Yes, the starship has descended once more with yet another parody from yesteryear.
This song is a parody of "We Built This City" by Jefferson Starship. And my parody uses some quotes from guys like Patrick Henry, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson (The Declaration of Independence) and of course, The Bible. Read through the Declaration and the Constitution and you'll see both have clear references to God. Just look at the Preamble to the Constitution.
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
Look at the definition of "blessing" from dictionary.com
1. the act or words of a person who blesses.
2. a special favor, mercy, or benefit: the blessings of liberty.
3. a favor or gift bestowed by God, thereby bringing happiness.
4. the invoking of God's favor upon a person: The son was denied his father's blessing.
5. praise; devotion; worship, esp. grace said before a meal: The children took turns reciting the blessing.
6. approval or good wishes: The proposed law had the blessing of the governor.
Hmm- a blessing is a favor or gift bestowed by God, thereby bringing happiness. Someone has to give the blessing- and only God can give true liberty and freedom!
And it's even more obvious in The Declaration of Independence.
"When in the Course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separation.
We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness......"
(And check out how we're gonna pull this Revolutionary War thing off)-
"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."
Thomas Jefferson acknowledged the sovereignity of God three times here. One of the first things the Pilgrims did when they landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620 was to erect a cross and have a minister say a prayer to God for them. In 1954, by an act of the Supreme Court, the phrase "under God" was added to the Pledge of Allegiance- what we all grew up saying most every day in elementary school. In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower had the phrase "In God We Trust" printed on all American currency- check your money- it's still there!
Check out the full lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner", our country's National Anthem. Especially look at the last verse! http://hjem.get2net.dk/niels_quist/usa.htm
"Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: 'In God is our trust'. And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."
I love this last verse!!! It's even better than the first (and most familiar) one. That verse just asks the question, "Does the Star-Spangled Banner still wave over America- the land of the free and the home of the brave?" The last verse emphatically answers- "YES, IT DOES!!!!" (Forever may she wave!)
But we must still remember God's Word- "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." (Psalms 33:12)
So here you go........
"We Built This Country"
(parody of "We Built This City" by Jefferson Starship;
copyright Nathan Ludwick 08/15/2007)
Psalms 33:12
Psalms 46:1
Psalms 55:22
Psalms 111:10
Psalms 146
Proverbs 3:33
Proverbs 14:34
Chorus 1: We built this country, we built this country on God alone; Built this country, we built this country on God alone!
Verse 1: Say you don't know me or recognize my face
Say you don't care or know from whence came this place
Knee-deep in brouhaha, "Have not begun to fight"
Through Washington's armies, securing us our rights
Pre-Chorus 1: Monroe, he gave the Doctrine- listen to the men of old
Don't you remember? We built this country, we built this country on God alone!
Chorus 2: We built this country, it's on the money- in God alone! Built this country, we built this country on God alone!
Verse 2: Someone always playing revisionistic games
Truth scares- they're always changing historic claims of faith
Are we just going to stand here? Someone stole God's place
They call us all intolerable, write us off the page
Pre-Chorus 2: John Jay, he says November, Christians are the way to vote
Don't you remember? We built this country, we built this country on God alone!
(Repeat Chorus 2)
Verse 3: I'm just another Fundie in a tired old suit
Atheists got the choke hold (Ohhh!) But we've just got to speak!
We count our money and our sacred honor
Our lives all resting on the God of our fathers
Declaring dependence, 'cause we're of Plymouth roots
Looking for America- Creator gives these truths
(Spoken): "I am sure there never was a people who had more reason to acknowledge a Divine Interposition in their affairs than those of the United States"
Don't you remember? (Remember)
(Spoken): I should be pained to believe they've forgotten the omnipotence of that God who is alone able to protect them...."Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord"
Pre-Chorus 3: Proverbs 33 in 3rd. chapter, Listen to God's Holy Word
Don't you remember? We built this country, we built this country on God alone!
(Repeat Chorus 2)
Built this country, (Ohhh!) We built this country on God alone!
Built this country, we built this country on God alone!
(We built, we built this country)
Built this country (we built, we built this country)
(Repeat until fade) x7
[Interchange with "Rebuild, Rebuild this country"]
(Fade on- "Rebuild this country on God alone!")
.........................................................................
Okay- there you go. And here's the cool music video to watch and sync up with on Youtube- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFtW0WKT0Tw
And here's the cool midi to sing along with!!! http://www.midmninfo.com/mobile/midikaraoke/builtthiscity.mid
Friday, July 4, 2014
Red, White and True Blue
Happy Independence Day!!! J
A few Muppet tributes to a great country- America!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BqqYaEM2mA
(“America The Beautiful” by Fozzie Bear J)
and
A few Muppet tributes to a great country- America!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BqqYaEM2mA
(“America The Beautiful” by Fozzie Bear J)
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDA9NbPAK8o
(“Stars and Stripes Forever” by Animal, Swedish Chef, Beaker, chickens, a penguin, Bobo the Bear- and of course, Sam the American Eagle!)
and
(“Stars and Stripes Forever” by Animal, Swedish Chef, Beaker, chickens, a penguin, Bobo the Bear- and of course, Sam the American Eagle!)
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAVpj_Vo7zk
(The Muppets re-enact the Continental Congress- with some Sesame Street Muppets too! J)
As William Bradford said in “Of Plymouth Plantation”-
The one side [the Reformers] laboured to have ye right worship of God & discipline of Christ established in ye church, according to ye simplicitie of ye gospell, without the mixture of mens inventions, and to have & to be ruled by ye laws of Gods word, dispensed in those offices, & by those officers of Pastors, Teachers, & Elders, &c. according to ye Scripturs.
All great & honourable actions are accompanied with great difficulties, and must be both enterprised and overcome with answerable courages. It was granted ye dangers were great, but not desperate; the difficulties were many, but not invincible. For though there were many of them likely, yet they were not cartaine; it might be sundrie of ye things feared might never befale; others by providente care & ye use of good means, might in a great measure be prevented; and all of them, through ye help of God, by fortitude and patience, might either be borne, or overcome.
………………………………………….And as our founding fathers said 238 years ago today-
IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.
(The Muppets re-enact the Continental Congress- with some Sesame Street Muppets too! J)
As William Bradford said in “Of Plymouth Plantation”-
The one side [the Reformers] laboured to have ye right worship of God & discipline of Christ established in ye church, according to ye simplicitie of ye gospell, without the mixture of mens inventions, and to have & to be ruled by ye laws of Gods word, dispensed in those offices, & by those officers of Pastors, Teachers, & Elders, &c. according to ye Scripturs.
All great & honourable actions are accompanied with great difficulties, and must be both enterprised and overcome with answerable courages. It was granted ye dangers were great, but not desperate; the difficulties were many, but not invincible. For though there were many of them likely, yet they were not cartaine; it might be sundrie of ye things feared might never befale; others by providente care & ye use of good means, might in a great measure be prevented; and all of them, through ye help of God, by fortitude and patience, might either be borne, or overcome.
