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Chris Tomlin

I was truly blessed so far this year to see arguably one of the most talented Contemporary Christian music artists, Chris Tomlin, perform in concert twice – at the annual Soulfest Christian music festival in Gunstock ski resort, NH, last August; and then this past Saturday at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell MA.

Just being in the audience for one of Tomlin’s concerts goes way beyond the role of a mere spectator, it’s more like an experience you’ll never forget. There’s a couple big screens on each side of the stage displaying the lyrics to the songs – sort of like karaoke — Tomlin’s performing at the time, hoping to encourage people to join in and sing along.

Tomlin’s latest song titled, “God’s Great Dance Floor”, which he ends his show with, has the stage crew throw out several dozen giant beach balls in the audience, so if you’re not physically dancing to the 7+ minute upbeat disco song, you’ll probably be inclined to at least whack the harmless giant ball back into the air before it lands on your head – it’s all in good fun.

More importantly, if you’ve got a new person who’s just starting to learn about Jesus Christ, a Chris Tomlin concert would be a fantastic place to bring him/her. If they’re not inspired by what’s taking place on stage, as well as in the audience, then you might have to wonder if that person even has a pulse.

To watch and listen to Tomlin perform his songs, it’s obvious that this guy is truly a Holy Spirit-filled, man of God. For example, his ’05 hit titled, “How Great is Our God” is like an anthem of sorts in the Contemporary Christian music genre. He also has written a couple dozen other great songs, which he routinely performs during his approximate 2-and-a-half hour concert. To get a good sample of what Chris Tomlin music is like, please go on YouTube and check out his material.

In lieu of an intermission, Tomlin had a Pastor friend of his, Louie Giglio, explain how the tune, God’s Great Dance Floor, first came into existence. It was apparently based upon the story of the Prodigal Son and just how important the lost sheep (or lost people) were in God’s eyes to bring back into the flock. Truth be told, I must’ve heard that story explained about a couple hundred times, but Giglio probably said it the best and the most understandable way.

On a side note, since the Boston Red Sox had won Major League Baseball’s World Series championship title earlier in the week, both Tomlin and Giglio made references to that — like what it takes to become the best, I guess to sort of localize the concert in Lowell MA. Tomlin, in fact, changed into a 2013 Boston Red Sox world championship tee shirt for his final song of the night. Granted, the Red Sox winning the championship this year had absolutely nothing to do with Christianity, but it was still a nice gesture to make some mention of that since a lot of folks in this local area were still talking about it.

Bottom Line: If you ever have the opportunity to go to a Chris Tomlin concert, GO FOR IT!!! I guarantee you, that you won’t be disappointed. Pray and ask God before you go into that concert, to show you some signs, miracles, and wonders of the Holy Spirit, and I can just about assure you that He will. Tomlin is truly a consummate entertainer, and whatever the price of admission is for your particular ticket, believe me when I say, the experience is well worth every penny of it. Personally, I think the key ingredient here, which Tomlin is humble enough to readily admit, is not so much this guy’s musical talent (which is, by far, much better than average) as it is the presence of the Holy Spirit – and I honestly believe you’ll eminently feel the presence of God in that concert event.

“This isn’t really about me singing to you, or you singing to me,” Tomlin said, “It’s really about all of us singing, praising, and worshiping a great God in Heaven, the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Amen!