My friend Ray Wickam passed this article on to me after reading my post from yesterday mentioning Michael Jackson's funeral.

My twitter-friend Tim Wade has written a thought-provoking article on what the Michael Jackson funeral should say to the church. Here are some excerpts. You can find the full article here in the Raleigh News Examiner.

Several members of the media commented that Jackson's memorial service contained a spiritual tone- the gospel choir, the golden casket, the cross of light...

While the theme of Michael Jackson's memorial service was indeed spiritual, it certainly could in no way be mistaken for a Christian funeral. During the performance of We are the World which was sung by a Who's Who of musical icons, symbols of every major religion were displayed on a giant screen behind the stage including a larger than life picture of Jesus. The message could not have been clearer...

Clearly it is time for the Protestant Church to wake up and realize that the world is finding faith apart from the fulfillment of the Great Commission...

I admire the work of Michael Jackson and mourn his passing. Truly the legacy he leaves behind is immeasurable. But holding hands and singing to the glory of a dead pop star will never replace the spiritual needs of the human condition. The world needs to hear the truth of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ for only under the blood of Jesus will we be part of God's great big family.