………………………………………….And as our founding fathers said 238 years ago today-
IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
………………….We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
And as we said 227 years ago-
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
And as we said 227 years ago-
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
And as The Lord inspired David and Solomon to write in ancient days (somewhere from 1000 to 900 something BC):
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance. (Psalms 33:12)
The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the dwelling of the righteous. (Proverbs 3:33)
Amen. May America be such a nation.
God bless you in your celebrations on the 4th. of July and God bless America! J
(And God bless all the world too. :-))
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Seen and Not Heard With a Heart of Gladness
Have you ever heard that saying we sometimes hear in church- "How close can I get to sin without it actually being sin?" Why do we love getting so close to the wrong? There's something in it that calls to us, of course. Ultimately, we all have a sin nature that draws us to the wrong naturally. And it drives us to do so many wrong and stupid things because we think we find pleasure and fulfillment in them.
We play blackjack, roulette (and maybe even Russian roulette) and the gambling tables at casinos. We play the lottery faithfully each week. We play the ponies at the racing horse gambling hall. We do stupid (and often wrong) things because someone triple dog dared us or called us chicken for not doing it. And because we want to fit in with the rest of the world, we give in.
All of us have a desire to be loved and accepted and we'll take them anywhere we can get them. And we find ourselves syncing up with people who lead us down a negative and unholy path so we can get their approval- approval from people who need love and acceptance just as much as if not more so than us. And we walk down a broad path that makes a lot of empty promises that it never fulfills and find ourselves instead in the way of destruction- and ultimately, death.
So we go ahead and see how much we can smoke without getting lung cancer. How drunk can we get without damaging our liver or crashing our cars? How many drugs can we take without overdosing? How much sex can we have with anyone and everyone without getting any STDs?
These questions are just some of the more obvious ones that come to mind. There are other probing things to consider that we often don't. How much pornographic material can we consume before we are corrupted in our thinking regarding people? How much violence can we view on television, in movies or video games or read about before we decide to engage in it ourselves? How much vulgar language can we hear before we start to repeat it ourselves? How much can we engage in the world's methods for getting ahead in life before realizing that the ways of Babylon are so anti-Christ? (See Revelation 18.)
It is really easy to fall into this slippery slope as a Christian quite possibly because of the one reason that should inspire the exact opposite attitude. Our God is a gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in mercy- a long-suffering God. Of course, He is also a jealous God Who will have no rivals for the worship He alone deserves. He is a God who also punishes and will pour our His righteous judgments upon the earth one day- and He already chastises us with judgment when we need it, because every father disciplines his sons and daughters. And God disciplines everyone He accepts as a son or daughter. (Hebrews 12:1-12)
So, rather than taking on the principles of Ephesians 2:8-10 and Philippians 2:12-13- to go and do the good deeds God created for us in advance to do all along, never in our strength but in God powering us to live like Christ, we instead go and do the opposite. We take the grace that God gave us through Jesus' cruel death on the cross and His glorious Resurrection and turn it into a license to sin. What then? Shall we sin more so that grace may abound more? By no means! (That sounds familiar. ;-) See Romans 6:1) That's just what those dudes in Jude were doing! Read that whole book and see what The Bible says about them- they're like trees without roots, clouds without rain and they're blown about by the wind....and they're also reserved for darkness and gnashing of teeth! Yeah- God's grace doesn't mean we can go and do whatever we want because Jesus is always ready and willing to forgive us! It's kinda like the same abuse some people do with the welfare system when they aren't really going out and looking for work like they're supposed to be doing, but instead just sponging on the system and doing whatever they want to do with the money that the government is supplying. (I say this as someone who has been there before and who God brought through there! Praise The Lord! :-))
Grace is not meant to be abused the way that it gets abused so often. Since we know that to be true, what should we do then? Well, let's be careful here because we can quickly go the other way too. We can get so nail-biting anxious that we're hurling ourselves down steps and physically punishing our bodies as much as possible like Martin Luther because we are so scared of messing up- and so scared knowing that we still mess up so many times anyway- and maybe the physical wounds can purge the evil in our hearts. Physical pain might certainly help correct our actions to some degree- that's why our parents discipline us in that way, besides the fact that Proverbs commands it a number of times, but it doesn't really speak to the issue of the heart. As has been said before, the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart.
And a heart that is truly set free by Jesus Christ should be so consumed by the amazement and wonder that God would deign to care for this dead dog and save the life of such a worm as I that our souls and entire beings are enraptured with delight in Christ and obeying His Word. Infinitely stronger than Chewbacca's to Han Solo, we owe Jesus a life debt that we can never repay. And the crazy thing is that- though we should feel that indebtedness to Him- He tells us that we don't owe Him a thing. As Romans 6:23 tells us, the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. It's all free- we don't have to pay anything. And that's a really good thing- because we could never pay anything that would make us worthy. (Isaiah 64:6- even what we think are our good deeds are nothing more than filthy rags before the Holy God.)
So what can we do? Jesus died and rose to set us free for all eternity! How shall we respond to such amazing lovingkindness? Romans 5:8 has long been one of my favorite Bible verses because it describes the circumstances that this happened in when Jesus did that. It wasn't like Jesus came to die for the righteous who were already seeking Him. No- there's no one righteous- no, not one! But the only Righteous One, God Himself, became man in Jesus Christ. Jesus, the GodMan- fully God and fully Man- He went to the cross for us and died for us when we were sinners. When we hated God, desecrated His laws, mocked His Name and ran from Him. And no matter how much we reject and despise Him and insist we don't want Him- God insists to us- "I have loved you with an everlasting love." Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the House of The Lord forever. (The last part being true for any of us who have decided to make Jesus Lord of our lives, of course.) And that's just it- Love will never leave you alone. He (and Love is a He- because God Himself is Love- 1 John 4:8) keeps following us and desperately calls to us and cajoles us with carols of His amazing love and grace that wants to forgive and accept us- not condemn us. (John 3:16-17)
It's not about trying to live a pious life of righteousness in an effort to please or placate God. It's not about living life for ourselves and leaning back on that fire insurance policy that we treat Jesus like sometimes. And for those on either end of it, that hellfire insurance policy we hold to doesn't work like that. Jesus really isn't concerned about sacrifices- as Psalms 51 says, that's not really what He's looking for anyway. What He wants is a broken and contrite heart- that He won't despise. Jesus saves anyone who comes to Him sincerely in faith. But The Bible tells us that whatever doesn't proceed from faith is sin. (Romans 14:22-23). If we have faith in Jesus, then we trust Him with all our life and live our life for Him. If we ignore His offer and try to live out a life of righteousness and hope it's good enough to please God, then we live out of fear of God and not from faith in Christ- and we're still in sin. (Remember that Perfect Love casts out all fear. 1 John 4:18) And if we listen to Christ and claim His offer, but choose to ignore His commands and expect His grace to pull us out of the fire in the end, we're living in a false hope that is still self-centered and is not from faith in Christ- and we're still in sin. Real, saving faith in Christ brings us salvation. But salvation means that we are saved from what we used to be- we're saved from the wholly depraved person we used to be- we are now redeemed, bought back with a heavy price (though we don't pay it) and we are called and chosen to be a picture of God's redemption in the world. We are called to show the world God's love through Jesus. And as Colossians 3:1-4 says, we no longer live, but our identity is now totally found in Christ. He lives in us (Galatians 2:20) and we no longer live for ourselves, but rather for Him who loved us and gave Himself for us. What other response is there to this kind of Love but to love others in kind? That is the response we should have- a heart of infinite gratitude that lovingly seeks to obey Jesus and share His truth and love with others. Love God with all we've got and love our neighbor as ourselves. Speak the Truth in Love.
