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

Son of God CD Review

Review of the Various Artist Contribution to Son Of God Soundtrack

     At the end of this month on February 28th 2014, the anticipated film Son of God will commence in theatres. Highly successful Hollywood producer, Mark Burnett is excited about people in remote areas around the world that will have access to the gospel through this film. He and his wife were “warned” by people not to switch to producing Bible based films, right before creating the acclaimed mini-series The Bible. Currently that same series which got a broad spectrum of viewers in the United States is number one in Hong Kong; and following as the number one series in England on Channel 5. Those who warned them are now choking back dust by the popularity among diverse groups of faith-based morally uplifting positive movies.


     Regardless of religious affiliation people are intrigued by the life of Jesus Christ. Since His walk on Earth, people have been perplexed, blessed, changed and intrigued by the character He portrayed and life that He lived amongst some who followed Him, most who mocked Him, and the majority who crucified Him.

     Word Records has teamed up with the film company, Light workers Media and formed a compilation inspired by The Bible mini-series and the epic film release Son of God on the 28th. Releasing on January 21, 2014 this multiple-award winning artist collection makes an excellent purchase for your listening pleasure. Featuring some familiar Christian Radio tunes along with a few never heard before creations that will surprise you, it’s one that you can leave in rotation for quite some time.

     This album has reaffirmed my applause for the beautiful Francesca Battistelli as she belts out a hauntingly stirring performance in the first track “Oh, Son of God”. I am uncertain if it is on radio or not because I had never heard this song until reviewing the CD but it was like an orchestra in my heart strings. There is a passion that resonates deep in the soul of one who has been made whole in Christ when such evoking melodies are birthed as this.

     Chris August follows in with, “Jesus, Savior”, which is heard broadly on Christian radio. With on spot vocals and lyrics that touch the hearts of listeners you simply cannot lose. “Just call him Jesus, Savior, Son of God; the King of Kings. Our salvation has a name.” He states the simple truth in this song, but it’s the truth that has changed the world.

     One group I have always enjoyed For King & Country, will vocally delight your ears and lyrically touch your heart in their delivery of “Baby Boy”. "As angel’s sing and the Earth rejoices “Endless hope and relentless joy started with a Baby Boy".

     Inspired by the life of Christ, the epic motion picture The Son of God and the mini-series, The Bible, the sequence of this album is spectacular. “He Said” performed by Group1 Crew is a quickening encouragement to all.

     As the body of Christ we go through things that are heartbreaking at times. Things we can’t understand can knock us off course or make us lose sight of the prize that awaits us. “He Said” helps you refocus on the promises of God and the power His Word gives us in our lives.

     One of the most valuable songs for me personally was poetically demonstrated by the sweet and humbly talented Dara Maclean. “Our Only Hope” authenticates the relevance of God and the love of Christ that was personified by God for mankind when He gave Himself for all on the cross in place of our penance. These words speak volumes;

“You’re healer to the broken. Shepherd to the lost. Father to the orphan adopted by the cross. There’s comfort in your arms, it’s where our healing starts. Our only hope is Jesus.”

     Sidewalk Prophets, come barreling out with “Keep Making Me”.  Sometimes when God is getting ready to move us into something greater the enemy wants to jump in and try to steal our faith away by attacking us in areas that are the most important to us. God says in His word that He is closest to those who have a broken and contrite spirit.

   
     This song carries three verses starting with the following pleas, “Make me broken, so I can be healed.” “Make me empty, so I can be filled.” And last but not least, “Make me lonely, so I can be yours.” From a heart that wants to be surrendered fully over to the Lord’s will we come to this place in prayer often not realizing how much we rely emotionally and physically on people and things rather than on God until He answers and begins to let them get taken away.



     Being reformed in Christ is never an easy transition and often times calls for repeat visits in order to renew our hearts and minds in the calling that He places on our lives. He doesn’t call us to a certain position or job; He calls us to become the person we are meant to be in Him. Point of Grace, beautifully echo’s this in “Only Jesus”.



     Repentance is not a once in a lifetime experience at the cross. It is a daily renewing and searching our hearts to make ourselves pure before the unspotted lamb of Christ through forgiveness which only Jesus has the power to give and the spirit to grant lovingly.

     Jason Castro, who recently dropped his dread locks like a hot potato delivers the unwavering “I Believe”. Following the same trust pattern that many of us have had to do in our lives; trusting God no matter what the situation looks like to us carnally.

“And in times of struggle Father this I know. That on this narrow road I never walk alone. And though I don't understand, tell me who can know your plans? And when I cannot see - I believe.”

     Considering I was unfamiliar with the bands, Everfound and Love and the Outcome they were the two biggest surprises for me. One of the reasons I love compilation albums I suppose, is that your musical library gets to check out something new that you are unaware even exists. I am sure I have heard other songs by these talented artists but I never made a connection to their names until now.

     In “God of the Impossible”, Everfound brings a fun revelation to how He can use any of us to do amazing things that even we cannot begin to fathom if we simply believe and are obedient. My favorite part of this song rests in these lyrics.

“Empty bones and a thirsty soul, dreaming for more than the life I have known. Until I tasted a burning coal, and my guilt was erased, and my sin was atoned!”

     Love and the Outcome, also bring a lighthearted joy to the table with "He is With Us." Proclaiming that no matter what may come our way and no matter what storms we face we can trust Our God, for He is with us always. “Our faith is sealed, our hope is real, come what may we’re not afraid”.

     “Jesus Move”, performed by Big Daddy Weave is an engaging call to worship among the saints calling the power of God down upon our lives allowing His love to come alive in each and every one of us for His glory.

     Closing out this affirming classic Meredith Andrews, releases a sweet aroma in “The Gospel Changes Everything.” Jesus made a way so we could all come just as we are to our God. The cross was a rescue mission; for our souls redeemed by the Gospel, which Christ became in the flesh. The Son of God made a way so all could come to the Father through Him.

      Many of the award winning artists on this album will be featured guests on The Bible Tour 2014 starting March 20, 2014 in Lake Forest, California. You can find out more information about purchasing tickets or volunteering for events in your area by visiting The Bible Tour . Until then, I know this album will touch you spiritually and ignite that desire more fervently anticipating the release of this epic film on February 28, 2014.