I saw this video the other day on the Alpha and Omega Ministries blog, and I was extremely impressed! I think that if a twelve year old girl can make such a well thought out argument against abortion then I really have to wonder how an honest liberal abortion supporter could continue to hold to such an obviously evil position.
Ask yourself as you watch the beginning of this video whether you think that most liberals would get bent outta shape and give a hearty AMEN! to this girl's video if she were talking about an Islamic family in Afghanistan who had no idea that a missile was heading their way. I'm not saying that bombing families in other countries is any better, but I simply say that to point out an inconsistency. I doubt very much that they would be consistent. I actually think that if a liberal stumbled across this video unknowingly that they might get all worked up thinking that it was a slam against George Bush and then feel pretty stupid when she revealed what she was actually talking about.
Sorry for rambling. Here's the video:
Thursday, February 19, 2009
What Does Jesus Have to Say to the World?
I was reading my Bible the other day, and I noticed a passage that I've read many times and have been well aware of. The verse I'm mainly referring to brought some thoughts to mind, though, and I wanted to share them with someone. Thanks for listening (reading). This is the verse I'm referring to:
"The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil."
(Joh 7:7 ESV)
Jesus is talking to His unbelieving brothers when they told Him to go prove the fact that He was really who He claimed to be at the festival in Judea. Since they are of the world (unbelieving), they get along just fine with the world, but He is from God which means that the world hates Him.
I find this funny because many people who call themselves Christians or who think that they can decide who Jesus is think that He is just fine with the sins that they commit daily. They think that they can do the exact opposite of what the Bible (God's word) says while God sits back and smiles approvingly. NO!!!
This is a most distorted view of who Jesus is. And mine is not some minority interpretation of Jesus' words in a single area of Scripture either. Notice also, that Jesus prays in John 17 for His disciples and "also for those who will believe in [Him] through their word." (verse 20)(By the way, this includes me and you Christian) And He also makes sure to point out the fact that He is "not praying for the world but for those whom [God has] given [Him]." (verse 9) So, if Jesus is specifically NOT praying for the world, then what is the warrant for believing that He is ok with you who have not obeyed Him by repenting and putting your trust in Him as your Savior and supreme desire?
This also gives us Christians a good perspective when witnessing to unbelievers. We most certainly should not coddle anyone's sinful lifestyle. If we are not clear about the way Jesus feels about sin and what He plans to do to those who commit it in complete disregard for His Gospel we are doing them no favors.
I think that this is something that we should all consider when sharing our faith. As a matter of fact, we need to be very clear that Jesus died to take the place of all who would repent and trust Him, but we should also be very clear that they have no part in that saving sacrifice if they don't obey the Gospel (John 3:36). After all, would He specifically not pray for them but then turn around and take their place on the cross?
"The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil."
(Joh 7:7 ESV)
Jesus is talking to His unbelieving brothers when they told Him to go prove the fact that He was really who He claimed to be at the festival in Judea. Since they are of the world (unbelieving), they get along just fine with the world, but He is from God which means that the world hates Him.
I find this funny because many people who call themselves Christians or who think that they can decide who Jesus is think that He is just fine with the sins that they commit daily. They think that they can do the exact opposite of what the Bible (God's word) says while God sits back and smiles approvingly. NO!!!
This is a most distorted view of who Jesus is. And mine is not some minority interpretation of Jesus' words in a single area of Scripture either. Notice also, that Jesus prays in John 17 for His disciples and "also for those who will believe in [Him] through their word." (verse 20)(By the way, this includes me and you Christian) And He also makes sure to point out the fact that He is "not praying for the world but for those whom [God has] given [Him]." (verse 9) So, if Jesus is specifically NOT praying for the world, then what is the warrant for believing that He is ok with you who have not obeyed Him by repenting and putting your trust in Him as your Savior and supreme desire?
This also gives us Christians a good perspective when witnessing to unbelievers. We most certainly should not coddle anyone's sinful lifestyle. If we are not clear about the way Jesus feels about sin and what He plans to do to those who commit it in complete disregard for His Gospel we are doing them no favors.
I think that this is something that we should all consider when sharing our faith. As a matter of fact, we need to be very clear that Jesus died to take the place of all who would repent and trust Him, but we should also be very clear that they have no part in that saving sacrifice if they don't obey the Gospel (John 3:36). After all, would He specifically not pray for them but then turn around and take their place on the cross?
God Glorifying Music
I have struggled with the issue of which music is acceptable to be using--mostly in private, but also in a church setting. Not that I have struggled much myself, but I've had more problems struggling with others who seem to think that only certain types of music are acceptable while other (well done) music is not. I'm not talking about poorly constructed, thrown together, wild, abstract music, though I'm not willing to just brush certain things aside without giving a fair listen. This is why I'd like to share the perspective of a man who could be considered anything but a liberal or sloppy man of God.
