By: Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner Saul was a leader of the fundamental Jewish faith at the time of Jesus. He was apparently well-educated (fluent in Greek, Latin, and Aramaic), and probably a man of significant wealth (evidenced by his Roman citizenship…an “honor” bestowed upon him by the occupying Roman government). He was devoted to Jewish law and bitterly opposed Christianity until his miraculous conversion shortly after Christ’s resurrection. “Saul” became Paul, and set out to travel around the Mediterranean basin preaching the gospel and helping to establish and nurture the early Christian church. St. Paul was a prolific and gifted writer, having authored more New Testament books than any other (16 books of the New Testament are attributed at least in part to St. Paul). He also was instrumental in breaking down the barrier to allowing “Gentiles” to become Christians, as many of the early followers of Christ (most notably St. Peter and St. James, the brother of Jesus) were initially reluctant to allow non-Jews to follow Christ. One of arguably the most inspirational passages authored by St. Paul is found in the book of Romans. Paul wrote his letter to the infant Christian church in Rome during his third visit to the new Christian church in Corinth. “What shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creation, shall be able to separate us from the love God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ~Romans 8:35-39 During Lent, some invariably are embarrassed by their shortcomings and unworthiness: a natural result of inward reflection and honesty. The message of the following music is that God accepts us as we are, warts and all! Ryan Stevenson is Christian musician and songwriter from Oregon. His formative years were spent in the Navy (as a Corpsman) followed by a 7 year civilian career as a paramedic. Since he launched his music career in 2003, he has placed 6 songs on the Billboard charts, including “No Matter What” in 2018. Cut: “No Matter What” Artist: Ryan Stevenson A lot of us grew up believing, At any moment we could lose it all.
And at the drop of a hat, God might turn His back, and move on, A lot of us feel like we blew it, Thinking that we're just too far gone. But I want you to know…There's still a hope for you now. No matter what you've done…You can't erase His love. Nothing can change it, You're not separated, No matter what. There's never been a better time to get honest…There's never been a better time to get clean. So come as you are, Run to the cross and be free (oh, be free). No matter what you've done (no matter what you've done)…You can't erase His love (you can't erase His love) Nothing can change it, You're not separated No matter where you run (no matter where you run)…He's always holding on (He's always holding on) You're still a daughter, you're still a son, No matter what (no matter what) Don't know what you've been taught, Don't know what you've been told All I know is my God Will never let go of you, no I don't know what you've seen, Don't know what you've been through All I know is my God Will never let go of you…He'll never let go! He'll never, never, never let you go, oh No matter what you've done (no matter what you've done)…You can't erase His love (you can't erase His love) Nothing can change it, You're not separated No matter where you run (no matter where you run)…He's always holding on (He's always holding on) You're still a daughter, you're still a son, No matter what (oh, no matter what) You're still a daughter, you're still a son…No matter what
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Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner This is another “hit” performed by Mac Powell and Third Day. (It might now be evident that our Youth frequently dissected Third Day music). “Born Again” is about birth as a spiritually inspired Christian, evidenced by physical baptism and the effects on one’s soul "There came a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; The same came to Jesus by night and said unto Him, “Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles that thou doest except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Jesus answered, “ Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” ~John 3:1-5 Cut: “Born Again”
Artist: Third Day CD/Album: Revelation Today I found myself, After searching all these years, And the man that I saw, he wasn't at all who I'd thought he'd be. I was lost when You found me here, And I was broken beyond repair, Then You came along and You sang Your song over me. It feels like I'm born again…It feels like I'm living…For the very first time…For the very first time, In my life. Make a promise to me now, Reassure my heart somehow, That the love that I feel, is so much more real than anything. I've a feeling in my soul, And I pray that I'm not wrong, That the life I have now, It is only the beginning. It feels like I'm born again…It feels like I'm living…For the very first time…For the very first time It feels like I'm breathing…It feels like I'm moving…For the very first time…For the very first time Wasn't looking for something that was more, Than what I had yesterday, Then You came to me, Then You gave to me, Life and a love that I've never known, That I've never felt before It feels like I'm born again…It feels like I'm living…For the very first time…I'm living for the first time It feels like I'm breathing…It feels like I'm moving…For the very first time I'm living for the first time, In my life. By: Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner Having recently shared Consecration Sunday, we all embrace a renewed awareness of the meaning of “offering”: the unselfish giving of one’s talents and resources. This cut is Mac Powell’s interpretation of “offering”. Cut: “Offering” Artist: Third Day CD/Album: Lead Us Back: Songs of Worship Magnificent, Holy Father, I stand in awe of all I see.
