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

Kari Jobe Where I Find You Cd Review

     The authenticity that Kari Jobe brings to pure intimate worship sets her apart from the contemporary Christian music industry. It is what has drawn such a hungering fan base toward her music ministry and created tremendous turn outs at conferences where she can be found leading others into the shekinah glory of Almighty God.

     Ministry has surrounded Kari since she was a little girl. She began sharing her gift at the tender age of three and continues to be highly involved in leading worship at Gateway Church. Christ For the Nations was a turning point for Kari as elders saw something different in her spirit that stood out from others. Thankfully, they pointed Kari in a direction that has brought her gift to the world.

     On January 24, 2012 Sparrow Records will introduce her second album release Where I Find You. In the midst of the new sound she brings to this album a few are reminiscent of her first self-titled release. Though the message remains the same throughout, musically you are reminded of contemporary artist like Britt Nicole and Natalie Grant.

   "After singing about the importance of making time for intimate worship on my first album, I wanted to take the next step on Where I Find You. These songs come from such a honest place of praising God for what He’s done—and what He’s continuing to do in our lives—because of His grace and goodness. "

     The personal visitation that Kari experienced during the recording sessions is one of the things she hopes to transfer into the heart of others. "There were many instances when we had to stop whatever we were working on because I needed to go outside, take a walk and have my own time with God for a few minutes," Kari remembers. "Again and again, I was so overtaken by how present He was while we were recording, and it’s my hope and desire that people really feel the strength and intercession that was taking place while I worked on the album."

     I do believe there are several songs on Where I find you that will eventually be climbing the charts on the waves of Klove Radio and hundreds of other local Christian radio stations. We Are, has already proven to be productive and well accepted by the general status quo of contemporary worship. Steady My Heart and Run To You are also very similar in sound conveying a message of relying on God to calm us in the midst of the storm when we run to Him.

     When it comes down to sharing the love and intimacy of Christ Kari feels that sometimes it’s best to abide, simply knowing He is there.

"Ultimately, it’s about declaring who He is and enjoying the simplicity of knowing the Lord is near. He’s for us, He loves us, and sometimes, we need to just stop, enjoy His presence and take that in."

     There are two tracks that really bring this sentiment to heart and awaken the need to first seek Him, then abide in Him. Find You On My Knees is a proclamation to God that no matter what predicament we may be in, we will find as we kneel before Him that He is there holding us and carrying us through. On Saviors Here Kari brings us to remembrance of all He has done for us in a very passionate way. "You have saved us, You have won. Sin is broken, death is gone Freedom's found us, breakthrough's near In Your presence, no more fear"

When Kari sings, I believe you can almost hear her smiling at times. In the songs Rise and Stars In The Sky this seems to be the case. We Exalt Your Name is a tribute to God, featuring Matt Maher. The harmony is crisp and beautiful in this masterpiece that builds to an all satisfying conclusion. Personally I would love to hear Kari and Chris August sing Stars in the sky as a duet. Hearing the harmony that she and Matt shared on We exalt your name has me curious to see what she could create teamed up with other talented male vocalists.

     Sometimes in this life we can all get a little weary, when hardship arises or sorrow seems to weigh us down. In the song, Love Came Down Kari reminds us that His love always rescues us simply because we are always His. As long as we stay desperate for Him, and kneel humbly at His feet with lifted hands and broken hearts, He always will send His love down to lift us up again.

     As Kari begins to step out in faith and take the road of contemporary music I believe she will begin to pick up a new fan base. For those who are traditional modern worship enthusiasts who tend to lean toward artists like Amy Grant, Bethany Dillon and Kathryn Scott, picking up a copy of Kari’s new release will be mandatory in their lives.

     On the other side of the spectrum lies in wait those who know and love Kari for what she does best and that is pure, intimate and divine worship. Those who are looking forward to this side of Kari will find spirit filled messages in, One Desire, What Love Is This and Here.  All three of these songs really showcase the pure beauty that is produced through the gift of singing that God has given Kari. The instruments behind her voice are light and angelic offering her talent to truly shine through in these gentle storytelling productions.

     Those who are familiar with her live worship will most likely have One Desire on repeat during prayer time and meditation. "In your presence Lord, I will find my strength. You’re the breath in me, you’re my everything. With my heart bowed low and my hands held high; all consuming fire, you’re my one desire".

     Towards the end of this song, you can feel Kari pushing her vocals while encouraging herself which develops into what I feel is the best produced song on the album.

     I believe Kari has only begun her journey in the Christian music industry and she is currently on her way to being the next Amy Grant. With a heart of a servant she carries the love of God on her sleeve. She has also created a line of A21 Jewelry with her sister Kris where all proceeds go directly toward a program created to end human trafficking and injustice.

"Whether I’m participating in an effort like this or leading worship, it’s all about making a difference," Kari concludes. "That’s the reason I’m doing what I’m doing at this specific moment—to see God’s name lifted high, to encourage the hurt and the broken and to remind everyone to draw close to Him because He really, truly does care about each and every one of His children."

     On January 6th of this year, joining several other gifted musicians and artists Kari will venture out on a four month tour to bring us the annual highly anticipated Winter Jam Tour. For more information about the line up and if they will be visiting a location near you check out their website, Winter Jam Tour.

 

Visit Kari Jobe's Website Here