One of the most important things that believer's should do as they search for any type of music to purchase, regardless of the genre, is to assess if whether or not there is biblical content present. In this case our musical context will deal with the genre of "gospel rap". Firstly, one has to recognize the fundamental differences between that of secular rap and gospel rap. For those who don't know, secular rap is the genre that promotes values that aren't promoted in Christianity.
Secular rap can also be degrading to both men and women by coming across as arrogant, flamboyant and quite disrespectful. It primarily promotes the artist in such a selfish way that it excludes any areas of true dependence on the person and work of Jesus Christ. Despite these characteristics being present, it can also be considered fun and carefree, sometimes even informative and educational, heart felt and emotional.
Along with having factors such as devotion and reflection, humility and proclamation; it can still be considered secular. Now don't misunderstand me, the words I've just mentioned can be present, but if they don't reflect this one ingredient, than it's secular. Keep in mind our context here is gospel rap. That makes the goal and purpose of the artist different from someone who merely utilizes their talent as a gift to share with the world.
Regardless of what type of genre a gospel artist brings to their audience, if it lacks the true reflection of the person and work of Jesus Christ along with (and this is most important) the proper biblical view in the message, it's not gospel. My whole point is this; if one has made a true conversion to Christianity they must reflect it in both their conduct and conversation. If a person who does gospel rap hasn't allowed the gospel to change their life in a manner in which their life reflects the person of Jesus Christ, then they can actually be hindering not only themselves, but others also.
This is why its most important for anyone who wants to contribute their ability to put rhyme to music for the sake of the gospel; such persons must be willing to convey the gospel message in their songs. Unless you treat gospel music the same way you do everyday people, you'll be duped and mislead no differently than by any other means in which being duped or mislead can occur. First, one must recognize the freedom that believer's have in Christ. This freedom is not meant to point listener's to the world and its way of thinking. Secondly, it's also not meant to promote self! The content must be that of biblical context being conveyed by the renewed mind of the person delivering the message. Lastly, it must not be conveyed with opinion nor views that stem from self perception versus that of God's grace! If in one's presentation opinions are stated, then the artist should purposely inform the listener what's being presented is strictly their opinion! This is the responsibility of the one who conveys the message.
The responsibility of the listener is quite specific as well. The listener must be solely captured by the scriptures and its content just as the messenger! It's no different than how believer's walk through life with their minds renewed by the scriptures to prevent, protect and preserve themselves from falling back into the very lives in which they were rescued and delivered from. If as a believer one can discern and recognize in everyday life the fruit of those who say one thing but in their conduct reveal fruit of something different. We as believer's are instructed to draw caution to protect ourselves from being tempted and led astray. The source of that meter or gauge is knowing the word for yourself in its intended context. If the fruit of a person's conduct lines up with the fruit of their conversation (the word identifies such a person as being a living epistle, i.e. you can see the word in their life), then that person is embraced with the hopes of having a relationship (fellowship) that can either admonish, encourage, edify or challenge us in our own life and point us to Christ.
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