I once heard a prominant, internationally known evangelist, in a TV interview state that he believed fewer than 10% of church members are truely saved.
His name will not be mentioned here, because he is a very credible person in many areas of theology, and that credibility might be compromised in your mind, especially if you think he is wrong.
I do.
But I think he is close.
Not that it matters what I think.
He is somebody and I am nobody.
Now before you go all defensive on me, consider this: I have some 50 or so readers who have read my blog one or more times.
But there are billions of people in the world, and 50 is a very small percentage.
That make you very special. You are reading my blog.
(If you are NOT reading my blog, this probably means nothing to you.)
The Word of God says:
Mt 7:13 "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.
Mt 7:14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Lu 13:24 "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able..."
As a young person, when I heard sermons on this passage, I always thought of it as somehow connected to "walking the narrow street," that is, doing few things wrong, and doing works good enough to merit the favor of God.
In the context of the whole Bible, however, that cannot be correct.
The Word of God teaches that EVERY major character in its pages had a sin flaw.
David was deceitful, lustful, and a virtual murderer (and he didn't even have a computer). Yet God called him a man after His own heart.
Samson was a liar, was lustful, and was disobedient, yet God used his act to bring down the house.
Father Abraham tried to circumvent God's plan and later became a drunkard. Yet God proclaimed his faith to to be the reason he was given mention in the "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews.
These men (and, yes, there were women, too) are illustrations of the doctrine we call the total depravity of man.
Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Mankind is so steeped in the sin nature that it is absolutely impossible to do anything that is suffeciently pleasing to God to make Him change His mind about us. He cannot look upon sin, so how could He possibly see us in a positive light?
Answer: He can't.
Unless.
Unless He, himself, provided the solution to our sin.
Which He did, of course, in Christ.
In order for God to look upon any of us with favor, He must look at us through Christ.
For Him to look at us through Christ, Christ must be in us.
That means we must turn to Him, trusting in the finshed work, and only in the finished work, of Christ at the cross.
Not very many people do that.
Most people who call themselves Christian either believe they must establish certian behavior patterns that please God along with their acceptance of Christ, or that they just aren't so bad that God would hold anything against them.
Many who think they are saved, are really just religious. Religious people were the only ones Jesus castigated.
Jesus told them they would never see the Kingdom of God.
Don't be a religious person.
Some people think they are Christian because they are not Jewish, Islamic, Bhuddist, atheist or something else, therefore they must be Christian, 'cause it's the only thing left.
Many "Christians" only want what "god" can do for them: cure my disease; calm my nerves; change my boss; don't let it rain on my outside wedding; turn the light green at the next intersection so I won't be late for work again and lose my job. They are totally self-centered and selfish. God is their "magic genie of the lamp."
Part of the reason for all of this is that we have made salvation to easy.
(Truth be known, we don't get to make salvation, period. God does.)
But it is not easy. Blood must be shed.
There is absolutely nothing, I mean NOTHING we can do to affect our own salvation. God does it all, or He does not do it at all.
(Is that Calvinistic? I did not get the idea from Calvin, I got it from the Bible, apart from Calvin, not of reading, lest I should boast.)
At the same time, there is something I must do to be saved.
Contradiction! Paradox! Inconsistancy!
Nonsense. If you think that, you are incapable of rational thought. (Sorry. That was a little direct...but true. Therefore I take back my appology.)
If someone offers me a gift and I turn it down, have I received the gift? No.
I have to accept the gift or it is not mine.
To be saved, I must totally and completely (that's both redundant and repetitive), receive the gift of eternal life offered through Christ in an act of committment to Him by the prodding, leading and power of The Holy Spirit.
Anything else does not result in salvation.
If The Holy Spirit does not do the prodding and leading, and if His power does not manifest itself in me at the time of my response to the gospel message, I have simply enjoyed an emotional high based on some etherial reaction to some auditory or other outside experience.
Emotions are fickle and rise and fall.
The Holy Spirit of God is the Third Person of the Trinity, and is not subject to rising and falling, nor is He subject to the whim of my present mood.
He is constant. He is ever-filling.
When I am saved, I get all of Him I am ever going to get, because He is God, and with God it is all or nothing.
All or nothing...that's the key.
To receive the gift, I must give myself to God, through Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, in total, irrevocable committment to Him.
That's not easy. I said it wouldn't be. God said it wouldn't be.
That's why He said, "...narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. "
The "...few who find it" part is why we have arguments in church over hymnal colors, pews or chairs, baptistry murals, whether to allow the sale of product when guest singers, preachers or missionaries come and I don't know what all.
Don't be among the many on the wide path. Get on the narrow path.
Receive God's gift of salvation today.
That is the narrow path.
Best way I know to start the New Year.
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Looking for Sagacity
My mother used to say, "Joe Scoggins! If you were half as smart as you are smarty, you'd do alright."
Come to think of it, she still says that.
Alas, I have come to the end of my wisdom.
There is a situation in our church with which I do not know how to deal and I seek your insights.
A couple in our church got this idea that we need a picture on the back wall of our baptistry. Not just a painting, but a real artist's mural of the Jordan flowing right into the water and palm trees and landscape and I don't know what all.
They wanted to pay to have an artist come up with a plan and do the work.
Then they went out of town.
While they were gone, the Church Council recommended to the church and the church subsequently approved the project, which was to be turned over to them upon their return.
One Sunday we entered the worship center to see a very ordinary blob of trees and what could have been either a path or a stream and some amaturishly rendered rocks and such.
It seems that one of the deacons knew a friend who liked to paint and could do the job for a lot less than the couple had suggested (remember...they were going to pay for it) and since the church had "approved," went ahead and had it done.
We were all surprised.
Not the least surprised were the couple when they returned from their trip.
They were so surprised that they decided to go to church somewhere else.
Drawing upon all of your collective theologies and psychology, being led by the Holy Spirit, tell my pastor and I what we should do.
Come to think of it, she still says that.
Alas, I have come to the end of my wisdom.
There is a situation in our church with which I do not know how to deal and I seek your insights.
A couple in our church got this idea that we need a picture on the back wall of our baptistry. Not just a painting, but a real artist's mural of the Jordan flowing right into the water and palm trees and landscape and I don't know what all.
They wanted to pay to have an artist come up with a plan and do the work.
Then they went out of town.
While they were gone, the Church Council recommended to the church and the church subsequently approved the project, which was to be turned over to them upon their return.
One Sunday we entered the worship center to see a very ordinary blob of trees and what could have been either a path or a stream and some amaturishly rendered rocks and such.
