Not everyone agrees with what G Craige Lewis says in The Truth Behind Hip Hop DVDs. Holy hip hoppers Hazakim felt the need to respond with a controversial rap called The Truth Behind Craige. You can read what motivated their response here.

What do you think of Hazakim's comments on The Truth Behind Hip Hop? Do you think they were correct to answer him with their rap?

It's very sad to see that believers look to entertainment to be a part of salvation. When did you ever see any of the twelve disciples or even Paul or any of the leaders in the bible using gimmicks to win a soul. Never! The lord Jesus told them to go to the highways and byways, preaching the gospel, not singing R&B, not using Hip Hop, not watching videos or making movies. Jesus told them to take the word. Psalm 119:105 says Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. That means the word of God is our guide. If the word of God alone is not your source of salvation, and you feel that your spirit needs to be entertained with more then just the word of God, you need to be in a lot of prayer for you are in error. John 14:6 Jesus says I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. All we need to do is give people the word of God, for the word is powerful by itself and it needs no help. In Matthew 8:5-13 you can read the story for yourself. As the centurion said in verse 8 Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. Jesus doesn't need our thoughts, our ways, our desires, or our gimmicks of any kind to win a soul. All we need to do is speak the word of God. That's where the power is not in us but Jesus because he is his word. Give people Jesus that's all they need and a bible to be their daily guide for life as Psalm 119:105 says. — Trina

I took the time to read all the comments that were posted, and I feel sad for the people who can't handle the strong message that was sent by Minister Craige. The bible tells us in the end people will have itching ears, and they will basically believe what they want to believe. Hip Hop is demonic, the lyrics and videos are filled with lust, if you even watch some of the videos closely, God will even let you see demons in the background (trust me I have seen them with my own eyes). We truly must seek God, and go back to our first love Jesus! It was said before God is not the author of confusion, we have to get on our knees and pray that God will reveal the truth to us. Pray, fast, seek after God's heart. Be ye separate! Get the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues, and God will reveal the truth to you. God knows His sheep, and they respond to His voice. — Latonya

I'm sorry I am confused but I do agree with the CL. You can just tell hip hop is corrupt. Craige wouldn’t make a stand so boldy if he didn’t get his facts straight. The message is here to encourage us young people to believe in God and see that this type of music is not Godly. Christian hip hop doesn’t make a difference just because you add the word Christian in front of it doesn’t make it so. Like the word nigga just because black people use it now doesn’t take the original meaning away from it even though they believe so. — Laura

It seems that you (Hazakim) are upset that you were exposed. There are no errors in what G Craige Lewis has preached. I know because I used to be a student of a well-known dance group that has a couple of members that are leaders in the Zulu Nation. They go around holding dance competitions and spread the message of hip-hop. Also, I used to study hip-hop artists and their lyrics. I began living and speaking the anti-Christ messages that were in the music whether it was hip-hop, soul, funk, etc. I am a living witness that music is spiritual and that the heart of the artist always stays with the artist's work. The carnal mind will not understand this subject. I did not understand when I was in the darkness but when the Father (God of the Bible) started opening my eyes many truths were revealed that I could not see before. We are called to be set apart from the world. This means their mindset (self-seeking, self-idolatry, etc), their works (music, lifestyle, etc), and everything that does not agree with the Word of God and the Spirit of Holiness! There is nothing holy about hip-hop! You cannot make holy a doctrine or lifestyle that denies that Jesus is God in the flesh! The spirit behind hip-hop does not submit itself to the Holy Spirit! Jesus is the only way, truth, and life! No one can come to the Father except through Him! We have to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus! If we are Christians, we have to follow Jesus' teachings! Come out from among them and be ye separate! I have to do it in order to truly serve Jesus, the disciples did, and you do too if you really want to serve Jesus! Repent! We have to get back to the Bible! Jesus and the disciples did not use music as a ministry but rather just preached the incorruptible Word of God and lived the truth! If we really love Jesus we have to obey His commandments! — Student21