We love because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19) So go out in the world and show them that love. Not because you're scared to death of going to hell and hoping that enough good deeds will make you good enough for God- because that won't work. And don't brag to the world of all the things you can get away with because you know we have a Savior who loves to forgive us and has set us free from The Law. He forgives those who truly repent. And true repentance requires us to turn away from our sin and seek to obey Christ instead. So that laissez-faire attitude towards Jesus doesn't work either. The way of salvation is through Jesus alone- through giving Him all our fears and pathetic attempts at goodness- through acknowledging to Him that we are miserable sinners who desperately need His love and forgiveness- and trusting Him to do just what He said He would- and following Him as Savior and Lord. And in thankfulness to Him, we seek to obey His every word and love Him more and more each day.
And yeah- I totally identify with Romans 7. We're still not perfect. We don't get it right every time. We get sucked back into that old world of darkness and shame so many times over. But the difference is now we don't stay there. We get back up and come back to God and move forward again. 1 John 1:9 is there for a reason and it does work. Jesus is always faithful even when we're not. Thank God for His faithfulness. And no matter how we may doubt and perhaps even deny, He is still there loving us and assuring us of His presence and care for us. And The Love that wilt not let us go keeps drawing us back to Himself and keeps us going forward. And then He reminds us that it was never by our might or power anyway- it's always by His Holy Spirit. (Zechariah 4:6) And The Holy Spirit keeps infusing all of our being and driving us to be different in this crazy world and be the bastion of righteousness and faithfulness and truthfulness and love in this place. We not only reflect The Son, we've got a Sontan that replaces our old skin and gives us new skin instead so that we want to please Jesus in all we do. And even when we fall away for a while, He picks us back up when we ask Him for forgiveness and He gets us going right again. And He is faithful to do this all the way to Heaven's gates! (Jude 1:24-25, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
So we can't just talk the talk and not walk the walk. That's hypocrisy. And we can't just walk the walk and not talk the talk. That's a misguided and futile effort. We must be real and true in all we do and worship in spirit and truth by following Jesus with all we've got. We must let our light shine so that people will see our good works and praise our Father Who is in Heaven. (Matthew 5:16) And lovingly tell them about Jesus, Who loves us all with an undying love. :-) Real Love and Life demands nothing less.
(And for those wondering, yes- I was totally inspired by this classic Petra song, "Seen and Not Heard", for the title of the blog. One of my favorites. :-))
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZUdLCE6EIg
Another one of my all time favorite Petra songs- "St. Augustine's Pears"- also speaks to a lot of what I've been trying to say here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yCP1gOpvpc )
We play blackjack, roulette (and maybe even Russian roulette) and the gambling tables at casinos. We play the lottery faithfully each week. We play the ponies at the racing horse gambling hall. We do stupid (and often wrong) things because someone triple dog dared us or called us chicken for not doing it. And because we want to fit in with the rest of the world, we give in.
All of us have a desire to be loved and accepted and we'll take them anywhere we can get them. And we find ourselves syncing up with people who lead us down a negative and unholy path so we can get their approval- approval from people who need love and acceptance just as much as if not more so than us. And we walk down a broad path that makes a lot of empty promises that it never fulfills and find ourselves instead in the way of destruction- and ultimately, death.
So we go ahead and see how much we can smoke without getting lung cancer. How drunk can we get without damaging our liver or crashing our cars? How many drugs can we take without overdosing? How much sex can we have with anyone and everyone without getting any STDs?
These questions are just some of the more obvious ones that come to mind. There are other probing things to consider that we often don't. How much pornographic material can we consume before we are corrupted in our thinking regarding people? How much violence can we view on television, in movies or video games or read about before we decide to engage in it ourselves? How much vulgar language can we hear before we start to repeat it ourselves? How much can we engage in the world's methods for getting ahead in life before realizing that the ways of Babylon are so anti-Christ? (See Revelation 18.)
It is really easy to fall into this slippery slope as a Christian quite possibly because of the one reason that should inspire the exact opposite attitude. Our God is a gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in mercy- a long-suffering God. Of course, He is also a jealous God Who will have no rivals for the worship He alone deserves. He is a God who also punishes and will pour our His righteous judgments upon the earth one day- and He already chastises us with judgment when we need it, because every father disciplines his sons and daughters. And God disciplines everyone He accepts as a son or daughter. (Hebrews 12:1-12)
So, rather than taking on the principles of Ephesians 2:8-10 and Philippians 2:12-13- to go and do the good deeds God created for us in advance to do all along, never in our strength but in God powering us to live like Christ, we instead go and do the opposite. We take the grace that God gave us through Jesus' cruel death on the cross and His glorious Resurrection and turn it into a license to sin. What then? Shall we sin more so that grace may abound more? By no means! (That sounds familiar. ;-) See Romans 6:1) That's just what those dudes in Jude were doing! Read that whole book and see what The Bible says about them- they're like trees without roots, clouds without rain and they're blown about by the wind....and they're also reserved for darkness and gnashing of teeth! Yeah- God's grace doesn't mean we can go and do whatever we want because Jesus is always ready and willing to forgive us! It's kinda like the same abuse some people do with the welfare system when they aren't really going out and looking for work like they're supposed to be doing, but instead just sponging on the system and doing whatever they want to do with the money that the government is supplying. (I say this as someone who has been there before and who God brought through there! Praise The Lord! :-))
Grace is not meant to be abused the way that it gets abused so often. Since we know that to be true, what should we do then? Well, let's be careful here because we can quickly go the other way too. We can get so nail-biting anxious that we're hurling ourselves down steps and physically punishing our bodies as much as possible like Martin Luther because we are so scared of messing up- and so scared knowing that we still mess up so many times anyway- and maybe the physical wounds can purge the evil in our hearts. Physical pain might certainly help correct our actions to some degree- that's why our parents discipline us in that way, besides the fact that Proverbs commands it a number of times, but it doesn't really speak to the issue of the heart. As has been said before, the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart.
