What’s your Sunday service like?

As you may have noticed we (our whole family) have been listening to a Christian Rapper by the name of Shai Linne. Most Christian rappers in the past were kinda cheesy and shallow. Shai is different in that he powerfully explains biblical doctrine and theology in lyrical form. You’ve got to either see him perform live or listen to his music with lyrics in front of you.

Rap is not for everyone. However if you’ve listened to rap music in the past and you love theology, guys like Shai Linne will greatly encourage you.

If you were to compare the word count of rap lyrics compared to your traditional chorus music you’ll quickly notice that the rap format accommodates a greater number of words. And you know what, words matter! I would rather have full and sound words ringing through my mind than many of today’s “Christian” music.

Here’s a song by Shai Linne called “Expository Preaching” – hear the words:

This verse right here is for the congregation,
This is what you all need to be listening for.
Yeah let me explain what I mean, it’s not too complex,
It’s preaching God’s Word in its proper context.
As you listen be discerning, what you have to determine
Was the point of the passage the point of the sermon?
If not this problem must be confronted today
Cause he just used the Bible to say what he wanted to say
And even if it’s delivered with fire and intelligence
That’s basically making what God has inspired irrelevant
Instead of applying the Word’s realities
A lot of pastors rely on personality
But gifts of communication can never be a true replacement
For the Holy Spirit’s illumination
Without exposition you’ll lack major profit
All you’ll get is tradition and the pastor’s favourite topics
And that can be a slippery slope
The Word should be giving you hope
This dude is just giving you jokes.
That won’t help you love Christ
That won’t help your obedience.
We need more expositors
Not more comedians.
That’s right.
Expect for true labor in the text
then faithfully connect you to the Saviour
then wait for its effects
God gives the increase the word
Holiness loves unity
The word faithfully preached builds up the whole community
If not your Sunday meal will not last
and you’ll have to supplement it with the podcast.
(Podcast.)
Don’t entertain us, that won’t sustain us
(Preach the word, preach the word)
Careful instruction, not a big production
(Preach the word, preach the word)
We don’t need theatrics and man centered tactics.
(Preach the word, preach the word)
We’re on the brink of eternity, please speak earnestly.
(Preach the word, preach the word)

Check out the entire album or listen to portions here.