Fans of popular American rock band 3 Doors Down which is often described as a post-grunge group, are getting something extra at its concerts these days — the Gospel. Lead singer Brad Arnold who often wears a T-shirt with the words Jesus or Yeshua emblazoned in bold letters, has been taking time out between sets to tell crowds about his personal walk with Jesus.
At a recent concert in Pennsylvania he revealed to the audience he started feeling compelled two years ago to share an important message at the band’s performances. CBN News reports he then asked for a few minutes to tell the thousands of fans that God loves them. PennLive.com described it as “a truly moving monologue.”
3 Doors Down has been hugely successful over the past 30 years, selling 30 million albums featuring lyrics that often explored themes of angst, rebellion, revenge, yearning, depression, brokenness and abandonment. The band’s members are from Christian families, mostly in the southern state of Mississippi. They have always represented conservative values, playing at the presidential inauguration concerts for the two Bushes and Donald Trump as well as for US troops in Iraq.
Brad Arnold explained it was a group decision to do a bit of preaching at the band’s concerts. “We all grew up in church and we’re all Christians. We were happy to do it. There was no discussion at all of whether or not we should.”
Before playing the band’s hit ballad Away From the Sun which is about depression, the lead singer reflected: “I feel like I can identify with this song more than most of our songs. This world surrounds us with the message: We’ll never be good enough. We’ll never be strong enough. We’ll never be beautiful enough. We’ll never be rich enough. Whatever the case may be. Social media surrounds us with those messages all the time. It’s driven down our throats every day, that we’ll never be good enough and nobody really, really loves us.”
“My friends, I just want to take a second to tell you, that’s an absolute lie. You are loved. You are enough, and you will win. Not only can you win, but you will win. You’ll always be enough for one reason. And that’s because Jesus Christ loves you. He loves you so much that he made you just the way you are, just the way you’re standing there right now,” he declared.
“I promise you there’s more, and you will win. I failed all day today. You failed today. But you’re still the one that Jesus loves. Repeat after me: I am the one that Jesus loves. Amen, my friends. Thank you so much.”
CBN News writes: “3 Doors Down does not specifically identify as a Christian band, but the mentions of Jesus and the prayer itself met largely with enthusiastic cheers and applause from the audience.”
Brad Arnold is also vocal about his faith on social media. “Many prayers for all the kids headed back school,” he recently posted, sharing an image with the text from Deuteronomy 31:6 — Do not be afraid … The Lord your God goes with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Photo: Facebook – 3 Doors Down