Plain and simple, the truth hurts! Anyone can pick a scripture from the Bible and have it correspond to the point you want to make. If you open your eyes you see Craig isn't making this stuff up. Everybody is just crazy these days! "Christians" want attention like hip hop! The truth is the light, keep bringing the light to darkness Craig. What is a Christian, what is COGIC, what is Baptist? Just believe in Jesus leave these silly denominations alone, they further divide us. I would think these so called Bishops, Apostles and the like would recognize that. Anyway ya'll keep supplying your preachers with a lavish lifestyle while you and your family live in poverty — believing your blessing is in the next $1200 offering line. Remember Jesus said "My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge, because you reject knowledge I will also reject you." Hosea 4:6. One Love. — Renee

So because Minister Lewis has some "inaccuracies" about dates and times his message isn’t true? Let me tell you something Hazakim. You're defending the hip hop culture, which is what? Anti Christ. What do you think anti Christ is? Satan. Rappers talk about sex/drugs/violence. 50 Cent? Poster child for Satan. — Jake

If the Bible says, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer”, why do "Holy Hip Hoppers" think they can consider themselves new creators if they try to spit out the same jargon of the world or their "old man"? If the origins of Hip Hop or its current state preach false doctrine, why create a luke warm version of it, ie "Holy Hip Hop"? Jesus went into the temple and threw out the money changers/ the false preachers, the heretics and anyone else that didn't line up totally with God's agenda. Why do "Holy Hip Hoppers" think that the world's gimmicks can be used in the service of God. "Holy Hip Hoppers have not fully been delivered from "their old man". New creatures want nothing to do with their old way of living, speaking, walking or talking. "Holy Hip Hoppers" need to crucify themselves, eg those that still desire to rap, dress like the world, speak the world's slang. I can say this because I am a former hip hop head. The Lord was dealing with me in this area long before G Craige came along. Because I sought God's face and asked him to open my eyes to the hindrances in my spiritual life. I asked, God why can't I get a break through in my personal relationships, my emotional state. Why am I so bound? I told the Lord, I wanted the indwelling of His Holy Spirit... not that of others or their ways and thoughts... I wanted to be more like Him. As far as the "name dropping and rebuking" G Craige did, Jesus did the same. He put the "woman at the well’s" business on front street and many others. Jesus did it to make people aware of their shortcomings (sins seen and unseen, sins that were willing done and those unknowing committed) and then he offered you himself, ("I am the way the truth and the light, none cometh unto the father except through me"). G Craige does the same. He makes you aware and then offers God, the father to you. It always amazes me when people try to make Christians and Christianity a walk of passivity. It is not. Paul speaks of having boldness through the new testament. G Craige is just bold and many can't handle it because they like what they are doing and they think God's grace and mercy will allow them to keeping sinning. Regarding the fact that G Craige will not debate with you, Jesus did not debate either. Jesus never debated, he offered you the truth. Come out from among them, " Holy Hip Hoppers ". But I guess, that you have to be open to hear what thus sayeth the Lord, whether it suits your agenda (to rap or produce music with known secular artist whom do not serve "thy God in spirit and in truth” or makes you say ouch! Or makes you change your position on a subject to get back in the full fellowship with God. I don't preach hate, I have not been brainwashed. I have done the research. I hold a Bachelors in History and a MA in English, I am very intelligent person. G Craige is only one of many ministers who have been given this same word for God's people. I am truly praying and fasting on the behalf of those who need and want to hear God's word, not watered-down rap. — Kim

I agree with about 90% of what Craige says. People have to understand that you are not going to agree 100% with most people, whether they be a preacher, your doctor, friend, whoever. As far as dealing with hip hop, what I got from watching one of the DVDs is that he isn't putting down the hip hop gospel totally. I do remember him saying something like that style of music is okay. And I say music, but when you get to acting like worldly hip hop then there's a problem. I mean I like Tonex, but on one of his rap songs, there is an insinuation when the rapper splits up the word masturbation on the "Out of the Box" album. Some hip hop rap is straddling the fine line between gospel rap and secular rap. — Roz

