The Sadducees were a powerful aristocratic Jewish sect in ancient Israel (2nd century BCE-70 CE). They were the religious and political elite who controlled the Jerusalem Temple and the Sanhedrin, which was the Jewish ruling council. They were generally wealthy, land owning aristocrats and belonged to the priestly class. They only accepted the written Torah (the first five books of the Bible). They rejected all of the oral traditions upheld by the Pharisees. The Sadducees denied the resurrection, immortality of the soul, angels, and demons. They believed in human free will and not predestination. Some of the Sadducees were considered corrupt and power-hungry, and they generally collaborated with Roman authorities. Their influence and power vanished with the Roman destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. It is important to note that Jesus was not a fan of the Sadducees because of their denial of the resurrection, angels, and spirits which goes to the heart of Christianity. Jesus said the Sadducees did not understand the Scriptures or the power of God. An example of the Sadducees trying to trick Jesus can be found in Matthew 22:23-33 with parallel accounts in Mark 12:18-27 and Luke 20:27-40. The Sadducees presented a hypothetical scenario about a woman married to seven brothers. Since the woman and the seven brothers are now in heaven, the Sadducees want to know who is her husband in the resurrection. Jesus replied that the resurrected are now like angels and do not marry. He referenced God as the God of the living not of the dead. Fearing his popularity, they joined the Pharisees to plot His death. They presided over the religious trial of Jesus and were instrumental in demanding His execution before Pontius Pilate. In Matthew 3:7 John the Baptist rebukes them as a “brood of vipers” when they come to his baptism. In the Acts of the Apostles, the Sadducees are portrayed as leading the legal and physical persecution of the apostles. For example, the Sadducees and temple guards arrest Peter and John for preaching the resurrection of Jesus. The power of the Sadducees was derived from their association with the Temple’s rituals, especially the sacrificial cult. Therefore, when the Romans destroyed the Second Temple in 70 CE, the Sadducees lost their core function, leading to their assimilation or extinction. We know little about them because none of their writings survived.  James Tissot: The Pharisees and the Saduccees Come to Tempt Jesus, Source: Wikimedia Commons On the other hand, the Pharisees adapted to the destruction of the Temple by developing the oral law and synagogue practices that became the foundation of Rabbinic Judaism, which is the basis for all modern Jewish denominations. The Pharisees were also a prominent Jewish social movement and religious sect that existed from roughly the 2nd century B.C. through the late 1st century A.D. Their theological and social commitments often set them apart from the aristocratic Sadducees. They believed that God gave Moses an “Oral Law” in addition to the written Torah. This belief provided a justification for interpreting and applying Biblical laws to everyday life. While the Sadducees focused on Temple rituals performed only by priests, Pharisees believed every Jew should live with a level of ritual purity reserved only for the priesthood. Unlike the Sadducees, the Pharisees believe in the resurrection of the dead, a future judgement before God, and the existence of angels and spirits. They acknowledged that God has foreknowledge of all things, and humans still have free will to make their own choices.
Most Pharisees were small landowners, tradespeople, or scribes. They were generally more popular with the common people than the wealthy priestly elite. Their power base was the synagogue, which helped develop as a local center for prayer and education, making worship accessible outside of the Jerusalem Temple. Unlike the Sadducees, the Pharisees adapted to the destruction of the temple by developing the oral law and synagogue practices that became the foundation of Rabbinic Judaism, which is the basis for all modern Jewish denominations of today. They held significant influence in the Sanhedrin, which was the Jewish high council, but they had to share power with the Sadducees. In the Gospels the Pharisees are often portrayed as antagonists to Jesus, but this might be overstated. Jesus often criticized them for the hypocrisy with their focus of legal observance such as tithing while neglecting more important matters like justice and mercy. On the other hand, they were closely aligned with Jesus’ teachings such as the belief in the resurrection and the importance of loving God and neighbor. Not all Pharisees opposed Jesus. For example, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea were Pharisees who respected and followed Jesus and both play important roles in the Gospels. The Apostle Paul continued to identify as a Pharisee even after his conversion. Conflicts between Jesus and the Pharisees in the Gospels primarily centered on differing interpretations of religious law and the priority of internal faith over external ritual. For example, the Pharisees criticized Jesus for performing miracles on the Sabbath. Conflicts arose regarding ceremonial washing and the definition of what makes a person unclean. The conflicts were numerous throughout the Gospel, and they probably should be saved for another article.