It seems that one of the deacons knew a friend who liked to paint and could do the job for a lot less than the couple had suggested (remember...they were going to pay for it) and since the church had "approved," went ahead and had it done.
We were all surprised.
Not the least surprised were the couple when they returned from their trip.
They were so surprised that they decided to go to church somewhere else.
Drawing upon all of your collective theologies and psychology, being led by the Holy Spirit, tell my pastor and I what we should do.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
The Basics of Christian Living - Lesson 3
This begins lesson three of the "New Members" class that I teach in our church. It is not meant to be a theological course. Rather it is an introduction to some of the basic issues facing a new Christian, one who has not been a member of a church before, or one from our church who wants to know what being a Southern Baptist is all about.
HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE
This could be a quick lesson, because I could say, "Graduate from a Bible College and then go to seminary for a doctorate in Biblical studies."
That would work, but would take time and money.
Most church members just aren't going to do that. The next best thing is to take my course.
What this is, is an overview of study methods along with a modicum of helpful information.
Here is what we will cover in VERY simple terms
1. What is the Bible?
2. Translations
3. Daily bible Readings
4. How much do I need to know?
5. When will I become an expert?
6. What are the key passages?
7. How can I interpret the bible correctly?
1. What is the Bible?
The bible is God's revelation of His love for His creation and His plan for its redemption.
It is called "The Word of God."
The "Word" is both His nature and His promise (as in: I give you my word).
Everything you need to know about God is found in the Word of God. Nothing you need to know about God is NOT found in the Word of God. Anything you THINK you know about God that is not in the Word of God, you just made up.
2. Translations
The Bible was not written in English. The King James (contrary to what you might have been taught) is not the translation that Jesus used.
The Old Testament Bible was written in Hebrew. The New Testament was basically written in Greek.
In order for us to read the Bible (unless, unlike me, you speak Hebrew or Greek), it must be translated into the English language. If you were French, you would read a Bible translated into French (from the Hebrew and Greek texts, not from the King James).
Translating is a tricky business. Idioms (Idia?), triteisms, dialects and regional meanings must be transformed into a form we can understand.
"Why not just translate it word-for word?" I hear you asking.
Can't do that.
Here is what I Corinthians 13 1-3 (from the LOVE chapter) would look like translated word for word:
1. "If in the tongues of men I speak and of angels, but love I have not, I have become brass sounding or cymbal a tinkling. 2. And if I have prophecy and know the mysteries all and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so as mountains to remove, love but I have not, nothing I am. 3. And if I dole out all the goods of me, and if I deliver the body of me in order that I shall be burned, love but I have not, nothing I am profited."
Very Yodaesque.
And so, we translate to fit our language and culture.
For instance, let's translate the words, "My watch is running." into French. We could use the formal: "Ma montre fonctionne." (My watch is functioning), or the vernacular: "Ma montre elle marche," (My watch she walks).
In France things don't run, they walk. Unless you're in Paris, nothing moves faster than a walk in France.
With regard to the Bible, we need a translation that conveys the meaning closest to the meaning of the writer (God).
For some really GOOD discussions of translations and word meanings, may I recommend Better Bibles Blog .
(For the record, every scripture I have ever memorized I memorized in the King James. I do not use that one for general Bible study and/or reading.)
3. Daily Bible Reading
The short of it is: DO IT.
If the Bible is the Word of God (and it is), it is worthy of our daily reading. Whether at a specific time (the best method) or at the most convenient time (dangerous), READ.
Read it ALL (not at once, but over time).
Whether you use a one year plan (challenging) or a five year plan (more reasonable...if you stick with it), GET IT DONE.
The most common way God speaks to us is through His Word. If we do not read it, we cannot hear Him speak.
4. How much do I need to Know?
Answer: As much as God allows you to understand at any given time for your own life.
Don't worry about those passages you don't understand. Read them and keep on going. God will give you their meaning when you are ready. Be more concerned about obeying the parts you DO understand.
5. When will I become an expert.
NEVER. Watch out for people who tell you they are experts on God's Word...they'll lie to you about other things, too.
6. What are the Key Passages?
7. How can I interpret the bible correctly?
The answer is the same for both questions.
In an algebraic equation, if you put the correct integers in the place of the unknowns the formula will work. If you put the wrong values in, no matter how hard you try, the formula will not work.
In God's Word, if you use the right key, the whole thing comes together. If you use the wrong key, none of it will ever properly come together.
The key is John 3:16.
If you spread a liberal dose of John 3:16 over whatever part of God's Word you are reading, you will get the meaning right.
If you do not, you will most exceedingly likely get it wrong.
Remember, it's about His plan for our redemption, from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22. His plan for our redemption is Jesus' death, burrial and resurrection to pay our sin debt.
There are many truths in the Bible, but only one Truth.
There are many stories in the Bible, but only one Story (HIStory)
From "In the beginning God..." to the last "Amen," the Bible is about, and only about, Jesus.
If you miss that, it does not matter what else you get.
If you get that, you've gotten it all.
Get it?
HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE
This could be a quick lesson, because I could say, "Graduate from a Bible College and then go to seminary for a doctorate in Biblical studies."
That would work, but would take time and money.
Most church members just aren't going to do that. The next best thing is to take my course.
What this is, is an overview of study methods along with a modicum of helpful information.
Here is what we will cover in VERY simple terms
1. What is the Bible?
2. Translations
3. Daily bible Readings
4. How much do I need to know?
5. When will I become an expert?
6. What are the key passages?
7. How can I interpret the bible correctly?
1. What is the Bible?
The bible is God's revelation of His love for His creation and His plan for its redemption.
It is called "The Word of God."
The "Word" is both His nature and His promise (as in: I give you my word).
Everything you need to know about God is found in the Word of God. Nothing you need to know about God is NOT found in the Word of God. Anything you THINK you know about God that is not in the Word of God, you just made up.
2. Translations
The Bible was not written in English. The King James (contrary to what you might have been taught) is not the translation that Jesus used.
The Old Testament Bible was written in Hebrew. The New Testament was basically written in Greek.
In order for us to read the Bible (unless, unlike me, you speak Hebrew or Greek), it must be translated into the English language. If you were French, you would read a Bible translated into French (from the Hebrew and Greek texts, not from the King James).
Translating is a tricky business. Idioms (Idia?), triteisms, dialects and regional meanings must be transformed into a form we can understand.
"Why not just translate it word-for word?" I hear you asking.
Can't do that.
