American Idol Top 8 – "Shout to the Lord"
April 10, 2008 by Jeanne
I really liked the performance of “Shout To the Lord” by the Top 8 American Idol contestants on Idol Gives Back last night. Watch the performance:
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for SWEJ I understand your position and honestly I feel bad for you because of what you are missing in your life without a relationship with GOD through Jesus. for 2000 years people have been trying to destroy the message of Jesus. There are so many hard to believe stories in the bible and seem so impossible to fathom. but yet it survives because its REAL! the holy spirit is the vehicle that GOD uses to guide you once you enter into that personal relationship. As christians we have done a disservice for being so judgemental to nonbelievers we should be acting out of love for each other and praying for those who don’t beleive. The only way it becomes real for you is to enter into that relationship personally. No pastor, priest, or church can make it work for you. I challenge you to ask jesus into your heart with honestly and read his word. I gaurantee you you will be transformed and your life will be changed forever. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I also agree that people need to be responsible for their actions as you do in your current belief system. TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS
Well, I can see why some people would be offended by there being a worship song in American Idol. But, at the same time, if all of the singers didn’t mind singing it, I don’t see why it’s a big deal.
The connection between helping the world and praising Jesus go hand in hand. Not to sound like a “Jesus freak” or anything (but I am a youth pastor), but you simply can’t love God without loving your neighbor. So, a worship song to the Christian God (even if they left out his name on Wednesday night…but, incidentally, they did say “Jesus” on Thursday night) should almost be like a rallying cry for Christians to do something about all the injustice in the world.
What surprised me are two things…
1. Why sing such an overtly Christian praise song in that context? I would think that a song like “Heal the World” would resonate to people of all religious backgrounds. It just seems odd that that song was chosen in that context. I liked it, but I can definitely see how it would have made some people uncomfortable.
2. Why take the name “Jesus” out in the first place? I don’t think anyone pulled a fast one on the American public. Isn’t it interesting that the name of Jesus (a man who didn’t judge, forgave, offered life, believed in second chances, and inclusiveness) is more offensive (and needing censorship) than “Lord” (a name meaning “Master”) and “King” (meaning, well, “Master”).
My observation is this.
If Christians did more loving in the name of Jesus than judging in the name of Jesus, His name would be much sweeter to the world.
Anyway, I try my best to do this. And I hope that others will be inspired by that song to honor Jesus with their lives and not just with songs.
If you want to discover who this Jesus is, then come check out my blog where I am going through the Bible trying to read it without any preconceived ideas, reading it for what it is. I’m open for discussion too. So, please, if you are wondering WHY people make such a big deal about God, I’d encourage you to check it out.
http://supermannino.wordpress.com
Hi, SWEJ and David (and anyone else who’s interested
),
First to answer your question, SWEJ, about Mohammed. Reading it the way you wrote it, I got a strange feeling. I guess I wouldn’t like to hear a song that worshipped or praised a prophet or God from another religion. If one of the contestants chose to sing it, I would probably just think it’s their own choice, but it is different when the producer/director chooses it. As a Christian, I do believe God the Father, Son (Jesus) and Holy Spirit is the only real God–and whether or not people choose to acknowledge that doesn’t make it true or not true. I’m sure that probably sounds arrogant; I don’t mean it to–I simply believe it’s the truth. I know Christians often feel persecuted in this country, but it’s important for us to just think about how others might feel being in the minority and try to understand where they’re coming from. We (Christians) should always approach people from a position of humility, not power or force.
David, how can anyone be contemptuous of your words when they’re spoken honestly? That’s the only way we can learn anything is by putting ourselves out there! You said that in your own writings, you maintain editorial control. That’s definitely the way I’d do it, too. I guess that’s what amazes me about God. He gave us a choice from the beginning to put him first or not (Adam and Eve) and then he’s allowed us free will to do what we want to to the earth (even though we badly misuse that power every day). He came to earth for us–even though we don’t always acknowledge him–and then he chooses us (and you can see how imperfect we are just from these posts) to tell about him. If I were God, I would have said, “Hey, I’m God. You’d better praise me. And you’d better take care of the world and my people. Or else!” And if I let my own son die in someone else’s place–I’d make sure they’d thank me every day.
That’s why I know he’s God–because his ways don’t make sense to me. He waits for us to ask him to enter our lives. He doesn’t force his way in or force us to choose him. But the minute we do, we realize He’s been with us always, no matter how difficult or hopeless our circumstances.