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By Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner "In like manner, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” ~Peter 1 5:5 If you were fortunate enough to hear Mtr. Liz’s homily this past Sunday, our Savior’s parable of the Pharisee v the Tax Collector, shed light on the call to humble oneself. Humility is indeed the theme of “Less Like Me” by Zach Williams. Zack was born in 1978 and 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” (the Dolly Parton duet). Cut: “Less Like Me” Artist: Zach Williams Album: Rescue Story By: Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth, that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen. -1 Peter 4:11 We again re-visit another female voice: Brooke Ligertwood (f. lead singer for Hillsong Worship). “What A Beautiful Name” must have unusual appeal as it has currently been viewed 621 million times on YouTube. The video was recorded in front of 5,000+ worshipers in Sydney, Australia in 2016. Hillsong Worship formed in 1983 at Hillsong Church (Australia). They have placed twelve (12) albums on the Billboard magazine charts (Christian music), with six reaching #1, received multiple Grammys and GMA Dove Awards. Grace Memorial youth attended a Hillsong Worship concert at the Smoothie King Center on November 6, 2019. Cut: “What a Beautiful Name” Artist: Hillsong Worship CD/Album: Let There Be Light You were the Word at the Beginning, one with God the Lord most high.
Your hidden glory in Creation, now revealed in You our Christ. What a beautiful name it is, what a beautiful name it is, the name of Jesus Christ my King. What a beautiful name it is, nothing compares to this, What a beautiful name it is, the name of Jesus. You didn’t want heaven without earth, so Jesus You brought heaven down. My sin was great, Your love was greater, what could separate us now? What a wonderful name it is, what a wonderful name it is, the name of Jesus Christ my King. What a wonderful name it is, nothing compares to this, What a wonderful name it is, the name of Jesus. What a wonderful name it is, the name of Jesus. How sweet is Your name, Lord, how good You are, Love to sing in the name of the Lord, love to sing for you all. Death could not hold You, the veil tore before You, You silenced the boast of sin and grave. The heavens are roaring, the praise of Your glory, for You are raised to life again. You have no rival, You have no equal, now and forever God You reign. Yours is the kingdom, Yours is the glory, Yours is the name above all names. What a powerful name it is, what a powerful name it is, the name of Jesus Christ my King. What a powerful name it is, nothing can stand against, What a powerful name it is, the name of Jesus. You have no rival, You have no equal, now and forever God You reign. Yours is the kingdom, Yours is the glory, Yours is the name above all names. What a powerful name it is, what a powerful name it is, the name of Jesus Christ my King. What a powerful name it is, nothing can stand against, What a powerful name it is, the name of Jesus. What a powerful name it is, the name of Jesus. What a powerful name it is, the name of Jesus. By: Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction, who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies. Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things, so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. -Psalm 103, v. 1-5 Our featured female vocalist this week is Melodee DeVevo from Casting Crowns. Melodee is primarily the violinist for CC, but this cut shows her gentle but beautiful voice. She has been with Casting Crowns since the group’s inception and happens to be married to CC’s lead guitarist, Juan DeVevo. Melodee also serves as one of several Youth Ministers at Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church (McDonogh, GA)…a career shared by several other Casting Crown members. Mark Hall, lead singer and songwriter for Casting Crowns, is the head Youth Minister at the same church. It bares mentioning that CC makes only rare tour performances on Saturdays or Sundays, and they make it a point to return from any performance in time to serve each and every Sunday at their Georgia place of worship. The Grace Memorial youth enjoyed Casting Crowns performing at the Lafayette Cajun Dome in April, 2017, and again at the Smoothie King Center in November, 2019. (In case you are wondering, both concerts were held on a Thursday evening!). Cut: “Blessed Redeemer” Artist: Casting Crowns CD/Album: Until the Whole World Hears Up Calvary's mountain one dreadful morn, Walked Christ my Saviour, weary and worn.
