Amidst the hoopla that's arisen after the death of Michael Jackson are Christians questioning Jackson's spiritual beliefs and whether or not he was a Christian. (Why after his death and not before is another column.)
According to news reports, Jackson had converted to Islam recently, but apparently some rumors have been circulating that gospel singer Andrae Crouch recently met with Jackson and prayed with him to receive Christ.
Andrae Crouch and his sister Sandra released this statement today, clarifying those rumors:
"It has been brought to our attention that several media outlets have been erroneously reporting that we met our dear friend Michael Jackson several weeks prior to his death so he could accept Christ. This is incorrect and absolutely not true."We loved and respected Michael enormously and we've been friends with him for many, many years, and are deeply saddened by his sudden and tragic death. We recently met with Michael to discuss recording two songs with our choir for his newest recording project.
"Michael always had a respect and curiosity for spiritual things. During our meeting, not unlike many other creative/music meetings we've had with him in the past, we sang together, prayed together and had a wonderful time.
"We are praying for Michael's family and desire nothing less than God's best for them."
What was in Jackson's heart when he died is really between him and God. But for Christians who are concerned about his spiritual state, I would recommend that they take a look around them right now, where there are hurting people who need to hear about Jesus. Rather than spend time wondering about Michael Jackson in hindsight, spend some time today talking to someone who's still here and praying for the Jackson family, and especially his children, who don't need this media circus as they grieve the loss of their father.
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did they tell you that they presented him with the plan of salvation?
do you know that for a fact?
i hope it's true since so few christians had that kind of opportunity!
there will never be anymore opportunities.
No, Connie, I think that's the entire point. People are running with stories they read online, when the reality is that what happened between Andre and Sandra, and Michael Jackson and God, is between them. So we can stop speculating.
Joanne
host of the GS blog
To Connie,
It may be helpful to look at the Word of God in context. It is NOT a Christians job to save souls at all costs. Saving souls is the work of God, and he already paid the cost. Our primary responsibility is to glorify God. Then we are to be witnesses. Seeking and saving the lost, by the way, is NOT what we do! Luke 19:10 clearly states that the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost. He does the seeking and he does the saving. We do the proclaiming.
Connie, I hear what you are saying and I wonder that also. Here is more food for thought....THIS should be a lesson to all of us. Maybe the Crouches thought they would 'win him over' in time but that time was cut short.
ALLEN
It IS our job as christians to spread the word to the ends of the world about JESUS. we are the voice for the almighty GOD. so as a christian you, ALLEN, have a responsibility to follow the word of GOD and DO.
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