Holy Spirit and have a new heart with new desires. There is no way that one that has been “born again” can later be unborn. Because of His unique love for His children, God will keep all of His children safe from harm and Jesus has promised that He would lose none of His sheep. The doctrine of the perseverance of the saints recognizes that true Christians will always persevere and are eternally secure because God keeps them that way. It is based on the fact that Jesus, the “author and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2), is able to completely save those that the Father has given Him (Hebrews 7:25) and to keep them saved through all eternity.
A Plea to the Unsaved by Spurgeon There are some of you standing in these aisles and sitting in these pews, who I feel in my soul will never have another invitation, and if this be rejected to-day, I feel a solemn motion in my soul--I think it is of the Holy Ghost--that you will never hear another faithful sermon, but you shall go down to Hell impenitent, unsaved, except you trust in Jesus now. I speak not as a man, but I speak as God’s ambassador to your souls, and I command you, in God’s name, trust Jesus, trust now. At your peril reject the voice that speaks from Heaven, for “he that believeth not shall be damned.” How shall you escape if you neglect so great salvation. When it comes right home to you, when it thrusts itself in your way, oh, if you will neglect it how can you escape? With tears I would invite you, and, if I could, would compel you to come in. Why will you not? O souls, if you will be damned, if you make up your mind that no mercy shall ever woo you, and no warnings shall ever move you, then, sirs, what chains of vengeance must you feel that slight these bonds of love. You have deserved the deepest Hell, for you slight the joys above. God save you. He will save you, if you trust in Jesus. God help you to trust him even now, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
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