The Son of God Tour 2014

2014 THE BIBLE: SON OF GOD TOUR REVIEW

     The Son of God movie produced by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett released through 20th Century Fox on February 28, 2014. This portrayal of Christ is different from what many of us witnessed in the Passion of Christ. Most people are aware of what Christ sacrificed for all of us to be given the opportunity to be born again into the Kingdom of Heaven. 

     However, what “Son of God” shows us is another side of Jesus. It shows His compassion for little children in a very sensitive nature. It amplifies His admiration of His closest friends and how He was affected emotionally throughout different aspects of His journey.


     


     You see what many people forget is Jesus walked this earth just like you and me. He was not superman though many to this day still try to mockingly implicate. He was not oblivious to pain, emotionally or physically no matter which angle you view Him from. I believe “Son of God” brings an entirely different perspective to the life that Jesus lived as a servant and a Savior among men, who ultimately crucified Him.

     With the creation of this touching film, a soundtrack was birthed featuring some of the top Christian artists we have come to know and love. Here you can watch the official trailer of the movie and if you have not yet seen it, it's definitely worth your while.  

     Shortly after the release of the motion picture, a tour was announced titled "The Bible: Son of God Tour 2014." Six magnificent groups and artists came together in a gifted tapestry of humble praise and adoration to kick this tour off in Lake Forest, California on March 14, 2014.

     Sixteen shows were scheduled following Lake Forest, coming to a close in Baltimore, Maryland one week before Easter. I can only imagine the journey that each of these artists experienced personally during this Live presentation so full of sacrifice. Not only the sacrifice of the one who gave it all, but also the sacrifice of praise that they so passionately deliver to those who have been blessed to join them for this spectacular night of heartfelt admiration to the one who paid the penalty for our sins on the Cross.


     I had not watched any videos of the event prior to attending, in New Albany, Indiana. Which I think was possibly Louisville, Kentucky. I was totally confused by that at first actually, I guess one half of the church is in Kentucky and the other half is in Indiana.     I’m kidding of course, but my navigation system kept redirecting me and I kept saying “seriously”? At least I was able to go and by the Grace of God, left early enough that with driving issues I still made it in plenty of time for the early VIP entry.

L-R Jason Gray, Natalie Grant, David Frey, my cousin Phoenix, Me,
Meredith Andrews and Chris August

     During the VIP experience each artist would answer different questions asked by guests who were attending the show during the allotted time they had before group pictures. Each VIP was given the opportunity to shake hands with Jason Gray, Meredith Andrews, Natalie Grant, David Frey (lead singer Sidewalk Prophets), Meredith Andrews and Chris August. A volunteer would then snap a photo with the guests and the aforementioned humbly loving crew of talented servants of God. Each VIP member received a tour t-shirt, a singed poster by all the artists and front row seating for the concert, before regular admission.


     Throughout the years that I have written, often times I get the opportunity to re-meet artists which I consider a great honor. I don’t expect any of them to remember me of course. I know they meet new people all the time on the road, but each time I meet them I am always greeted with the same true spirit of brother or sisterly love as they smile and put their hand in mine. It’s funny because I can remember stories from each of the artists I have spoken with that stand out to me that I will never forget. These artists on this tour in particular are so humble that I honestly don’t think they have a clue how talented they are or how many people they touch in their ministry.

     If you missed the opportunity to catch this tour, I will try to paint the picture for you so that you can grasp what unfolded during the evening of April 11, 2014. Though it’s difficult to truly capture the message and the moment, the passion and the fortitude, the conviction and the surrender brought forth from the heart of each individual. I shall do my best to unmask the cross in such a way as they did so you might receive a mustard seed in the garden of your spirit.

     I must mention that I have attended many Christian concerts in my life. This one by far sound wise was untouchable. I am a stickler for lyrics being the most important aspect in Christian music. When you go to many concerts to hear Christian artists, the music is so loud it drowns out what is being said and unintentionally something is lost. When someone’s life is a mess, they need a message that will clean it up. If they can’t understand what you are saying you become a clanging cymbal by default. People cannot receive what they can’t hear. So whoever was in control of the audio on this tour, at least in New Albany, Indiana you get a humongous shout out!