I’m so sorry you struggle with being bipolar. That seems like a very hard road to walk–and I’m sure you often do feel hopeless. But I hope you don’t stay there.
Jeaneen,
Not everyone who is Christian feels they can question God and sometimes take a religious belief and make it so sacred that they can’t oppose it and feel threatened when others have a different view. I have found in my own study and teaching of the Bible that things aren’t as crystal clear as people want them to be. If we go to the Bible looking for the truth we may find something very different than if we go to the scriptures to proof the truth we assert of our belief system. Does our faith allow honest assesment? Which by the way requires more work.
So with all that said, I view God as ultimately responsible for His creation and all that is within it and that includes sin… wow… Because He is the author of it all. Now I also believe we have responsibility too for sin and so forth. Pain and suffering along with everything else appears to be part of Gods plan and that is what does not make sense to me. I can not understand how Adam and Eve could be held accountable to falling to sin when they were unfamiliar with sin and the one who decieved was the master of masters. What was God thinking? Before the foundation of the world God knew that He would send His son to die for us. Did Adam wield the power of defience to damage the earth and all that was in it including us, famine and disease?
I have been praying to understand the fall of mankind because something cataclismic (spelling) happenned. God’s creation seemed to get way out of control, broken, it seems or Gods plan was mearly unfolding… The more I study the less I seem to be able to grasp hold of. I suppose what I do grab hold of is that “God is” and that God has a plan and a purpose that is being carried out which includes “sin” and the redemption through the love of His Son Jesus. Otherwise it seems like God lost all of His power in the garden. See, if I allowed my five kids play in my garden when they were young and innocent, lets say a few years old, and I told them to not play by the orange bush and… I knew a wicked poisonous snake hid by the tree, it is obvious to me that eventually with high probability they would be bitten and likely die. With our own laws of the land, I would be charged by prosecutors with neglegant homocide and could possibly get the death sentence. (This quite honestly does not make sense.) AND… at the same time I humbly pray to God and even say that I do not understand the wisdom and WILL of God. I do not exhault myself above God but rather seek to understand the why… like those who suffer in Africa. Blessings… David
Hi, David,
). I can tell this is an issue that you’ve really thought through and struggled with–I know you’ve made me think!
I have to take a test early tomorrow, so I’ll keep this short (my husband said I should quit playing on the internet
Three quick things that stand out: 1. I don’t know if Satan was the master of deception yet–maybe so. I don’t think Adam and Eve were like children, though. Innocent of evil, but not completely naive. They had all the intelligence God could give people. I used to wonder the opposite–how could they fall for this when there was only one directive? I remember reading C.S. Lewis’s “Perelandra” when I was younger and it was all about this issue. Maybe you’d find it interesting (it IS thought-provoking)…
2. I guess I think we redo Adam and Eve’s mistake every day, so we have as much choice as they did.
3. Pain and suffering seem to be something we’re not meant to understand (you’ve probably read Job chapter 38). I think you’re right to just say “I’ll submit to God even though I am angry and frustrated with Him sometimes.”
I’ve loved having this conversation with you and with SWEJ. You’ll be in my prayers tonight. Thanks for your thoughts and blessings to you, too,
Jeaneen
Thanks Julie V,
I’ll check out that book too.
And thanks Jeaneen for a thoughtful comment!
That’s what I was trying to say!
Peace.
Kudos to Idol for taking a risk!! I was moved and impressed.
I am saddened by Christians who feel the need to judge here (If you feel the need please read Matthew/Luke/John). There was nothing blasphemous about STTL! Or any of the other faith based music I heard on the show. I am proud to be Christian! STTL brought GOOD tears to my eyes.
The message of IGB was LOVE! – Give to those less fortunate! – That is a huge Christian message, but don’t confuse the facts… the show is secular programming.
Keep up the great work IGB in using the influence you have for showing the world LOVE and giving back!!! We need so much more of it!It is one of the great commandments of the Savior I know and Love….so Thank You for using faith based music as part of that message. I felt moved that it was included in the show.
