"The Altar and the Door" by Casting Crowns

Chuck Spangler

Grace Memorial Vestry Member

The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time.  When trouble or persecution comes because of the work, he quickly falls away.
Matthew 13:20-21

    For August “Greatest Hits”, I have chosen Casting Crowns.  CC was established in 1999 under the direction of Mark Hall (lead singer and primary songwriter).  13 million of their 9 albums have been sold…6 of have gone platinum.  They have received 15 Dove Awards, 1 Grammy, 2 American Music Academy (AMA) and 2 Billboard Music awards for “Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist”.
    Most of the CC members of Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church (McDonogh, GA).  Mark Hall 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!).
The “YouTube intro” below gives insight to the message of “The Altar and the Door”.

Cut:        “The Altar and the Door”
Artist:        Casting Crowns
CD/Album:    The Altar and the Door

Careless…I am reckless.  I’m a wrong way travelling slowly unraveling shell of a man.
Burned out… I’m so numb now.  
Let the fires just an ember way down in the corner of my old cold heart.
Lord this time I make it right here at the altar I lay my life.
Your kingdom come, but my will was done, my heart is broken.
As I cry like so many time before…but my eyes are dry before I leave the floor.
Oh Lord I tried but this time Jesus how can I be sure I would not loose my follow through
Between the altar and the door.

Here at the altar oh my world so black and white…
how could I ever falter what You’ve shown me to be right.
Lord this time I’ll make it right, here at the altar I’ll lay my life.
Your kingdom come, but my will was done, my heart is broken.
As I cry like so many time before…but my eyes are dry before I leave the floor.
Oh Lord I tried but this time Jesus how can I be sure I would not loose my follow through
Between the altar and the door.

I’m trying so hard to stop trying so hard.  
Just let You be who You are…Lord who You are in me.
Jesus I’m trying so hard to stop trying so hard.  
Just let You be who You are…Lord who You are in me.

Oh Lord I cried like so many times before…but my eyes are dry before I leave the floor.
Oh Lord I tried but this time Jesus how can I be sure I would not loose my follow through
Between the altar and the door.
Like so many times before… but my eyes are dry before I leave the floor.
Oh Lord I tried but this time Jesus how can I be sure I would not loose my follow through
Between the altar and the door.
…Like so many times before…

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