     Secondly, vocally I thought many of them sound better live than they do in the studio and for this group of people that seems hard to believe. However, I am 98% certain that any other person who was in that atmosphere in New Albany, Indiana that evening would completely agree with me.


     With that being said, images from “Son of God” depicting different moments from the movie would play behind them while singing. One by one each artist would take turns either sharing a personal testimony relating to the song they were getting ready to sing or they would personify the Biblical testimony of someone that was getting ready to be demonstrated as a pivotal Biblical example.

     As the concert continued the testimonies and stories shared seemed to get deeper and more intimate. Building faith upon faith for those who have given their lives to Christ and tugging and breaking those hearts who continue to try to run the other direction from His arms. There were two subjects they seemed to touch on which appear to be prevalent in society today.




     One is the thought that we have to fix ourselves before feeling like we are worthy to accept the love and forgiveness of Christ. Second is how some people perceive those who have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior as having it all together. The message of the Cross is simple, yet it is profound.

     Jesus was profound yet He made His decision seem simple, resting on one sentence in prayer, “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:42

     You see, we are all broken in different ways. We have pieces of our lives often laid out before us packed away in boxes, or stuffed away in memories we try to erase or forget. Often times these memories are accompanied by shameful accusations the devil tries to place over us to keep us away from seeing the Blood on the Cross.     Many of us have at some point in time battled with self-esteem problems for different reasons doubting our abilities or not being comfortable with ourselves when the Word of God says; 

Psalm 139:14, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

     

     God doesn’t expect us to be perfect before coming to Him, as a matter of fact touching on the second issue, anyone who says that they are scripture says is lying to Himself. As these artist demonstrated throughout the evening both in personal testimonies and examples of those they were personifying from scriptural experiences no one ever entirely has it all together even after coming to Christ. The difference that we walk in as Christians is that we lay those struggles at the Foot of the Cross.





     Perfection hung on a cross to cover the imperfections of our sins, to wash away the stains of our memories and cleanse us of shame and regret. Through His grace we find strength to overcome the obstacles we face in our lives. The Son of God becomes our navigation system through His word and His love.  He knows every wrong turn we have made. He knows every detour we have had to try to go around and He never has to update His maps. He is the one constant in this life that is never changing.

“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.”
Isaiah 43:25

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
John 3:16-17

Make a Difference Tour

Review of the Make a Difference Tour

     With the New Year coming into play, it’s hard to look back over 2010 and point out one significant event that God truly moved through in our midst. In these days and times it is not unusual to witness God doing great things all around us. With certainty I am sure we could all testify about several awesome things we seen God do in the past year.

     One great experience I had in 2010 was when I was able to attend the Make A Difference Tour led by front man Max Lucado. When we think about what people will remember about us when we are gone, it motivates us to try and make a difference in another person’s life. It is very similar to the movie Pay it Forward. God gave us the love and sacrifice of His Son on the cross so that we could give love to someone else, releasing the knowledge of that sacrifice into their hearts through Christ.

     Mr. Lucado has committed to reaching the goal of 25,000 sponsored through the make a difference program. Through the success of tours and displays the number has reached 15,881 . The Make a Difference Tour has continued to impact the lives of those who have been helped. It opens a window of hope, a window of faith and a window of chance to those who otherwise may not live to see their next meal.


Toby Mac, Michael W. Smith and Third Day were a great selection for Max to choose to tour with in 2010. Jason Gray hopped on the wagon to join them during the last few appearances. There was a particular moment during the performance of Jesus Freak, where Toby Mac did a freeze frame and the special effects were off the hook!


  

   Michael W Smith filled the audience with tears as he pulled the heartstrings of those who had lost loved ones with his performance of Welcome Home. Third Day got the crowd involved in almost every song, including one off their recently released CD, Move titled Children of God. This song was accompanied by a video of many who have been helped through the Make a Difference Tour and through the continued outreach of World Vision.