SWEJ
Your welcome and God bless you
good bye everyone have fun.
o and DAVID i pray that you will find the peace and understanding your so earnestly seeking
Jeaneen
You are so blessed w/compassion and understanding Bless you for your thoughts and comments.
u know what?? AI is broadcasted to number of countries, some of them are christian minority countries. Can you all imagine how powerful it is, to hear the song in Indonesian national TV??? I do hope Global TV in Indonesia not cut out the song from idol gives back episode.
American Idol Gives Back was sure a great event this year.
Saw a great article written by Diana Degarmo on US Weekly magazines website. She is writing a weekly column on American Idol for their website. Definitely want to check it out.
Can’t wait for Idol next week.
id like to say if God can use the jaw bone of a donky He can use american idol, look at the millions of people searching for shout to the Lord come on people dont you see it there has been more songs sang on american idol this year about christ that to me is amazing. look at Jason Castro he is on God tube, just be happy they are singing about God and not sex and drugs! pray they keep on singing about christ and see people saved though this!
I saw Jesus last week. He was wearing blue jeans and an old shirt. He was up at the church building, He was alone and working hard. For just a minute he looked a little like one of our members. But it was Jesus, I could tell by his smile.
I saw Jesus last Sunday He was teaching a Bible class. He didn’t talk real loud or use long words, But you could tell he believed what he said. For just a minute, he looked like my Sunday School teacher. But it was Jesus, I could tell by his loving voice.
I saw Jesus yesterday. He was at the hospital visiting a friend who was sick. They prayed together quietly. For just a minute he looked like my pastor. But it was Jesus, I could tell by the tears in his eyes.
I saw Jesus the other day, He was bringing a covered dish over to me because I had been sick. Just for a minute, I thought it was Him; With His gentle hands stroking my shoulder. I thought it was Him, but it looked like my sweet neighbor. But it was Jesus, because I could feel Him in my soul.
I saw Jesus this morning. He was in my kitchen making my breakfast and fixing me a special lunch. For just a minute he looked like my Mom. But it was Jesus; I could feel the love from His heart.
I see Jesus everywhere, Taking food to the sick, Being friendly to a newcomer And for just a minute I think he’s someone I know. But it’s always Jesus, I can tell by the way He serves.
May someone see Jesus in me today.
For you who want to boycott Christian artists, how would you know that this song is a christian song?
Eventhough this song left out Jesus name, but we all know who is the KING of all kings.
Specialy for Christine, by the way how did you get your name?
Very beautifully written Julie V. I think I will have to share that with others on my blog!
Take care,
Jennifer
http://www.jenniferraack.blogspot.com
They may have changed it for Wednesday night, but they did say “Jesus” on the results show on Thursday! Check it out on YouTube. Like it or not this is a victory for The Kingdom!
I am just so confused at the number of Christians out there who actually watch this show. I heard about this performance from someone so I came to check it out…but it seems as if many of you watch this show regularly. Amercal IDOL? The Bible is clear about idols, adn you may be saying “It’s not really an idol”, but are you sure? I know it’s just a singing contest, but by calling it American Idol is something that should have ruled it out for Christians. Like it was stated, leaving out one word from the song (Jesus) made a bug difference, well adding one word to the title (Idol) should make one as well.
I am just so confused at the number of Christians out there who actually watch this show. I heard about this performance from someone so I came to check it out…but it seems as if many of you watch this show regularly. Amercal IDOL? The Bible is clear about idols, adn you may be saying “It’s not really an idol”, but are you sure? I know it’s just a singing contest, but by calling it American Idol is something that should have ruled it out for Christians. Like it was stated, leaving out one word from the song (Jesus) made a big difference, well adding one word to the title (Idol) should make one as well.
The use of this song was part of an excellent marketing plan. Most Americans are Christian and this song satisfied and inspired those with corresponding beliefs to not only donate, but equally if not more significantly to remain loyal to AI programming while encouraging others to get on the bandwagon.
Do I think this is wrong? No! But let us not be deluded by an idea that those behind the scenes are altogether altruistic as that is to bury one’s head in the sand. If the decision makers receive moral kudos on the presentation of a Christian song to the format, I feel uneasy. Am I happy the decision, for whatever reason, was made? Yes, because our Lord works in mysterious ways!
