RedGage

Casting Crowns is probably by now a household name in most Christian homes throughout the United States. This Contemporary Christian music group composed of ministers from the Atlanta, Georgia area continues to inspire worshipers to know God. Seek Him and know that He loves you.

Come to the Well

In October 2011, Mark Hall and Casting Crowns released their latest album project, Come to the Well. It was eagerly anticipated as it featured the theme song from the September 2011 movie project, Courageous. Recently, though, a second single has been released that is quickly gaining attention for it's title and the lyrics, "Jesus Friend of Sinners."

The song starts with the following lyrics:

"Jesus, friend of sinners, we have strayed so far away.

We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to swing.

Jesus, friend of sinners, the truth's become so hard to see."

Further in the song, it goes on to say:

"Jesus, friend of sinners, the one who's writing in the sand,

Made the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands

Help us to remember we are all the least of these

Let the memory of your mercy bring your people to their knees

Nobody knows what we are for, only what we're against when we judge the wounded

What if we put down our signs, crossed over the lines and loved like You did?"

The song has only been out for a month but already is at #24 on the Billboard Christian Songs Chart.

Protests and the World Today

Consider the current events in world news today, especially here in the States. Recently, the nightly world news looks like something out of the Civil Rights Movements of the 1960's. More and more people are taking to the streets to protest , riot and demand change in their government and the world. People are crying out for help, for justice and for mercy. How did we get here to this point in history once again? What would happen if the riots and protesters put down their signs, walked away from their marches and instead turned their hearts and minds toward the one whom we built this country on in the first place?

In God We Trust

The focus of today's world seems to be all about, " Me" and " My Rights." People are looking for a friend. They are looking for help, for fairness, equality and justice. However, are they looking in the right place? It does seem, in the light of all the recent protests, marches and riots that people expect the Government to meet their needs, fix all the problems and make life better for, " Me."

It's never going to work that way. We are all sinners, each and every one of us. We're human and we're imperfect and we're never going to fix things without God, Jesus, Friend of Sinners.

Perhaps Casting Crowns has a point. What would happen in our world if we put the signs down? What if we quit protesting and we started doing? What if our eyes were focused back on God and In God We Trust? What changes might be made if we all were to Come to the Well, and learn to love and live as Christ loves and lives in those who trust Him. What might we accomplish if we worked together in unity and love for the glory of God?

The Choice is Ours

This album is an awesome reminder that it really is up to us to choose. We can all be "Courageous." We can all Come to the Well and we can all choose "Jesus, Friend of Sinners."

Mark Hall's book, Come to the Well and the new Casting Crowns CD by the same name are in stores now.