This video is of Paul Washer, and he has some nice things to say about those who have have been titled "reformed rappers". I don't expect everyone to watch the whole thing, but you can get the gist of his opinion of the type of music I've been defending in the first few minutes. Like I said, Paul Washer is not one who doesn't consider the actions of believers to be important. He has preached whole sermons rebuking those who call themselves Christians who live like all the unbelieving people in America, so keep that in mind while watching this:
This video is of Paul Washer, and he has some nice things to say about those who have have been titled "reformed rappers". I don't expect everyone to watch the whole thing, but you can get the gist of his opinion of the type of music I've been defending in the first few minutes. Like I said, Paul Washer is not one who doesn't consider the actions of believers to be important. He has preached whole sermons rebuking those who call themselves Christians who live like all the unbelieving people in America, so keep that in mind while watching this:
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Edifying quotation from a John Owen book
I have had this quotation on my computer ever since I found it a while back, and it is incredibly edifying to me. I just wanted to share this with all who might also find it edifying, so I', posting it here. If you're a Christian, you'll really feel the power and truth of this citation. It's actually a quotation from a book by Anselm of Canterbury sometime in the 1200s, but I found it in one of John Owen's books on ccel.org (which I have actually supplied a link to on the left as "Millions (many) MORE FREE books").
Like I said, if you're a Christian you'll really appreciate it, and if you think about it you'll really be edified by the fact that it was written long before the actual reformation. Check it out:
There was of old a direction for the visitation of the sick, composed, as they say, by Anselm, which expresses a better sense of these things than some seem to be convinced of:— [I have edited out the long Latin quotation here. You don't have to thank me.] — that is, “Dost thou believe that thou canst not be saved but by the death of Christ? The sick man answers, ‘Yes;’ then let it be said unto him, Go to, then, and whilst thy soul abideth in thee, put all thy confidence in this death alone, place thy trust in no other thing; commit thyself wholly to this death, cover thyself wholly with this alone, cast thyself wholly on this death, wrap thyself wholly in this death. And if God would judge thee, say, ‘Lord, I place the death of our Lord Jesus Christ between me and thy judgment; and otherwise I will not contend or enter into judgment with thee.’ And if he shall say unto thee that thou art a sinner, say, ‘I place the death of our Lord Jesus Christ between me and my sins.’ If he shall say unto thee that thou hast deserved damnation, say, ‘Lord, I put the death of our Lord Jesus Christ between thee and all my sins; and I offer his merits for my own, which I should have, and have not.’ If he say that he is angry with thee, say, ‘Lord, I place the death of our Lord Jesus Christ between me and thy anger.’ ”
Like I said, if you're a Christian you'll really appreciate it, and if you think about it you'll really be edified by the fact that it was written long before the actual reformation. Check it out:
There was of old a direction for the visitation of the sick, composed, as they say, by Anselm, which expresses a better sense of these things than some seem to be convinced of:— [I have edited out the long Latin quotation here. You don't have to thank me.] — that is, “Dost thou believe that thou canst not be saved but by the death of Christ? The sick man answers, ‘Yes;’ then let it be said unto him, Go to, then, and whilst thy soul abideth in thee, put all thy confidence in this death alone, place thy trust in no other thing; commit thyself wholly to this death, cover thyself wholly with this alone, cast thyself wholly on this death, wrap thyself wholly in this death. And if God would judge thee, say, ‘Lord, I place the death of our Lord Jesus Christ between me and thy judgment; and otherwise I will not contend or enter into judgment with thee.’ And if he shall say unto thee that thou art a sinner, say, ‘I place the death of our Lord Jesus Christ between me and my sins.’ If he shall say unto thee that thou hast deserved damnation, say, ‘Lord, I put the death of our Lord Jesus Christ between thee and all my sins; and I offer his merits for my own, which I should have, and have not.’ If he say that he is angry with thee, say, ‘Lord, I place the death of our Lord Jesus Christ between me and thy anger.’ ”
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Years Bible Reading Plan
