As believers in Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior, the act of worship is a necessity and joy. When hundreds of believers in Christ come together, it is a beautiful thing! The concert, held on November 7 featured gospel artists Kirk Franklin and Anthony Evans. The venue was Northland Church in Longwood, Florida. The night was certainly a glorious event for Jesus Christ, and his people. The New Destiny Church Choir also joined in on the worship and sang a gospel medley on the stage with Kirk. True worship and the appeal to all generations were reoccurring themes throughout the night.
The event began with one of the pastors posing a simple question to the audience: “Are you ready for tonight?” With the amount of excitement in the atmosphere, that question was a great way to foreshadow a night of fun, surprises, and true worship for God. The opening act, Anthony Evans had a humble spirit, and displayed great conviction while singing songs such as “Blessed be the name of the Lord,” “How Great is Our God,” and the audience joined him for the classic, “It is well with my soul.” One surprise moment happened when Evans sang his song, “Incredible,” which was co-written by Kirk Franklin. Near the end of the song, Franklin came out doing his signature dance, and then exited the stage. The audience went wild. Evans played on that moment, when he inferred that he knew his position as the opening act for Kirk Franklin. Anthony Evans and his band displayed great love for God and the act of worship.
After a short intermission, Kirk Franklin, his band, and singers came to the stage. The senior Pastor of Northland Church, Dr. Hunter, had referred to the night as a “family reunion,” and Kirk Franklin has always been a family man, with the people that he works with, and at home. His first song is an anthem for believers in Christ everywhere, “Our God is an Awesome God.” He also sang, “Lovely Day,” “Imagine Me”, “Revolution,” “The Reason Why I Sing,” “Silver and Gold,” and crowd favorite, “Stomp.” The New Destiny Church Choir joined him for a medley of “Hosanna,” “How Great is Our God”, “Worthy is the Lamb,” and” Be Still and Know.” In a lively way, Kirk Franklin appealed to all and worshiped God to the highest degree.
The audience interaction was very interesting to observe. Kirk Franklin made many references to the importance of family, and love for one another. His message was understood by all. His appeal was appreciated by all generations. At one point, he spotted a 90 year old woman, and Kirk asked her how she felt about Barack Obama as the newly elected president of the United States. Then we hear from a young boy, asking, “Now can we paint the white house black?” To which Kirk responds, “Let’s not paint it black, let’s paint it magenta…” Then another political reference, with Kirk saying, “Oh yeah that’s right, Barack won, and the band played the song, “Movin’ on Up.” The approval of Barack Obama, as the first black elected President of the U.S. was evident. By far, the greatest interactive part was when Kirk called all of the children and the youth up to the alter to dance and sing with him. He called the evening a time to celebrate Jesus. It was awesome to see the youth dancing for the Lord, and their parents, and grandparents in the audience praising Him too. Kirk touched on the importance of loving God, loving oneself, and reaching for the stars. Essentially, if a black man can be president, so can you.
Anthony Evans and Kirk Franklin both appear to be men with hearts to serve God, to the best of their human ability. The way God blesses us to worship him in song, and dance is wonderful. The evening was one of fun, surprises, and worship for Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior of the world. God ministered to everyone that was there, and the atmosphere was so very full of love for God which was felt by all who attended. Psalm 150:1 accurately describes the concert. It reads, “Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.”
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