The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock and let the God of my SALVATION be EXALTED!!!
geesh Ashley, you just opened up a whole norther can of worms for everyone to argue about! lol
i didn’t really even notice the word idol in that way until you pointed it out
I am distraught at the fact that people can not be happy that American Idol attempted to get the word out about God and helping others. I don’t understand why people can not just be happy with fact that they tried. Well nevermind we all just get caught up in other things and we just want something to complain about. RIght? I mean for real people this is the world. I would like to know who all on here is a perfect Christian. Wow! That is funny no one is. I guess people instead of finding fault in their own Christian beliefs they find fault in others. That is not the Christian thing to do. Now if you all want to talk about TV, how about turn it off. I know one thing you can not turn on the TV with out seeing something about sex or other non Christian things.
Looks like God used this for His glory…Jesus is on the radar!
When it comes to the issues the world faces today how many who call themselves Christians approach God with boldness pleading for Him to intervene in these circumstances. There is no limit to the changes we’d see if believers spent as much time on their knees as we do watching TV. Google Jackson Senyonga to see what prayer can do.
Or for those who are convinced that God is not real or doesn’t care, have you really sought Him for yourself? If not, I challenge you to do that before you make any judgments. Be as persistent as you would be in going after anything you really value in this world.
Luke11:5-10
5Then he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.’
7″Then the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ 8I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man’s boldness[e] he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
** 9″So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. **
Ashley, Speaking of “Idols”, you’ve got to be careful here, they are not always labeled “Idol”. Idols, to me are anything that we put before God, this could be a house, a job, a lifestyle…the “American Dream”. I’d be surprised if the majority of “Christians” could honestly say that God was truly number 1 in their life, “American Idol” aside.
Amen REBEKAH !!!!!!!!!! persistent prayer
From the online dictionary:
idol2 [ˈaidl] noun —a greatly loved person, thing, etc.
Example: The singer was the idol of thousands of teenagers.
Back to me: The idol referred to in the Biblical ten commandments is diety “like a God”.
American Idol is a tv show / singing contest, just like the dictionary definition example above. It is not “American Idol, the search for the American Diety.”
Yes, we can put many things before God, including our own wisdom and will before Gods which I believe is more along the lines of putting ourselves above God and in a round about way becoming “the diety”, and if you think about it folks, aren’t we silently saying we would make a better God… ok… this is something I have had personal conviction of… blessings… David
David. that was great.
Stop debating and hate each otehr or accusing each other who is right and who is wrong. Singing a positive song is a big plus and help all these times of famine time. As Jesus said: Love your neighbor and love your enemmies. this is the greatest commandment. Do not judge and you will be judge. It’s only a praising song and all of us should appreciate what they’ve ssand these song. Many will claim they know Jesus name, but Jesus said it’s not enough to know Jesus, it’s our faith and action. There are thousand of christian sector and divided since old times. Who can say that they are true religion. This is still not enough. Siniging in the Television about praising song are very difficult role to the singers for they are afraid if the audience can appreciate what they’ve done. Whoever done to Christ name will also be the same as Christ persecution. We’re living in the wild world. Thanks to all praise God and sing to His Holy Name…..Good Job all of you….For the reqard is in heaven not on earth….Peace be with you…
Stop debating and hate each other or accusing each other who is right and who is wrong. Singing a positive song is a big plus and help all these famine time. As Jesus said: Love your neighbor and love your enemmies. this is the greatest commandment. Do not judge and you will be judge. It’s only a praising song and all of us should appreciate what they’ve perform these song. Many will claim they know Jesus name, but Jesus said it’s not enough to know Jesus, it’s our faith and action. There are thousand of christian sectors and divided during the old times. Who can say that they are true religion. This is still not enough. Siniging in the Television about praising song are very difficult role to the singers for they are afraid if the audience can appreciate what they’ve done. Whoever done to Christ name will also be the same as Christ persecution. We’re living in the wild world. Thanks to all praise God and sing to His Holy Name…..Good Job all of you….For the reward is in heaven not on earth….Peace be with you…Be united and be One Body. As we’ve the Holy Eucharist, living in body and blood of Jesus.
I agree with Julie V. Great thought, David, about us and God. We do think we know more than God–we would have made this world different, we would save people in a different way, etc. I guess we are still stuck on the same sin as Adam and Eve…we think we know more than God. A really convicting thought to take with me on the way to church today!
To SWEJ
First of all, let me say that I really appreciate the way you have posted. You’ve been very polite, understanding &c. No flames, even though a lot of the people who are posting come from a different worldview to you.
