In Acts 1 and 2 it is clear that Jesus is preparing His followers for an amazing event. The baptism of the Holy Spirit was to come. It was incredible. It was something the disciples had never experienced. It changed everything.
Yet, today, there's confusion, even among followers of Christ as to what this means. Is this baptism by the Holy Spirit a "second blessing?" Do you get more of God later? Sometime after you surrender to Him?
Take a moment to listen to the attached file, or download it from our iTunes podcast or listen from our church app.
The news reports came out yesterday and many, like me, who grew up in the 1980s listening to the smooth, powerfully soulful voice of Whitney Houston were shocked. Whitney Houston - Dead at age 48.
In 1985 when her debut album "Whitney Houston" was released I was in high school. This album sold millions and spawned hit after hit such as "Saving All My Love for You", "How Will I Know", and "Greatest Love of All". The music world and fans knew that Whitney Houston had arrived and would make an impact for years to come.
For a while it seemed to be the case. More hit records, such as her second album "Whitney" which released in 1987 solidified her standing in the music world and ensured she would be no one hit or "one album" wonder.
She faced criticism following her pop music success. According to AP Music writer Nekesa Mumbi Moody, her foray into the pop music world left some believing she had sold out her black roots to reach white audiences. She was even booed during the Soul Train Awards in 1989.
Houston stated in a 1996 interview with Katie Couric, "Sometimes it gets down to that, you know? You're not black enough for them. I don't know. You're not R&B enough. You're very pop. The white audience has taken you away from them."
The inner turmoil, sometimes spurred by public perception seemed to be getting to her even then.
Most know how Houston's story began to shift. She had ups and downs. She found love with musical "bad boy" Bobby Brown and they wed in 1992. Their marriage was a popular celebrity gossip story. The wedding shower for Houston featured friends and relatives such as Dionne Warwick, Jasmine Guy and Gospel singer CeCe Winans. The news stated the gifts as being "contradictory" with the strangest item being a Bible given by Winans.
Houston and Brown stayed together for a number of years. They had one daughter, Bobbi Kristina. Their marriage became tabloid fodder and with stories of domestic abuse as well as alcohol and drug use, the pop princess soon became the butt of comedians' jokes and just another subject for celebrity voyeurism.
Houston's story is tragic. Her beautiful voice was changing due to alcohol and drug use. No longer were the high notes hit smoothly. While her 2009 hit "Million Dollar Bill" was good and album "I Look to You" sold millions of copies, it was obvious that the voice just wasn't quite the same. Yet, there was a sense of hope for her fans. Maybe Whitney was coming back?
Then, the news from yesterday. Even though the ups and downs of Houston's public and "almost" private life had been known for years, the fact this 48 year old woman was dead was shocking. While no cause of death has been released, speculation is that it was drug or alcohol related. I hope this is not the case.
The death of Houston is especially shocking to people of my generation.
All around the nation men and women in their 40s (like me) look to this and are reminded once again of their own mortality.
No one likes to talk about death.
Most people do not like to attend funerals.
Consequently, we are most often surprised by death. Life seems to roll on as routine until a death notification comes. Houston's death impacts many, but mainly as a "I can't believe she's dead" moment. There is concern and prayers should be offered for her family, especially her daughter, during this time. However, most of us will respond by listening to some Whitney Houston songs, maybe Redbox will restock "The Bodyguard" or "The Preacher's Wife" for rental, but by and large, most fans will just get back to living their own lives.
Life moves fast.
So fast that a woman in her twenties that hit the pop scene seemingly just a couple of years ago is now no longer here. Could this be the woman who wowed the world with the best rendition of the Star Spangled Banner ever at a televised sporting event during the 1991 Super Bowl? Sadly, yes.
Therefore, a generation of 40-somethings are forced to think about death.
So, I am taken back to the wisdom of Solomon as expressed in Ecclesiastes 7.
Ecclesiastes 7:2-4(ESV) It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
Funerals and surprising death notices serve to remind us that no one, not even popular celebrities, are promised tomorrow. "The living will lay it to heart" - this means we recognize that each day is a gift. Each relationship is important. Each moment matters. We are only here for a little while.
