Kanye West: Former Blasphemer Now Christian Brother

by | Nov 6, 2019 | American Church, Christian Growth, Christianity, Culture & Morality, Discipleship, Entertainment, Gospel, Podcast | 0 comments

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Breaking: Kanye West is human! Yes he is apparently a new convert to Christianity. Yes he seems to be bearing some fruit for the kingdom of God. Yes, he was a blasphemer, idolater, self-worshiper. Yes, he has a long way to go.

But we’ve heard from pastors, celebrities, ministry leaders, and fans. We’ve heard many good reports about the sincerity and boldness of Kanye’s faith in Christ and enthusiasm for the gospel.

Bottom line: let’s pray for his growth and maturity, and watch with cautious optimism.

SEGMENT 1

We opened today by sharing the official statement on the resignation and retirement of Mike Le May.  (He had been out on medical leave since late Sept. as announced at the time. See full statement on our Stand Up Facebook page)

Scriptures shared in response to listener email from Monday’s show about socialism and Christianity. Matthew 19:16-24

Video clip: Pastor Jack Hibbs’ reaction to Kanye West’s conversion, gospel album

ARTICLES

Kanye West Has Been Studying The Bible With This Pastor Who Preached The Gospel at Sunday Service

Thousands Gave Their Lives to Christ at Kanye West’s Latest ‘Sunday Service’ in Baton Rouge

Scriptures we referenced:

For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord. Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God. 1 Corinthians 4:4-5

But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? 13 But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves. 1 Corinthians 5:11-13

SEGMENT 2

Ministry Offers Free Bibles to Kanye Fans after New Album Caused ‘Jesus’ to Trend on Google

Breakpoint: What to Make of Celebrity Conversions

Patricia Heaton Warns Kanye West About Difficulties of Being Christian in Hollywood: ‘It’s Very Hard’

Christian actor Patricia Heaton, outspoken about her Catholic faith and pro-life beliefs, is warning entertainment mogul Kanye West about the difficulties that come with being a believer in Hollywood.

5 Things Christians should pray for celebrities proclaiming to be Christian:

Maturity isn’t going to happen overnight (it’s a lifelong process); we shouldn’t expect perfection just because they’re famous; to God, their fame means nothing; we need to make room — as we do for any believer — for mistakes; and we should always extend grace and trust the Holy Spirit to guide them.

There’s no doubt the path ahead will be difficult, but success is possible, as long as West is relying not on his own strength to remain faithful, but by pouring himself into Scripture, immersing himself in Christian community, and continuing to seek discipleship every step of the way.

SEGMENT 3

Kanye West, Celebrity Christians, and Kardashian Culture

Living Waters: Why I’m Judging Kanye

When the apostle Peter preached the gospel on the day of Pentecost, God’s Word says, “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:41). Notice that there was no mention of questioning the genuineness of this massive crowd’s conversion—in fact, their profession of faith seemed so genuine, all three thousand of them were baptized on the very same day that they called upon the Lord.

“Yes, it is right for Christians to judge others who are claiming to be Christians. …Kanye’s convincing profession of faith and declaration of repentance—along with the apparent fruit of repentance that has been publicly visible through his actions—makes me delighted to embrace him as my brother in Christ.” -Emaeal Zwayne

Let’s all examine ourselves to see if we’re in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5), and let’s make our calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10). And if we find ourselves to truly be in Him, let us run our race with endurance, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1,2).