Of all the things You have created, still You choose to think of me. Who am I that You should suffer, Your very life to set me free. The only thing that I can give You is the life You gave to me. This is my offering, dear Lord. This is my offering, to You God. Well I would give you my life for it’s all I have to give… Because You gave Your life for me. I stand before You at this altar, so many have given You more. I may not have much I can offer, but what I have is truly Yours. This is my offering, dear Lord. This is my offering, to You God. Well I would give you my life for it’s all I have to give… Because You gave Your life for me. This my offering… This is my offering, dear Lord. This is my offering, to You God. Well I would give you my life for it’s all I have to give… Because You gave Your life for me. This is my offering, dear Lord. This is my offering, to You God. Well I would give you my life for it’s all I have to give… Because You gave Your life for me…because You gave your life…for me. By: Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner Our youth (with chaperone/“bouncer” assistance of Chris Tucker) attended a Christian Music concert in November, 2019, at the Smoothie King Center featuring Elevation Worship, Hillsong Worship, and Casting Crowns. On our way driving down to eat dinner at Camellia Grill, Mr. Chuck played a few preview cuts on the car ride from each of the 3 groups we were about to hear. The consensus favorite of most of us was “Only Jesus” by Casting Crowns. Two words closely identified with the song “Only Jesus” are “legacy” and “humility” The meaning of “legacy” in the context of this song is “a gift of money or personal property handed down to an heir”. The meaning of “humility” is the state or quality of being humble; freedom from pride and arrogance; a modest estimate of one’s own worth; a sense of one’s own unworthiness through imperfection and sinfulness. It is not easy, but it IS IMPORTANT that we all have to work on personal humility, and we also think that is the message of “Only Jesus”. In the words of Mark Hall from Casting Crowns: “Did I live the truth to the ones I love…was my life the proof that there is only One?”
Cut: “Only Jesus” Artist: Casting Crowns Make it count, leave a mark, build a name for yourself, Dream your dreams, chase your heart,
Above all else make a name the world remembers. But all an empty world can sell is empty dreams I got lost in the lie that it was up to me to make a name the world remembers. But Jesus is the only name to remember. And I-I-I, I don't want to leave a legacy…I don't care if they remember me…Only Jesus. And I-I-I, I've only got one life to live…I'll let every second point to Him…Only Jesus. All the kingdoms built, all the trophies won will crumble into dust when it’s said and done. 'Cause all that really matters “Did I live the truth to the ones I love?” “Was my life the proof that there is only One whose name will last forever?” And I-I-I, I don't want to leave a legacy…I don't care if they remember me…Only Jesus And I-I-I, I've only got one life to live…I'll let every second point to Him…Only Jesus [Interlude] Jesus is the only name, Jesus is the only name Jesus is the only name to remember, ooh Jesus is the only name, Jesus is the only name Jesus is the only name to remember And I-I-I, I don't want to leave a legacy…I don't care if they remember me Only Jesus And I-I-I, I've only got one life to live…I'll let every second point to Him Only Jesus I, I don't want to leave a legacy…I don't care if they remember me…Only Jesus. By: Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, ‘Which commandment is the first of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The first is, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second is this, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’ With Valentine’s Day imminent (February 14th ), it seems “love” should be rekindled and openly expressed. The Greeks had six (6) separate words for “love”…the biblical use of “love” was most commonly “agape”, which is “a selfless love that is passionately committed to the well-being of others”. The following offering, “When Love Sees You” (Mac Powell & Third Day) seems to illustrate “agape” love in the form of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’s example. Cut: “When Love Sees You” Artist: Third Day CD/Album: The Story Blessed are you as you weep on your knees, with perfume and tears washing over My feet
And blessed are you, beggar, hopeless and blind, Calling for mercy when I'm passing by Blessed are you, shaking your head, at two tiny fish and some bread And blessed are you as you tremble and wait For the first stone thrown at your sinful disgrace Tell Me your story, show Me your wounds, and I'll show you what Love sees when Love looks at you Hand Me the pieces, broken and bruised, and I'll show you what Love sees when Love sees you Blessed are you, walking on waves, to find yourself sinking when you look away Blessed are you, leper, standing alone, the fear on their faces is all that you've known Blessed are you, lonely widow who gave your last shiny coin to Yahweh. Blessed are you with your silver and lies, kissing the One who's saving your life Tell Me your story, show Me your wounds…And I'll show you what Love sees when Love looks at you Hand Me the pieces, broken and bruised, and I'll show you what Love sees when Love sees you I see what I made in your mother's womb and I see the day I fell in love with you I see your tomorrows, nothing left to chance, I see My Father's fingerprints I see your story, I see My name, written on every beautiful page You see the struggle, you see the shame, I see the reason I came. I came for your story, I came for your wounds, to show you what Love sees when I see you Yeah, yeah, when I see you…when I see you, oh, whoa, whoa By: Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner “I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.” Philippians 1:19 Third Day, with lead singer Mac Powell, and is an internationally acclaimed Christian Music group, having sold 7 million albums, with 28 #1 hits; garnered four Grammys and 24 Gospel Music Awards. Third Day was awarded the 2008 American Music Award for “Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist”. Grace Memorial’s Christian Formation group heard Third Day in concert in Baton Rouge (April, 2015). Their music was a frequent subject of our Sunday Youth Christian Formation contemplation. Cut: “Sound of Your Voice” Artist: Third Day CD/Album: Move I ran away from Your love… You waited for me…yes You waited for me.