Here is what I Corinthians 13 1-3 (from the LOVE chapter) would look like translated word for word:
1. "If in the tongues of men I speak and of angels, but love I have not, I have become brass sounding or cymbal a tinkling. 2. And if I have prophecy and know the mysteries all and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so as mountains to remove, love but I have not, nothing I am. 3. And if I dole out all the goods of me, and if I deliver the body of me in order that I shall be burned, love but I have not, nothing I am profited."
Very Yodaesque.
And so, we translate to fit our language and culture.
For instance, let's translate the words, "My watch is running." into French. We could use the formal: "Ma montre fonctionne." (My watch is functioning), or the vernacular: "Ma montre elle marche," (My watch she walks).
In France things don't run, they walk. Unless you're in Paris, nothing moves faster than a walk in France.
With regard to the Bible, we need a translation that conveys the meaning closest to the meaning of the writer (God).
For some really GOOD discussions of translations and word meanings, may I recommend Better Bibles Blog .
(For the record, every scripture I have ever memorized I memorized in the King James. I do not use that one for general Bible study and/or reading.)
3. Daily Bible Reading
The short of it is: DO IT.
If the Bible is the Word of God (and it is), it is worthy of our daily reading. Whether at a specific time (the best method) or at the most convenient time (dangerous), READ.
Read it ALL (not at once, but over time).
Whether you use a one year plan (challenging) or a five year plan (more reasonable...if you stick with it), GET IT DONE.
The most common way God speaks to us is through His Word. If we do not read it, we cannot hear Him speak.
4. How much do I need to Know?
Answer: As much as God allows you to understand at any given time for your own life.
Don't worry about those passages you don't understand. Read them and keep on going. God will give you their meaning when you are ready. Be more concerned about obeying the parts you DO understand.
5. When will I become an expert.
NEVER. Watch out for people who tell you they are experts on God's Word...they'll lie to you about other things, too.
6. What are the Key Passages?
7. How can I interpret the bible correctly?
The answer is the same for both questions.
In an algebraic equation, if you put the correct integers in the place of the unknowns the formula will work. If you put the wrong values in, no matter how hard you try, the formula will not work.
In God's Word, if you use the right key, the whole thing comes together. If you use the wrong key, none of it will ever properly come together.
The key is John 3:16.
If you spread a liberal dose of John 3:16 over whatever part of God's Word you are reading, you will get the meaning right.
If you do not, you will most exceedingly likely get it wrong.
Remember, it's about His plan for our redemption, from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22. His plan for our redemption is Jesus' death, burrial and resurrection to pay our sin debt.
There are many truths in the Bible, but only one Truth.
There are many stories in the Bible, but only one Story (HIStory)
From "In the beginning God..." to the last "Amen," the Bible is about, and only about, Jesus.
If you miss that, it does not matter what else you get.
If you get that, you've gotten it all.
Get it?
Monday, December 26, 2005
OK...HERE WE GO
With all the sadness and trauma going on in the world at the moment, it is worth reflecting on the death of a very important person which almost went unnoticed last week.
Larry La Prise, the man who wrote "The Hokey Pokey", died peacefully at age 93.
The most traumatic part for his family was getting him into the coffin. ... ... .. . .. . They put his left leg in... And then the trouble started.
Larry La Prise, the man who wrote "The Hokey Pokey", died peacefully at age 93.
The most traumatic part for his family was getting him into the coffin. ... ... .. . .. . They put his left leg in... And then the trouble started.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
By Any Other Name
When I was growing up (some say I never have), the main thing "conservative Baptist" preachers preached against was divorce.
Divorce was the universe's worse sin.
Divorced people were spirited away from the mainstream of the church.
There were no "Singles Again" ministries.
The only thing that rivaled divorce in the hirarchy of sin was "unplanned" pregnancy.
Today, by contrast, I hear preaching about divorce, but it no longer holds the lofty position in the world of sin that it once did.
Correct me if I am wrong (I don't really mean that, by the way, 'cause I'm not wrong), but I think homosexuality and abortion have overcome divorce as the most exalted sins.
I don't hear too much about lying, very little about coveting, only a smattering about swearing, almost nothing about failing to honor mother and father.
When is the last time you heard preaching about putting God first in every aspect of your life? Have you heard much about graven images? What about resting? Have you been preached to about that?
Keep your ears open and see whether or not you are admonished not to murder people. Maybe this one seems too obvious.
Jesus had some thoughts about it though. He thought just thinking about it was about as bad as doing it.
The thing is, we tend to have a "sin of the decade." Something that is in vogue for the times.
One preacher preaches about this particular sin and others hear it and want to jump on the band wagon.
The Bible teaches that sin is sin. (Want chapter and verse? OK: Genesis 1:1 - Revelation 22:21)
Yeah, yeah. I know. Some sins are against the body. Some sins are listed first in lists.
But the wages of sin is death.
That's because, according to the Sermon on the Mount, the very thought of sin is enough to qualify as sin.
Sin is any thought, word or deed that is not in the very center of God's will.
One who insists on justifying homosexuality is no more or less lost than one who insists on justifying the stealing of a paper clip or driving over the speed limit (gotcha on that one, didn't I?).
The only solution for any of these or any other sin(s) is repentance and turning to Christ, trusting in His finished work at the cross of calvary and in His resurrection for eternal justification.
Do we really trust Him for paying our sin debt? Or do we just say that we trust Him?
Trust me...you should trust Him.
Divorce was the universe's worse sin.
Divorced people were spirited away from the mainstream of the church.
There were no "Singles Again" ministries.
The only thing that rivaled divorce in the hirarchy of sin was "unplanned" pregnancy.
Today, by contrast, I hear preaching about divorce, but it no longer holds the lofty position in the world of sin that it once did.
Correct me if I am wrong (I don't really mean that, by the way, 'cause I'm not wrong), but I think homosexuality and abortion have overcome divorce as the most exalted sins.
I don't hear too much about lying, very little about coveting, only a smattering about swearing, almost nothing about failing to honor mother and father.
When is the last time you heard preaching about putting God first in every aspect of your life? Have you heard much about graven images? What about resting? Have you been preached to about that?
Keep your ears open and see whether or not you are admonished not to murder people. Maybe this one seems too obvious.
Jesus had some thoughts about it though. He thought just thinking about it was about as bad as doing it.
The thing is, we tend to have a "sin of the decade." Something that is in vogue for the times.
One preacher preaches about this particular sin and others hear it and want to jump on the band wagon.
The Bible teaches that sin is sin. (Want chapter and verse? OK: Genesis 1:1 - Revelation 22:21)
Yeah, yeah. I know. Some sins are against the body. Some sins are listed first in lists.
But the wages of sin is death.
That's because, according to the Sermon on the Mount, the very thought of sin is enough to qualify as sin.