Why do so many defend hip hop? Though I believe that DJ Kool Herc is responsible for it, it does not glorify God nor has it ever. Individuals who have named the name of Christ have spoken in the garments and synagogues of men. Was it what they were or where they were at that brought salvation? Never. It is the Lord who calls, it is His Word that convicts and it is His Spirit that lights the path. No one said that Christian Rap couldn't be done. Why hold onto the things of the world. The truth is that hip hop was started in the party/disco atmosphere. It has always been promoted that way even today. The clubs are what gave rise to the hip hop movement. From the dj/rappers to the break dancers who battled on the club floors and outside, to the graffiti that began to define a group longing to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Hip hop was founded on sin. Can we take sin and offer it up to God? God calls us out of the world. If you want to use something, use rap. Using hip hop is like saying someone can come from the homosexual culture and be one of them to promote the Gospel. They have their own way of dressing, talking, living. And so does hip hop. But you don't need hip hop to do the will of Christ. Music never saves — only Christ! And oh, by the way, everything Hazakim said quoting scriptures is the same thing Lewis was saying about those who would pervert the Gospel. I love Christian rap. But we don't need hip hop. Is God not big enough to make a movement of His own? Oh yeah, he did. It is called Christianity. I would gladly profess that before anyone. And what comparison can be made of hip hop to Christianity? Absolutely none. I grew up in the hip hop movement in NJ when it first started out — just a 1/2 hrs drive away from NYC. I refuse to take any label from the world except for one — Christian! People are dieing in Vietnam, Cuba, Ethiopia, Eritrea, China, Iraq, Pakistan, India and other countries because they refuse to deny Christ! They couldn't give a rat's tail about holy hip hop. Their concern is witnessing about and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Hip hop, just let it go. — Julian K

I am a Nigerian youth and I believe that America is heading for destruction if Christians in America don’t take a stand. I think we should take only the truth from what Craige has said and leave the rest to God. His message has reached Africa and we are taking it seriously. Let’s not fight ourselves, let's face the common enemy, the devil. — Peter

The Devil also quoted the bible; and said "It's also written...." Matthew 24:24, for false Christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, the even the elect... (many will be deceived). There is only one truth and it shall stand... I am glad G Craige Lewis does not compromise, somebody had to do it! — Millia, South African teen

I have read the many pros and cons that have been submitted here. It is written that God is not the author of confusion. There is a lot of confusion here. It is also written that, the things of God are spiritually discerned, the carnal mind cannot understand the things of God. Have you received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost? If not then what you interpret from God’s word is very, very, possibly incorrect. In Hip-Hop music, who and what are being glorified? It sure is not God? 95% of what you here in the music and see in the videos is against the word of God. Throughout the Bible, God destroyed those things that were wicked. Let us not forget those things (the world in Noah’s time, Sodom and Gomorrah, even a statue of Dagon when the Ark of the Covenant was placed in the same room with the statue). God does not want anything to do with sin or anything that is of wickedness. (When Israel was fighting The Amalekites and Saul was told to utterly destroy everything but did not, but brought back the riches and the flocks to sacrifice. I think we know what was said and what happened after this). Nowhere in the Bible does God use anything that is of the devil. So what makes us think that we can take something that is of the devil, try and clean it up, and use it for the glory of God? Music is to be used to praise and worship God! It is written, God inhabits our praise and worship. God wants nothing to do with this type of music. It is written, be in the world but not of the world and desire not its things there of. I have also heard it said “We are using Hip-Hop to appeal to and trying to meet this culture on its level to bring them in”. Nowhere in the Bible are we told to conform to the world. We are told the exact opposite. It is written, be not conformed to the world. We are called to live a Godly life and in doing this we show them how to live. For those of us who are truly called to proclaim the Word of the Lord, we are to “Preach the Word”! We are also not to add to nor take away from. We are to be instant in season and out of season: reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. Ask the richest and wisest man to ever live (Solomon) about conforming or yielding to please. It is clear when you truly look at the Scriptures that the Lord has left us as a manual, Hip-Hop has no place at all in a Christian’s life. We are to be a bright light for everyone to see and draw them in with our Godliness. We are called to be Holy! Minister Craig is right, though he may have been wrong on some information, but as a whole it is clear that he is correct in saying stay away from Hip-Hop. It is of the devil. My question to you is: Why would a true Christian, living a truly Christian life want the temple of God to immolate anything of satan’s? If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck: it must be a duck. So, if we conform and look like a duck, walk like a duck, and quack like a duck then we are ducks. Stop being a duck! — Minister Walker