THE PROBLEM OF SUFFERING
“Why do we suffer? Why would a good God allow suffering?” ~ a question many have asked over the centuries.
The Christian P.O.V :
We didn’t always suffer. But to find the reason WHY we suffer today, I must take you back to the Garden of Eden (Genesis ch. 1 to ch.3). Before I go on, I should mention that there is scientific evidence for a young earth and here is a link to a site:
http://www.answersingenesis.org/ (this site also has articles on suffering, just type the term into the search box).
Okay, so anyway, back to the Garden. God originally made creation perfect. No sickness, no poverty, no obesity, IMMORTALITY, lions that won’t eat you if you pat them… you get the idea. He also gave man the responsibility of ‘ruling the planet’. It was like he built this house, and gave his son the keys to the house and said ‘do what you like’. But not quite.
There was this little itsey thing… this piece of fruit on a tree in the middle of the Garden. Man wasn’t allowed to touch that. Why? ‘cos if you do, you will die.
Well, that should have been okay, cos there were plenty of other trees in the Garden. But, you tell a kid to not to do something…
Anyway, along comes Satan (God’s arch enemy) and tells them that actually, they won’t die if they eat the fruit, they’ll actually be like God!
So they eat the fruit.
And instantly, their world changes. They’ve disobeyed God. They’ve sinned.
God is Holy – he can’t help it, it’s just the way he is, and holiness doesn’t go with sin. So they’re seperated from God (”spiritual death”).
And now, they’re going to die.
In addition, the whole earth is cursed along with them. Death, disease, poverty, marginalisation, &.c all entered into the world on that day.
What’s worse, it’s like when they gave into Satan’s temptation, they also gave him the “keys to the world”. So now, Satan can do pretty much whatever he likes, because – God gave the keys to man, man gave the keys to Satan.
The reason for suffering is therefore attached to the curse that was on the tree and the fact that ‘Satan is the ruler of the world’.
So now you ask – why did God make the tree in the first place? Wasn’t that kind-of stupid?
Well, the thing was, he wanted us to have FREE WILL and the ability to choose to love and obey him.
Secondly, you ask – why doesn’t God just ‘take the keys off Satan’?
Well, it’s not that easy. I mean, yes, Satan was created by God (Satan was originally good – but fell ‘cos he wanted to be God). BUT God made him to be powerful. PLUS God made this world, this universe – to work according to certain ‘rules’ and ‘time-frames’ – rules that even he is governed by.
But in a sense, he has taken the keys off Satan, because, 2000 years ago… Jesus came. And suffered. And died. And rose. (at least, that’s what I believe).
He gave us a way out. All we have to do is accept him and confess our sins. And you know what’s “uber-cool”? HE KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE HUMAN, SUFFER AND DIE.
Don’t get me wrong. We don’t get off scot-free. We may still suffer. But we’re forgiven of our sins – we’re ‘made right with God’. And through life, we know he’s right there beside us, giving us a hand.
FINALLY
Jesus gave us some pretty cool guidelines while he was here – guidelines on how to look after other people and relieve suffering (check out the sermon on the Mount).
And though the hope that all Christians cling to is that one day (hopefully soon) he will return and make the world as it was supposed to be…
I think its just as important to do what we can while on Earth to stop suffering as much as possible.
hope you get to read this
To: Anna,
Was it innevitable that Adam and Eve would sin? Were they set up to “fall?” And if so who is responsible? If not in full in part? Was this God’s plan from the beginning? If this were Gods plan from the beginning are you ok with that? Try it on for size. Must your faith have it one way or the other?
My more detailed posting is earlier in the tread. Also, I struggle with the God of the old testemant who seems so different to me than Jesus. Just as in the Garden, God cursed a tree and put Adam and Eve in the midst and put them in great risk. Also, just as in the garden, God seems throughout the old testiment as quide judgemental and harsh. Remember the countless people he wiped out and did so over and over again. I know the Bible and teach the Bible and can argue points from both sides on many controversial topics like this. But, when I allow myself to consider the truth of all this and not defend a side, I find it near impossible based upon my wisdom and understanding to blame Adam and Eve, curse them and hold them fully accountable and not take into account God and hold Him responsible in some way.
Fire and brimstone, judgement, wrath and anger are many peoples view of God and this seems understandably so considering the old testiment. Even our own judgemental attitude in part seems to come from this or so it seems.