And a heart that is truly set free by Jesus Christ should be so consumed by the amazement and wonder that God would deign to care for this dead dog and save the life of such a worm as I that our souls and entire beings are enraptured with delight in Christ and obeying His Word. Infinitely stronger than Chewbacca's to Han Solo, we owe Jesus a life debt that we can never repay. And the crazy thing is that- though we should feel that indebtedness to Him- He tells us that we don't owe Him a thing. As Romans 6:23 tells us, the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. It's all free- we don't have to pay anything. And that's a really good thing- because we could never pay anything that would make us worthy. (Isaiah 64:6- even what we think are our good deeds are nothing more than filthy rags before the Holy God.)
So what can we do? Jesus died and rose to set us free for all eternity! How shall we respond to such amazing lovingkindness? Romans 5:8 has long been one of my favorite Bible verses because it describes the circumstances that this happened in when Jesus did that. It wasn't like Jesus came to die for the righteous who were already seeking Him. No- there's no one righteous- no, not one! But the only Righteous One, God Himself, became man in Jesus Christ. Jesus, the GodMan- fully God and fully Man- He went to the cross for us and died for us when we were sinners. When we hated God, desecrated His laws, mocked His Name and ran from Him. And no matter how much we reject and despise Him and insist we don't want Him- God insists to us- "I have loved you with an everlasting love." Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the House of The Lord forever. (The last part being true for any of us who have decided to make Jesus Lord of our lives, of course.) And that's just it- Love will never leave you alone. He (and Love is a He- because God Himself is Love- 1 John 4:8) keeps following us and desperately calls to us and cajoles us with carols of His amazing love and grace that wants to forgive and accept us- not condemn us. (John 3:16-17)
It's not about trying to live a pious life of righteousness in an effort to please or placate God. It's not about living life for ourselves and leaning back on that fire insurance policy that we treat Jesus like sometimes. And for those on either end of it, that hellfire insurance policy we hold to doesn't work like that. Jesus really isn't concerned about sacrifices- as Psalms 51 says, that's not really what He's looking for anyway. What He wants is a broken and contrite heart- that He won't despise. Jesus saves anyone who comes to Him sincerely in faith. But The Bible tells us that whatever doesn't proceed from faith is sin. (Romans 14:22-23). If we have faith in Jesus, then we trust Him with all our life and live our life for Him. If we ignore His offer and try to live out a life of righteousness and hope it's good enough to please God, then we live out of fear of God and not from faith in Christ- and we're still in sin. (Remember that Perfect Love casts out all fear. 1 John 4:18) And if we listen to Christ and claim His offer, but choose to ignore His commands and expect His grace to pull us out of the fire in the end, we're living in a false hope that is still self-centered and is not from faith in Christ- and we're still in sin. Real, saving faith in Christ brings us salvation. But salvation means that we are saved from what we used to be- we're saved from the wholly depraved person we used to be- we are now redeemed, bought back with a heavy price (though we don't pay it) and we are called and chosen to be a picture of God's redemption in the world. We are called to show the world God's love through Jesus. And as Colossians 3:1-4 says, we no longer live, but our identity is now totally found in Christ. He lives in us (Galatians 2:20) and we no longer live for ourselves, but rather for Him who loved us and gave Himself for us. What other response is there to this kind of Love but to love others in kind? That is the response we should have- a heart of infinite gratitude that lovingly seeks to obey Jesus and share His truth and love with others. Love God with all we've got and love our neighbor as ourselves. Speak the Truth in Love.
We love because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19) So go out in the world and show them that love. Not because you're scared to death of going to hell and hoping that enough good deeds will make you good enough for God- because that won't work. And don't brag to the world of all the things you can get away with because you know we have a Savior who loves to forgive us and has set us free from The Law. He forgives those who truly repent. And true repentance requires us to turn away from our sin and seek to obey Christ instead. So that laissez-faire attitude towards Jesus doesn't work either. The way of salvation is through Jesus alone- through giving Him all our fears and pathetic attempts at goodness- through acknowledging to Him that we are miserable sinners who desperately need His love and forgiveness- and trusting Him to do just what He said He would- and following Him as Savior and Lord. And in thankfulness to Him, we seek to obey His every word and love Him more and more each day.
And yeah- I totally identify with Romans 7. We're still not perfect. We don't get it right every time. We get sucked back into that old world of darkness and shame so many times over. But the difference is now we don't stay there. We get back up and come back to God and move forward again. 1 John 1:9 is there for a reason and it does work. Jesus is always faithful even when we're not. Thank God for His faithfulness. And no matter how we may doubt and perhaps even deny, He is still there loving us and assuring us of His presence and care for us. And The Love that wilt not let us go keeps drawing us back to Himself and keeps us going forward. And then He reminds us that it was never by our might or power anyway- it's always by His Holy Spirit. (Zechariah 4:6) And The Holy Spirit keeps infusing all of our being and driving us to be different in this crazy world and be the bastion of righteousness and faithfulness and truthfulness and love in this place. We not only reflect The Son, we've got a Sontan that replaces our old skin and gives us new skin instead so that we want to please Jesus in all we do. And even when we fall away for a while, He picks us back up when we ask Him for forgiveness and He gets us going right again. And He is faithful to do this all the way to Heaven's gates! (Jude 1:24-25, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
So we can't just talk the talk and not walk the walk. That's hypocrisy. And we can't just walk the walk and not talk the talk. That's a misguided and futile effort. We must be real and true in all we do and worship in spirit and truth by following Jesus with all we've got. We must let our light shine so that people will see our good works and praise our Father Who is in Heaven. (Matthew 5:16) And lovingly tell them about Jesus, Who loves us all with an undying love. :-) Real Love and Life demands nothing less.
(And for those wondering, yes- I was totally inspired by this classic Petra song, "Seen and Not Heard", for the title of the blog. One of my favorites. :-))
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZUdLCE6EIg
Another one of my all time favorite Petra songs- "St. Augustine's Pears"- also speaks to a lot of what I've been trying to say here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yCP1gOpvpc )
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Some Are (story)
* I wrote this in response to a prompt for a writing contest.... (that I didn't actually enter, but I thought someone might enjoy reading this anyway. :-))
Some Are
A somber silence settled on the school room as the bell chimed the students’ dreaded death knell. It was now 8 AM on another Monday morning and the fall term had begun. As the teacher began writing the first assignment on the board, the children stared in numb shock and listlessness. Once the ominous omen had been read, the odiferous pungency of its directives consumed the olfactory senses of the slaves now firmly refastened to their stocks for another grueling seven hours of torture. A collective groan escaped from the lungs now tainted with the putrid air of forced education. Yet amidst the gasps of horror and despair, on the back row of the Coliseum of death, two small grins emerged.
It had been a wide open world of wonder at first in the golden days. The sweet release of freedom rang loudly in the air with the rush of a thousand voices singing with glee. This is what real living was meant to be- a walk in the park or a day on the beach with none, no-never, nary a care. The possibilities were endless and so were the days it seemed. Oh, the expeditions to be mounted- the explorations to be endeavored! The pursuits of a myriad of activities lay stretched before all the willing participants of the intoxicating allure of such holiday pleasures. Time was a loyal and trusted ally then.