Only God knows the hearts of men! God can use anything he chooses, he used a liar, murderer, cheat to get his word to his people. If an almighty, all powerful, all knowing God can use them who is to say that God can't use Hip-Hop (I use the term loosely to describe a genre of music not a way of life) as a means of ministering to his people. If you don't understand the ministry of Gospel rap then you were not the intended person for the message. Modern day Gospel evolved from the Blues. I don't agree with the religion of "Hip-Hop" but I do believe that God can use a genre of music to minister to his people. I really don't like Gospel rap but that doesn't stop it from being effective. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. This is to everyone study your word, do your research and allow God to minister to you and through the Spirit, form your own agenda. — VC

I totally agree with what this Pastor is saying, He comes from the word with power and I feel like he is being attacked because he chooses to do what other pastors wouldn’t. He has exposed hip hop for what it truly is. That rap music is here to disturb the minds of our youth and destroy their futures. As for me and my house Pastor Craig we pray for God to bless your family and know that you have one standing in your corner. Greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world. — Nick

I’m glad this was brought to my attention. I viewed this "Truth Behind Hip Hop" video at my church. It honestly scared me. The information about Ja Rule, DMX, Bone Thugs N Harmony, and a little bit about Jay-Z I still believe. As for the rest of it, you have really opened my eyes. — Justin

Let God be true and all men liars. Instead of judging one another we should pray for forgiveness and that God will heal our land. I believe it is possible to serve God through music as long as the music draws people to God, shows them the love of God and make them know Christ is the way. We need to be real without grace it is impossible to serve God. Our walk, talk and dress must represent Christ. Being a Christian means being Christ-like in everything, even our thinking. — Nikkita

Jesus be praised. Look at what is happening to us. Craige points out truths. "Sin is sin" call it out! We have allowed things into the church for far too long, we are so quick to follow without searching for the truth and when it comes and it's not watered down then we are offended. I buy, listen and write Christian rap, I have tats and a grill but I didn't know the history behind this, but know as I continue this walk with Christ I understand more about living Holy and how we invite spirits to rest in us. Did some of his words cut, yes but can I deny God’s words, no. A diss record? I pray not, I can’t hear it over here in Iraq, but if it is, repent. Christian rap all bad, naw, listen to the lyrics and test the spirit. — MOG

I agree with these hip hop artists and Craig G is wrong. He lies in some of his messages. I'm a hip hop artist myself and not all hip hop is bad! Music is entertainment and a way of releasing stress and telling what you feel. A lot of hip hop artists grew up in the ghetto or without a father, or have had hardships in their lives so we take music and write about it to get it off our chest. Being lyrically talented is a gift from God and I'm not gonna stop my craft for anyone. — Young Skill