Yet, Jesus changes everything because He comes across “loving, humble and forgiving,” which seems uncharacteristic of God the Father.
Well, I am off to church now to worship Jesus and God even though by faith God is my only hope… David
Although the singers did use Shepherd instead of Jesus on the Gives Back show, they did use “my Jesus, my Saviour ” on the results show Thursday night. I don’t know why or who made the change; it really doesn’t matter. Satan bombards us everyday, but this week and as always, God reigns. Hopefully, the Fox network
will take notice.
I love the song but didn’t really like the way they did it. I only saw it on Thursday night so I didn’t realize until today that “Jesus” was substituted. I felt like it was an empty performance and really sad that probably half those people on stage didn’t even understand what they were singing about. Twila Paris did a much better job!!
Wow…Jamie, I’m shocked, surprised, and so sorry you didn’t enjoy it. Honestly!!
I attend an awesome church where we celebrate in worship and the Holy Spirit is present (I’m on the worship team), and I thought both performances were incredible. I even showed it too my boss and she was in tears! Those performances gave me goosebumps, or Holy Spirit bumps.. whatever you want to call it!
Even “IF” several of the eight didn’t know HIM, I’ve heard He’s even spoken through a donkey before… and rocks can cry out…. so should we be surprised at what venue He uses to bring glory to His name and spread kingdom principles??
BTW it is Darlene Zschech’s song.
ug!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I jus cant take it anymore. im out.
just remember Jesus is love please try to represent that.
I believe that even though that they may not know Jesus, only He knows their hearts. Song has influenced many generations of humanity and I believe that in this beautiful song the Holy Spirit Can Move Mountains! Shine Jesus Shine! Wouldn’t you rather your nations children would hear this and open their hearts and know they are God’s children?! The Bible teaches that we should not point out the stick in someones eye when we have a whole log in our own! It is up to God and Christians to teach the meaning of Gods word and not to shun. The song has planted the seed and it is up to Christians to live the lives that will water that seed and help it grow! Don’t just go green for earth, go green for JESUS!
To Jupiter, SWEJ, and Jeaneen, thank you for being so open-minded. I felt alienated by the fact that a Christian worship song was sung on American Idol, since I believed it was a singing show, not a worship show based on any religion. Some of the comments on other message boards have been disheartening, but I am so glad to know that some people understand where people of other beliefs are coming from. Thank you.
To David,
I think we all struggle with these questions at some point in time…
I know I do.
WERE WE SET UP?
Obviously God knew what was going to happen. I mean, he knows everything, right?
But maybe he could see that the pain and suffering would lead to something amazing – something that wouldn’t have happened without the pain. The only analogy I can think of is that ”pain makes painlessness seem brighter”.
We’ve got to remember that, while on earth, we see everything from a flawed perspective – we don’t see things as God sees them…
In terms of Adam and Eve – When God made man, he wanted to be loved. But he wanted to be genuinely loved – in order to do that, he also had to give them the ability NOT to love.
This is where free will comes in… and the tree. In a sense, free will was a precious gift. But it was also an incredibly dangerous one. You wrote about risk – Yes, God took a risk when he gave Adam and Eve the ability to choose. Yes, he put them in a risky situation. But Adam and Eve made the ultimate choice.
When looking at the God of the ‘old testament and Jesus – well, we have to remember that they are the same. One God, three persons.
The reason God behaved the way he did in the ‘old testament’ was because he was trying to ’save the world’. In order to do this, he decided to consecrate a nation to him (Israel). Out of that nation would come Jesus.
The trouble with this “consecration” thing was that he made a convenant with the nation. They HAD to be sinless, otherwise he wouldn’t be able to move in their midst.
Anyway, I’m sure you know all this already.
My point, I guess is that – yes God did some things that – in our eyes – may seem to be mistakes.
But he did those things because he loved us (ie. free will).
I would like to weigh in on the topic of free will and God’s role in all of this. I believe everyone that does not view God in a cookie cutter, grandma said He was this way so that’s what I will bias in when I read the bible way will have questions about why. Why would a loving God tell the Israelites to kill off neighboring people and kill every man, woman and child? Why would God put a tree in the garden having foreknowledge (spelling?) that it would condemn many people to eternal torment as well as so much suffering and pain in life. I agree with you David that God DOES have editorial control. Romans 9:15-24 says: 15For he says to Moses,
“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. 17For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.