Somewhere between the fanciful flights of the crimson marred streaks of light and the subtle creeping of the nomenclature of learning’s renewed siren call, a change came over the terrestrial ball and its congregants. It came with its share of hints- a rustle in the breeze, a purple haze at close of days and a baleful rooster’s crow in the morning. Somehow the signs were missed by many and the adrenaline rush drenched the world with energy but not perspicacity. “Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,” came the old refrain from which many did indeed refrain. The days left unseized by unseasoned had been seized by another.
Then it was that distant doldrums came, beating out their rhythm of quiet despair and gathering gloom. Whence came the mourning mist that envelopes everyone everywhere in the midst of halcyon heights marked by a barefoot blazed trail? The gleam of gold wanes as a maze of gazes questions the questions in the malaise that travails upon their travels. Oh, the eternal paradox of the vernal equinox! All the time in the world available for the asking but nothing to do in the days passing! The strawberry fields are ripe for but a short stretch of Father Time’s arms. The fields are plentiful in harvest, but those who would be workers work hard in flittering frivolous pursuits.
So the story begins as it ends. No matter how tenuous its hold amid enchantments of warm star-lit nights, the clarion call rings true in the end with the experiment house in session once again. Oh, the cruel tests of inhumanity to be wrought upon an unsuspecting class of young pupils- it’s too much for the eyes to take in. Look and see, hear and be amazed! Yonder light still shines from golden shores in those who boldly face the entrenching entrapment with a lion’s roar. No vanity in the lion’s pride, but an informed hope that spans the ages enraptures each soul with an unthinkable delight. Through conniptions aroused at the cavalcade of crosses and bars set forth from the teacher, the cavalcade becomes the calvary that keeps the summer sun rays glowing with the joyous thought of the glory coming.
Some Are
A somber silence settled on the school room as the bell chimed the students’ dreaded death knell. It was now 8 AM on another Monday morning and the fall term had begun. As the teacher began writing the first assignment on the board, the children stared in numb shock and listlessness. Once the ominous omen had been read, the odiferous pungency of its directives consumed the olfactory senses of the slaves now firmly refastened to their stocks for another grueling seven hours of torture. A collective groan escaped from the lungs now tainted with the putrid air of forced education. Yet amidst the gasps of horror and despair, on the back row of the Coliseum of death, two small grins emerged.
It had been a wide open world of wonder at first in the golden days. The sweet release of freedom rang loudly in the air with the rush of a thousand voices singing with glee. This is what real living was meant to be- a walk in the park or a day on the beach with none, no-never, nary a care. The possibilities were endless and so were the days it seemed. Oh, the expeditions to be mounted- the explorations to be endeavored! The pursuits of a myriad of activities lay stretched before all the willing participants of the intoxicating allure of such holiday pleasures. Time was a loyal and trusted ally then.
Somewhere between the fanciful flights of the crimson marred streaks of light and the subtle creeping of the nomenclature of learning’s renewed siren call, a change came over the terrestrial ball and its congregants. It came with its share of hints- a rustle in the breeze, a purple haze at close of days and a baleful rooster’s crow in the morning. Somehow the signs were missed by many and the adrenaline rush drenched the world with energy but not perspicacity. “Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,” came the old refrain from which many did indeed refrain. The days left unseized by unseasoned had been seized by another.
Then it was that distant doldrums came, beating out their rhythm of quiet despair and gathering gloom. Whence came the mourning mist that envelopes everyone everywhere in the midst of halcyon heights marked by a barefoot blazed trail? The gleam of gold wanes as a maze of gazes questions the questions in the malaise that travails upon their travels. Oh, the eternal paradox of the vernal equinox! All the time in the world available for the asking but nothing to do in the days passing! The strawberry fields are ripe for but a short stretch of Father Time’s arms. The fields are plentiful in harvest, but those who would be workers work hard in flittering frivolous pursuits.
So the story begins as it ends. No matter how tenuous its hold amid enchantments of warm star-lit nights, the clarion call rings true in the end with the experiment house in session once again. Oh, the cruel tests of inhumanity to be wrought upon an unsuspecting class of young pupils- it’s too much for the eyes to take in. Look and see, hear and be amazed! Yonder light still shines from golden shores in those who boldly face the entrenching entrapment with a lion’s roar. No vanity in the lion’s pride, but an informed hope that spans the ages enraptures each soul with an unthinkable delight. Through conniptions aroused at the cavalcade of crosses and bars set forth from the teacher, the cavalcade becomes the calvary that keeps the summer sun rays glowing with the joyous thought of the glory coming.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Forever Loved (song)
I just very recently completed this song and it's become very fitting for this next post. A dear friend that I've known since childhood succumbed to a battle with cancer and died just the other day. It was interesting to me that it happened I was celebrating my day of birth on that day- and then I also found myself mourning her day of death on the same day. It reminds me of Ecclesiastes 7:2 "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." A sober reminder indeed.
But I take heart in knowing that as a follower of Christ, I mourn with hope. I know that my Redeemer lives and He will stand upon the earth at last. He died to pay for all sins and defeated death when He rose again. And because He lives, I know that those who put faith in Him will live too. And I know I will see my friend in Heaven again one day because we both put our faith in Jesus as Savior. Thank You, Lord!
Thank You for Your eternal love that takes us out of Alphaville or whatever other town we live in and at the end of the ride of life takes us by Your side forever in Heaven. Hallelujah! :-)
Forever Loved
(parody of "Forever Young" by Alphaville; copyright by Nathan Ludwick June 2014)
(Acts 26:14-19, Jude 1:24-25, Philippians 1:6, Hebrews 9:27-28, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, James 4:13-17, Psalms 8, 1 John 4:10, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:8-13, Jeremiah 31:3, John 10 [especially verse 10], Zechariah 1:1-6, 1 Peter 1:23-25, Psalms 103, Psalms 136, 1 Corinthians 15:50-58, John 3:16-17)
Life's dance is wild- we dance for a while
Heaven is waiting- we are watching the skies
Hoping for the best, but expecting the worst
When they go and drop the bomb, we're gone
We all die once but want to live forever
We don't have the power but we think science delivers
Flitting away like mist, life is a short trip
The funeral's where the ride ends
Can you but fathom when this race is done
Through the Pearly Gates into Heaven
Praising my Jesus He's getting me in too
My dues are paid by His cross, man
So there with God, I'm going to be forever young
Do you really want to live forever? John 3 verse, 16 yeah!
For God so loved, He sent us Jesus for our wrongs
If you believe- going to live forever
Forever, son!