May the Most High control my thoughts as I write these words. People often focus on the man instead of the message. We look for reasons to discredit a person rather than examining there words for the truth. What these brothers don't realize is that Craig G Lewis is not a " hiphop head" so to speak. So he doesn't have the same source of information as someone that is a part of the culture. Does his slight inaccuracies make his words false? Let’s talk about truth. No real hiphop insider considers Kool Herc to be solely the father of hiphop. The birth of this culture is usually attributed to 3 or 4 people; most commonly Bambaata, Herc, and Flash. The main character of this trio however is Bambaata because it was Bambaata that linked these elements now called hiphop. It was Bambaata who actually coined the phrase hiphop, and began to call it a culture. Bambaata was on a spiritual mission to spread his vision to black people, primarily the youth. Herc more accurately should be called a founder father of rap music as his contributions to the culture were primarily musical. That being said no sane person needed Craig G Lewis to point out satanism in the culture. Murder, rape, and basically sin in general is what is glorified in this culture. Everyone wants to debate the Jay-Z backwards masking accusation, but one only needs to examine the words Jay-Z has not hidden to see what he is about. Here are some quotes, "You know the demon said it’s best to die, and even if Jehovah bares witness I bet he'll never testify", "It’s hova the god, blasphemy", "That’s right its wicked, that’s life I live it. We aint asking for forgiveness for our sins." "His eyes said pray for me. I said I’ll do you one better and slay these niggas faithfully." I could do this all day with just about any rap artist. It's not just the negative mentality we often associate with growing up in "tha hood", But notice the demonic spiritual overtone. Now does this differ from KRS’s or Bambaata’s message? Yes and no. Anything that is anti-God is satanic. When Bambaata refers to himself as the amen ra, that is the Egyptian sun god. The origins of the pagan system of astrology. Ra the sun god is nothing more than lucifer the morning star. KRS's message is equally pagan. Just because something is considered positive does not make it Godly. In fact calling something positive is another case of man deciding for himself what is just rather than following God’s laws. We are called on to be Godly or Christ-like not positive. This is not an endorsement of Craig Lewis. I too have found errors and a sense of self hate. Like his references to what he calls nigglets, or his opposition to any thing pro-black. He even goes as far as saying that Solomon had jungle fever and produced a weaker counterfeit bloodline. Diluting the pure white bloodline of Christ. This is not only un-factual but it sounds almost blasphemous. However none of it takes away from the truth of his argument against hiphop. Besides we are all responsible for seeking the truth on our own, not waiting for a man to tell us what is true. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Seeking truth is seeking Christ. The law has been written in our hearts, not abolished. We should have been following God in a way that would have made the truth about hiphop unnecessary. The issues people have with Craig, isn't solely his problem, but rather a representation of what is wrong with the church. There is a lot of twisted man influenced thinking that is not Bible based or Godly. Christmas is a good example of this. Humble yourselves, seek His face, and turn from your wicked ways. The truth will set us free. Shalom. — D Davis

As a Christian why must you snap back at another Christian by making a song about him? If G Craig Lewis called out the other gospel artist by name, why can't you let them handle it? I never heard of you. Craig called Tonex a cross-dresser because he cross-dresses. What else would you call a person who cross-dresses, which means dresses in clothes not meant for a person of that particular sex? He didn’t say fag at all so now you are the one that is gossiping. Plus so what if he called Tonex a cross-dresser? Christ called the Pharisees snakes! What’s it to you? Did this offend you in any way? Do you cross-dress? “At any rate we can see that exposing the error, rebuking the methods and naming the names of dissenters who slander and cause division in the Body of Messiah, is well within the boundaries of Scripture. We pray that G Craige Lewis repents of his grievous, self-righteous attitude and that he joins the true fellowship of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Until then, we encourage pastors, parents and all believers to boycott his efforts until he apologizes and repents." repent for what? How can you say that Craig judged people when you are also judging him yourself? Not only do you call him a slanderer, but you say he has a "self-righteous" attitude? Have you forgotten what it is like to think as a non-believer? If you were to preach or come with this so called Holy hip hop to a non-believer or someone from my hood in New Jersey they would say that you or any other believer have a self-righteous attitude. The body of Christ has been divided for a long time now or haven't you noticed? What is the "the true fellowship of the Spirit in the bond of peace"? I bet that even you can't tell me what it is. The body of Christ has been divided every time someone had a different interpretation of different passages. That is of course why we have so many different denominations. The hip hop we know now was started with the redefinition of hip hop by Afrika Bambaataa in the 80s and KRS One influenced the religious factor. Then again how can Bambaataa not be the father of hip hop if he is the one who gave it the name to begin with? "So he created “The Temple of Hip-Hop” nearly a decade after his first album dropped. What does that mean to hip-hop? Nothing. Craige, please answer how KRS is even relevant or qualifies as the “spokesman” any more than Schooly D or LL Cool J... "if KRS One is not relevant to hip hop why is he going around literally preaching hip hop, and not only preaching hip hop but also saying that we are all gods and goddesses? Craig Lewis defines hip hop as a way of life, and KRS himself says that hip hop is all about self empowerment. If you preach self empowerment and freedom of expression to a person, what do you think the product will be? So basically all Bambaataa and KRS One are doing is boycotting their own product. The hip hop from Bambaataa, 50 and Yin Yang are the same hip hop because they all preach self empowerment. Just because you think the temple of hip hop has no effect on hip hop doesn't mean that it didn't have an effect. You only assume it has no effect because not that many people had known about it until Craig mentioned it. But all in all Craig was not judging the gospel artist. He just brought out what many already knew about the artist. He only rebuked the public sins of the gospel artist like Paul did in Corinth chapter 5. It’s not like he pulled out a lot of sins they did in private. Also just like he said a fan is a true follower. Many look up to these gospel artists, even to the point where they ignore what the bible says and do whatever the gospel artist does. So of course if I see a Christian leader committing a sin in public I will rebuke him/her publicly and I will want them to do the same with me. Otherwise just like Paul said it will cause confusion among the believers and non-believers. Craig also mentioned that he is praying for everyone he named, and we can't come out and make accusations that he never went to them because we don't know his private life, the same as we don't know the gospel artist private life. But to conclude I don't even know why many Christians are are wasting their time even trying to defend hip hop. Why not just use your time and energy to preach the word to non-believers! If a Craig is already saved and their are many non-believers in this world, and Craig happens to be wrong, do you really think Jesus would use his time to respond to him by making a song and devoting internet pages to him? Because by devoting an internet page to talking about Craig instead of talking to non-believers you gave Craig a lot of credit. — Jerry

