02.MAY.08

Editor: Once again we the SVG’s Gospel Fest will Climax. We are left to ask, what and why?

The Festival leaves the impression that it is designed to bring glory and honour to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Is this really the case it? Let’s examine some aspects the festival closely.{{more}}

The theme of the Festival this year is “Get Your Praise On”. Notice that the theme does not explicitly state, praise to who or what. Since when are we Christians omitting the name of Jesus from our Ministry. The stated aim of the festival is “To develop gospel expressions and provide greater exposure for gospel artistes in St Vincent and the Grenadines”. Please note that once again there is nothing stated in the aim of the festival about spreading the name of Christ and calling mankind to repentance from their wicked ways, which is our main duty as Christians. Instead it is about exposure of artistes, which in my opinion amounts to self praise.

In Mathew ch.28 vs 19-20, Jesus says: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen”. Two of the stated objectives of the Gospel Fest are: 1) “to create a spiritual awareness of God and promote a healthier lifestyle through the Gospel and 2) To add diversity to cultural activities and enhance the tourism product by developing April as a major festival month.” I would like the committee to define “spiritual awareness”, please, because as far as I know the devil is aware who God is and this spiritual awareness does not amount to calling persons to repentance. I am curious to know, is it our duty as Christians to add diversity to culture? Let me go back to the Holy Word of God. 2 Corinthians ch.6 vs 14-15 says: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? So my question is: What part hath Christian culture with the culture of the World? Gospel Fest puts Christians against Christians competing for medals. How much have we lost our focus? Let’s remember what Jesus told the disciples in Luke ch.22 vs 24-26: “And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, the kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.” Notice what Jesus said “ye shall not be so.” We are not here for competition but to live our lives to the best of our ability humble unto God.

My conclusion is Gospel fest is a Gospel Mess. It is an attempt to water down the effect of the Church of God, by shifting their focus from real ministry to Showcases, Festivals and Competitions, to the point where there is no real distinction between Christian culture and Worldly (sinful) culture. Children of the one and true living God in the Name of Jesus, I appeal to you, wake up, smell the coffee, the time is upon us.

Ray James