     Speaking of Third Day's latest release Move, when I was blessed with the opportunity to interview Mac Powell, he mentioned many fans told him this was their "new favorite". Though I cannot single out a favorite album by Third Day, I have to say this one definitely fits perfectly in the CD player on a road trip!
     It is a great combination of songs that take you back to the southern rock sound molded together with the Spirit of God. Placing your feet on solid ground calling you to surrender all and trust Him to be with you no matter where you go and to never give up hope! Surrender, happens to be my favorite and one that I would stamp as being a “new favorite” to be requested for years to come. The first time I listened to the CD I had to go back and listen to that one over a few times. The band’s instruments and the vocals that Mac Powell delivers on this CD, clearly defines why so many have told them it is their new favorite album.

      Having the opportunity to interview the lead singer from Third Day, was the highlight of 2010 for me as a Christian. Not that I consider Mac Powell to be a celebrity because he is just another man gifted to worship and minister in music. However, for me many of their great classics ministered to me at some of the most trying times of my faith. Their ability to walk in the spirit of the gift that God has given them and touch the lives of so many on a daily basis is so inspirational to me. Having the heart of a worshipper myself makes it that much more of a blessing.

     Needless to say, behind the scenes there is word spreading that plans for another Make a Difference Tour are in the making for 2011. No one seems to know the line up yet for the artists that will be joining Mr. Lucado. However, one thing you can count on is God has an agenda for His people according to His master plan. I believe no matter who decides to step on board that tour, their music ministry and lives will be blessed because of their willingness to step out in faith for a great cause.
    
     Those who get involved in acts of charity through the worship and true calling of Christ sacrifice time with friends and family. If you were unable to attend the tour last year, do not miss out on the chance to be ministered to and entertained by the venue this year. If you were able to take part of the outreach last year, I don’t have to tell you what you will miss if you don’t go again this year!


     Do what you can today to demonstrate pure religion. With people making New Year Resolutions for 2011, I would urge you to make a resolution to change someone’s life this year. If you have not taken the opportunity to sponsor a child would you consider your ability to open your arms and bless someone who could use the hand of love this year? As a family maybe you could decide that will be your Resolution. Let your light shine in someone else’s life.

     James 1:27 "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world."

 Luke 6:38 "For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give--large or small--will be used to measure what is given back to you."

Interview With Mac Powell From Third Day

Third Day Makes You Want to Move

     For many of us Rock & Roll has been a great influence throughout our life times. For those thirty-forty something's we can remember sitting around with our friends listening to Lynard Skynard the Steve Miller Band or Guns "N" Roses. 

     No matter what generation you grew up in Rock & Roll played a part in your life at one point in time influencing your musical inclinations. When I found out it was Guns n Roses Appetite for Destruction that sparked the desire for Mac Powell to be in a rock band I found that kind of humorous and had to ask him about it.


Mac: "Yeah, actually we were talking about that the other day. You know I had not listened to much Rock & Roll for awhile and that summer my sister bought that album. I started listening to it while mowing the grass and that is when I knew I wanted to be in a band."

Me: "I thought that was kind of funny. I was going to say the next album you guys make you should call it Appetite for Salvation."

Mac: "Ha! Yeah you know it may have been last year or a few years back there was a tour that Switchfoot and Reliant K were on called Appetite for Construction."

     After meeting with guitarist Mark Lee, and former member Billy Wilkins the journey has moved them from being a wanna be rock band to the most well known Christian Band to ever travel through the radio waves to date. Tai Anderson and David Carr joined Mac, Mark and Billy in 1992 while they were working on their first album.

     

Today Mac, Mark, Tai and David are Moving several directions trying to share with others the importance of reaching out to those that are in need, those that are hurting and those that need a little hand from someone who has the ability to reach out and say, "You are not alone, God is waiting for you."

     Currently they have teamed up with Max Lucado, Toby Mac, Michael W Smith and the newly recruited tour member Jason Gray. I asked Mac how the tour was going and what the focus of the tour was on.

Mac: "World Vision is a huge part of this tour. Actually everyone has been great. This is the 25th year that Max Lucado has been publishing books and he did not want this anniversary celebration to be about him. We are on a mission to get as many young children in need sponsored as possible. It has been a great success so far, I am not sure what the numbers are at right now. However, the last time I checked we were around about 6,000 so far. Our goal is 25,000."

Me: "Wow, that is great! It is important for those who are financially able in the body of Christ to reach out to help others so that they may see the love and grace of God through His people."

Mac: "Absolutely!"