The truth is that G Craig Lewis is correct, for so many years people have been trying to reach the truth, however the idea of them should not be at the compromising of God set standard. Hip hop is wrong and the reason people are afraid of it, and afraid to speak out against it is because they have their on desires they find in it. My question is would you party with a man that assaulted your mother or called her degrading names or even put down our own race. Characters like 50 Cent calling our women whores and sluts and encouraging trouble by his junk. He would kill others for doing to his family. My question is the bible says you can tell a tree by its fruit, hip hop hasn't produced good just crimes, look at NWA, look at Ice Cube, look at Snoop Doggy Dog, would you want you daughters to be in their group or you children to be like these knuckle heads. As Christians we should not be pulled down to the sinners’ level but raise them to God’s standard. The bible says God is the same yesterday today and forever more, in other words if the word was good enough then, then it is now. To be frank God never called music as a witness tool yet as praise and worship so just tell me how you are worshipping him by dancing like you are in the club? — Cranston

It saddens me to see how many people let fear get to them. I knew about this crisis before watching the EX Ministries and I knew there was a reason why God wanted me to be aware of these things. Whether or not you want to accept his claims, that's up to you, but don't say you didn't know. I asked God for help because I really didn't know what to make of all the things that I knew, and I'm still growing and He has shown me many things. So what are you so afraid of? Stop being so defensive and for once let God handle it? What do you have to lose? For many of us, we let fear control our lives. God should be your guidance, not a man. At the very least, you should strive to be at peace with your soul. — Thal

If you want to do hip hop well do it. People need to listen to God and read the bible because God never used music to reach people. Most people want to show themselves when they do holy hip hop. Jesus came to be about his Father’s business and not show himself. So read the bible and get before God, people. — Lester Long

Wow! First and foremost I would like to say that I am for G Craige Lewis! His message has brought me to my knees and has caused me to change some stuff in my life. And I'm grateful for his obedience. I am a follower of Christ nonetheless and not Lewis. However I do support what he is doing in God. I do not feel that you people (Hazakim and holy hip hop in its entirety) are lead by the Holy Spirit. I agree with Dico. You all are angry because Lewis is attacking something that is a part of your character. But I cannot say that listening to holy hip hop will save souls. It's not about the music, it's about the move of the Spirit. If Lewis is of the devil, how can people be set free by his words? I personally witnessed him casting out demons and setting souls free by the power of God! Even though I believed what he said on the DVDs, I still did research for myself and he was right about everything. And things are being revealed to me daily from his message just from watching TV! And the whole gay men with AIDS thing, he's not perfect so get over that. I'm happy for what he is doing and what he continues to do in Christ. I can only pray for his strength to stand up against the devil in this twisted world! — Prayer (and that is my real name)