Mother and father, brother and sister (and) me
We fade to memories and on goes the beat
Sooner or later we all will be gone
It don't take that long
It's so hard to kick goads without our God
You don't have to perish while you fade to dust
New life abundant (in) 10:10 John
Abundant now and forever
Eternity's adventures- more than we can say
As we read on- better than the last page
So trust in Jesus- He's taking all of our blues
In Heaven, they're untrue
Jeremiah- Love! 31:3- Forever loved!
Did you read it? You are loved forever by God the Good Shepherd
So there with God, we can all be forever young
Do you really want to live forever, and ever, in Heaven?
Go there now, bud- You need to read in Romans 10
If you believe Jesus rose by Father, confess Him as Lord, yeah!
Forever God's- you then are saved forever!
.....................................................................................................................
But I take heart in knowing that as a follower of Christ, I mourn with hope. I know that my Redeemer lives and He will stand upon the earth at last. He died to pay for all sins and defeated death when He rose again. And because He lives, I know that those who put faith in Him will live too. And I know I will see my friend in Heaven again one day because we both put our faith in Jesus as Savior. Thank You, Lord!
Thank You for Your eternal love that takes us out of Alphaville or whatever other town we live in and at the end of the ride of life takes us by Your side forever in Heaven. Hallelujah! :-)
Forever Loved
(parody of "Forever Young" by Alphaville; copyright by Nathan Ludwick June 2014)
(Acts 26:14-19, Jude 1:24-25, Philippians 1:6, Hebrews 9:27-28, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, James 4:13-17, Psalms 8, 1 John 4:10, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:8-13, Jeremiah 31:3, John 10 [especially verse 10], Zechariah 1:1-6, 1 Peter 1:23-25, Psalms 103, Psalms 136, 1 Corinthians 15:50-58, John 3:16-17)
Life's dance is wild- we dance for a while
Heaven is waiting- we are watching the skies
Hoping for the best, but expecting the worst
When they go and drop the bomb, we're gone
We all die once but want to live forever
We don't have the power but we think science delivers
Flitting away like mist, life is a short trip
The funeral's where the ride ends
Can you but fathom when this race is done
Through the Pearly Gates into Heaven
Praising my Jesus He's getting me in too
My dues are paid by His cross, man
So there with God, I'm going to be forever young
Do you really want to live forever? John 3 verse, 16 yeah!
For God so loved, He sent us Jesus for our wrongs
If you believe- going to live forever
Forever, son!
Mother and father, brother and sister (and) me
We fade to memories and on goes the beat
Sooner or later we all will be gone
It don't take that long
It's so hard to kick goads without our God
You don't have to perish while you fade to dust
New life abundant (in) 10:10 John
Abundant now and forever
Eternity's adventures- more than we can say
As we read on- better than the last page
So trust in Jesus- He's taking all of our blues
In Heaven, they're untrue
Jeremiah- Love! 31:3- Forever loved!
Did you read it? You are loved forever by God the Good Shepherd
So there with God, we can all be forever young
Do you really want to live forever, and ever, in Heaven?
Go there now, bud- You need to read in Romans 10
If you believe Jesus rose by Father, confess Him as Lord, yeah!
Forever God's- you then are saved forever!
.....................................................................................................................
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Diversity and your cup of tea...
http://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/time-be-candid-google-admits-lack-workplace-diversity-n116866
Why does the article treat this like it's a problem? Why can't it just be that the demographics are simply how the numbers worked out for... Google? Why must it be perceived like Google has some nefarious plot to mainly hire Caucasian men and snub others? Why are Caucasian males not considered "diverse" in and of themselves? (As if they all think exactly the same and have the same backgrounds, etc. As if that's true of any group of people...) And why are churches with predominantly African-American congregations and clergy not considered to be lacking in diversity? Why are Native American reservations not considered to be lacking in diversity? Why is it an issue at all? Why can't we just see people as human beings made in the image of God who are all infinitely important and loved by Him?
I got the impression the attitude adopted by the company was saying that if we don't have this much quotient for this race, and this much for this gender and this much for whatever other category one wants to list- we must be racist, sexist, etc.. and thus, there must be a problem. I agree that if a company like Google is actually consciously or subconsciously discouraging anyone from applying (other than reasons of not being qualified- i.e. not having a computer science degree)- then, yes- there is a problem that needs to be corrected. But if that's just how the numbers played out, that's okay too. I think society at large tends to steer men and women to certain professions and that's not any one company's fault. Certainly things can be done to improve that so all boys and girls are encouraged to pursue whatever career they feel God has prepared them for. I only mentioned churches and reservations as examples- I don't consider them racist (unless they are actively discouraging others from coming- with a race-predominant church, that's a huge issue because The Gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone! With the reservations, I understand the desire for Native Americans to practice their way of life in seclusion and having spoken with a full blooded Native American who has lived on a reservation, I have learned some more about them in recent times. (At least some reservations do have a deal about not allowing American Indian/non-American Indian marriages to live on a reservation together though- which is a bummer, but that's their thing if they choose to be separate.) Why should a business pick a minority out of two equally qualified candidates? I understand that's the goal of affirmative action, but I find that equally racist. I don't think hiring someone "because we need a black guy to meet racial quotas" is a good reason to hire someone. I think that's more patronizing than anything.
I didn't say predominantly black membership churches and Native American reservations are being racist or anything of the sort and I definitely do not mean to imply that. I understand the historical reasons for their existence. The 1964 Civil Rights Act is a great achievement that needed to happen and I applaud it. (I just wish its ideals had been applied back around 1620 or so and that America and all other countries had never gotten into the slave trade to begin with, as it is obviously morally wrong and a sin to treat anyone as less than a human being made in the image of God and eternally loved by Him. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.)
My comparison with them and Google was just to point out that no one criticizes these groups for not being "diverse" (even though they are diverse by virtue of having more than one person there), but Google is criticized for not being "diverse". I don't see why that is a concern, unless of course, they are actively trying to discriminate against and discourage any particular group of people from getting jobs there (outside of the unqualified applicants who don't have the necessary Computer Science degrees of course.)
I have also been to different churches that have predominantly African-American congregations and I have been totally welcomed in The Name of The Lord. (There is certainly a different style though from Caucasian-predominant Baptist churches- but that's cool. Diversity in that sense is good. We all worship the same Lord God Christ for all His followers. And Jesus prayed that we would be one in John 17. And Galatians 3:26-29 says that there is no Jew or Greek or male or female in Christ; rather, we are all one in Christ.
Anyway, that's mainly what I was trying to say. I also disagree with the thinking that says that a bunch of people of the same race, gender, age, religious background, etc. are all the same in thinking and thus, not diverse. I tend to think that's rather prejudiced in itself. We are all unique with our own thoughts and we all add something of value because God made us all in His image. (Genesis 1:26-27) That's why I like to say that God thinks we are all infinitely important and so do I. He proved that by sending Jesus to die for all our wrongdoings and failures and rise again so that we could put our faith in Him for salvation! The Bible says He has loved us with an everlasting love! (Jeremiah 31:3) And He commands all who follow Him to show that same love to everyone. (John 15:12 - Jesus says it quite a few times in this chapter. They will know we are Christians by our love- that's what Jesus says.)