Facing for sinners, death on the cross that He might save them from endless loss. Blessed Redeemer, precious Redeemer, seems now I see Him on Calvary's tree. Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading, blind and unheeding, dying for me. Father, forgive them, my Saviour prayed even while His lifeblood flowed fast away. Praying for sinners while in such woe, no one but Jesus ever loved so. Blessed Redeemer, precious Redeemer, seems now I see Him on Calvary's tree. Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading, blind and unheeding, dying for me…dying for me. Blessed Redeemer, precious Redeemer, seems now I see Him on Calvary's tree. Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading, blind and unheeding, dying for me. Oh, how I love Him, Saviour and Friend, how can my praises ever find end? Through years unnumbered on heaven's shore, my songs shall praise Him forever more. Blessed Redeemer, precious Redeemer, seems now I see Him on Calvary's tree. Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading, blind and unheeding, dying for me. Blessed Redeemer, precious Redeemer, seems now I see Him on Calvary's tree. Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading, blind and unheeding, dying for me. By Chuck SpanglerGMEC Parishioner "We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil, which, while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee thee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, unto which thou art also called and hast professed a good profession before all witnesses. I command thee in the sight of God, who maketh all things alive, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession, That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ; Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. ~Timothy 6:7-15 Continuing our spotlight on female Christian music vocalists, this cut has been shared before. It features Brooke Ligertwood as lead singer. Ms. Ligertwood has talent both in her vocals and her commitment to Christ. “King of Kings” was recorded live on July 11, 2019, in the presence of over 6,000 worshipping youth and adults. Ms. Ligertwood is now a solo artist, having left Hillsong Worship after a series of embarrassing activities surfaced involving the Hillsong Church ministry (none involving Brooke). Grace Memorial youth attended a Hillsong Worship concert at the Smoothie King Center on November 6, 2019. Cut: “King of Kings” Artist: Hillsong Worship CD/Album: On Tour In the darkness we were waiting without hope, without light,
Till from heaven You came running, there was mercy in Your eyes. To fulfil the law and prophets to a virgin came the Word, From a throne of endless glory to a cradle in the dirt. Praise the Father, praise the Son, praise the Spirit, three in one. God of Glory, majesty, praise forever to the King of Kings. To reveal the kingdom coming and to reconcile the lost, To redeem the whole creation, You did not despise the Cross. For even in Your suffering You saw to the other side, Knowing this was our salvation, Jesus, for our sake You died. Praise the Father, praise the Son, praise the Spirit, three in one. God of Glory, majesty, praise forever to the King of Kings. And in the morning that You rose, all of heaven held its breath. Till that stone was moved for good, for the Lamb had conquered death. And the dead rose from their tombs, and the angels stood in awe, For the souls of all who’d come to the Father are restored. And the church of Christ was born, then the spirit lit the flame, Now this Gospel truth of God shall not kneel…shall not faint. By His Blood and in His name, in His freedom I am free, For the love of Jesus Christ, who has resurrected me. Praise the Father, praise the Son, praise the Spirit, three in one. God of Glory, majesty, praise forever to the King of Kings…praise forever to the King of Kings. By: Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. ~Ephesians 1:3-4 I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it. If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him because he abides with you, and he will be in you. I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. This cut was written by Francesca Battistelli and performed live in the K-Love studio. Francesco is a Christian singer and songwriter born in New York City in 1985. She released her first of five albums in 2004, and received a Grammy nomination in 2009 for “Free to be Me”. A number of her single recordings have reached the Top 10, with her recording “Breakup Song” (released June 15, 2018) rapidly climbed the charts…both pop and Christian music. Francesca’s story is interesting in that after her early career success and Grammy nomination in 2009, she disappeared for 7 years…to the surprise of the Christian praise music world. When she returned to writing and performing, she explained that her 7 year “sabbatical” was the result of her having given birth to four (4) children! No further questions were asked. Incidentally, Francesca now is the proud mother of seven children, the latest born in the summer of 2024. Her song “He Knows My Name” was re-recorded for K-Love as one of the nominations for 2015 K-Love Song of the Year. Note the line, “He calls me chosen…free…wanted…child of the King…His forever…held and treasured”, surely capturing the all encompassing love of God. Cut: “He Knows My Name” Artist: Francesca Battistelli CD/Album: If We’re Honest Lyrics:
Spent today in a conversation in the mirror face to face with somebody less than perfect, I wouldn’t choose me first if I was looking for a champion, in fact I’d understand if You picked everyone before me…that’s just not my story. True to who You are, You saw my heart and made something out of nothing, so I don’t need my name in lights, I’m famous in my Father’s eyes, make no mistake, He Knows My Name. I’m not living for applause, I’m already so adored, it’s all His stage, He Knows My Name. I’m not meant to just stay quiet, I’m meant to be a Lion, I’ll roar beyond a song with every moment that I’ve got. True to who You are, You saw my heart and made something out of nothing, I don’t need my name in lights, I’m famous in my Father’s eyes, make no mistake, He Knows My Name. I’m not living for applause, I’m already so adored, it’s all His stage, He Knows My Name. He calls me “chosen”, “free”, “forgiven”, “wanted”, “child of the King”, “His forever”, “held and treasured”, I am loved. I don’t need my name in lights, I’m famous in my Father’s eyes, oh I don’t need my name in lights, I’m famous in my Father’s eyes, make no mistake, He Knows My Name. I’m not living for applause, I’m already so adored, it’s all His stage, He Knows My Name. He Knows My Name…He Knows My Name…He Knows My Name. By Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. ~Psalm 23 Our offering this week is from Leanna Crawford. Leanna Crawford recently turned 30 (born 6/13/1995), but has spent almost ½ of her young life writing and performing Christian music. She grew up & was educated in Washington state prior to her move to Nashville at the age of 21. She found her calling during a mission trip at the age of 17 and almost immediately wrote and performed a Dove Award-winning song (“Moment by Moment”), which was coincidentally produced by Ed Cash from We The Kingdom. Six of her songs have reached the Billboard Top 25, including this selection, “Still Waters”, which reached #1 in 2024. Leanna was nominated as “Female Artist of the Year” in 2021 by K-Love and won “Breakout Single of the Year” by K-Love (2025) for “Still Waters”. Per a portion of the lyrics of “Still Waters”: “…anxiety hates Psalm 23…” Cut: “Still Waters (Psalm 23)” Artist: Leanna Crawford CD/Album: Still Waters Great Aunt Maurine said at a hundred and three, “Write scripture on your heart for when you need it,
'Cause anxiety hates Psalm 23” So just say it to yourself 'til you believe it, And I'm feeling like I'm needing it right now. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He leads me by still waters 'til my fears are gone. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death Oh, I know You are with me, my Father, my friend Your goodness and mercy will follow me all of my days, I know by Your still waters, I'm safe. Lord, I believe You can set me at ease, Turn this broken piece in me to peace and quiet. I know there's power in Your word, So I'll say it over and over 'til my soul's reminded. Oh, The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want, He leads me by still waters 'til my fears are gone. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Oh, I know You are with me, my Father, my friend. Your goodness and mercy will follow me all of my days. I know by Your still waters, I'm safe. Still waters run through any valley I could find, I'm laying fear down here at Heaven's riverside. Your word has been true in every season of my life I believe, yes, I believe still waters run through any valley I could find I'm laying fear down here at Heaven's riverside Your word has been true in every season of my life. I believe, yes, I believe Oh, The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want, He leads me by still waters 'til my fears are gone. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death Oh, I know You are with me, my Father, my friend. Your goodness and mercy will follow me all of my days. I know by Your still waters I'm safe By: Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner “ Be not anxious saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or, ‘What shall we drink?’ or, ‘With what shall we be clothed?’ For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” ~Matthew 6:31-33 The Christian Praise Music world is dominated by strong male voices and male-centric groups; however, there are a number of popular and influential female vocalists in this space. For the next few weeks we will focus on female Christian music artists. We have listened to several prominent female artists in the past (e.g., Francesco Battistelli, Brook Ligertwood from Hillsong Worship) and may replay some of them. Our initial offering is from Lauren Daigle. * Lauren Daigle is a Lafayette, LA, born Christian music singer-songwriter. * Her 1st album “How Can It Be” released in April, 2015, reached platinum status. * She is a 12 time Dove Award winner for Song of the Year and Artist of the Year * 2 Grammy awards including Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance for “You Say” * 4 time AMA Music Award winner * Six time Billboard Music Award winner (including the 2019 “Top Christian Song” for “You Say”) * “You Say” was released July 13, 2018, and rapidly reached top 10 status on both the Contemporary Christian music charts as well as the Pop charts. The official music video we will enjoy today has received 374 million YouTube views. Cut: “You Say” Artist: Lauren Daigle CD/Album: Look Up Child Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. ~Romans 8:14 Hillsong Worship formed in 1983 at Hillsong Church (Sydney, Australia), with seven artists. They have placed twelve (12) albums on the Billboard magazine charts (Christian music), with six reaching #1, received the 2018 Grammy for “What A Beautiful Name” (reaching over 560 million YouTube views), and the GMA Dove Awards in 2017, 2019 (“Who You Say I Am”), and 2020 (“King of Kings”), with Brook Ligertwood as lead singer. Grace Memorial youth attended the Hillsong Worship concert at the Smoothie King Center on November 6, 2019. “Oceans” has been recorded by numerous artists with different styles, but its message is its appeal. “Oceans” has soothing effects on us, and some of the lyrics speak to our resolve as followers of Christ: “Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders Let me walk upon the waters Wherever You would call me. Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander And my faith will be made stronger…In the presence of my Savior Cut: “Oceans” Artist: Hillsong Worship CD/Album: Where Feet May Fail By Chuck SpanglerGrace Memorial Parishioner "For even hereunto were ye called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth; Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, he threatened not, but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously; Who His own self bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed." ~I Peter 2:21-24 MercyMe is a contemporary Christian band founded in 1994 and lead by lead vocalist Bart Millard. They have recorded 1 triple platinum album and 6 gold albums. Twelve of their singles have reached #1 on Billboard, and the group has captured 8 GMA Dove Awards. While this cut, “Flawless”, experienced no special popularity, it does exhibit an upbeat and somewhat eccentric message about how God’s creation is above normal societal judgments. The mere fact that this YouTube video has received over 60 million hits may be more important than it’s commercial success…”the Cross has made you Flawless…” Cut: “Flawless” Artist: MercyMe CD/Album: Welcome to the New There’s got to be more than going back and forth
From doing right to doing wrong ‘cause we were taught that’s who we are. Come on get in line right behind me, you along with everybody Thinking there’s worth in what you do. Then Like a hero who takes the stage when we’re on the edge of our seats saying it’s too late Well let me introduce you to amazing grace. No matter the bumps, No matter the bruises, No matter the scars Still the truth is the cross has made, the cross has made you flawless No matter the hurt, or how deep the wound is, no matter the pain Still the truth is the cross has made, the cross has made you flawless Could it possibly be that we simply can’t believe That this unconditional kind of love would be enough To take a filthy wretch like this and wrap him up in righteousness, But that’s exactly what He did. No matter the bumps, No matter the bruises, No matter the scars Still the truth is the cross has made, the cross has made you flawless No matter the hurt, or how deep the wound is, no matter the pain Still the truth is the cross has made, the cross has made you flawless Take a breath smile and say right here right now I’m ok, Because the cross was enough. Then Like a hero who takes the stage when We’re on the edge of our seats saying it’s too late Well let me introduce you to grace grace…God’s grace No matter the bumps, No matter the bruises, No matter the scars Still the truth is the cross has made, the cross has made you flawless No matter the hurt, or how deep the wound is No matter the pain, still the truth is, The cross has made, the cross has made you flawless No matter what they say or what you think you are The day you called His name, He made you flawless, He made you flawless No matter the bumps, No matter the bruises, No matter the scars Still the truth is the cross has made, the cross has made you flawless |
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