It’s normal that people don’t agree and like Craig because not everybody likes Jesus and that’s how we Christians are suppose to be. We are supposed to be the lambs amongst wolves just like Christ was. We should speak the truth nothing but the truth. Christ said that he didn’t come to judge and we would still say to the Pharisees or the priests you hypocrites, you brood of vipers. And Christ is our role model we are supposed to live like He did, ready to take our cross and follow Him. Paul says in Ephesians 6. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. God said that we should not add or remove anything from His words and we are supposed to practice only the doctrines of God and of Christ. We are not supposed to do whatever the bible doesn’t talk about. The word hip hop aint in the bible and no prophet ever prophesised about it. And ask yourself if the man that came out with the name hip hop, rap and all those other names was guided by the Holy Spirit or was the man of God. And if you see your brother going in a right direction you should correct Him because no one wanna see his brother burn in the fiery furnace. If Christ wouldn’t listen to hiphop, rap or any other thing we shunt and if the person that sings the song does not obey God or walk in the ways of God then do not listen to the song at all. The truth hurts but we will have to accept it. Just read your bible and God said that no one should touch His anointed one or speak against them. You’re fighting against God because I don’t see anything wrong in what he said. He didn’t say anything that was against God. And you people are ok with people blaspheming against God, against our heavenly Father, against Christ our Mesiah. You should wake up and smell the truth. When Christ comes that day it aint gonna be funny so just live the hip hop world because life aint about money. If God never directed you to sing don’t do it. And God said Seek ye my kingdom first before everything not after u take you decision. We are the disciples of Christ, He’s not our disciple. All you who think Craig is wrong are wrong because I’m sure God never directed you and you don’t practice all the laws of God. You are saying God says forgive so why don’t you forgive Him instead of coming to post up things here. That will make you a better Christian I suppose. Read your bible. Seek guidance from God and all you do will prosper and Isaiah said in 54:17 that all weapons forged against you will not, shall not prevail. Anyways God knows his children. If you don’t practice what Christ did or wrote you’re an antichrist. And sodomites are too exposed because God don’t like that that’s why he destroyed the city of Sodom and Gomorrah. That is where the word sodom comes from because they practiced sodomy. God sent his two angels to destroy the place. If your father is against it be against it and speak out because only the truth shall set you free of any bondages and chains. Say the truth and shame the devil. Don’t let satan fool you because God created us in His own image so it means that we have that knowledge that’s only if we read the bible. So if we read the bible we would the schemes of satan and his trap and wouldn’t walk into. You guys need to fast, read the bible and pray. That’s the best thing to do ever. Spiritual growth. Remember flesh counts for nothing. Anyways if you are Christian be Christ like and godly and oh ya Holy because God don’t see sinner he can’t stand sin. Anyways may God grant you the knowledge and wisdom to see the schemes of the devil, how he attacks and from where he attacks. Don’t talk and fight against something that you got no knowledge about because he will you up and defeat like he did to these two men when Christ came. Anyways read your bible. Bye. — Kobie

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Everyday Process: The Process Of Illumination & Elimination Everyday Process is on a mission. That mission is to use hip-hop as a means to an end, and that end being impacting people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Especially those that normally wouldn't set foot in a spiritual setting like church. Everyday Process consider themselves God's ambassadors and His representatives to these people (2Cor 5:20). The group understands their generation and culture. Having been themselves immersed in the culture, they understand that for many that are into hip-hop, it is often a way of life. They feel a sense of urgency to get this vital message out. A no-compromise message using hip-hop's own magnetism to spread the truth everywhere. In churches, in the streets and on corners, or where ever it needs to go. Available to buy from amazon.com and amazon.co.uk

The Hip-Hop Church: Connecting With the Movement Shaping Our Culture Hip-hop culture is all around us: in the clothes youth wear, in the music they listen to, in the ways they express themselves. It is the language they speak, the rhythm they move to. It is a culture familiar with the hard realities of our broken world; the generation raised with rap knows about the pain. They need to know about the hope. Enter the hip-hop church. Like the culture it rises from, the hip-hop church is relevant and bold. And it speaks to the heart. In this book, pastors Efrem Smith and Phil Jackson show the urgency of connecting hip-hop culture and church to reach a generation with the gospel of Jesus Christ. They give practical ideas from their urban churches and other hip-hop churches about how to engage and incorporate rap, break dancing, poetry and deejays to worship Jesus and preach his Word. Hip-hop culture is shaping the next generation. Ignoring it will not reduce its influence; it will only separate us from the youth moving to its rhythm. Available to buy from amazon.com and amazon.co.uk