I was given a Bible reading plan a lil while ago by a wise (not so old) man, and I wanted to share it with everyone. The wise man who gave it to me said that the Lord has just been purging his mind and renewing it as he had been following this plan. When the Scriptures are coming in as much as this plan will accomplish (if followed), the Lord will surely bring Scripture to your mind at the most opportune times in order to give you wisdom, encouragement, or rebuke when needed; and the Spirit will certainly use that to mold you into Christ's image (which I hope is your goal). It'll take you through the Bible in 90 days, which means that you'll be reaping the benefits in very little time. So go get started now:
1.....Genesis 1-5; Job 1-6.....Matthew 1-3
2.....Genesis 6-10; Job 7-12.....Matthew 4-6
3.....Genesis 11-15; Job 13-18.....Matthew 7-9
4.....Genesis 16-20; Job 19-24.....Matthew 10-12
5.....Genesis 21-25; Job 25-30.....Matthew 13-15
6.....Genesis 26-30; Job 31-36.....Matthew 16-18
7.....Genesis 31-35; Job 37-42.....Matthew 19-21
8.....Genesis 36-40; Psalms 1-6.....Matthew 22-24
9.....Genesis 41-45; Psalms 7-12.....Matthew 25-26
10.....Genesis 46-50; Psalms 13-18.....Matthew 27-28
11.....Exodus 1-5; Psalms 19-24.....Mark 1-3
12.....Exodus 6-10; Psalms 25-30.....Mark 4-6
13.....Exodus 11-15; Psalms 31-36.....Mark 7-9
14.....Exodus 16-20; Psalms 37-42.....Mark 10-12
15.....Exodus 21-25; Psalms 43-48.....Mark 13-14
16.....Exodus 26-30; Psalms 49-54.....Mark 15-16
17.....Exodus 31-35; Psalms 55-60.....Luke 1-3
18.....Exodus 36-40; Psalms 61-66.....Luke 4-6
19.....Leviticus 1-5; Psalms 67-72.....Luke 7-9
20.....Leviticus 6-10; Psalms 73-78.....Luke 10-12
21.....Leviticus 11-15; Psalms 79-84.....Luke 13-15
22.....Leviticus 16-19; Psalms 85-90.....Luke 16-18
23.....Leviticus 20-23; Psalms 91-96.....Luke 19-21
24.....Leviticus 24-27; Psalms 97-102.....Luke 22-24
25.....Numbers 1-5; Psalms 103-108.....John 1-3
26.....Numbers 6-10; Psalms 109-114.....John 4-6
27.....Numbers 11-15; Psalms 115-120.....John 7-9
28.....Numbers 16-19; Psalms 121-126.....John 10-12
29.....Numbers 20-23; Psalms 127-132.....John 13-15
30.....Numbers 24-27; Psalms 133-138.....John 16-18
31.....Numbers 28-32; Psalms 139-144.....John 19-21
32.....Numbers 33-36; Psalms 145-150.....Acts 1-3
33.....Deuteronomy 1-5; Proverbs 1-6.....Acts 4-6
34.....Deuteronomy 6-10; Proverbs 7-11.....Acts 7-9
35.....Deuteronomy 11-15; Proverbs 12-16.....Acts 10-12
36.....Deuteronomy 16-20; Proverbs 17-21.....Acts 13-15
37.....Deuteronomy 21-25; Proverbs 22-26.....Acts 16-18
38.....Deuteronomy 26-30; Proverbs 27-31.....Acts 19-21
39.....Deuteronomy 31-34; Ecclesiastes 1-6.....Acts 22-24
40.....Joshua 1-5; Ecclesiastes 7-12.....Acts 25-28
41.....Joshua 6-10; Song of Songs 1-4.....Romans 1-3
42.....Joshua 11-15; Song of Songs 5-8.....Romans 4-6
43.....Joshua 16-20; Isaiah 1-6.....Romans 7-9
44.....Joshua 21-24; Isaiah 7-12.....Romans 10-12
45.....Judges 1-5; Isaiah 13-18.....Romans 13-16
46.....Judges 6-9; Isaiah 19-24.....1 Corinthians 1-3
47.....Judges 10-13; Isaiah 25-30.....1 Corinthians 4-6
48.....Judges 14-17; Isaiah 31-36.....1 Corinthians 7-9
49.....Judges 18-21; Isaiah 37-42.....1 Corinthians 10-12
50.....Ruth 1-4; Isaiah 43-48.....1 Corinthians 13-14
51.....1 Samuel 1-5; Isaiah 49-54.....1 Corinthians 15-16
52.....1 Samuel 6-10; Isaiah 55-60.....2 Corinthians 1-3
53.....1 Samuel 11-15; Isaiah 61-66.....2 Corinthians 4-6
54.....1 Samuel 16-19; Jeremiah 1-6.....2 Corinthians 7-9
55.....1 Samuel 20-23; Jeremiah 7-12.....2 Corinthians 10-11
56.....1 Samuel 24-27; Jeremiah 13-18.....2 Corinthians 12-13
57.....1 Samuel 28-31; Jeremiah 19-24.....Galatians 1-3
58.....2 Samuel 1-5; Jeremiah 25-30.....Galatians 4-6
59.....2 Samuel 6-10; Jeremiah 31-36.....Ephesians 1-3
60.....2 Samuel 11-15; Jeremiah 37-42.....Ephesians 4-6
61.....2 Samuel 16-20; Jeremiah 43-47.....Philippians 1-2
62.....2 Samuel 21-24; Jeremiah 48-52.....Philippians 3-4
63.....1 Kings 1-5; Lamentations 1-5.....Colossians 1-2
64.....1 Kings 6-10; Ezekiel 1-6.....Colossians 3-4
65.....1 Kings 11-14; Ezekiel 7-12.....1 Thessalonians 1-3
66.....1 Kings 15-18; Ezekiel 13-18.....1 Thessalonians 4-5
67.....1 Kings 19-22; Ezekiel 19-24.....2 Thessalonians 1-3
68.....2 Kings 1-5; Ezekiel 25-30.....1 Timothy 1-3
69.....2 Kings 6-10; Ezekiel 31-36.....1 Timothy 4-6
70.....2 Kings 11-15; Ezekiel 37-42.....2 Timothy 1-2
71.....2 Kings 16-20; Ezekiel 43-48.....2 Timothy 34
72.....2 Kings 21-25; Daniel 1-6.....Titus 1-3
73.....1 Chronicles 1-5; Daniel 7-12.....Philemon
74.....1 Chronicles 6-10; Hosea 1-4.....Hebrews 1-4
75.....1 Chronicles 11-15; Hosea 5-8.....Hebrews 5-7
76.....1 Chronicles 16-20; Hosea 9-11.....Hebrews 8-10
77.....1 Chronicles 21-25; Hosea 12-14.....Hebrews 11-13
78.....1 Chronicles 26-29; Joel 1-3.....James 1-3
79.....2 Chronicles 1-6; Amos 1-3.....James 4-5
80.....2 Chronicles 7-12; Amos 4-6.....1 Peter1-3
81.....2 Chronicles 13-18; Amos 7-9.....1 Peter 4-5
82.....2 Chronicles 19-24; Obadiah; Jonah 1-4.....2 Peter 1-3
83.....2 Chronicles 25-30; Micah 1-4.....1 John 1-3
84.....2 Chronicles 31-36; Micah 5-7.....1 John 4-5
85.....Ezra 1-5; Nahum 1-3; Habakkuk 1-3.....2 John; 3 John; Jude
86.....Ezra 6-10; Zephaniah 1-3; Haggai 1-2.....Revelation 1-5
87.....Nehemiah 1-7; Zechariah 1-4.....Revelation 6-10
88.....Nehemiah 8-13; Zechariah 5-9.....Revelation 11-14
89.....Esther 1-5; Zechariah 10-14.....Revelation 15-18
90.....Esther 6-10; Malachi 1-4.....Revelation 19-22
Enjoy!