Sin is any thought, word or deed that is not in the very center of God's will.
One who insists on justifying homosexuality is no more or less lost than one who insists on justifying the stealing of a paper clip or driving over the speed limit (gotcha on that one, didn't I?).
The only solution for any of these or any other sin(s) is repentance and turning to Christ, trusting in His finished work at the cross of calvary and in His resurrection for eternal justification.
Do we really trust Him for paying our sin debt? Or do we just say that we trust Him?
Trust me...you should trust Him.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Tempus Fugets
In January, I will be ## years old.
I cannot believe how time has flown.
Time is wierd.
When one is young, time is forever. It is actually boring. The only time time moves fast is when you are doing something you don't want to stop doing.
Later, time starts evening out. The things you want to do still move through time quickly, but the things you don't want to do seem to as well.
After a certain age, which is heretofore un-defined, all time seems to zip by like a fly discovered open in public.
See, for me, it simply cannot be time for either Christmas or the new year.
There hasn't been enough time.
I cannot yet write 2005 on my checks.
What a blessing it will be when I enter into eternity, where time will be no more.
Not to be bound by time. What a concept!
In fact, I cannot conceptualize it.
I will be able to tie my shoes without worrying that there isn't time to get the job done because I'm late for work.
Only I won't have any shoe laces to tie (will I?). Where is that in the Bible?
God has never been, is not now and never will be bound by time (except maybe the "time" Jesus walked the earth physically).
Maybe "In the beginning...." does not refer to a beginning of things, but the beginning of time as we know it.
Makes sense to me.
Which may or may not be a confirmation of the idea.
(## = 64)
I cannot believe how time has flown.
Time is wierd.
When one is young, time is forever. It is actually boring. The only time time moves fast is when you are doing something you don't want to stop doing.
Later, time starts evening out. The things you want to do still move through time quickly, but the things you don't want to do seem to as well.
After a certain age, which is heretofore un-defined, all time seems to zip by like a fly discovered open in public.
See, for me, it simply cannot be time for either Christmas or the new year.
There hasn't been enough time.
I cannot yet write 2005 on my checks.
What a blessing it will be when I enter into eternity, where time will be no more.
Not to be bound by time. What a concept!
In fact, I cannot conceptualize it.
I will be able to tie my shoes without worrying that there isn't time to get the job done because I'm late for work.
Only I won't have any shoe laces to tie (will I?). Where is that in the Bible?
God has never been, is not now and never will be bound by time (except maybe the "time" Jesus walked the earth physically).
Maybe "In the beginning...." does not refer to a beginning of things, but the beginning of time as we know it.
Makes sense to me.
Which may or may not be a confirmation of the idea.
(## = 64)
Saturday, December 17, 2005
From the Drive-by Christmas Pageant
Three years ago I introduced the idea of a drive-by Christmas diurama to our church.
They accepted the challenge and this year put on their third annual Drive-By Christmas Pageant.
There is a road that passes right by our church grounds. We set up seven scenes on the property so that people could drive by and view the scenes of Christmas.
Here are the results (click on each picture to see it enlarged):
Isaiah's prophecy of the coming Messiah.
Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem.
To be taxed because they were of the house and lineage of David.
There was no room for them in the inn.
Jesus was born in a manger.
He was born to die for our sins.
He rose triumphantly over the tomb.
His salvation is available to anyone.
They accepted the challenge and this year put on their third annual Drive-By Christmas Pageant.
There is a road that passes right by our church grounds. We set up seven scenes on the property so that people could drive by and view the scenes of Christmas.
Here are the results (click on each picture to see it enlarged):
Isaiah's prophecy of the coming Messiah.
Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem.
To be taxed because they were of the house and lineage of David.
There was no room for them in the inn.
Jesus was born in a manger.
He was born to die for our sins.
He rose triumphantly over the tomb.
His salvation is available to anyone.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Drive On By
Tonight begins three nights of our Drive By Christmas Pageant.
We have seven scenes set up on the side of the road beside our worship center.
The scenes are manned by live people and animals.
The first scene is Isaiah, prophesying the coming of Messiah.
The second is Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem. There is a donkey in this scene, whether or not she was really riding one.
In the third scene, we see the tax collector's office with the tax collector collecting taxes (what else?) from Mary and Joseph.
Next comes the inn with a large NO VACANCY sign on it and the innkeeper turning Mary and Joseph away.
After that, the traditional manger scene with Mary, Joseph, the Baby Jesus and assorted wise men, shepherds, sheep, goats, and (new this year) chickens.
Oh, yes, and an angel.
Then a cross. With Jesus on it.
A cross? At Christmas?
Yep.
He was born to die for our sins. Otherwise, He need not have come.
And fianlly, the empty tomb.
There will be Roman soldiers, some on horseback, some "guarding" the tomb.
We'll have a few merchants "selling" (rubber) chickens to the drivers by and a myriad of other people in various crowds.
Each scene has its own audio broadcast to the passing cars. Max McClean reads Isaiah, Christmas carols accompany Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, other manger songs play at the manger and the last scene has the Hallelujah Chorus!
At the end there is a place to turn in and have some refreshments and an evangelism booth for any who might want to learn more about Jesus.
I'll post some pictures.
Pray that all will go well for us.
We have seven scenes set up on the side of the road beside our worship center.
The scenes are manned by live people and animals.
The first scene is Isaiah, prophesying the coming of Messiah.
The second is Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem. There is a donkey in this scene, whether or not she was really riding one.
In the third scene, we see the tax collector's office with the tax collector collecting taxes (what else?) from Mary and Joseph.
Next comes the inn with a large NO VACANCY sign on it and the innkeeper turning Mary and Joseph away.
After that, the traditional manger scene with Mary, Joseph, the Baby Jesus and assorted wise men, shepherds, sheep, goats, and (new this year) chickens.
Oh, yes, and an angel.
Then a cross. With Jesus on it.
A cross? At Christmas?
Yep.
He was born to die for our sins. Otherwise, He need not have come.
And fianlly, the empty tomb.
There will be Roman soldiers, some on horseback, some "guarding" the tomb.
We'll have a few merchants "selling" (rubber) chickens to the drivers by and a myriad of other people in various crowds.
Each scene has its own audio broadcast to the passing cars. Max McClean reads Isaiah, Christmas carols accompany Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, other manger songs play at the manger and the last scene has the Hallelujah Chorus!
At the end there is a place to turn in and have some refreshments and an evangelism booth for any who might want to learn more about Jesus.
I'll post some pictures.
Pray that all will go well for us.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Internet Radio
Many of you know that I work at a Christian radio station, kingdom dot fm. That is where we can be heard online.