19One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?” 20But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’ ” 21Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?
22What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory— 24even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles? This is a heavy portion of scripture that I must confess I don’t have a full grasp of myself but several points remain clear. God is sovereign meaning he has complete control. Knew the end from the beginning. But where I differ is the matter of fault. Just because God knew it was going to happen does not mean that he is unjust or at fault. I don’t believe we can look to our fallen system of justice as an example of how God works either because as we can all agree his ways are not our ways and are so much higher. I do not see God’s placing a tree in the garden as bad parenting because I don’t see Adam and Eve as little children that have no understanding but more like adolescents or even grown children. A warning to stay away from a bush to a child who has no concept of what a snake is or the consequences of their actions is much different than telling a teenager or your adult child to stay away. God told them their boundaries and allowed them to make their mistakes to allow them to mature the same way a loving parent will let their children make mistakes after warning them so they will grow up. The question still remains did God choose to allow some to go unto death and eternal judgment? The answer is yes. But as Romans 9:14 declare What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! Because before the foundation of the world he chose to create us and then knowing that we could never truly love him fully without choice gave us one. But knowing that we would screw up he predetermined to send himself to take our screw ups on his shoulders. This shows all the facets of his nature. He is love but he is also supreme justice. He is Merciful but he is also holy. He is a passionate lover but he is also a jealous lover and will not and CANNOT tolerate any other lovers to take his place! Through all of this God will make his power known! We are the objects of his affection. At least that is my thought process up to this point. God bless
All that matters is that God’s Spirit is moving across the airwaves, even with the politically correct agenda of Idol, God is moving. As Christians, let’s be happy, and stop nitpicking about the minors. Let’s look at the bigger picture here. Even if one person was led to Christ, the song was worth bring sung, omitted Name and all.
Amen to Heather and David! You all are amazing! And that performance was amazing as well! God Bless
I have spent some time reading reactions to “Shout to the Lord” on Idol last week – and shame on us “Christians” – no wonder we are so ineffective in this world. We can’t agree on anything. It’s a good thing God doesn’t have to get our permission before He steps out of OUR box! That amazing song speaks of the One & only True God – Jesus, Shepherd, Saviour, Tower of Refuge & Strength, Lord, Comfort, Shelter, King – not other god even comes close. God is also sovereign. He does work in mysterious & surprising ways & the message of that song will hit its mark. You have His Word on that!
There is Power in the Name of Jesus, our Saviour, who has many names, one of which is Shepherd. Read the Book of Books (The Holy Bible) and you will find His many names. His
name is above all names, and He turns anything
meant for evil into good according to His will. He
uses the unsaved to spread His truths. Hallelujah!! Glory to His Name!!
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Savior, Savior, Savior
Healer, Healer, Healer
I’m a believer in His loe and Power Divine!!!
ummm…why would you be upset? They also did the version with jesus.
Don’t believe me see for yourself:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=RHuWxfcIqW4
..nice song..!!!!!!i Love it..!!!!!!!!!
AI or America/Hollywood is crossing the line!
pray for them. welcome them. we love to hear more christian song perform in the hollyhood stage. “Lord there is none like You” whom you think they are referring too? some of them may not understand it, but It is an amazing thing, you know why….”even the rocks cries out” you think rocks have understanding. we welcome you American Idol! God bless america!
When I heard they were singing this song I was just shocked. I couldn’t believe that such an important secular tv programe was proclaiming God’s love through a christian song. Who knows how many people converted to Jesus that night and later by downloading it.
I don’t agree with those who say their motives weren’t true and started judging them. You should first look inside your hearts instead of judging people without even knowing what their motives are. Cause even if they changed the word Jesus for Shephard, as you should already know, the Bible says that Jesus/Lord/God is our Shephard. You should be thankful they sang a christian song proclaiming God’s power instead of singing other song proclaiming who knows what.
And in any case, if their motives weren’t true the only one who is going to jugde them or anybody else is God, not us. PLESE READ THIS ONE, PHILIPPIANS 1:17-19
Hey! why did they cut the line where the name of Jesus was there. Whose Lord are you referring here? That song was made for worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ. Not for publicity only. You better hear the original song.
Check out this edited verson on that they did, the following night. The original songwriter had then correct it.
Very cool. I pray that people saw it and heard the correct version.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY8N5sdrEf8&feature=related