     So, if you have not been able to attend this tour and you are reading this you can be that one hand that could open a child's eyes up to God by visiting this website. You can move that mountain for someone! 

 CLICK HERE!

     Speaking of moving, for those who anticipate each new Third Day album that hits the musical streets, you will be pleased to know that Move became available Tuesday the 19th of October. I talked to Mac to get some insight on what to expect on the new album and he simply confirmed my excitement.

Mac: "Well, it is the first album we have had the opportunity to record in our New Studio which is only about twenty or thirty minutes away from where we all live. That makes it really nice cause we don't really have to travel to go there and whenever we need to rest or need time with our families it does not take long to go back and forth. We worked with Paul Moak on the album and he agreed with us to return back to our rock roots.

You know some of our earlier classic sounds, but hopefully it sounds better this time around. We had a great time working on this album and many of our listeners have already come up and said it is their "new favorite" Third Day record."

Me: "Wow, their "new favorite". I do not think I could narrow it down to "one favorite". You guys have so many great albums and songs. Two of my favorite songs from you guys are Thief and Show Me Your Glory.

Mac: "Yeah, Thief is one of those classics that I was talking about. We have always been able to play that and we pretty much get the same response from the crowd. It is a classic that everyone loves. Show Me Your Glory, is another great worship song that always goes well at shows also."




     Third Day continues to have numerous number one singles and have been nominated for a vast array of music awards. In 2009 they were inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. I asked Mac how the group felt when they were honored with that recognition.

Mac:" You know it was just one of those amazing moments of our careers. You never really think about that kind of stuff. You know like it is even possible. Then it happens. It is really amazing to be recognized like that especially from your home state."

Me "So, are you all involved in your local churches in any ministry inside of them?"

Pastor Max Lucado

Mac: "Yeah, we all live in Georgia but we all go to different churches. We do travel a lot, but I do stay in touch with our Pastor and still have conversations with many of our church family also. I go when we are home. We have church on the road all the time. Max Lucado has been great on this tour, we have Bible studies and prayer time. Nigel James is our regular road Pastor who is from Europe. He has been great with us. You know he is just real. There are so many Pastors out there that are really legalistic about everything and he just is not like that. He just holds us accountable to that time of dedication to prayer and study, and he is always there just for us to talk to about things."


     Since I first began listening to Third Day in 1998 I knew lyrically they were passionate about encouraging others to grow closer in their relationship with Christ and if they did not know Christ to begin to pursue that relationship with Him. Today I see Third Day as so much more than motivators, they are doers as well. Not only do they support causes like World Vision, Habitat For Humanity,  The One Campaign and the Land Of A Thousand Hills Coffee,   they also reach further than that.

Me: "So, I seen where you and your wife Amy adopted a little boy how is that working out?"

Mac: "Oh, yeah it's great! He is great! We actually just adopted another little girl as well on January 5. Everyone is great with each other. We have Scout, Cash, Camie Love and now our two adopted children, Emmanuel and Bertie Claire."

Me: "That is awesome! I am so happy for you guys."

Mac: "Thanks we love it!"

     Third Day has lit a candle and God keeps raising the flame. They are a hope, shining in a world today that needs to see the light and love of Christ. As they take the gospel forth in their music, their actions and their feet I asked Mac if he could think of one moment throughout their ministry where he was in awe of what he saw God using them to do.

Mac: "You know almost every night on the road people come up and share of how a song has ministered to them. It's impossible to narrow it down to one moment because it happens all the time. It is very humbling when a person shares with us how our music has helped them through the loss of a loved one. Our music has done that a lot for people and that is very tough time. I remember there was one girl who was going to commit suicide and she heard the song Cry Out to Jesus and it saved her life! We hear of a lot of couples that are headed for divorce and they hear a song and end up working things out. You know that is awesome."

Official Music Video for Cry Out to Jesus

     Thankfully what moved Mac that day he was mowing the grass as a youngster, is not the same thing that moves Third Day as mighty men of God. The lyrical passion and musical talent that flows through this band is one that continues to transform people for Christ.

     Where You Are there is a Revelation on a Live Wire that Third Day knows about a Conspiracy that Offerings will cause us to Move and Come Together in God's Time and Make a Difference.

It's Time To Move and Order Their New Album!!