We are a "middle of the road insporational praise and worship" station.
If you like a more Lite Adult Contemporary or Adult Contemporary sound, I have a GREAT place for you to listen online iff (if and only if) you have high speed Internet.
Check it out at http://www.capechristian.com/ and follow the links to listen to the station.
This is one of the most beautifully assembled stations I have ever heard in terms of smoothness and content.
The exciting part is, ANY CHURCH can have a 24 hour per day station of its very own, custom made to reflect your church and your tastes, whether A/C, Southern Gospel, Traditional, Youth, Christian Hit or whatever.
In addition you can air your sermons, your announcements, your points of interest your activities, all as smoothly produced as the one listed above. And at a price that is unbelievably low.
You audience is potentially 6,500,000,000 people! (Well, at least as many as have computers with high speed Internet.)
Talk about outreach! Talk about missions! Talk about The Great Commission!
I'm not a salesman. I just think this is a spectacular concept and the very wave of the future!
If you are interested, contact info@onlineradio.com.
But whether your church is interested or not, give it a listen...you'll be impressed.
The sound is digital, full range, stereo, high band-width, rich quality and very well produced by one of the world's finest producers.
God bless!
We are a "middle of the road insporational praise and worship" station.
If you like a more Lite Adult Contemporary or Adult Contemporary sound, I have a GREAT place for you to listen online iff (if and only if) you have high speed Internet.
Check it out at http://www.capechristian.com/ and follow the links to listen to the station.
This is one of the most beautifully assembled stations I have ever heard in terms of smoothness and content.
The exciting part is, ANY CHURCH can have a 24 hour per day station of its very own, custom made to reflect your church and your tastes, whether A/C, Southern Gospel, Traditional, Youth, Christian Hit or whatever.
In addition you can air your sermons, your announcements, your points of interest your activities, all as smoothly produced as the one listed above. And at a price that is unbelievably low.
You audience is potentially 6,500,000,000 people! (Well, at least as many as have computers with high speed Internet.)
Talk about outreach! Talk about missions! Talk about The Great Commission!
I'm not a salesman. I just think this is a spectacular concept and the very wave of the future!
If you are interested, contact info@onlineradio.com.
But whether your church is interested or not, give it a listen...you'll be impressed.
The sound is digital, full range, stereo, high band-width, rich quality and very well produced by one of the world's finest producers.
God bless!
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Holy Hostility
I heard a story about a man and his wife who, because of her diligence in healthy living (exercise, high-fiber diet, etc.), lived a long, long life.
As life would have it, they died on the same night and went to Heaven, where they met St. Peter at the gate.
He showed them the gorgious mansion that would be theirs for eternity. "How much will this cost me?" asked the man.
"This is heaven," answered St. Peter. "There is no charge."
Then he showed them the great golf course that they could use all day every day and never wait for a foursome to finish ahead of them.
"How much is the green fee?"
St. Peter said, "This is heaven. No charge."
He took them to the buffet. There they saw ever imaginable culinary treat, lobster thermadore, filet mignon and more than could be described.
"How much?"
"This is Heaven...no charge.
"Wait!" cried the man. "Where are the high-fiber foods? Where is the wheat germ? Where is the low-fat stuff?"
"This is Heaven, no need for that. You'll live here forever, no matter what."
At this the man got very angry and red in the face. He jumped up and down on his hat in an obvious rage.
"What's wrong?" asked his perplexed wife.
"What's wrong? I'll tell you what's wrong. If it hadn't been for your stupid health nuttiness, I could have been here ten years ago."
Yeah, for you purists, I know it's theologically off-base, but it was fun.
Maybe our perceptions of Heaven are somewhat skewed by our experience on this earth.
Selah.
As life would have it, they died on the same night and went to Heaven, where they met St. Peter at the gate.
He showed them the gorgious mansion that would be theirs for eternity. "How much will this cost me?" asked the man.
"This is heaven," answered St. Peter. "There is no charge."
Then he showed them the great golf course that they could use all day every day and never wait for a foursome to finish ahead of them.
"How much is the green fee?"
St. Peter said, "This is heaven. No charge."
He took them to the buffet. There they saw ever imaginable culinary treat, lobster thermadore, filet mignon and more than could be described.
"How much?"
"This is Heaven...no charge.
"Wait!" cried the man. "Where are the high-fiber foods? Where is the wheat germ? Where is the low-fat stuff?"
"This is Heaven, no need for that. You'll live here forever, no matter what."
At this the man got very angry and red in the face. He jumped up and down on his hat in an obvious rage.
"What's wrong?" asked his perplexed wife.
"What's wrong? I'll tell you what's wrong. If it hadn't been for your stupid health nuttiness, I could have been here ten years ago."
Yeah, for you purists, I know it's theologically off-base, but it was fun.
Maybe our perceptions of Heaven are somewhat skewed by our experience on this earth.
Selah.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
SUNDAY PRAISE
Hevenly Father, in this most beautiful season, lead us to Bethlehem.
Lead us to the Christ child.
Lead us to the one born to die for our sins.
Lead us to the one who would rise triumphantly over the grave.
Lead us to the one who would give us our salvation.
Lead us faithfully, joyfully, triumphantly.
Lead us singing and praising the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
O Come, All Ye Faithful
Adeste Fideles
O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels!
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Sing choirs of angels, sing in exultaiton;
O sing, all ye heavenly hosts of heav'n above.
Glory to God - Glory in the highest!
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be the glory giv'n;
Word of the Father, Now in the flesh appearing,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Lead us to the Christ child.
Lead us to the one born to die for our sins.
Lead us to the one who would rise triumphantly over the grave.
Lead us to the one who would give us our salvation.
Lead us faithfully, joyfully, triumphantly.
Lead us singing and praising the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
O Come, All Ye Faithful
Adeste Fideles
O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels!
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Sing choirs of angels, sing in exultaiton;
O sing, all ye heavenly hosts of heav'n above.
Glory to God - Glory in the highest!
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be the glory giv'n;
Word of the Father, Now in the flesh appearing,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Go Jeff!
One of my favorite blogs is "Think Sink ."
You are all good, but in terms of originality and variety, this one is really good!
Jeff is in the running for best blog.
Go over and vote for him.
The voting site is: http://weblogawards.org/2005/12/best_of_the_top_5011000_blogs.php
His site is at http://thinksink.blogspot.com/
Click on the link to the voting page.
You may vote once daily.
Let's take him over the top!!!
You are all good, but in terms of originality and variety, this one is really good!
Jeff is in the running for best blog.
Go over and vote for him.
