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.” For the next couple of months, I am presenting “Greatest Hits” per our Christian Education teenagers. During July, I will start with “Third Day”. Third Day formed in 1993. They briefly retired in 2022 and have recently reunited. They are an internationally acclaimed Christian Music group lead 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 was a frequent subject of our Sunday contemplation. “Born Again” is one of Third Day’s signature cuts. It is about birth as a spiritually inspired Christian, evidenced by physical baptism and the effects on one’s soul. Cut: “Born Again” Artist: Third Day CD/Album: Revelation Lyrics:
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.
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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. "Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; If you had the good fortune to be blessed by Mother Liz’s homily this past Sunday (June 21…as was I), she described something called “Prosperity Gospel”. While my feeble intellect didn’t completely follow the premise behind that theology, my confusion diminished entirely when she concluded her homily with “You are loved”. Stars Go Dim is a 4 person contemporary Christian rock band formed in Tulsa, OK, in 2008. Chris Cleveland as lead singer has tremendous vocal range. He writes much of their music along with Joey Avalos (guitarist). They have charted 7 cuts on the Billboard Top 25, including “You Are Loved” which reached #1…a fact reinforced by the 7 million YouTube views. My essentially teenage Christian Education students for some reason took a particular liking to “You Are Loved” as well as Stars Go Dim. Cut: “You Are Loved” Artist: Stars Go Dim Lyrics are included in the video
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 loves 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 of God, which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord.” I promise this will be the last Jelly Roll cut I will offer for a while: “God Didn’t Let Me Break”. Reassuring and uplifting, the lyrics are another reminder of the closeness of God even when we don’t feel his presence. Maybe we should be listening closer to His message, however subtle and however unexpected the vehicle. The lyrics are not displayed here as they are shown on the YouTube screen. Cut: “God Didn’t Let Me Break” Artist: Jelly Roll CD/Album: Redemption
If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray to the Father and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. After a number of positive responses on my Jelly Roll offering a couple of weeks ago, I present another: “Jesus Is Coming Soon”. As is the common theme in JR’s works, this music and lyrics seem to give one a sense of belonging and the promise of glory. Jelly Roll’s history seems inconsequential when considering where he is today with his faith and gratitude for the wonderful gift we have received (in many cases without deserving Him!)…a loving, forgiving, Savior. The lyrics are not displayed here as they are shown on the YouTube screen. Cut: “Jesus Is Coming Soon” Artist: Jelly Roll
In like manner, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject to one another, and be clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. The Blessing Box…who knew? It has been heartwarming to see the outpouring of love and generosity displayed by many anonymous donors through their contributions to the The Blessing Box. Grace Memorial’s willingness to help those who are not as fortunate as us has become a beacon to the community of the many who have contributed…without recognition or pomp…just because of their awareness of the need they hope to fill. The Blessing Box inspired me to repeat the following offering of “Less Like Me” written and recorded by Zach Williams. The music depicts the battle many of us have to be “…more like Jesus”. Cut: “Less Like Me” Artist: Zach Williams Album: Rescue Story [Lyrics included on the video]
Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock this is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. Jelly Roll is a unique and to some degree a polarizing figure in today’s Christian music world. His early years were lawless to say the least, with considerable jail time. But the story has a happy ending with his complete transition to a committed Christian. He conquered his alcohol abuse, now has a young family, and travels the world sharing his story, never forgetting to whom the glory belongs. With Jelly Roll’s gifts of a great voice and simple lyrics, truly we should be inspired by the unfathomable redemptive powers of our Lord and Savior, even if we disapprove of JR’s early transgressions. The music offered is one of at least a dozen recent Jelly Roll recordings that are soulful, heartfelt, and can readily bring tears to one’s eyes when considering the depth of pain from which he has been freed. The lyrics are not displayed here as they are shown on the YouTube screen. Cut: “Jesus Don’t Let Me Go” Artist: Jelly Roll