And then I heard Your song singing over me…singing over me. Now that I hear you Lord I wanna know You more…I wanna know You more. Sing Your song to me, oh there’s no greater thing than to listen to the sound of Your voice. When I hear Your song, I wanna sing along…and listen to the sound of Your voice, The sound of Your voice. Oh I am calling Your name and I’m waiting for You…yes I’m waiting for You. So won’t You show me Your ways and I will follow You…yes I will follow You. Now that I hear you Lord I wanna know You more…I wanna know You more. Sing Your song to me, oh there’s no greater thing than to listen to the sound of Your voice. When I hear Your song, I wanna sing along…and listen to the sound of Your voice, Sing over me bringing peace and mercy with a song that never ends. Sing over me momma listen for me, Lord I want to hear Your song again! Sing Your song to me, oh there’s no greater thing than to listen to the sound of Your voice. When I hear Your song, I wanna sing along…and I listen to the sound of Your voice, The sound of Your voice. I want to hear Your song…I want to hear Your voice. I ran away from Your love but You waited for me…yes You waited for me. By: Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My Hand. My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than all…” John 10:27-29 This Casting Crowns video is a continuation of their Live Concert featured last week with “Here’s My Heart”. If some doubt the power and reach of Christian Praise Music, “Great Are You Lord” has been viewed on YouTube by more than 75 million viewers. You give life…You are love…You bring light to the darkness.
You give hope…You restore every heart that is broken…Great are You, Lord ‘Cause it's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise…we pour out our praise It's Your breath in our lungs, So we pour out our praise to You only You give life…You are love…You bring light to the darkness. You give hope…You restore Every heart that is broken…Great are You, Lord It's Your breath in our lungs, So we pour out our praise…we pour out our praise It's Your breath in our lungs, So we pour out our praise to You only It's Your breath in our lungs, So we pour out our praise…we pour out our praise It's Your breath in our lungs, So we pour out our praise to You only And all the earth will shout Your praise…Our hearts will cry These bones will sing Great are You, Lord And all the earth will shout Your praise…Our hearts will cry These bones will sing Great are You, Lord And all the earth will shout Your praise…Our hearts will cry These bones will sing Great are You, Lord It's Your breath in our lungs, So we pour out our praise…we pour out our praise It's Your breath in our lungs, So we pour out our praise to You only it's Your breath in our lungs, So we pour out our praise…we pour out our praise It's Your breath in our lungs, So we pour out our praise to You only It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise…we pour out our praise It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise to You only It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise…we pour out our praise It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise to You only We pour out our praise to You only We pour out our praise to You only By: Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend, with all saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height, And to know the love of Christ, which passeth all knowledge, that ye might be filled with the fullness of God. - Ephesians 3:14-19 If we have learned anything from our hours of scripture reading and listening to Christian Praise music, it’s that we can only fulfill God’s plan for us as Christians if we allow our hearts to follow the teachings of Jesus.
Cut: “Here’s My Heart” Artist: Casting Crowns Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true.
Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true. I am found, I am Yours, I am loved, I’m made pure. I have life, I can breathe, I am healed, I am free. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true. I am found, I am Yours, I am loved, I’m made pure. I have life, I can breathe, I am healed, I am free. Cause You are strong, You are sure, You are life, You endure. You are good, always true, You are love, breaking through. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true. Here’s my life, Lord. Here’s my life, Lord. Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true...speak what is true. Cause You are more than enough, You are here, You are love. You are hope, You are grace, You’re all I have, You’re everything. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true. Here’s my life, Lord. Here’s my life, Lord. Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true…Speak what is true. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true...speak what is true. By: Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, who hath made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son; In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” -Colossians 1:9-14 With the tumultuous and heart-wrenching calamities of the past two weeks, I thought it appropriate to share the following duet featuring Zach Williams and Dolly Parton. Zach Williams, born in 1978, has been a popular Christian music artist since 2007, living in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He writes the majority of his music, which features his raspy baritone voice and country/acoustic style. He has won 5 Grammy and GMA Dove awards, including the 2021 Grammy for “There Was Jesus.” Dolly Parton, who harmonizes with Zach on this cut, needs no introduction, except to mention that she hails from Sevierville, TN (close to Mother Liz’s youthful stomping grounds). Cut: “There Was Jesus” Artist: Zach Williams (accompanied by Dolly Parton)
Every time I tried to make it on my own. Every time I tried to stand and start to fall. All those lonely roads that I have travelled on…There was Jesus. When the life I built came crashing to the ground. When the friends I had were nowhere to be found. I couldn't see it then but I can see it now…There was Jesus. IN THE WAITING AND THE SEARCHING IN THE HEALING AND THE HURTING LIKE A BLESSING BURIED IN THE BROKEN PIECES EVERY MINUTE EVERY MOMENT OF WHERE I’VE BEEN AND WHERE I'M GOIN EVEN WHEN I DIDN'T KNOW IT OR COULDN'T SEE IT…THERE WAS JESUS. For this man who needs amazing kind of grace. For forgiveness at a price I could not pay. I’m not perfect so I thank God every day that There was Jesus. IN THE WAITING AND THE SEARCHING IN THE HEALING AND THE HURTING LIKE A BLESSING BURIED IN THE BROKEN PIECES EVERY MINUTE EVERY MOMENT OF WHERE I’VE BEEN AND WHERE I'M GOIN EVEN WHEN I DIDN'T KNOW IT OR COULDN'T SEE IT…THERE WAS JESUS On the mountain, in the valleys (There was Jesus), In the shadows of the alleys (There was Jesus) In the fire, in the flood (There was Jesus)…Always is and always was. No I’ll never walk alone! (Never walk alone)…You were always there. IN THE WORRY AND THE SEARCHING IN THE HEALING AND THE HURTING LIKE A BLESSING BURIED IN THE BROKEN PIECES EVERY MINUTE EVERY MOMENT OF WHERE I’VE BEEN AND WHERE I'M GOIN EVEN WHEN I DIDN'T KNOW IT OR COULDN'T SEE IT…THERE WAS JESUS. By: Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them unto heaven, the shepherds said one to the other, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.” And they came with haste and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. -Luke 2:15-16 Third Day was established in 1993 and is an internationally acclaimed Christian Music group led by Mac Powell, whose genuine commitment to Christ and distinctive baritone voice have contributed to the group’s popularity. They have sold 7 million albums, with 28 #1 hits, garnered four Grammys, and 24 Gospel Music Awards. Third Day was awarded the 2008 American Music Award for “Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist." Grace Memorial’s Christian Formation group heard Third Day in concert in Baton Rouge (April 2015). Their music is a frequent subject of our Sunday contemplation. Cut: “Manger Throne” Artist: Third Day CD/Album: City On a Hill – It’s Christmas Time What kind of King would leave His throne
In Heaven to make this earth His home? While men seek fame and great renown In lowliness our King comes down Jesus, Jesus, precious one How we thank You that You've come Jesus, Jesus, precious one A manger throne for God's own Son You left the sound of angels' praise To come for men with unkind ways And by this Baby's helplessness The power of nations is laid to rest Jesus, Jesus, precious one How we thank You that You've come Jesus, Jesus, precious one A manger throne for God's own Son What kind of King would come so small From glory to a humble stall? That dirty manger is my heart too I'll make it a royal throne for You Jesus, Jesus, precious one How we thank You that You've come Jesus, Jesus, precious one A manger throne for God's own Son |
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