Van - I disagree with your statement because "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Secondly, "I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life." (John 6:47). In Romans 4:6-7 "6David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7"Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered."

This idea that a man must have the "righteousness" that you speak of and describe that it must be attained before he can enter Heaven is not on course with what the Bible says.

But aside from that, while I understand that your message was meant to be one of caution and for that, I agree, it still comes off calling into question George Strait's faith- "we would be wise to determine what kind of faith it is".

As a Christian, I know this is not our role on Earth and this is the issue I take exception with. We are to be unconditionally loving people and in essence, be an attractive Christian so that we win souls to the Lord - not alienate them for what you perceive to be questionable faith.

I think I could have swallowed your message better if you would have just said, "I didn't like the song" and stopped.

Brandon said: "What exactly is the "gospel crowd" that Hendrix eludes to?"

I believe the last statistic I saw was that only 15% of Christians listen to any form of Gospel music.

Perhaps that remaining 85% of Christians is who Hendrix is targeting? Somebody needs to. That's a huge untapped market.

"Perhaps that remaining 85% of Christians is who Hendrix is targeting? Somebody needs to. That's a huge untapped market."
Targeting a huge untapped market?
You are kidding right? The only thing he is tapping is the influx of money with a song that was sung by the legendary George Straight. That's called good business sense. I don't fault him for that but calling this song "Faith Based" Do you put your faith in Budda, Muhammed, The Pope? Did you actually listen to the words? Let me quote a few "faith based" lines from this song:
"I'll see you on the other side....IF I MAKE IT."
"talk to our maker" "follow the good light"
"I MIGHT need a hand to see you both someday"
1 reference to God and 1 reference to streets of gold to insure that the 85% know he's actually talking about heaven.
I don't know about you but my faith is not based on seeing you on the other side IF I MAKE IT, IF I talk to OUR MAKER and follow the GOOD LIGHT and when it comes time I MIGHT NEED A HAND to see you
both. Folks I don't know about some of those "evangelical Christians" But I know that on June 12th 1996 I asked God to forgive me of my sins and come into my life so that I don't have to wonder when I come to the crossing of that Jordan river that Jesus will be right there holding my hand. My faith is based on the Lord Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords who holds in his hands as we speak the keys to death and hell. THAT'S MY FAITH!
WHEW......can I get an AMEN!
Didn't know I was a preacher did ya. Thought ole Brian was just a tenor singer with one of the best groups in Dallas, Texas. (shameless plug, Yes I know)
Ya'll leave Rick alone, He's just trying to feed his family. Let's just call a spade, a spade.

You may not want to believe it, but it's true. I can tell you from the experience in my OWN Twenties and Thirties group at church - of the 30 or so that regularly attend church and bible studies - I'd say 3 of us are active listeners to any form of Gospel music.

**Sigh** Right. Cause if it doesn't fit into our little genre of Gospel music than it must be "garbage". I will never understand people who leave comments like this.