*As to the example of Native American reservations and single race-predominant churches, they are just examples. As C.S. Lewis (more or less) said once, if they are helpful- cool. If not- discard them.
Why does the article treat this like it's a problem? Why can't it just be that the demographics are simply how the numbers worked out for... Google? Why must it be perceived like Google has some nefarious plot to mainly hire Caucasian men and snub others? Why are Caucasian males not considered "diverse" in and of themselves? (As if they all think exactly the same and have the same backgrounds, etc. As if that's true of any group of people...) And why are churches with predominantly African-American congregations and clergy not considered to be lacking in diversity? Why are Native American reservations not considered to be lacking in diversity? Why is it an issue at all? Why can't we just see people as human beings made in the image of God who are all infinitely important and loved by Him?
I got the impression the attitude adopted by the company was saying that if we don't have this much quotient for this race, and this much for this gender and this much for whatever other category one wants to list- we must be racist, sexist, etc.. and thus, there must be a problem. I agree that if a company like Google is actually consciously or subconsciously discouraging anyone from applying (other than reasons of not being qualified- i.e. not having a computer science degree)- then, yes- there is a problem that needs to be corrected. But if that's just how the numbers played out, that's okay too. I think society at large tends to steer men and women to certain professions and that's not any one company's fault. Certainly things can be done to improve that so all boys and girls are encouraged to pursue whatever career they feel God has prepared them for. I only mentioned churches and reservations as examples- I don't consider them racist (unless they are actively discouraging others from coming- with a race-predominant church, that's a huge issue because The Gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone! With the reservations, I understand the desire for Native Americans to practice their way of life in seclusion and having spoken with a full blooded Native American who has lived on a reservation, I have learned some more about them in recent times. (At least some reservations do have a deal about not allowing American Indian/non-American Indian marriages to live on a reservation together though- which is a bummer, but that's their thing if they choose to be separate.) Why should a business pick a minority out of two equally qualified candidates? I understand that's the goal of affirmative action, but I find that equally racist. I don't think hiring someone "because we need a black guy to meet racial quotas" is a good reason to hire someone. I think that's more patronizing than anything.
I didn't say predominantly black membership churches and Native American reservations are being racist or anything of the sort and I definitely do not mean to imply that. I understand the historical reasons for their existence. The 1964 Civil Rights Act is a great achievement that needed to happen and I applaud it. (I just wish its ideals had been applied back around 1620 or so and that America and all other countries had never gotten into the slave trade to begin with, as it is obviously morally wrong and a sin to treat anyone as less than a human being made in the image of God and eternally loved by Him. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.)
My comparison with them and Google was just to point out that no one criticizes these groups for not being "diverse" (even though they are diverse by virtue of having more than one person there), but Google is criticized for not being "diverse". I don't see why that is a concern, unless of course, they are actively trying to discriminate against and discourage any particular group of people from getting jobs there (outside of the unqualified applicants who don't have the necessary Computer Science degrees of course.)
I have also been to different churches that have predominantly African-American congregations and I have been totally welcomed in The Name of The Lord. (There is certainly a different style though from Caucasian-predominant Baptist churches- but that's cool. Diversity in that sense is good. We all worship the same Lord God Christ for all His followers. And Jesus prayed that we would be one in John 17. And Galatians 3:26-29 says that there is no Jew or Greek or male or female in Christ; rather, we are all one in Christ.
Anyway, that's mainly what I was trying to say. I also disagree with the thinking that says that a bunch of people of the same race, gender, age, religious background, etc. are all the same in thinking and thus, not diverse. I tend to think that's rather prejudiced in itself. We are all unique with our own thoughts and we all add something of value because God made us all in His image. (Genesis 1:26-27) That's why I like to say that God thinks we are all infinitely important and so do I. He proved that by sending Jesus to die for all our wrongdoings and failures and rise again so that we could put our faith in Him for salvation! The Bible says He has loved us with an everlasting love! (Jeremiah 31:3) And He commands all who follow Him to show that same love to everyone. (John 15:12 - Jesus says it quite a few times in this chapter. They will know we are Christians by our love- that's what Jesus says.)
*As to the example of Native American reservations and single race-predominant churches, they are just examples. As C.S. Lewis (more or less) said once, if they are helpful- cool. If not- discard them.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Reborn This Way (song)
Ladies and gentlemen, I have yet another parody to share with you that hopefully you'll go ga-ga for in this post. :-) This is another one I completed fairly recently but have held off on sharing for a while. And as I noted on the last post, this parody song flows well with the nature of my last two devotional posts regarding the difference between shoving beliefs and a holier-than-thou attitude down someone's throat and just plain showing them real love as Jesus showed us. My aim is always the latter.
The point of this parody song to address a subject that has become a controversial issue today of which many have strong opinions and beliefs regarding it. The goal of this song (along with anything else I write) is to show love for God above all else- with all my heart, soul, mind and strength- and to show love for my neighbors as I love myself- and to speak the Truth in Love. I ask that people keep in mind again that one can only say so much in a song (especially in the confines of a parody song that is attempting to maintain the same rhyme structure) and it's easy for things to be misconstrued. In an effort to avoid that, I want to clarify here- I am not trying to call anyone names and try to condemn anyone, but rather to state what The Bible says regarding sexual matters.
(On this note, I want to clarify the meaning of a phrase used within the song. As you may notice, the tone of the song shifts from the world's point of view regarding sexuality and life in general after the first verse and chorus to my point of view as a Christian. The term "let your freak flag fly" is referenced in the first chorus. This phrase is not intended to be derogatory in any way. It is a phrase that may well have its origins in the 1960s as a rallying call for hippies, but it's become adopted into the common vernacular as an exhortation to allow all one's true colors to show- to embrace the person you are, no matter how "freaky" the rest of the world may view it, and flaunt it, revel in it and enjoy it. Here are some references for further reading. This is the Urban Dictionary's listing for the term. [Please note that this site contains some vulgar references.)
Also worth noting, within the song I referenced a wonderful book that offers a Christian perspective on the topic this song addresses and I highly recommend giving it a read.