While I have no idea about Houston's spiritual life, her untimely death serves as another great reminder to us that putting off for tomorrow that which should be done today is foolish.
Some are putting off thinking and dealing with Jesus Christ until later.
The love and grace of God and chance at life that has been offered is here now. I pray for those who are waiting until tomorrow to get things "right with God." I pray for you if you have not considered your life at this level.
James 4:14(ESV) Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.
Whitney Houston's story is so very sad. I pray for her family. I also pray that her startling death will serve as a reminder to all of us of the fragility of life and that God offers hope. He offers life. He offers a way. That way is Jesus Christ alone.
Sometimes during the day, I will hear a comment or a statement that just resonates. I guess that's why I have this blog, so I can think through most of these things.
Anyway, that's not what this post is about. I was looking for some clips on YouTube of some of the other Elephant Room sessions not included on the DVD and found this clip featuring James MacDonald. It's titled "James MacDonald on Songs They Don't Sing at His Church." Watch it below.
I can't say that I disagree with his comments. However, like most folks, I don't agree completely. I do love where he says "We don't sing 'Jesus is my boyfriend' songs." That was the phrase that resonated today.
This has made me evaluate songs and hymns I enjoy and that I've sung in church for years. Many of these old hymns, choruses and new worship songs are incredible, but I remember a statement made by my music professor at seminary. Dr. Reynolds said, "You can determine a church's theology before the service ever begins. Just open up their hymnal and read the words to the songs."
Of course, many churches (ours included) do not use hymnals anymore, but the point is the same. To determine what the church believes about doctrine, about the Gospel, about God. . .listen to the words of the songs.
Oh, and even though some new praise choruses were referenced, poor theological songs are not relegated to the new worship movement.
There are ancient hymns that miss the point.
There are many Southern Gospel songs that basically re-write Scripture.
There are gospel songs that are embarrasingly misleading.
Sometimes I fear we sing songs that just have a good beat, are mixed well, easy for the choir to do or are the latest popular worship song without considering the theology.
This happens often (not all the time, but often) when soloists bring their own accompaniment CDs for their performance or presentation. I'm sure songs are chosen based upon style and range and what sounds good, but if we're not very careful, we will be presenting a theological concept through a song that then must be either ignored or carefully deconstructed by the Pastor.
Just to be clear, this is not a post accusing anyone of anything. In fact, my friend and Worship Pastor, Shelvin Lamb has often nixed songs simply because of the theology. We've talked at times about certain songs that seem to be making the rounds in churches and have decided that while the song is enjoyable, it is wrong and therefore, we cannot use it.
We (the church) have traditionally, and most likely legalistically, been all over our young people for listening to "bad" music. Of course, there are some bad songs that are very popular, but the kids always say "I just like the beat. I don't listen to the words." We know that's a cop out because even now, if I hear a song on the oldies station (which means they play songs from the 1980s) I can sing along, even if it's been 25 years since I owned the cassette of that artists. This was proved when I heard Prince's "1999" on the radio the other day. Seriously. . ."Two-thousand, zero, zero, party over. Oops! Out of time." Yeah, I can sing it. What a dumb song.
Anyway, my point is if we are telling our kids that they can't just hear the song and not hear the words, we need to listen to our own advice.
Even if the song is in a hymnal, on Christian radio or sung at the latest camp or rally, we had better check the doctrine. Otherwise, we will be singing more "boyfriend" songs about ourselves with really poor doctrine.
I do believe we will be held accountable, especially as pastors and leaders, for teaching sound doctrine. That includes what we teach through our songs as well.
On a lighter note, check out Tim Hawkins "corporate" worship songs. It's good to laugh! Even at ourselves.
Veterans Day is coming up. It's November 11 (just like every other year.)
Yesterday I saw a commercial for Golden Corral advertising their Veteran's Meal on November 14 (why, not the 11th, I don't know) in honor of Veterans Day. A friend of mine sent me a list of restaurants and stores who honor our vets and offer special discounts. Thought I'd pass it on to you. Oh, you'd better double-check these, because some may be "participating venues only." In most cases, you will need to provide a military ID, a photo of yourself in uniform or some form of proof you served. Here is the list. . .
