Danielle Testifies

Recently I drew your attention to a new breed of Christian rappers who inject theology in their rhythm and rhymes. The two rappers I highlighted are called Lecrae and Shai Linne.

One of the specific raps I mentioned was called Testify by Shai Linne. Three totally different stories on this rap highlight three ways that God worked to draw three people to himself.

While there are many ways Jesus brings people to himself, some dramatic and others quite ordinary, every Christian has a story to tell. No one starts out in life as a Christian, even if they grow up in a Christian family in the buckle of the Bible Belt! The Bible is clear that everyone is born in sin, because of Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden.

Romans 5:12 says, “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.” We were all born in sin, and then we have all lived out that rebellion. Paul summarizes the human dilemma in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Because of our sin, we are separated from God, and even under his judgment. Some preachers smile all of the time, only talking about ways God wants you to have a better life. It is true that God loves the world, but it is also true that God hates our sins and will judge every person who does not repent. Jesus himself said, “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God” (John 3:18).

If you are doing the math, that means every single person that has ever lived since Adam started out in sin and then lived out that sinful nature in evil thoughts, words, and deeds. Everyone that God has ever made deserves his wrath.

The great news of the Bible, however, is that God is as gracious as he is great! He made a way for rebels to be rescued from his wrath! He sent his Son to earth, to live perfectly and die as a substitute for sinners on the cross. Three days later God raised him from the dead showing the world that he accepted his sacrifice and certifying Jesus as the real thing.

Another great sentence from the Bible that summarizes this wonderful news is Romans 6:23, which says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The gift of God can not be earned. The only way to receive it is to repent of your sins and trust in Jesus Christ. This is not merely adding a prayer to your life lived for yourself. It is God opening your heart, showing you your sin and his glorious provision. When you see Jesus like that, you can’t not believe! Your new heart then brings about a new direction of lifestyle. You then have a story of your own, or as it is sometimes called a testimony.

When my ten year old daughter, Danielle heard Shai Linne’s rap about the three testimony stories, she said, “Hmm! I’m going to put my testimony in a rap.” As a dad, I love when my kids express themselves artistically. But as a Christian dad, I was especially concerned to see how the Lord was working in her life.

Christian parents are challenged about the spiritual state of their children. The kids know the facts about Jesus long before they can express real repentance and faith. Plus it is difficult to determine if they are trusting Jesus because of their parents and church friends or because God has opened their hearts. As you read Danielle’s rap, see if you can detect God’s hand at work. You will have to supply the beat!

Danielle’d grown up in church and her dad was a pastor
But she didn’t know she was in a spiritual disaster!

She’d always heard about Christ Jesus our Lord,
But of the Bible stories, she was getting kind of bored!

When Danielle was 9, her sister received God.
And she started telling Danielle about Jesus’ precious blood.

Charissa kept on pressing her and sharing Jesus’ light.
But, it was a different story for Danielle at night.

She was scared that soon she’d face death.
And that she would soon breathe her final breath.

Danielle knew very well
That she was headed for hell.

But the hope of reaching her sister, Charissa hadn’t forsaken.
‘Cause on the first of September she came out with a book and begged her little sister to “please take a look!”

The book was called “Do Hard Things”.
And the gospel it brings.

But the words it said were hard to understand.
But still next to her sister, Charissa did stand.

So, Danielle read and although it was tough
She read until Charissa said ‘that’s enough!’

Then the Lord opened up Danielle’s eyes.
And she didn’t get why the gospel was such a surprise.

Until she realized God had changed her heart.
Now to glorify him she’s doing her part.

I’m not sure about Danielle’s future as a rapper, but I am very encouraged about her direction in following Jesus. What about you? Do you have a story about God taking you from loving sin to loving Jesus? Is your lifestyle matching your story? Nothing is more important in life than being in a right relationship with God. Receive his gift of righteousness by entrusting your life to Jesus today.