Noise and Spirit: The Religious and Spiritual Sensibilities of Rap Music Rap music is often seen as a Black secular response to pressing issues of our time. Yet rap has deep connections to African American religious traditions. Noise and Spirit explores the diverse religious dimensions of rap stemming from Islam (including the Nation of Islam and Five Percent Nation), Rastafarianism, and Humanism, as well as Christianity. The volume examines rap's dialogue with religious traditions, from the ways in which Islamic rap music is used as a method of religious and political instruction to the uses of both the blues and Black women's rap for considering the distinction between God and the Devil. The first section explores rap's association with more easily recognizable religious traditions and communities such as Christianity and Islam. The next presents discussions of rap and important spiritual considerations, including on the topic of death. The final wrestles with ways to theologize about the relationship between the sacred and the profane in rap. Available to buy from amazon.com and amazon.co.uk

Jesus and the Hip-Hop Prophets: Spiritual Insights from Lauryn Hill and Tupac Shakur Cleverly organized into seven short "tracks" instead of chapters, this slim volume offers reflections on the lyrics of two popular recording artists, Lauryn Hill and the late 2pac Shakur. That Teter, director of two More Than Conquerors campus ministries, and Gee, pastor of Fountain of Life Family Worship Center, are knowledgeable fans of hip-hop and admirers of the two featured lyricists is unmistakable. Equally evident is their desire to enable their fellow fans to discover the spiritual truths embedded in the lyrics. The book suffers from the typical awkwardness of the first-person narratives of two writers-the "I, Alex" and "My (John's)" type of construction. Still, the book offers a valuable look at the connection between the harshness of urban life and the prophetic warnings from two singers who managed to find hope amid difficult circumstances. Available to buy from amazon.com and amazon.co.uk

The Hip Hop Prayer Book A powerful evangelism tool, developed at Trinity Church of Morrisania in the South Bronx, The Hip Hop Prayer Book offers a means to worship that will draw in the young and speak to those not generally spoken to by the Church. Containing daily prayers, psalms, a variety of services, and a selection of bible stories all designed with the enlivening power of Hip Hop in mind. The Hip Hop Prayer Book features Psalm 23 as adapted by Ryan Kearse: "The Lord is all that, I need for nothing. He allows me to chill. He keeps me from being heated and allows me to breathe easy. He guides my life so that I can represent and give shouts out in his Name. And even though I walk through the Hood of death, I don't back down for you have my back. The fact that you have me covered allows me to chill. He provides me with back-up in front of my player-haters and I know that I am a baller and life will be phat. I fall back in the Lord's crib for the rest of my life." Available to buy from amazon.com and amazon.co.uk

You may have heard of a controversial series of DVDs called The Truth Behind Hip Hop. These are produced by G Craige Lewis of EX Ministries, and are proving to be remarkably popular with young people. However, many take issue with Lewis's claims. The Truth Behind Hip Hop Exposed

Is it possible to have holy hip hop? According to G Craige Lewis of The Truth Behind Hip Hop the answer is no. He claims that hip-hop is not music, but a religion. However, many take a different view, believing that the church can use rap music to reach out to young people. Holy Hip Hop

If, like me, you were surprised to see Pastor Mason Betha rapping with 50 Cent on his single Window Shopping, you might be wondering what's going on. Mase's conversion to Christianity in 1999 is well documented, not least in his autobiography. Has Ma$e exchanged Creflo Dollar for half a dollar?

Gun violence seems to follow the rapper 50 Cent, who has himself been shot nine times, and always wears a bulletproof vest. Now it's claimed that 'Fiddy' makes a profit out of the misery of parents who are burying their children. Is 50 Cent Bulletproof?: Rap Music and Violence