RESTAURANTS
Applebee's - All veterans and active duty military eat free from a limited men on Veteran's Day.
Chili's - Veterans and active duty military dine for free from a special, limited six item menu on Veteran's Day.
Golden Corral - Military Appreciation Monday on November 14 features a free dinner from 5pm - 9pm for all military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reservists.
Kripsy Kreme - All active-duty, retirees and veterans get a free doughnut on Veterans Day.
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant - Complimentary entree to veterans from a special menu on a space available basis. Online reservations are highly recommended.
Outback Steakhouse - Veterans and active duty military get a complimentary Bloomin' Onion and non-alcoholic beverage on Veterans Day.
UNO Chicago Grill - UNO is offering a "Buy One - Get One Free" offer to veterans and active duty military on Veterans Day. The Veterans Day BOGO offer includes a free entree or individual pizza with the purpose of an entree or pizza of equal or greater value.
Texas Roadhouse - Free meal from opening until 4pm on Veterans Day.
T.G.I. Friday's - Veterans and active duty military "Buy One - Get One Free" from November 11 - 14.
RETAIL
Amazon.com - Free Veterans Day Honor MP3 album download. Album includes 12 songs by The Bands and Ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces
Build-a-Bear Workshop - Members of the armed forces including Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserve Officer Training Corps will receive a 20 percent discount November 11-15 on any one transaction at the store.
Cabela's Outdoor Store - Offers their employee discount to all veterans, active duty military and Reservists, police, fire and EMS personnel on November 11 and 12. Discounts vary from 5 percent to 50 percent, depending on the item.
Dollar General - Veterans, active duty, National Guard, Reservists, and their immediate families will receive a 10 percent discount with a Veterans Day coupon. The coupon may be found in store circular ads or by asking a sales associate.
Fashion Bug - 20 percent off all plus-size and misses clothing purchases with copy of military ID or spouse's military ID.
Foot Locker - Veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reservists and their immediate families with a Foot Locker Veterans Advantage Card receive a 20 percent discount every day of the year. This offer is good online and at any store location (including Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Footaction, and Champs Sports.) This discount is good even on sale items.
The Home Depot - 10 percent discount to all veterans on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day
Lowe's - 10 percent discount to all veterans on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day. Offer available in stores only and limited to in-stock and special order purchases of up to $5,000.
Sam's Club - Give away 36,000 collapsible Hugo Canes on Veterans Day to military veterans in need of mobility assistance. Sam's Club membership required.
Again, double-check with these restaurants and retailers. Some sites may not be offering the specials. I'm sure there are others not listed here, who offer specials as well. Feel free to comment with add-ons.
It's Wednesday. I've taken a couple of days off to help (i.e. watch) my father-in-law replace our rotted back doors at home and build a cover for our back porch (Actually, it's not a porch. It's just a slab of concrete.)
I remembered I had a 3pm meeting today to help plan a wedding next summer, so I came into the office for the meeting.
I am prepared for my Bible study tonight.
Then, I checked Facebook and found this picture posted on a friend's site.
I laughed out loud.
I'm now listening to my Lionel Richie Greatest Hits CD on iTunes. So far, I've said "Hello" am "Dancing on the Ceiling" and remembered that "Sunday Morning is Easy."
I also received a message from an old high school friend regarding our 25th reunion happening this weekend, which I will not be able to attend.
Amazing how you can be going through a day and in just a moment be thrust back to the mid-1980s.
So, I'm listening once again to viral music sensation Rebecca Black. Her song "Friday" has had millions of hits on YouTube (and is now the record holder for the most dislikes.) There's something about that tune. It's catchy. It's deep. I now know that Friday is after Thursday and all that.
Still, as I sit here on this great holiday, I can't help but think that we could use a variation of this song on Sunday mornings. So, being the creative artist that I am, I have penned some new lyrics to the tune of "Friday." My song is aptly called "Sunday." (You may have to attend First Baptist Church of Orange Park to really be able to connect, though.)