The voting site is: http://weblogawards.org/2005/12/best_of_the_top_5011000_blogs.php
His site is at http://thinksink.blogspot.com/
Click on the link to the voting page.
You may vote once daily.
Let's take him over the top!!!
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Huh 2?
While walking through a cemetary the other day, looking for flowers to give to my wife, I came across this creature. I'm not sure what it is, but if you ever encounter it, give it all the room it wants.
OK. So I made the part about looking for flowers up. I'd still stay away from this guy if I were you.
OK. So I made the part about looking for flowers up. I'd still stay away from this guy if I were you.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
The Legalist
I was watching the tube (mine still has one). A news reporteress was refering to the results of a local trial. "He was found innocent on all counts," she reported.
NO HE WAS NOT!!
Not one person in this country who has EVER stood trial had EVER been found innocent of any crime whatsoever...EVER!
He/she could only be found guilty or not-guilty.
One is PRESUMED innocent until proven guilty...and that only in a court of law.
You see, it has nothing to do with whether or not the accused actually did the crime.
Someone can commit a crime and be caught red handed, but he/she is guilty of nothing until the charges are proven in a court of law.
The alleged perp is innocent (by presumption) until the end of the trial, at which time a verdict of guilty or not-guilty will be rendered by a jury of his/her peers.
"Guilty" and "Not-guilty" are legal terms.
Application: Did Hussain commit horrible atrocities in Iraq? Yes. Did he gass innocents? He sure did. Did he cut people's hands off who disagreed with him? You betcha. Did he torture and mutilate people. Yep.
Is he guilty of any crimes?
Nope. He has not been found guilty, yet (Let's all pray that he is found guilty and that the appropriate civil penalties are forth coming).
Point is, we often try to apply legal standards to our everyday language when we discuss crimes and their perpetrators.
Someday I will stand before my righteous God and will be found guilty of every sin I have ever committed. He will be right (of course...He is always right).
But then my Advocate (another word for legal counsel) will step in.
He will say, "Father, it's OK. I have already paid for his sins."
He will say that in spite of the fact that I am guilty as charged.
He will say it because, and only because, at a point in my life, I repented and placed my trust in Him and His finished work at the cross of Calvary and believed that He died and rose to pay my sin debt.
(I neither know nor care whether he picked me from some pre-eternal pool or allowed me to absolutely freely choose Christ. It just won't matter. Period. I won't have to strain gnats or swallow camels.)
The Father will then say, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Joe, come on in. I have a place reserved for you." (That is not the KJV rendering of what will take place, but is a pretty good paraphrase.)
Although I have sinned, I will be found, not innocent, but righteous by reason of Jesus.
NO HE WAS NOT!!
Not one person in this country who has EVER stood trial had EVER been found innocent of any crime whatsoever...EVER!
He/she could only be found guilty or not-guilty.
One is PRESUMED innocent until proven guilty...and that only in a court of law.
You see, it has nothing to do with whether or not the accused actually did the crime.
Someone can commit a crime and be caught red handed, but he/she is guilty of nothing until the charges are proven in a court of law.
The alleged perp is innocent (by presumption) until the end of the trial, at which time a verdict of guilty or not-guilty will be rendered by a jury of his/her peers.
"Guilty" and "Not-guilty" are legal terms.
Application: Did Hussain commit horrible atrocities in Iraq? Yes. Did he gass innocents? He sure did. Did he cut people's hands off who disagreed with him? You betcha. Did he torture and mutilate people. Yep.
Is he guilty of any crimes?
Nope. He has not been found guilty, yet (Let's all pray that he is found guilty and that the appropriate civil penalties are forth coming).
Point is, we often try to apply legal standards to our everyday language when we discuss crimes and their perpetrators.
Someday I will stand before my righteous God and will be found guilty of every sin I have ever committed. He will be right (of course...He is always right).
But then my Advocate (another word for legal counsel) will step in.
He will say, "Father, it's OK. I have already paid for his sins."
He will say that in spite of the fact that I am guilty as charged.
He will say it because, and only because, at a point in my life, I repented and placed my trust in Him and His finished work at the cross of Calvary and believed that He died and rose to pay my sin debt.
(I neither know nor care whether he picked me from some pre-eternal pool or allowed me to absolutely freely choose Christ. It just won't matter. Period. I won't have to strain gnats or swallow camels.)
The Father will then say, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Joe, come on in. I have a place reserved for you." (That is not the KJV rendering of what will take place, but is a pretty good paraphrase.)
Although I have sinned, I will be found, not innocent, but righteous by reason of Jesus.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Monday, December 05, 2005
Basics of Christian Living Lesson 2
This begins lesson two of the "New Members" class that I teach in our church.
It is not meant to be a theological course. Rather it is an introduction to some of the basic issues facing a new Christian, one who has not been a member of a church before, or one from our church who wants to know what being a Southern Baptist is all about.
Here is the outline of Lesson 2:
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A (SOUTHERN) BAPTIST?
1. Baptist Distinctives
A. Church Autonomy
B. The Baptist Creed - Missions
C. Baptist Faith and Message.
D. The Southern Baptist Convention
1) Convenes once per year
2) The Executive Committee
3) The Boards
4) The Mission
CHURCH AUTONOMY
Let's define an important term: Convention
Last year, a group of baseball managers from the American League met in a large hotel in our area. They held a convention.
convention: the summoning or convening of an assembly b : an assembly of persons met for a common purpose.
The following is from the official web site of the Southern Baptist Convention:
"Isn't a convention a meeting and not a denomination? Technically, the Southern Baptist convention exists for only two days a year, at the annual gathering.
The rest of the year, denominational entities carry out the instructions of the messengers to the Convention. The authority, then, resides with the messengers elected by churches and participating in the two-day meeting. Still, those churches and individuals who identify with this enterprise typically call themselves Southern Baptist."
The point is, we often speak of the Southern Baptist Convention as if it is the name of the headquarters of a large denomination.
Such is NOT the case.
The term "Southern Baptist Convention" applies to, and only, to that group of people (called "messengers")who meet for two days of the year at an appointed place.
(OK, in common usage, the term is sometimes used to refer to the denomination, but that is not correct and leads to incorrect conclusions about who does what.)
The "headquarters" is really the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Let me explain.
When "messengers" from Southern Baptist churches convene for the two days of the year, they bring reports and recommendations from various committees, boards and even individuals. These are discussed and brought to the floor for a vote.
Once the vote is taken, if passed, the orders are given to the Executive Committee to carry out.
For example, Southern Baptists used to only have one curriculum for Sunday School. It was called "The Convention Uniform Lesson Series."
