Almost 12 Million Views in 5 Days!  Everyone does not agree 100 % with his words, yet the author makes some outstanding observations and confessions.  View and decide for yourself.

What if I told you Jesus came to abolish religion?
What if I told you voting Republican really wasn’t his mission?
What if I told you “Republican” doesn’t automatically mean “Christian”?
And just because you call some people “blind” doesn’t automatically give you vision?
I mean, if religion is so great, why has it started so many wars?
Why does it build huge churches but fails to feed the poor?
Tells single moms God doesn’t love them if they’ve ever had a divorce?
But in the Old Testament God actually calls religious people “whores”
Religion might preach grace, but another thing they practice
Tend to ridicule God’s people, they did it to John the Baptist
They can’t fix their problems, and so they just mask it
Not realizing religion’s like spraying perfume on a casket
See, the problem with religion is it never gets to the core
It’s just behavior modification, like a long list of chores
Like, “Let’s dress up the outside, make it look nice and neat”
But it’s funny, that’s what they used to do to mummies while the corpse rots underneath
Now I ain’t judging, I’m just sayin’, “Quit puttin’ on a fake look”
’Cause there’s a problem if people only know that you’re a Christian by your Facebook
I mean, in every other aspect of life, you know that logic’s unworthy
It’s like saying you play for the Lakers just because you bought a jersey
See this was me, too, but no one seemed to be on to me
Actin’ like church kid while addicted to pornography
See, on Sunday I’d go to church, but Saturday gettin’ faded
Actin’ as if I was simply created to just have sex and get wasted
See, I spent my whole life buildin’ this façade of neatness
But now that I know Jesus, I boast in my weakness
Because if grace is water, then the church should be an ocean
It’s not a museum for good people; it’s a hospital for the broken
Which means I don’t have to hide my failure, I don’t have to hide my sin
’Cause it doesn’t depend on me; it depends on him
See, because when I was God’s enemy and certainly not a fan
He looked down and said, “I want that man!”
Which is why Jesus hated religion, and for it he called them fools
Don’t you see it’s so much better than just following some rules?
Now lemme clarify: I love the church, I love the Bible, and yes, I believe in sin
But if Jesus came to your church, would they actually let him in?
See, remember he was called a “glutton” and a “drunkard” by “religious men”
But the Son of God never supports self-righteousness; not now, not then
Now back to the point: One thing is vital to mention
How Jesus and religion are on opposite spectrums
See, one’s the work of God, but one’s a man-made invention
See, one is the cure, but the other’s the infection
See, because religion says “do,” Jesus says “done”
Religion says “slave,” Jesus says “son”
Religion puts you in bondage while Jesus sets you free
Religion makes you blind, but Jesus makes you see
And that’s why religion and Jesus are two different clans
Religion is man searching for God; Christianity is God searching for man
Which is why salvation is freely mine, and forgiveness is my own
Not based on my merits but Jesus’ obedience alone
Because he took the crown of thorns, and the blood dripped down his face
He took what we all deserved; I guess that’s why you call it “grace”
And while being murdered he yelled, “Father forgive them; they know not what they do”
Because when he was dangling on that cross, he was thinking of you
And he absorbed all your sin, and he buried it in the tomb
Which is why I’m kneeling at the cross, saying, “Come on! There’s room!”
So for religion, no, I hate it; in fact, I literally resent it
Because when Jesus said, “It is finished,” I believe he meant it

Click here to read the authors added comments on his YouTube page.

Repost with http://wp.me/pGkSs-1tP or use share options.

John 3:16 is LIFE!  This is an encouraging – must-see – 30-second video!  ”Wow!”

And who can forget Tim Tebow’s 316 passing yards averaging 31.6 yards per completion?  It’s reported that this phenomenon created 90 million search hits on Google for John 3:16.  A full story posted at The Washington Post January 8, 2012.  A Tim Tebow 2008 “Controversial Ad?…” promotionsforLIFE.com post is here.  All of God’s best to you and yours!  Now go get yourself some LIFE!

Repost with shorlink http://wp.me/pGkSs-1tp or use share options.