1.....Genesis 1-5; Job 1-6.....Matthew 1-3
2.....Genesis 6-10; Job 7-12.....Matthew 4-6
3.....Genesis 11-15; Job 13-18.....Matthew 7-9
4.....Genesis 16-20; Job 19-24.....Matthew 10-12
5.....Genesis 21-25; Job 25-30.....Matthew 13-15
6.....Genesis 26-30; Job 31-36.....Matthew 16-18
7.....Genesis 31-35; Job 37-42.....Matthew 19-21
8.....Genesis 36-40; Psalms 1-6.....Matthew 22-24
9.....Genesis 41-45; Psalms 7-12.....Matthew 25-26
10.....Genesis 46-50; Psalms 13-18.....Matthew 27-28
11.....Exodus 1-5; Psalms 19-24.....Mark 1-3
12.....Exodus 6-10; Psalms 25-30.....Mark 4-6
13.....Exodus 11-15; Psalms 31-36.....Mark 7-9
14.....Exodus 16-20; Psalms 37-42.....Mark 10-12
15.....Exodus 21-25; Psalms 43-48.....Mark 13-14
16.....Exodus 26-30; Psalms 49-54.....Mark 15-16
17.....Exodus 31-35; Psalms 55-60.....Luke 1-3
18.....Exodus 36-40; Psalms 61-66.....Luke 4-6
19.....Leviticus 1-5; Psalms 67-72.....Luke 7-9
20.....Leviticus 6-10; Psalms 73-78.....Luke 10-12
21.....Leviticus 11-15; Psalms 79-84.....Luke 13-15
22.....Leviticus 16-19; Psalms 85-90.....Luke 16-18
23.....Leviticus 20-23; Psalms 91-96.....Luke 19-21
24.....Leviticus 24-27; Psalms 97-102.....Luke 22-24
25.....Numbers 1-5; Psalms 103-108.....John 1-3
26.....Numbers 6-10; Psalms 109-114.....John 4-6
27.....Numbers 11-15; Psalms 115-120.....John 7-9
28.....Numbers 16-19; Psalms 121-126.....John 10-12
29.....Numbers 20-23; Psalms 127-132.....John 13-15
30.....Numbers 24-27; Psalms 133-138.....John 16-18
31.....Numbers 28-32; Psalms 139-144.....John 19-21
32.....Numbers 33-36; Psalms 145-150.....Acts 1-3
33.....Deuteronomy 1-5; Proverbs 1-6.....Acts 4-6
34.....Deuteronomy 6-10; Proverbs 7-11.....Acts 7-9
35.....Deuteronomy 11-15; Proverbs 12-16.....Acts 10-12
36.....Deuteronomy 16-20; Proverbs 17-21.....Acts 13-15
37.....Deuteronomy 21-25; Proverbs 22-26.....Acts 16-18
38.....Deuteronomy 26-30; Proverbs 27-31.....Acts 19-21
39.....Deuteronomy 31-34; Ecclesiastes 1-6.....Acts 22-24
40.....Joshua 1-5; Ecclesiastes 7-12.....Acts 25-28
41.....Joshua 6-10; Song of Songs 1-4.....Romans 1-3
42.....Joshua 11-15; Song of Songs 5-8.....Romans 4-6
43.....Joshua 16-20; Isaiah 1-6.....Romans 7-9
44.....Joshua 21-24; Isaiah 7-12.....Romans 10-12
45.....Judges 1-5; Isaiah 13-18.....Romans 13-16
46.....Judges 6-9; Isaiah 19-24.....1 Corinthians 1-3
47.....Judges 10-13; Isaiah 25-30.....1 Corinthians 4-6
48.....Judges 14-17; Isaiah 31-36.....1 Corinthians 7-9
49.....Judges 18-21; Isaiah 37-42.....1 Corinthians 10-12
50.....Ruth 1-4; Isaiah 43-48.....1 Corinthians 13-14
51.....1 Samuel 1-5; Isaiah 49-54.....1 Corinthians 15-16
52.....1 Samuel 6-10; Isaiah 55-60.....2 Corinthians 1-3
53.....1 Samuel 11-15; Isaiah 61-66.....2 Corinthians 4-6
54.....1 Samuel 16-19; Jeremiah 1-6.....2 Corinthians 7-9
55.....1 Samuel 20-23; Jeremiah 7-12.....2 Corinthians 10-11
56.....1 Samuel 24-27; Jeremiah 13-18.....2 Corinthians 12-13
57.....1 Samuel 28-31; Jeremiah 19-24.....Galatians 1-3
58.....2 Samuel 1-5; Jeremiah 25-30.....Galatians 4-6
59.....2 Samuel 6-10; Jeremiah 31-36.....Ephesians 1-3
60.....2 Samuel 11-15; Jeremiah 37-42.....Ephesians 4-6
61.....2 Samuel 16-20; Jeremiah 43-47.....Philippians 1-2
62.....2 Samuel 21-24; Jeremiah 48-52.....Philippians 3-4
63.....1 Kings 1-5; Lamentations 1-5.....Colossians 1-2
64.....1 Kings 6-10; Ezekiel 1-6.....Colossians 3-4
65.....1 Kings 11-14; Ezekiel 7-12.....1 Thessalonians 1-3
66.....1 Kings 15-18; Ezekiel 13-18.....1 Thessalonians 4-5
67.....1 Kings 19-22; Ezekiel 19-24.....2 Thessalonians 1-3
68.....2 Kings 1-5; Ezekiel 25-30.....1 Timothy 1-3
69.....2 Kings 6-10; Ezekiel 31-36.....1 Timothy 4-6
70.....2 Kings 11-15; Ezekiel 37-42.....2 Timothy 1-2
71.....2 Kings 16-20; Ezekiel 43-48.....2 Timothy 34
72.....2 Kings 21-25; Daniel 1-6.....Titus 1-3
73.....1 Chronicles 1-5; Daniel 7-12.....Philemon
74.....1 Chronicles 6-10; Hosea 1-4.....Hebrews 1-4
75.....1 Chronicles 11-15; Hosea 5-8.....Hebrews 5-7
76.....1 Chronicles 16-20; Hosea 9-11.....Hebrews 8-10
77.....1 Chronicles 21-25; Hosea 12-14.....Hebrews 11-13
78.....1 Chronicles 26-29; Joel 1-3.....James 1-3
79.....2 Chronicles 1-6; Amos 1-3.....James 4-5
