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Chris Ledgerwood, a singer and songwriter from Oklahoma, has produced two CDs spreading the message of God's grace. He recently became a believer in the ultimate salvation of all people, and hopes to communicate this belief through his music, to Christians and non-Christians alike. The first CD is called Threadbare and the second is called Dust. Both albums contain a mixture of songs about religion and everyday life, in a contemporary style combining the sounds of acoustic rock, folk, and country. Instruments include acoustic and electric guitar, bass guitar, and drums. Chris Ledgerwood plays lead guitar as well as some of the other instrumental parts, and sings with a mild Southern accent in a folksy way that would appeal to ordinary people. Mr. Ledgerwood works as an assistant manager of a grocery store and performs music at small venues. He was raised in the Assemblies of God, a Pentecostal denomination, and became a Christian at the age of thirteen while attending a private Christian school. He is now thirty-seven, and his oldest son Franklin helped with some of the guitar parts on the Threadbare CD. Chris Ledgerwood says he came to the belief in universal salvation through much study, thought and prayer on the subject of an eternal hell and its contradiction with God's love, grace and mercy. He says he originally decided to profess the Christian faith because he didn't want to burn in hell forever -- but now he has a very different type of Christian message he wishes to share. "Love, grace and mercy is what I want to portray," says Mr. Ledgerwood about the message of his music. "I want to reach out to non-believers as well as Christians that are tired of being browbeat by over-demanding rules and regulations. God loves us the way we are, and whatever problems we may have He will help us deal with it with love not fear." In one song called "Hold My Hand," he sings to God: "It's been such a hard road, but the grace has paved the way. Now I can face the truth, and not look the other way. Will You hold my hand, when I try to run away from things I don't understand? Trust is hard for me. But to break these chains around my heart, it's the only key -- the only key." In a song called "Neon Marquee," Mr. Ledgerwood mocks the phony, self-righteous religiosity of televangelists and their "Holy Ghost entertainment show." "The preacher was smiling at me. The crocodile tears flowed. Send me your money. I'll pray for your soul." Then the chorus: "I know Jesus. And I talk to God, anytime that I want to." Another one of the songs about religion, "I Believe," describes a man who is unwelcome at church, presumably because he is a sinner. "He came looking for truth and love. No one even shook his hand," the song goes. Mr. Ledgerwood points out how merciless and unchristian this attitude really is. "I believe in right and wrong. I believe in black and white. But a faith without grace and love, makes a heavy pillow at night," he sings in the chorus. There are also songs on Chris Ledgerwood's CDs that are not particularly religious, but about the challenges, twists and turns of life. He hopes to appeal to a broader audience than just people looking for Christian music. Mr. Ledgerwood not only records music, but also performs a solo show (acoustic guitar and singing) at small venues such as coffee shops and bar-and-grills. "I have also performed at different churches, but I feel called to take the Gospel message to the non-believer," he says. "That is why I am trying to book secular venues as well as churches." On his CDs, he performed most of the parts himself, even though it sounds like there is a band backing him up. He also composed all the music and lyrics himself. Mr. Ledgerwood says he has performed in several Christian bands through the years, but feels being a solo musician and recording artist is the way "I can be true to the artistic vision God has given me." He identifies his musical influences as "Tom Petty, The Eagles, Styx, Steve Miller and several other 'classic rock' musicians. After I became a Christian I listened to groups like Sweet Comfort Band, Petra, Randy Stonehill, Steve Taylor and several other great Christian artists." You can listen to samples of Chris Ledgerwood's two CDs and purchase online at these links: Threadbare, Dust. Visit his blog at www.ledgerwood.blogspot.com. This article was originally published in The Christian Universalist Connection, May 2006 issue.
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Christian Musician Chris Ledgerwood
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Heavenly Father, please bless this ministry, lead multitudes to this website, and help them see the truth of Your love and forgiveness for all people through the power of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the whole world. Open their eyes to Your true nature, take away their fears, and fill their hearts with the Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen. |