Some years back the messengers at the convention ordered that the Executive Committee develop and provide (ultimately) two other track of curricula.
And so, because of decisions made at the convention when it met, Southern Baptists developed three sets of curricula, "The Convention Uniform Lesson Series," the "Life and Works" series and the "Bible Book" series.
Southern Baptist churches choose which one of these series to use. Or they can choose to use David C. Cook material. Or they can choose something from Zondervan. Or anybody else they want to.
In short, Southern Baptist churches are completely autonomous. Totally. Absolutely.
Instead of the "headquarters" telling the churches what to do, the churches, at convention, tell the "headquarters" what to do.
AGAIN FROM THE WEB SITE:
"Southern Baptists firmly hold to the principle of church autonomy and self-rule. The Southern Baptist Convention does not ordain ministers, assign staff to churches, levy contributions to denominational causes, dictate literature and calendar, or assign persons to churches according to place of residence. These are local church matters."
The denomination is an alliance of churches working in friendly cooperation under the heading "Southern Baptist." A Southern Baptist church is about as independent as you can get and still be counted as part of a denomination.
The Baptist Creed - Missions
In 1845, in Augusta, Georgia, a group of representatives (later to be referred to as "messengers") from a group of Baptist churches met to try to devise a way to accomplish the Great Commission.
The average Southern Baptist church has fewer than 300 members. That's total members, not attenders.
A congregation of 100 to 150 attendees could hardly support a missionary's child, let alone the whole missionary family.
After much prayer, the plan God led them to was to pool their resources to support as many missionaries as they could. Because this plan required cooperation among the churches, it became known as The Cooperative Program.
The whole purpose of the Cooperative Program and the Southern Baptist Convention (when it convenes) is to support missions, directly or indirectly.
The mission of southern Baptists is: MISSIONS.
Today, Southern Baptist churches support over 5,000 missionaries in other countries (through the International [formerly Foreign] Missions Board of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention), over 5,000 missionaries in the United States, and thousands of part-time and volunteer missionaries.
What I have described for you is what is supposed to be. Sadly, many (maybe most) pastors of Southern Baptist churches neither know nor care about this. The result is that our people are ignorant (in the sense of not knowing) what their own church is about.
They think it is about anti-abortion (a good thing, but not what it's about), prayer in schools (a good thing, but not what it's about), getting the right man elected to office (a good thing, but not what it's about), or some other agenda.
But what it is about is The Great Commission: Leading people to christ; leading them to follow Him in believers baptism (by immersion); and making disciples of them in the local community, in the county, in the state, in the nation and around the world.
The mission of Southern Baptists is MISSIONS.
It is not meant to be a theological course. Rather it is an introduction to some of the basic issues facing a new Christian, one who has not been a member of a church before, or one from our church who wants to know what being a Southern Baptist is all about.
Here is the outline of Lesson 2:
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A (SOUTHERN) BAPTIST?
1. Baptist Distinctives
A. Church Autonomy
B. The Baptist Creed - Missions
C. Baptist Faith and Message.
D. The Southern Baptist Convention
1) Convenes once per year
2) The Executive Committee
3) The Boards
4) The Mission
CHURCH AUTONOMY
Let's define an important term: Convention
Last year, a group of baseball managers from the American League met in a large hotel in our area. They held a convention.
convention: the summoning or convening of an assembly b : an assembly of persons met for a common purpose.
The following is from the official web site of the Southern Baptist Convention:
"Isn't a convention a meeting and not a denomination? Technically, the Southern Baptist convention exists for only two days a year, at the annual gathering.
The rest of the year, denominational entities carry out the instructions of the messengers to the Convention. The authority, then, resides with the messengers elected by churches and participating in the two-day meeting. Still, those churches and individuals who identify with this enterprise typically call themselves Southern Baptist."
The point is, we often speak of the Southern Baptist Convention as if it is the name of the headquarters of a large denomination.
Such is NOT the case.
The term "Southern Baptist Convention" applies to, and only, to that group of people (called "messengers")who meet for two days of the year at an appointed place.
(OK, in common usage, the term is sometimes used to refer to the denomination, but that is not correct and leads to incorrect conclusions about who does what.)
The "headquarters" is really the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Let me explain.
When "messengers" from Southern Baptist churches convene for the two days of the year, they bring reports and recommendations from various committees, boards and even individuals. These are discussed and brought to the floor for a vote.
Once the vote is taken, if passed, the orders are given to the Executive Committee to carry out.
For example, Southern Baptists used to only have one curriculum for Sunday School. It was called "The Convention Uniform Lesson Series."
Some years back the messengers at the convention ordered that the Executive Committee develop and provide (ultimately) two other track of curricula.
And so, because of decisions made at the convention when it met, Southern Baptists developed three sets of curricula, "The Convention Uniform Lesson Series," the "Life and Works" series and the "Bible Book" series.
Southern Baptist churches choose which one of these series to use. Or they can choose to use David C. Cook material. Or they can choose something from Zondervan. Or anybody else they want to.
In short, Southern Baptist churches are completely autonomous. Totally. Absolutely.
Instead of the "headquarters" telling the churches what to do, the churches, at convention, tell the "headquarters" what to do.
AGAIN FROM THE WEB SITE:
"Southern Baptists firmly hold to the principle of church autonomy and self-rule. The Southern Baptist Convention does not ordain ministers, assign staff to churches, levy contributions to denominational causes, dictate literature and calendar, or assign persons to churches according to place of residence. These are local church matters."
The denomination is an alliance of churches working in friendly cooperation under the heading "Southern Baptist." A Southern Baptist church is about as independent as you can get and still be counted as part of a denomination.
The Baptist Creed - Missions
In 1845, in Augusta, Georgia, a group of representatives (later to be referred to as "messengers") from a group of Baptist churches met to try to devise a way to accomplish the Great Commission.
The average Southern Baptist church has fewer than 300 members. That's total members, not attenders.
A congregation of 100 to 150 attendees could hardly support a missionary's child, let alone the whole missionary family.
After much prayer, the plan God led them to was to pool their resources to support as many missionaries as they could. Because this plan required cooperation among the churches, it became known as The Cooperative Program.
The whole purpose of the Cooperative Program and the Southern Baptist Convention (when it convenes) is to support missions, directly or indirectly.
The mission of southern Baptists is: MISSIONS.
Today, Southern Baptist churches support over 5,000 missionaries in other countries (through the International [formerly Foreign] Missions Board of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention), over 5,000 missionaries in the United States, and thousands of part-time and volunteer missionaries.