80.....2 Chronicles 7-12; Amos 4-6.....1 Peter1-3
81.....2 Chronicles 13-18; Amos 7-9.....1 Peter 4-5
82.....2 Chronicles 19-24; Obadiah; Jonah 1-4.....2 Peter 1-3
83.....2 Chronicles 25-30; Micah 1-4.....1 John 1-3
84.....2 Chronicles 31-36; Micah 5-7.....1 John 4-5
85.....Ezra 1-5; Nahum 1-3; Habakkuk 1-3.....2 John; 3 John; Jude
86.....Ezra 6-10; Zephaniah 1-3; Haggai 1-2.....Revelation 1-5
87.....Nehemiah 1-7; Zechariah 1-4.....Revelation 6-10
88.....Nehemiah 8-13; Zechariah 5-9.....Revelation 11-14
89.....Esther 1-5; Zechariah 10-14.....Revelation 15-18
90.....Esther 6-10; Malachi 1-4.....Revelation 19-22
Enjoy!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Is This My New Favorite Christmas Hymn?
Charles Wesley was a gift to the church. He not only wrote my favorite hymn "And Can it Be?" but he has also written many other doctrinally delicious and spiritually stimulating hymns. He has written songs on the Trinity and our sinfulness and other Christmas songs like "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." The most recent of Wesley's gifts that I've come across is a two verse treasure called "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus."
Anybody else heard of this? I sure haven't. We sang it in chapel yesterday, and I couldn't believe what we were singing. I LOVE this song! I've heard it said that in a short verse or two of a poem or a good song you can say a volume's worth. This song does just that. It is definitely in line with the Charles Wesley tradition. And since I might as well continue with the musical recommendations, take a peek at these lyrics (and here's the music):
Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
Anybody else heard of this? I sure haven't. We sang it in chapel yesterday, and I couldn't believe what we were singing. I LOVE this song! I've heard it said that in a short verse or two of a poem or a good song you can say a volume's worth. This song does just that. It is definitely in line with the Charles Wesley tradition. And since I might as well continue with the musical recommendations, take a peek at these lyrics (and here's the music):
Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Edifying Music (lyrics)
Shai Linne has recently come out with an album, and even more recently he has posted the lyrics for all the songs on the album. One song in particular has made an impact on me, and the title of the song is "Martyrs." This is the account of 5 different martyrs (at least 3 of which I believe are true stories) done by 5 extremely talented artists.
This song has moved me to tears by putting me right into the shoes of the ones undergoing the persecution. This might not be as edifying for some as it will be for others because it has been written in the vernacular of the lyricists. Before I say anything more, though, take a look:
Martyrs
written by j. watson, c. njoroge, b. davis, s. linne, m. stokes
The Time: 20th Century
The Place: China
The Martyr: A young girl
“Yeah they went ahead of us, now the path is straight
And died so that we could have life past the grave”
-Da T.R.U.T.H from Our World from The Faith
(Json)
We would gather so Pastor could season us Christians
We were pleased just to hear the reading of Scripture
Because here in Asia, we can’t worship like the States
Because servants of grace might be murdered for their faith
So we give Christ the praises secretly, we ain’t treated equally
Even on today our bible study’s held illegally
As Pastor opened to read from the first sentence
Communist soldiers kicked the door straight off the hinges
I knew this could happen for accepting His precious gift
They threaten to kill us with guns clutched within their fist
I’m shaken and scared even though Jesus is my everything
I don’t know if I’m prepared to die at the age of seventeen
The leading official turned to my pastor and looked
Put a gun to his face and told him “Hand over the book!”
He reluctantly handed over the text that he so adored
They laughed as he grabbed it and it was smashed to the floor
I was truly grieved as I looked in his eyes
He said, “Any of you can leave if you spit on this book of lies!”