As 2011 closes – let’s reflect on the sadness – and the hope – that is the 18 years of life celebrated by Ben Breedlove.  Here are the two videos Ben uploaded to YouTube December 18, 2011, just days before his departure Christmas Day.  Rest in Peace Ben.  And may God bless you and yours!

About Me – Posted at BreedloveTV’s Channel on YouTube

http://wp.me/pGkSs-1ta

Are you looking for some fantastic Spirit and fun-filled Christmas music?  Log onto this link and listen to WNKJ-FM.  They are piping-in Chicago’s Sounds of Christmas from Moody Radio.  It’s some of the BEST Christmas music you may have ever heard!  Merry Christmas to you and yours!  Steven Joseph

 Click WNKJ.ORG

PROMOTIONSFORLIFE.COM

Share with http://wp.me/pGkSs-1sV or use buttons.

Let’s start with props to America’s favorite underdog Chris Rene, who left the show in third place.  Here’s his first facebook post since the announcement with photo.  ”Exactly where I am supposed to be!!!!

Here’s Chris’s pre-show post

This has been SUCH an AMAZING part of my life I’ll remember thisFOREVER!!!!!!!! #LOVELIFE — Chris Rene

Kudos Chris, we are proud of you!

Now for the rat…

Based on popularity, Chris should have been in the final two.  Either other singer deserved to win via their amazing vocal talent… but Chris caught America’s heart.  It makes me wonder if a phone bank went down or the producers had some unknown reason for keeping him out of the top two.

Now for Melanie – CONGRATULATIONS!  Your vocal chops deserved the win.  And props to your hometown church for prayin’ you through!

All contestants – God’s best to you and yours!

Share with http://wp.me/pGkSs-1sA or use share buttons.

RAT Update 2:00 AM 12/23/2011

Found this video on YouTube.  If legit, it supports my theory that something was wrong with the phone voting.  Chris should have at the least, been in the Top 2… perhaps even number 1 based on the popular vote.  Hang in there Chris… And kudos to your great attitude.

Tonight’s the night that America decides if Chris Rene makes it from the Top 3 to the #1 position on The X-Factor USA.  Should Chris win?  Based on vocal talent alone — No.  He knows it and America knows it.  Will he win?  It’s possible.  America — and I — have been captured by Chris’s personal story (posted here) and have been taken with his ability to give it his all each week - consistently.  The problem is, the other two remaining vocalists have amazing chops… especially Simon’s rescued pick, Melanie Amaro.

Event though I’ve supported and promoted Chris from day one, it is a bit unsettling to see what Chris may do with 5 million dollars and overnight fame.  It is more pressure and temptation for any one of us, let alone someone recovering from alcohol and drug addiction.  Either way, it’s a two-edged sword… If Chris wins or does not win, he may spiral back to abuse — something we all hope and pray that he does not do.

So what do we do America?  Do we vote him through, snub Melanie and and hope that Chris doesn’t crash and burn.  Or do we vote Melanie through and hope Chris does not crash and burn?  (…Trying to think the best here…)

Tonight, even though I have supported Chris since day one, I may not vote.  Or I may base the whole thing on tonight’s performances hoping Chris outshines the others.  Or I’ll simply continue to think the best for Chris and vote for Chris, against the odds.  After all, Melanie will definitely get a contract with or without the win, right?

One thing is for certain, all of the contestants, past and present, will benefit from our prayers.  Competitions like this are rough, feelings get hurt and hearts bruise easily.  Each one is human.  They all need our prayers – win or lose.

All of the best to the three remaining contestants.  See you at 8 PM Eastern on FOX.

Steven Joseph — share with http://wp.me/pGkSs-1s9 or with share buttons.

Congratulations Chris!

Why America Loves Chris Rene

 

Share with short link http://wp.me/pGkSs-1rK or use share buttons.

The first States-side “The X-Factor” extravaganza aired September 21, 2011.  Afterwards, promotionsforLIFE.com chose three performers to highlight, two of which, months later, remain in the Top 5 — Rachel Crow and Chris Rene.  (All three promotionsforLIFE.com picks made it to the Top 10.)  And while it is no secret that Chris Rene is not the most talented vocalist on the show — he remains America’s favorite underdog.