What I have described for you is what is supposed to be. Sadly, many (maybe most) pastors of Southern Baptist churches neither know nor care about this. The result is that our people are ignorant (in the sense of not knowing) what their own church is about.
They think it is about anti-abortion (a good thing, but not what it's about), prayer in schools (a good thing, but not what it's about), getting the right man elected to office (a good thing, but not what it's about), or some other agenda.
But what it is about is The Great Commission: Leading people to christ; leading them to follow Him in believers baptism (by immersion); and making disciples of them in the local community, in the county, in the state, in the nation and around the world.
The mission of Southern Baptists is MISSIONS.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Sunday Praise
God with us. Incarnate.
Son of God. Dayspring.
Wisdom. Desire of nations.
Long expected one. Prince of Peace.
Lord of Hosts. Conqueror.
Everliving God. Wonderful counselor.
Mighty God.
Rod of Jesse. Lion of Judah.
Shepherd. Fortress.
Rock of Salvation. Son of David.
King of all ages. Lord of Glory.
We praise you and await the day of celebration.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Latin Hymn
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/c/ocomocom.htm
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Refrain
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orderest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.
Refrain
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory over the grave.
Refrain
O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Refrain
O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Refrain
O come, O come, great Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times once gave the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.
Refrain
O come, Thou Root of Jesse’s tree,
An ensign of Thy people be;
Before Thee rulers silent fall;
All peoples on Thy mercy call.
Refrain
O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.
Son of God. Dayspring.
Wisdom. Desire of nations.
Long expected one. Prince of Peace.
Lord of Hosts. Conqueror.
Everliving God. Wonderful counselor.
Mighty God.
Rod of Jesse. Lion of Judah.
Shepherd. Fortress.
Rock of Salvation. Son of David.
King of all ages. Lord of Glory.
We praise you and await the day of celebration.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Latin Hymn
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/c/ocomocom.htm
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Refrain
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orderest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.
Refrain
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory over the grave.
Refrain
O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Refrain
O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Refrain
O come, O come, great Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times once gave the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.
Refrain
O come, Thou Root of Jesse’s tree,
An ensign of Thy people be;
Before Thee rulers silent fall;
All peoples on Thy mercy call.
Refrain
O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.
Friday, December 02, 2005
I've Been Tagged
Danny Sims, over at The Danny Sims Blog- http://simsdanny.blogspot.com/ , has tagged me.
Here's what he said to do:
1. Delve into your blog archive.
2. Find your 23rd post (or closest to).
3. Find the fifth sentence (or closest to).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions. Ponder it for meaning, subtext or hidden agendas…
5. Tag five people to do the same
"The Constitution guarantees us the right to life, liberty and property (not happiness...that's the Declaration of Independence)."
Well, that's it. That's the sentence.
Let's all ponder together.
Ummm. Ummmmm. Ummmmmmmm.
OK, that's enough.
Too much pondering makes my brain hurt.
There is no hidden meaning. It means what it says.
Now for the five others: Uh...any volunteers?
Here's what he said to do:
1. Delve into your blog archive.
2. Find your 23rd post (or closest to).
3. Find the fifth sentence (or closest to).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions. Ponder it for meaning, subtext or hidden agendas…
5. Tag five people to do the same
"The Constitution guarantees us the right to life, liberty and property (not happiness...that's the Declaration of Independence)."
Well, that's it. That's the sentence.
Let's all ponder together.
Ummm. Ummmmm. Ummmmmmmm.
OK, that's enough.
Too much pondering makes my brain hurt.
There is no hidden meaning. It means what it says.
Now for the five others: Uh...any volunteers?
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Extreme Ignore Ance
Hurricane Katrina was bearing down on New Orleans.
With a kind of gall that only a politician could muster, the Democrats laid the blame at Presiden Bush's feet. He was at least responsible for the people who were told to evacuate but did not.
They also blamed him for the weakness of the levees, even though they were built long before he became President.
Then there was the economy.
Because of his terrible handling of the economy, including those horrible tax cuts, gas prices were up, the housing boom was ending, the stock market was doomed and the American Dream was fast coming to an end.
Additionally, because of his terrible handling of the war in Iraq, we were about to experience "another Viet Nam," troop morale was bound to fall and the people of Iraq wanted us out NOW. The insurgents were out of control.
All of this "bad news"...all of which could be blamed on George W. Bush.
Tonight I watched ABC news as they reported that New Orleans is about to completely recover from the hurricane, needing only time to finish the job.
They also reported the following: the economy is booming beyond the wildest expectations in spite of Hurricane Katrina (an observaton made by the newscaster); gas prices are at their lowest level in a long time; employment is WAY up; the housing boom has NOT subsided and the American Dream is alive and well.
Suicide bombings in Iraq are way down, the infrastructure of Iraq is way up, as is the morale of the troops.
The new Constitution in Iraq is in place and is beginning to inspire the people.
The military and the police of Iraq are taking on more and more of the responsibility of protecting their country.
All of this was reported tonight by ABC News, to their credit.
Guess whose name was not mentioned even once as having anything to do with any of the good news that they (ABC News) were forced to no longer ignore.
I won't mention his name, but his initials are George W. Bush.
And so it goes.
With a kind of gall that only a politician could muster, the Democrats laid the blame at Presiden Bush's feet. He was at least responsible for the people who were told to evacuate but did not.
They also blamed him for the weakness of the levees, even though they were built long before he became President.
Then there was the economy.
Because of his terrible handling of the economy, including those horrible tax cuts, gas prices were up, the housing boom was ending, the stock market was doomed and the American Dream was fast coming to an end.
Additionally, because of his terrible handling of the war in Iraq, we were about to experience "another Viet Nam," troop morale was bound to fall and the people of Iraq wanted us out NOW. The insurgents were out of control.
All of this "bad news"...all of which could be blamed on George W. Bush.
Tonight I watched ABC news as they reported that New Orleans is about to completely recover from the hurricane, needing only time to finish the job.
They also reported the following: the economy is booming beyond the wildest expectations in spite of Hurricane Katrina (an observaton made by the newscaster); gas prices are at their lowest level in a long time; employment is WAY up; the housing boom has NOT subsided and the American Dream is alive and well.
Suicide bombings in Iraq are way down, the infrastructure of Iraq is way up, as is the morale of the troops.
The new Constitution in Iraq is in place and is beginning to inspire the people.
The military and the police of Iraq are taking on more and more of the responsibility of protecting their country.
All of this was reported tonight by ABC News, to their credit.
Guess whose name was not mentioned even once as having anything to do with any of the good news that they (ABC News) were forced to no longer ignore.
I won't mention his name, but his initials are George W. Bush.
And so it goes.
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