A man walked up, cried as he fell to the floor
“Father forgive me”- “Leave! Now you can go!”
I trembled with fear my mind started to think about death
Hair leaking with sweat I thought my heart would beat through my chest
A woman that walked up next spit on the Bible and left
The official shot in the air of the air continued yelling out threats
I was tempted to do it- I just wanted to leave
The moment I thought this, I felt overwhelmingly grieved
I gritted my teeth, tears began to stream down my face
I needed some faith I just started to think on His grace
In my head I said “forget it” as I walked toward the text
Kneeled to the floor, wiped the spit off the Bible with my dress
To live is Christ, to die is gain ain’t a popular song
I said, “Father forgive them as I was shot in the dome
The Time: 1536
The Place: Outside of Brussels
The Martyr: William Tyndale
(Evangel)
I refuse to look to John Huss whose goose was cooked
Lord, I wanna put your truth in books
Now concerning my faith no turning away
I know eternity awaits even if I’m burned at the stake
Like avoiding their attacks of me would profit me
Great Whore that could be properly the papacy and prophecy
They say the Pope’s the holiest
Only if these people could see its phoniness and Scripturally erroneous
The Pope of men fail to respect- they wanna seek death
of William Tyndale so then I inhale a deep breath
Two doors- my hands push
As I stride inside I was grabbed by men hiding- it’s an ambush!
I was sabotaged- he was disguised and camouflaged
As a friend of me- I didn’t know he was the enemy
Now through discerning, I see this group is yearning
With ill will to kill bill like Uma Thurman
It’s a chaotic frenzy as they plot against me
Hey if God defends me or ends me- He’ll soon determine
Now I plead for these people (forgive ‘em!) they grieve Your cathedral
I don’t wanna repay evil for evil
When I’m weak I’m made strong- got my brave face on
We’re sheep for the slaughter being killed all the day long
I’ll never be a man-pleaser
No matter how tight the grip of the hand squeezer
I can’t breathe- I’ll stand with Jesus
Even if plans are grievous as they try to put me to sleep like anesthesia
Now I’m gagging and gasping- I’m sold out for You
No doubt this noose won’t choke out the truth
And leave a lasting legacy- cats who would never read
your Word after the death of me cats can cleverly
get pass the heresy and grab for this weaponry
Your sword- now Lord I pass to the heavenlies
The Time: Approximately 100 A.D.
The Place: Rome
The Martyr: Anonymous
(God’s Servant)
My wrists bleed from the shackles, as I get dragged in the gravel
My ribs hurt, was arrested and tackled.
Snatched up, I was preaching, pulled in a packed road
beat for the God that I stand for
A young man, I’m a Roman, version of Daniel
But yo I got to be an example
Seized by decree of the emperor’s panel
to kill Christians in all of the land so
Yo now they got me, tied up, tugged, getting trampled
Hauled to my death while they chant yo
“NO GOSPEL, CHRIST IS A SCANDAL!”
The mob screams as I’m violently handled
But I am a sample of grace that is ample
to save though the pain isn’t cancelled
Strained as I’m maimed by the rage of the grapple
Each swing hurting me, more than the last blow
Kicked by their sandals, struck by their rods
Cracked from the whips in the hands of the guards
Mocked by the people they bask in their evil
Storing up wrath in the path of my God!
But AH! “What a relief it is to be in Jesus!”
Even beaten if Christ is the reason
Pulled to the center of Rome- a crowd’s meeting
They chant for my death and indict me with treason
I get tied to a pole by a soldier, shaped like an ogre
Rope ‘round my legs and rope ‘round my shoulders
He signals his boys and he yells out,
“Yo ya’ll bring the torch over!”
So now I’m facing the blaze, facing the pain
By grace putting faith in His name
He says, “Last call for a recant”, I say “we can’t!”
So he ignites me in flames
The Time: Approximately 62 A.D.
The Place: Jerusalem
The Martyr: James, the brother of Jesus
(shai)
Sovereign Lord, You’re so holy, you know me
I’m nothing but dust and I trust in You only
I see the faces in the crowd below me
I’m standing on the rooftop of the temple and they’re about to throw me
Off because I’ve been causing a major fuss
They call me James the Just- Jesus the name I trust
In the days of His flesh, He was my brother in the physical
I thought that He was crazy- enough that I would ridicule
But since His resurrection, I see He meticulously rules
And next to His perfections, I’m ridiculously minuscule
Astounding, I’m taking a pounding and bruised for Him
I look around and see the mountains surrounding Jerusalem
Suddenly I get calm
Reminded of God’s promise in verse 2 of the 125th Psalm
I hear their obscene chatter- for me no tears or screams scattered
Or fears of getting my spleen splattered
Christ is supreme, so extreme is the theme of His redeemed team
My no means is my dream shattered
Embracing what is after as I’m facing this disaster
I have to because no slave is greater than his master
They told me (to) deny Jesus and not be an Apostle
My response- “Repent and believe in the gospel!”