Tonight, Chris Rene stole the show with an original song, Where Do We Go From Here.

For those who do not know, Chris went to rehab earlier this year to face and conquer addictions.  Musically, based on what we have seen on X-Factor,  Chris’ preferred genre seems to be rap and hip-hop.

Yet tonight, with a $5-million dollar final prize on the line (a recording contract), Chris surprised us all and revealed an original song on acoustic guitar, stripped of production, flash and dance.

Chris simply sat on a chair and strummed his heart for all of the world to see.

When the song ended, the roof came down with applause.  Simon Cowell said performing an original at this point of the intense competition was either a stupid thing to do or a stroke of genius.  Simon concluded that it was, “a stroke of genius!”

In the lyric, Chris asks the question: Where Do We Go From Here with the lyrical reply, Only God Knows.

Chris, no matter how far you go in this competition, whether to the top or exiting moments before, with God’s help, you are going to continue to move forward and upward.

As viewers, we love you Chris and appreciate your vulnerability.  You are an inspiration to millions, Chris, and we wish you the best of success with your journey of sobriety and your journey with LIFE!

Keep taking it one step at a time, Chris, and don’t let the sudden success get to your head.   Just know that you have our votes and more importantly, our prayers.   All of God’s best to you and yours!

Sincerely, Steven Joseph, Editor –  promotionsforLIFE.com.

Post Script:  To Simon Cowell and the producers, thank you for bringing the show back to the more centered, family-friendly programming we were expecting from this prime-time mega-hit wonder.  All of the best to you and yours as well.  Steven Joseph

Share with shortlink http://wp.me/pGkSs-1qP or use share buttons.

PROMOTIONSFORLIFE.COM 

Why we love Chris Rene — Includes TEN MILLION VIEWS!  Please Share! :-)

Photo from Andrew Evans / PR Photos – Google.Com Images.
Share with shortlink http://wp.me/pGkSs-1qP or use share buttons.

Friends – Much has been going on the past 90 days including several visits back to Nashville from Clarksville TN on behalf of a new concept for a music channel to be based in Clarksville, simply called CLARKSVILLE MUSIC CHANNEL [CMC].

Cody Simpson “Friends” CLARKSVILLE MUSIC CHANNEL [CMC] on YouTube.

Cody Simpson - Click image for more

Please LIKE us on Facebook, Subscribe on YouTube and Visit ClarksvilleMusicChannel.Com.

Thanks for the friendship Cody!  We’ve been enjoying promoting you too.  Keep up the good work!

Steven Joseph – Editor, promotionsforLIFE.com & Founder, CLARKSVILLE MUSIC CHANNEL [CMC].

Share with shortlink http://wp.me/pGkSs-1q6 or use share buttons.

The highly anticipated Simon Cowell X-Factor FOX show premiered in the States September 21, 2011.  On a scale of 1 -10, the show ranked at a 4 or lower.  Yes the show has great talent… yet the talent could not compete with the tasteless, non-family-friendly segments that added nothing to the show.   Simon Cowell and FOX, you both know better… and you have struck-out on the premier.

Stacy Frances

Kudos to the great new artists.  Highlights include:

First performer 13 year-old Rachel Crow who lives in a 2-bedroom house with six people and wants her own bathroom!

Stacy Frances, a 42 year-old stay-at-home mother from Brooklyn, NY living in Los Angeles.

Chris Rene  , a 28 year-old sanitation man who “just got out of rehab” , is 70 days clean and has a young son.

Chris Rene

There are plenty of opportunities for FOX to turn this show around.  Just keep it family-friendly and know that America is not interested in seeing a man’s private business, whether he is clothed  – or dropping his clothes.

Keep it clean guys… please don’t waste our time.  And there is no need for you to show us poor performances ala American Idol.  Just give us the good talent.  Thanks for the top performances!  See you next time for your second chance.

Share with short link http://wp.me/pGkSs-1py or use options below.  Be sure to visit NEW LIFE POSITIVE! on YouTube.  Steven Joseph, StevenJosephMedia.Com, promotionsforLIFE.com  Original post 2011-09-21; updated 2011-09-22.