Supporting an 'Idol' Who's For Jesus

It's not often that a sermon includes a plug for an American Idol contestant, but that's what happened last Sunday at Scottsdale Bible Church. One of the contestants, native Scott MacIntyre, had performed many times in the church and had witnessed to his faith onstage to the congregation.

The Senior Pastor, Jamie Rasmussen, admitted that he had questioned the title of the TV show (false idols!), but said his children told him to "chill." Once he learned of Scott's progress, he viewed the show in a different light. He said he hoped Scott would make it to the top, and have an opportunity to again show how God has been central to his life to a much larger audience.

"Let's pray for Scott," he said. "God, we pray that you use him. Lord, may people see Christ in him. He stands as a beacon for You and your Son."

After his performance tonight, the descriptions used by the judges made me catch my breath. "You move mountains" Kara DioGuardi said -- the very thing Jesus said faith could do. Paula Abdul told him he was a "blessing." Even Simon Cowell had to admit that Scott's spirit was causing him to "grow on me."

Blind and a Rhodes Scholar, MacIntyre is a improbable contestant, but his talent in singing and as a pianist -- combined with the passion of a true believer -- has brought him to the third phase of the show. If he makes it to be in the top 12 contestants, it will be an incredible inspiration to many.

(Just to update, Scott made it in -- Praise the Lord!)