Handel’s “Messiah” is universally acknowledged as one of the finest musical pieces ever composed. The work was accomplished by Handel with assistance from Charles Jenners (an 18th century lyricist). The combination of a strong Christian theme, four part voice harmonies and solos, orchestral compositions (running the gamut of strings, percussion, and horns), and at times a unique and majestic harmonious blend of voice, instrument, and verse, “Messiah” is indeed worth listening to and reflecting on over many “takes”. If ever one could conclude that “Divine Inspiration” exists, this work offers convincing evidence: Handel commenced the “Messiah” on August 22, 1741, in response to a competition for a new work of music to be performed in Dublin on Easter, 1742. The work was somehow completed by Handel on September 14, 1741…a miraculous feat accomplished in twenty-three days! The Dublin audience was understandably in awe of the superb music. The Dublin debut was followed over the next few years by concerts in London and throughout Europe. Over the centuries a number of changes to the work have been made; however, the basic composition has stood the test of time. The seven (7) YouTube videos highlighted below represent a portion of “Part I” which concentrates on the birth of Jesus. Each Advent season, our youth would be “exposed” to this classic which might be alternately labeled as the “First Christian Praise Music” composition! ADVENT – CHRISTMAS: 1. OVERTURE [London Symphony Orchestra – Sir Colin Davis] 2. RECIT. Tenor ISAIAH 40: 1-3 "Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God; speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem; and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness: - prepare ye the way of the Lord: make straight in the desert a highway for our God.“ [London Symphony Orchestra-John Wakefield] 3. AlR tenor ISAIAH 40:4 “Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low, the crooked straight and the rough places plain.” 4. CHORUS ISAIAH 40:5And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. 5. REClT. bass HAGAI 2: 6-7 Thus saith the Lord of Hosts-Yet once a little while and I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land; and I will shake all nations; and the desire of all nations shall come. The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in; behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts. 6. AlR bass MALACHI 3:2 But who may abide the day of H is coming? and who shall stand When He appeareth? For He is like a refiner's fire. 7. CHORUS MALACHI 3:3 And He shall purify the sons of Levi, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. [London Symphony – Sir Colin Davis - Helen Watts] 8. RECIT. alto ISAIAH 7:14 “Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name E M M A N U E L, God with us.” 9. AIR alto and CHORUS ISAIAH 40:9 “O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain. O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” ISAIAH 60:1 10. RECIT, bass MATTHEW 4: 12-16 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall a rise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee, and the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the b rightness of thy rising. 11. AlR ·bass MATTHEW 4: 12-16The people that walk i n darkness have seen a great light; and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. 12. CHORUS ISAIAH 9:6 “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” 13. PASTORAL SYMPHONY [London Symphony – Sir Colin Davis – Heather Harper] 14. RECIT, soprano LUKE 2: 8-9 “There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo! the Angel of the Lord ca me upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid.” 15. RECIT. soprano LUKE 2: 10-11 “And the Angel said unto the m, Fear not; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people; for unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord”. 16.RECIT. soprano LUKE 2:13 “And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying: 17. CHORUS LUKE 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, goodwill towards men.” [London Symphony – Sir Colin Davis – Heather Harper] 18. AIR soprano Luke 1:14 “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout! O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, thy King cometh unto thee! He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace unto the heathen.” 19. RECIT. soprano Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing. 20. AIR alto and soprano ISAIAH 40:11 / MATTHEW 11: 28-89 He shall feed His f lock like a shepherd; and He shall gat her the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. Come unto Him, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and He will give you rest. Take His yolk upon you, and learn of Him, for He is meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 21. CHORUS His yoke is easy and His burden is light. LIFE, CRUCIFIXION, RESURRECTION: Performed at Westminster Abbey, London, c. 2004 by the Academy of Ancient Music conducted by Christopher Hogwood; vocals by the Choir of Westminster Abbey [Great job by our Anglican cousins!]
