Sunday, September 20, 2015

"Welcome to da Faith" preview


So it’s been way too long since I’ve posted anything to my blog. I don’t really have a clue how many people actually read it, but I also don’t really care. I write everything I write—sermons, raps, blogposts, essays, letters—in order to organize my own thoughts better, and if they can help someone else, then good for them; I’m glad God can use me for that, but it’s not my primary goal, especially in writing a blogpost.
So tonight it’s 10 pm and I’m less than 3 months away from having my bachelor’s degree work completed, and honestly I have no clue what I’m going to do afterwards, except that I’m releasing a new rap album in February. While my previous album was about assurance of salvation from 1 John 4:15-17, my current project is focusing on living life in light of salvation. I’ve been walking this thing for 5 years and the most helpful verse in my life—from even day one—has been John 15:5, which reads, “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.”
Those are the very words of Jesus, and as such, they are extremely important. In preparing the album, which has been slowly coming together for 3+ years now, I asked myself the question, “What are the most important things that I would have liked to have been told the day I became a Christian (in hindsight)?” And they all ultimately play into John 15:5, because that verse is the center of Christianity. So when I had a list of thirty possible songs, the question posed above was the filter.
Tracks include some of the following themes: imputed righteousness, progressive sanctification, living by the Spirit, the importance of having gospel-centered role models, the deity and humanity of Christ, God’s amazing love for His children, the need for evangelism, the usefulness of Scripture, and more, all presented clearly for the average listener over beats and in rhymes. And included in each track is Jesus Christ, because every day of living the Christian life should make Christ look more beautiful than He did the previous day.
Prayers are much appreciated as I continue this journey called the Christian race and continue working on this project titled Welcome to da Faith. Facebook will have more information and updates over the next five months. Hopefully more blog posts will follow as well, but I am trying to get an education, so forgive me if I don't write again before next year. :)
Grace and Peace.
In Christ,

liL fytr (Josh Wingerd)