Under normal circumstance, SelahAfrik always ignore articles such as this by not publishing or airing views about it but while searching for Gospel artistes pictures for SelahAfrik Most Fashionable Gospel Artiste 2013, I stumbled on some mind disturbing pictures of a Nigerian Gospel artiste. God has not made me a judge over anyone but I will like to call to order.
I love looking good and I do not think there is anything wrong in being fashionable but I believe in what the bible says about letting our moderation be known to all men (Phil 4:5), besides I think Gospel artiste get to a point when the accolades they receive become too much, they start to remove Christ from the picture (literally in this case) and put themselves in His place. Get it straight dear Gospel artistes, any Gospel that shift focus away from Jesus Christ is not the Gospel of the kingdom of God.
I have seen Erica’s promo photos, if I didn’t know better, I’d say its a deliberate effort at sex appeal but before I go on, let us look at the circumstance that surrounds the issue of Erica Campbell’s (Mary Mary) “too sexy” photos
— Mary Mary singer Erica Campbell caused an outrage among the Christian community after she released photos for her new album cover.
The photos were deemed “too sexy” for someone supposed to be singing God’s praises, but Campbell has hit back at her critics.
According to Clutch Magazine, Apostle Stacey Woods of Impact Outreach Ministries, Inc. lashed out at the 41-year-old on Facebook for her form fitting white attire. “THIS IS NOT OKAY. Yes, you are a beautiful, curvy woman…but NO MA’AM YOU ARE SINGING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. Saints…smh COME ON.”
On the 17th of December, Campbell responded to critics during an exclusive interview with Essence.com. And while she admitted that she felt “beautiful,” “confident,” & “strong,” with the support of her family during the photo shoot, she added that the criticism should yield itself a more in depth conversation towards Christianity and sexuality.“This is about confidence and realizing that God made you and that you are beautiful just the way you are,” she said. “I think that young girls shouldn’t only get sexy images from people who are not proclaiming Jesus. But I am. And I’m cute too.” —
1 Cor. 15:1 says “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and in which you stand By which also you are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scripture.”
The Gospel of the kingdom which focuses on bringing glory to the father highlights 3 points here.
1. The death of Jesus because of our sins.
2. He was buried as a prove that He really died.
3. He rose again.
The Gospel concerns God’s son and his work for us to remove our sin . If it is focused on something else other than the cross and his resurrection it is not the gospel of Christ. The son of God came and triumphantly presented us with a new life — the kingdom life — ours is to receive the salvation which he has freely given although, he had to pay. Our part is that we are commissioned to preach it and to make disciples. So, since when was it about the Gospel minister? Erica said “I felt beautiful.” When people begin to use the word “I” & “Me,” watchout, that’s what births selfishness.
Let’s go further.
2 Cor. 11:3-4 “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted– you may well put up with it. (you will have to endure it, or you wear it beautifully, and some do).”
The entrance of the word of God gives life to the simple. It is not complex, anything other than the precepts laid down in God’s word is not the scripture and no justification whatsoever — if it is not based on the scripture — can make up for that. Gospel ministers, especially in the music ministry are being carried away with the too much affairs that they forget the main reason for doing this is the commission given by our Lord Jesus to go into the world and make disciples. Instead of making disciples, Gospel ministers are making themselves “another Jesus” which some of us Christians have decided to put up with and wear beautifully — according to Paul.
Erica Campbell said:
“I think that young girls shouldn’t only get sexy images from people who are not proclaiming Jesus. But I am. And I’m cute too.”
Since when did “young girls” getting sexy images became a criteria for the kingdom of God? Why are we shifting focus away from what’s important and making the unimportant so important? If you are sexy or not, if you get a sexy icon or not, it does not guarantee your salvation. Please dear Gospel artistes, Stop perverting the Gospel just because you need to satisfy your lust!
Paul warns in Gal 1:6-10: “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? For if I were still pleasing men, I wouldn’t be a servant of Christ.”
I conclude with the words of Gospel music minister T-Sharp:
“Dear gospel artiste… The life we live is not our own and we have been called to win souls and not to sell self. It is not about you or your record label or your looks, though it’s necessary that you look good for this purpose; it’s all about souls that Jesus himself died for. So, stop the self praise and face your calling, win souls.”
– These are just my views, I’ll be delighted to read yours, please make use of the comment box. God bless.
– Written by Alex Amos
Follow @Alex_Amos on Twitter
This is the word for the now ooo,God bless you Alex for sharing this,I pray God’s grace continually flow thru u. I also pray for us all (Gospel Artist),May God help us to forcus on what He has called us to do and not be destracted by the affairs of this world,in Jesus name..Amen
Thank you so much Ebele… May God continue to help you stir up His gift that’s in you …amen
It’s so surprising how carefree gospel artiste get these days on social media. I don’t know if it is the fact that they forget that for every life, they will give account