They threw me off the roof for that last phrase spoken
I hit the ground alive with both of my legs broken
They’re acting so wickedly with no sympathy
My blood flowed vividly, I felt stones hitting me
Yo, inwardly Jesus gave me peace like Steve and them
I reached up to heaven and began to intercede for them
“Father forgive them, though their sin’s great and enormous”
One of their own said, “Brothers, wait! He’s praying for us”
One cat had so much hate in his heart for Jesus
His blunt instrument crushed my skull into pieces
The Time: Modern Day
The Place: The Streets of New York
The Martyr: A street evangelist
(Techniq)
In the beginning, before throw backs and fitteds
I grew up in a world where no truth was in it
No hopes, no dreams, no future in it
Only crack heads with some state troopers in it
I grew up with a mother, brother, sister- no pops
Fam that’s locked up, DTs and crooked cops
Dope dealers and thugs on street corners and blocks
Dudes that push weight, catch seals and get knocked
That was my life before I married the Christ
So now I rep hard on the block the day and the night
2 A.M. in the morning, it’s my third week in
So far seventeen souls walked away from their sins
It’s a struggle on the block in the heart of the pits
Where the fiends look like zombies as they search for a fix
Fourteen, across the street, and she’s licking her lips
Asking Poppy for a date while she’s grinding her hips
I can’t believe what I’m seeing but thank God for the mission
Because He touches hearts and opens up the mind for the vision
And people saying I should make the right decision
Because the Devil’s steady lurking but I’m moving with precision
I can’t be scared- I’m a soldier for the kingdom
Armored up and I gotta rep hard ‘til I meet Him
And tell the world that it’s crucial they receive Him
Because He’s coming back- nobody knows the A.M. or the P.M.
And on the block I could see it was beef
The Spirit told me they was coming I refused to retreat
The leader stepped to my face saying he was the man
And ain’t no God in earth or heaven gonna ruin his plan
I looked him in the eyes and told him this ain’t have to be the end
The Lord loved him irregardless as to what he done or did
Satan filled his heart so he ain’t really care what I said
Cocked back the nine and bust three shots to my head
Now go listen to a clip at this link:
http://www.amazon.com/Martyrs-Feat-Evangel-Servant-Techniq/dp/B001HTEJ4G/ref=sr_f2_4?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1228528262&sr=102-4
And when you're done sampling, buy it. ...aww, heck, buy the whole album, it's only $8.99!
This song has moved me to tears by putting me right into the shoes of the ones undergoing the persecution. This might not be as edifying for some as it will be for others because it has been written in the vernacular of the lyricists. Before I say anything more, though, take a look:
Martyrs
written by j. watson, c. njoroge, b. davis, s. linne, m. stokes
The Time: 20th Century
The Place: China
The Martyr: A young girl
“Yeah they went ahead of us, now the path is straight
And died so that we could have life past the grave”
-Da T.R.U.T.H from Our World from The Faith
(Json)
We would gather so Pastor could season us Christians
We were pleased just to hear the reading of Scripture
Because here in Asia, we can’t worship like the States
Because servants of grace might be murdered for their faith
So we give Christ the praises secretly, we ain’t treated equally
Even on today our bible study’s held illegally
As Pastor opened to read from the first sentence
Communist soldiers kicked the door straight off the hinges
I knew this could happen for accepting His precious gift
They threaten to kill us with guns clutched within their fist
I’m shaken and scared even though Jesus is my everything
I don’t know if I’m prepared to die at the age of seventeen
The leading official turned to my pastor and looked
Put a gun to his face and told him “Hand over the book!”
He reluctantly handed over the text that he so adored
They laughed as he grabbed it and it was smashed to the floor
I was truly grieved as I looked in his eyes
He said, “Any of you can leave if you spit on this book of lies!”
A man walked up, cried as he fell to the floor
“Father forgive me”- “Leave! Now you can go!”
I trembled with fear my mind started to think about death
Hair leaking with sweat I thought my heart would beat through my chest
A woman that walked up next spit on the Bible and left
The official shot in the air of the air continued yelling out threats
I was tempted to do it- I just wanted to leave
The moment I thought this, I felt overwhelmingly grieved
I gritted my teeth, tears began to stream down my face
I needed some faith I just started to think on His grace
In my head I said “forget it” as I walked toward the text
Kneeled to the floor, wiped the spit off the Bible with my dress
To live is Christ, to die is gain ain’t a popular song
I said, “Father forgive them as I was shot in the dome
The Time: 1536
The Place: Outside of Brussels
The Martyr: William Tyndale
(Evangel)
I refuse to look to John Huss whose goose was cooked
Lord, I wanna put your truth in books
Now concerning my faith no turning away
I know eternity awaits even if I’m burned at the stake
Like avoiding their attacks of me would profit me
Great Whore that could be properly the papacy and prophecy
They say the Pope’s the holiest
Only if these people could see its phoniness and Scripturally erroneous
The Pope of men fail to respect- they wanna seek death
of William Tyndale so then I inhale a deep breath
Two doors- my hands push
As I stride inside I was grabbed by men hiding- it’s an ambush!
I was sabotaged- he was disguised and camouflaged
As a friend of me- I didn’t know he was the enemy
Now through discerning, I see this group is yearning
With ill will to kill bill like Uma Thurman
It’s a chaotic frenzy as they plot against me
Hey if God defends me or ends me- He’ll soon determine
Now I plead for these people (forgive ‘em!) they grieve Your cathedral
I don’t wanna repay evil for evil
When I’m weak I’m made strong- got my brave face on
We’re sheep for the slaughter being killed all the day long
I’ll never be a man-pleaser
No matter how tight the grip of the hand squeezer
I can’t breathe- I’ll stand with Jesus
Even if plans are grievous as they try to put me to sleep like anesthesia
Now I’m gagging and gasping- I’m sold out for You
No doubt this noose won’t choke out the truth
And leave a lasting legacy- cats who would never read
your Word after the death of me cats can cleverly
get pass the heresy and grab for this weaponry
Your sword- now Lord I pass to the heavenlies
The Time: Approximately 100 A.D.
