I feel like the photos after the jump look a lot a like. And how about the longevity of the Newsboys? They’re like the Christian U2. (I think part of the reason is they have “news” in their name and things that have “news” in their name are always better. Newsies. Newsradio. News Zealand, etc.)

What do you think? Am I wrong about these photos? (more…)

I owe you all an apology.

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If you’ve read this site at all, you know I love rap. As I kid I grew up on Public Enemy and Eric B. and Rakim. I’m constantly saying, “I wish I was a little bit taller, I wish I was a baller.” I regularly argue the differences between Snow and Vanilla Ice. And I started reading the dictionary because one of my favorite freestyle MCs said it was how he built up his vocabulary.

But I never talk about Christian rap. Why? Because I hadn’t really found any I liked. Either the flows were too simple or the beats were whack, but for the most part the only Christian rapper I ever mentioned was D-Boy. Until today.

Reach Records is making some seriously good rap music right now. Based out Atlanta, they’re run by a friend of mine named Ben Washer. And they recently said I could do a big giveaway on Stuff Christians Like for their artist Sho Baraka.

And that’s what I like to do. I like to find site sponsors like these guys who are doing great ministry/art and are willing to hook ya’ll up. So here’s what you can win:

Deluxe Sho Baraka edition includes:

The deluxe edition includes:

* ‘Lions & Liars’ CD

* Special edition laser engraved moleskine journal : 5 x 8 1/4″, top quality heavy acid-free paper w/ 100 blank pages, & expandable inner pocket.

* Download card that includes MP3′s of the entire album plus instrumental & acapella tracks, as well as the official Sho Baraka music video and promo videos

* 12″ vinyl version of “Lions & Liars.” Includes four album tracks, plus four instrumentals. First pressing of the vinyl is on gold colored vinyl, limited to 500 pieces!

* Two exclusive Lions & Liars stickers

Dang, that moleskine sounds fantastic!

And if you want to check out Sho Baraka’s music watch his video clip below or buy his album or get it on iTunes.

Here’s the contest. Leave a comment from now until the end of Tuesday, April 13 with the answer to this question:

“What was the first or most recent concert you’ve been to?”

(John Crist’s first guest post, Tangible Sermon Reminders, was one of the best posts of March. Now he’s back with a subject I promise I didn’t suggest. And because it’s in the classic scorecard format, I couldn’t resist posting it the same week we did the American Idol guest post. Enjoy.)

Using the Stuff Christian Like Book as a Morning Devotional

Let’s be honest…with the book released two weeks ago, we’re all dying to know…Does reading Stuff Christians Like count as acceptable reading for morning devotions?

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Elizabeth Gilbert wrote a massive book called, “Eat, Pray, Love.” Now, she finds herself with the impossible task of trying to recreate that success with her next book. In this video, she details the relationship between people and the creative beauty of God. It’s not a “Christian video” but it’s the most perfect example I’ve seen of a person bumping into the beautiful mystery of God and being unable to deny it. Here’s one of her quotes:

“Allowing somebody, one mere person, to believe that he or she is the vessel, the font and the essence and the source of all divine, creative, unknowable eternal mystery is just a smidge too much responsibility to put on one fragile human psyche. It’s like asking someone to swallow the sun.”

I can’t encourage you enough to watch this. It honestly was one of the things that helped me finish writing Stuff Christians Like.

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A lot of folks don’t use twitter or follow me. (Click here to, I’m @prodigaljohn)

But Twitter is fun because I get to share deep, vital things like this:

I think “doesn’t own a purse dog” should be added to the Proverbs 31 description of a wife of noble character.

Here are a few other things you missed this week in my mirth filled twitter stream…

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If you’re a Christian, there are 3 things you have to have with you at all times:

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Everyone knows, eating Chick-fil-a is kind of like tithing. A Christian company based out of Atlanta, they are a fan favorite on Stuff Christians Like. In addition to having folks like Tim Hawkins do great tributes, there’s a new kid throwing his hat into the ring with perhaps the greatest R&B tribute ever to Chick-fil-A. Check it out after the jump …

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A few days ago, a friend asked me about an experience that made me want to throw up.

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Yesterday, we did a massive guest post. It was a scorecard to determine whether a contestant on American Idol is a Christian. Here, are the categories that explain your scores.

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