Below presentation commences at time stamp 52:27: Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin or the world. [John Ch. 1, v.29] 23. AIR alto [Isaiah Ch. 53, v. 3] He was despised and rejected or men; a man or sorrow and acquainted with grief. 24. CHORUS [Isaiah Ch. 53, v. 4-5] Surely He hath borne our griefs, end carried our sorrows! He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him. 25. CHORUS And with His stripes we were healed. 26. CHORUS [Isaiah Ch. 53, v. 6] All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way. And the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. 27. RECIT, tenor [Psalm 22, v. 7] All they that see Him, laugh Him to scorn; they shoot out their lips and shake their heads saying 28. CHORUS [Psalm 22, v.8] He trusted in God that He would deliver Him; let Him deliver Him, if He delight in Him. 29. RECIT (tenor) Thy rebuke hath broken his heart; he is full of heaviness. He looked for some to have pity on him, but there was no man, neither found he any to comfort him.” (Psalm 69, v.20) 30. Arioso (tenor) Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto his sorrow.” (Lamentations 1, v.12) 31. RECIT (tenor) He was cut off out the land of the living: for the transgressions of thy people was he stricken.” (Isaiah 53, v.8) 32. Air (tenor) But thou didst not leave his soul in hell; nor didst thou suffer thy Holy One to see corruption.” (Psalm 16, v.10) 33. CHORUS [Psalm 24, v. 7-10] – TIME STAMP 1:22:14 Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of Glory shall come in. Who is the King or Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates, end be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of Glory shall come in. Who is the King of Glory? The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of Glory. 34. RECIT (tenor) Unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee?” (Hebrews 1, v.5) 35. Chorus Let all the angels of God worship him.” (Hebrews 1, v.6) 36. Air (mezzo-soprano) Thou art gone up on high; thou hast led captivity captive, and received gifts for men: yea, even for thine enemies, that the Lord God might dwell among them.” (Psalm 68, v.18) 37. CHORUS [Psalm 68, v. 11] The Lord gave the word, great was the company of the preachers. 38. AIR soprano [Romans Ch. 10, v. 15] How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things. 39. CHORUS [Romans Ch. 10, v. 18] – TIME STAMP 1:33:40 Their sound is gone out into all lands, and their words unto the ends of the world. 40. AIR bass [Psalm 2, v. 1-2] Why do the nations so furiously rage together, and why do the people Imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth rise up, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord, and against His Anointed. 41. CHORUS [Psalm 2, v. 3] Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast away their yokes from us. 42. RECIT. Tenor [Psalm 2, v. 4] He that dwelleth in Heaven shall laugh them to scorn; the Lord shall have them in derision. 43. AIR tenor [Psalm 2, v. 9] Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. 44. CHORUS [Revelation Ch. 19, v. 6; Revelation Ch. 11, v. 15; Revelation Ch. 19, v. 16] HALLEUJAH: for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever. KING OF KINGS, and LORD OF LORDS, HALLELUJAH 45. Air (soprano) I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.” (Job 19, vv.25–26); “For now is Christ risen from the dead, the first fruits of them that sleep.” (I Corinthians 15, v.20) 46. Chorus Since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (I Corinthians 15, vv.21–22) 47. RECIT (bass) – TIME STAMP 1:51:49 Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet:” (I Corinthians 15, vv.51–52) 48. Air (bass) The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (1 Corinthians 15, 52–53) 49. Recitative (mezzo-soprano) Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory. (1 Corinthians 15, v.54) 50. Duet (mezzo-soprano/tenor) O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.” (I Corinthians 15, vv.55–56) 51. Chorus But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57) 52. Air (soprano) If God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8, v. 31); “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is at the right hand of God, who makes intercession for us.” (Romans 8, vv.33–34) 53. Chorus Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to God by his blood, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Blessing, and honour, glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” (Revelation 5, vv.12–14) “Amen.”
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." In the midst of so many disturbing global events that seem to dominate both the national media and social media, it seems the only viable (and indisputably the superior) tool available to us as Christians is to focus on what we can control within our own community through love, mercy, generosity that is passed on from Jesus Christ to all of those that we encounter. This cut was written by Mac Powell and performed by Third Day soon after the series of devastating floods, earthquakes, and civil disorder in Haiti. The petition then seems appropriate to us now. Cut: “Arise” Artist: Third Day CD/Album: Lead Us Back I sit alone and think about the world and all the people without freedom, without justice.
And then I wonder if there's any more that I can do to help the broken, to help the hopeless. And, Lord, You know I can't do this without You… God, I need You now, help me to make a move Arise, o God…Lift up Your hand. Bring freedom and forgiveness Arise, o God…Help us to stand, For mercy and for justice. As I sing along with all the worship and the praises of Your children, of Your people. I know that there is so much more that we can all be doing for the broken, for the hopeless. Lord, You know we can't do this without You. God, we need You now, help us to make a move…Help us to make a move. Arise, o God…Lift up Your hand. Bring freedom and forgiveness Arise, o God…Help us to stand, For mercy and for justice. Arise, o God…Lift up Your hand. Bring freedom and forgiveness Arise, o God…Help us to stand, For mercy and for justice. Only You can save us, Lord, Only You can rescue us In the name of Jesus, there is hope... Only You can save us, Lord, Only You can rescue us In the name of Jesus, there is hope... Arise, o God…Lift up Your hand. Bring freedom and forgiveness Arise, o God…Help us to stand, For mercy and for justice. Arise, o God…Lift up Your hand. Bring freedom and forgiveness Arise, o God…Help us to stand, For mercy and for justice. 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. |
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