The Place: Rome
The Martyr: Anonymous
(God’s Servant)
My wrists bleed from the shackles, as I get dragged in the gravel
My ribs hurt, was arrested and tackled.
Snatched up, I was preaching, pulled in a packed road
beat for the God that I stand for
A young man, I’m a Roman, version of Daniel
But yo I got to be an example
Seized by decree of the emperor’s panel
to kill Christians in all of the land so
Yo now they got me, tied up, tugged, getting trampled
Hauled to my death while they chant yo
“NO GOSPEL, CHRIST IS A SCANDAL!”
The mob screams as I’m violently handled
But I am a sample of grace that is ample
to save though the pain isn’t cancelled
Strained as I’m maimed by the rage of the grapple
Each swing hurting me, more than the last blow
Kicked by their sandals, struck by their rods
Cracked from the whips in the hands of the guards
Mocked by the people they bask in their evil
Storing up wrath in the path of my God!
But AH! “What a relief it is to be in Jesus!”
Even beaten if Christ is the reason
Pulled to the center of Rome- a crowd’s meeting
They chant for my death and indict me with treason
I get tied to a pole by a soldier, shaped like an ogre
Rope ‘round my legs and rope ‘round my shoulders
He signals his boys and he yells out,
“Yo ya’ll bring the torch over!”
So now I’m facing the blaze, facing the pain
By grace putting faith in His name
He says, “Last call for a recant”, I say “we can’t!”
So he ignites me in flames
The Time: Approximately 62 A.D.
The Place: Jerusalem
The Martyr: James, the brother of Jesus
(shai)
Sovereign Lord, You’re so holy, you know me
I’m nothing but dust and I trust in You only
I see the faces in the crowd below me
I’m standing on the rooftop of the temple and they’re about to throw me
Off because I’ve been causing a major fuss
They call me James the Just- Jesus the name I trust
In the days of His flesh, He was my brother in the physical
I thought that He was crazy- enough that I would ridicule
But since His resurrection, I see He meticulously rules
And next to His perfections, I’m ridiculously minuscule
Astounding, I’m taking a pounding and bruised for Him
I look around and see the mountains surrounding Jerusalem
Suddenly I get calm
Reminded of God’s promise in verse 2 of the 125th Psalm
I hear their obscene chatter- for me no tears or screams scattered
Or fears of getting my spleen splattered
Christ is supreme, so extreme is the theme of His redeemed team
My no means is my dream shattered
Embracing what is after as I’m facing this disaster
I have to because no slave is greater than his master
They told me (to) deny Jesus and not be an Apostle
My response- “Repent and believe in the gospel!”
They threw me off the roof for that last phrase spoken
I hit the ground alive with both of my legs broken
They’re acting so wickedly with no sympathy
My blood flowed vividly, I felt stones hitting me
Yo, inwardly Jesus gave me peace like Steve and them
I reached up to heaven and began to intercede for them
“Father forgive them, though their sin’s great and enormous”
One of their own said, “Brothers, wait! He’s praying for us”
One cat had so much hate in his heart for Jesus
His blunt instrument crushed my skull into pieces
The Time: Modern Day
The Place: The Streets of New York
The Martyr: A street evangelist
(Techniq)
In the beginning, before throw backs and fitteds
I grew up in a world where no truth was in it
No hopes, no dreams, no future in it
Only crack heads with some state troopers in it
I grew up with a mother, brother, sister- no pops
Fam that’s locked up, DTs and crooked cops
Dope dealers and thugs on street corners and blocks
Dudes that push weight, catch seals and get knocked
That was my life before I married the Christ
So now I rep hard on the block the day and the night
2 A.M. in the morning, it’s my third week in
So far seventeen souls walked away from their sins
It’s a struggle on the block in the heart of the pits
Where the fiends look like zombies as they search for a fix
Fourteen, across the street, and she’s licking her lips
Asking Poppy for a date while she’s grinding her hips
I can’t believe what I’m seeing but thank God for the mission
Because He touches hearts and opens up the mind for the vision
And people saying I should make the right decision
Because the Devil’s steady lurking but I’m moving with precision
I can’t be scared- I’m a soldier for the kingdom
Armored up and I gotta rep hard ‘til I meet Him
And tell the world that it’s crucial they receive Him
Because He’s coming back- nobody knows the A.M. or the P.M.
And on the block I could see it was beef
The Spirit told me they was coming I refused to retreat
The leader stepped to my face saying he was the man
And ain’t no God in earth or heaven gonna ruin his plan
I looked him in the eyes and told him this ain’t have to be the end
The Lord loved him irregardless as to what he done or did
Satan filled his heart so he ain’t really care what I said
Cocked back the nine and bust three shots to my head
Now go listen to a clip at this link:
http://www.amazon.com/Martyrs-Feat-Evangel-Servant-Techniq/dp/B001HTEJ4G/ref=sr_f2_4?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1228528262&sr=102-4
And when you're done sampling, buy it. ...aww, heck, buy the whole album, it's only $8.99!
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