8am, waking up Sunday morning
Gotta be fresh, gotta get outta bed
Gotta find my Bible, gotta read a verse
Seein' everything, the time is goin'
Tickin' on and on, everybody's rushin'
Gotta get out of the house now
Gotta get in the car, I see my fam
Dad is in the front seat
Mom is in the back seat
My bro's got his permit
Why's he get to drive?
It's Sunday, Sunday
Gotta get to church on Sunday
Everybody's lookin' forward to the preachin', preachin'
Sunday, Sunday
Gettin' to church on Sunday
Everybody's lookin' forward to the preachin'
Worshipin', worshipin' (Yeah)
Worshipin', worshipin' (Yeah)
Pray, pray, pray, pray
Lookin' forward to the preachin'
8:45, we're now in the parking lot
Drivin' really slow, can't really find a spot
Pray, pray, really gotta pray
You know what it is
I know this, you know this
My mom is by my right
I know this, you know this
Now you know it
Parkin' in the back lot
Walkin' through the grass lot
Here comes the golf cart
Which seat will I take?
[Chorus]
It's Sunday, Sunday
Gotta get to church on Sunday
Everybody's lookin' forward to the preachin', preachin'
Sunday, Sunday
Sittin' in church on Sunday
Everybody's lookin' forward to the preachin'
Worshipin', worshipin' (Yeah)
Worshipin', worshipin' (Yeah)
Pray, pray, pray, pray
Lookin' forward to the preachin'
[Bridge]
Yesterday was Saturday, the Sabbath
Today i-is Sunday, Sunday
We-we-we so tithin'
We so tithin'
We gonna give it all today
Tomorrow is Monday
And Tuesday comes after. . .wards
Now, I want this preachin' to end
[This is the rap part]
D-T, David Tark
So chillin' on the stage now (on the stage)
Sittin' by the glass table (by the table)
I'm listenin', amenin' (yeah, yeah)
Right screen, left screen
Wit' a wood cross before my eyes (Woo!)
(C'mon) Passin by is an old usher in front of me
Polyester pants go swish, swish, wanna scream
Check my time, it's Sunday, its some preachin'
We gonna have fun, c'mon, c'mon, y'all
[Chorus]
It's Sunday, Sunday
Gotta get to church on Sunday
Everybody's lookin' forward to the preachin', preachin'
Sunday, Sunday
Sittin' in church on Sunday
Everybody's lookin' forward to the preachin'
Worshipin', worshipin' (Yeah)
Worshipin', worshipin' (Yeah)
Pray, pray, pray, pray
Lookin' forward to the preachin'
It's Sunday, Sunday
Gotta get to church on Sunday
Everybody's lookin' forward to the preachin', preachin'
Sunday, Sunday
Sittin' in church on Sunday
Everybody's lookin' forward to the preachin'
Worshipin', worshipin' (Yeah)
Worshipin', worshipin' (Yeah)
Pray, pray, pray, pray
Lookin' forward to the preachin'
I think this could be a big hit. I love the part where everyone's "lookin' forward to the preachin'." So, who could sing this? Maybe Kaytee? Shelvin or Brandon could to the rap portion. We'll get Caleb to make the video. Now, this has been a productive day.
Oh, and to make it easier to follow, click the link below to watch Rebecca Black's official version of "Friday" and just sing over her lyrics with the ones I wrote.
I remember the day when "Contemporary Christian Music" was the big debate in local churches. This thing called "Christian Rock" was going to be the death knell for the American church. Of course, as a teenager, I liked it and then as a youth pastor, I was hitting concerts and listening to such bands as Petra, Whiteheart and others.
Funny now that this "cutting edge" Christian music is now "classic" for old guys like me. Still, I like it. It brings back good memories.
Here are a few good ones. . .
That Heaven Bound song cracks me up. Early 90s Christian hip hop. You know they're embarrassed about this video.
Notice how Michael W. does the same sweeping arm motion over and over throughout this video. He's gotten better, too.
I posted this on Facebook yesterday. It makes me laugh every time I watch it. One of the best shows on television now (my opinion) is "Psych" on the USA network (White Collar is a close second). This is their new ad. For all you children of the 80s, the Hall & Oates look will bring back memories.