And most of all, I want to remind people that no matter what sin you've done (and we're all in the same boat in that area)- Jesus can forgive you of all of them. He loves us all like crazy and wants to have a relationship with us all. He forgives all of us when we ask Him and He gives us a spiritual rebirth. As He said to Nicodemus in John 3:3, we all must be born again. And when we're in Christ, we're no longer slaves to sin, but instead we're slaves of Christ! (as Romans 6 talks about.) 2 Corinthians 5:17 says that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation! The old has gone and the new has come. And as 2 Corinthians 6:2 says, today is the day of salvation! Jesus has died to pay for all our sins and He rose again to give us all salvation if we will trust Him in faith and follow Him. And when we do that, we truly are reborn His way. :-)
*[Yes, I realize I went even more than usual on the heavy side on the Bible verse references. ;-) The main reason for this is that, though this list is of course far from comprehensive, there are a number of Bible verses, commands, principles, teachings and examples that I think should be considered in how we navigate this and other controversial issues that are complex and simple at the same time. Many times, I may have directly referenced some verses or drew some inspiration from them in writing some lines- and others I simply researched and read in the course of putting the song together as The Lord guided. And others are just for further reading reference. :-) That is generally true for most all of my songs and poems and writings in general. As Rich Mullins was known for saying, I'd rather you get to know the Scriptures more so than these song lyrics- and ultimately, the Lord God Christ who provided them all. :-)]
Reborn This Way
(parody of "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga; copyright by Nathan Ludwick 5/7/2014)
(1 Corinthians 13 [especially verse 6], Proverbs 8:12-13, Proverbs 9:10, Proverbs 8:1-11 and 32-36, Proverbs 9:13-18, James 4 [particularly verses 11-12], Galatians 3:26-29, Psalms 19:7-11, Ephesians 4:20-24, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Colossians 3:1-4 and 5-17, Romans 6:1-14, Galatians 6:14, Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 8, John 12:25, John 3:1-21, 2 Corinthians 4:16, Galatians 5:16, Isaiah 64:6, Hebrews 9:14, Ephesians 1:1-14, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 1 Peter 2:24, John 15, Romans 12:1-2, Philippians 2:1-18, 1 John 2:1-17, Romans 1-3, Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 2 [especially verse 24], Genesis 3, Exodus 22:19, Leviticus 19:20-22, Exodus 20:1-17, Leviticus 18, Leviticus 20-21, Leviticus 11:45, Deuteronomy 5, Deuteronomy 6:4-19 and 8:19-20, Deuteronomy 21-22, Deuteronomy 23:1-14 and 17-18, Deuteronomy 24:1-5, Deuteronomy 25, Deuteronomy 28-31, Judges 19, 1 Corinthians 7, Mark 7:20-23, Matthew 15:18-20, Galatians 5:19-21, Philippians 4:13, Romans 3:23-24, 1 John 1:8-9, 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Genesis 1:31, Psalms 145:8-9, Romans 5:8, Romans 6:23, Matthew 18:15-20, 1 Timothy 5:17-25, Matthew 25:31-46, James 2:10-13, John 8, 1 Timothy 1:8-10, 1 Corinthians 6:9-20, John 1:16-17, Galatians 2:20, Matthew 16:24-28, Luke 9:23-27, Mark 10, Matthew 19, Romans 14, Matthew 22:23-40, Matthew 7:1-5, Matthew 5:43-48, Matthew 9:9-13, Luke 7:36-48, Luke 18:9-14 and 18-30, Hebrews 10:30-31, 1 Corinthians 4:5, Romans 7, 1 Peter 1, 2 Corinthians 4:7-18, 2 Corinthians 6:1-2, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Ephesians 6:5-8, Colossians 3:18-25,1 Peter 2:13-25, John 10:10, John 14:6, Acts 4:12, John 6:68)
(Intro: [spoken]) It doesn't matter how you love, kid- for capital I, you live ["live" echoed x3]
Forget the laws- yup
'Cause you were born to be free, baby- yeah
Verse 1
The Bible told us when we were formed
We were all born sinners, ya'll
We rolled our eyes- it's just religion
We're long past all those myths- so there!
"There's nothing wrong with loving who you want,"
They said, " 'Cause He made you perfect, babe"
"So go your heart's route, girl and you'll go far"
"Listen- your dreams lead the way"
Chorus 1
You're beautiful just that way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
You've got the right to, baby
Do what your truth says
Don't hide yourself- just flaunt it
Just love yourself and you're set
So fly your freak flag, baby
You were born this way [echo: "born this way"]
Verse 2
Ooh, how quaint- The only Way
Hear me- you were born sin's slave
Baby, Jesus bore our shame [echo: "bore our shame"]
Ooh, there ain't another Way
Save me, Jesus Lord
Come on, invite Him to save ya
Be reborn today!
Bridge
Dump filthy rags- that's our "good deeds"
Isaiah writes- 64:6 - see?
No room to brag- just Jesus cleans
Trust Him!
Verse 3
If you have prudence, see Proverbs 9:10
Seek wisdom- rejoice with Truth
In the keeping of God's Word is great reward
I have died to self- instead Christ rules!
Verse 4
A same sex lover- that is a sin
Believe capital H-I-M (Hey, hey, hey)
Husband and wife is God's marriage plan
Jesus told us- Matthew 19 (Trust and obey)
Chorus 2
It's beautiful what He's made
'Cause God makes no mistakes
But Adam jumped tracks, baby
Now we're born sin's slaves
But Christ just died in our stead
He loves us all and beat death
Get brand new life, stat- baby
Be reborn His Way
(Repeat Verse 2 with first line changed as follows:)
Ooh- hear what I've got to say
Hear me- you were born sin's slave
Baby, Jesus bore our shame [echo: "bore our shame"]
Ooh, there ain't another Way
Save me, Jesus Lord
Come on, invite Him to save ya
Be reborn today!
Verse 5
Kind of a drag just bein' me
Whatever your lot, not easy bein' green
These black/white/grey labels- let's end
We're sexual beings- we orient
If your same sex tendencies
Left you outcast, bullied or teased
Rejoice- God loves you! Me too, babe
In Jesus, we are washed and waiting!
Verse 6
No matter gay, straight or bi
Lesbian, transgendered life
All bow to Christ on Last Day, so
Make Him Lord while there's time
All that come after Christ are changed
2nd. Cor. 5:17
Strap on my cross and deny me
I'm reborn and Christ's slave
(Repeat Chorus 2)
(Repeat Verse 2 with first line changed as follows:)
Ooh- hear what I've got to say
Hear me- you were born sin's slave
Baby, Jesus bore our shame [echo: "bore our shame"]
Ooh, there ain't another Way
Save me, Jesus Lord
Come on, invite Him to save ya
Be reborn today!
We were born in sin, babe!
But Jesus bore our shame
I asked Lord Christ to save me
I'm reborn His Way!
Now's the time to get saved
Jesus Lord- He is waiting
Go ask Lord Christ to save ya
And be reborn today!
[whispered echo: "I'm reborn His Way! Be reborn His Way! Be reborn today!"]
........................................................................................................................................
The point of this parody song to address a subject that has become a controversial issue today of which many have strong opinions and beliefs regarding it. The goal of this song (along with anything else I write) is to show love for God above all else- with all my heart, soul, mind and strength- and to show love for my neighbors as I love myself- and to speak the Truth in Love. I ask that people keep in mind again that one can only say so much in a song (especially in the confines of a parody song that is attempting to maintain the same rhyme structure) and it's easy for things to be misconstrued. In an effort to avoid that, I want to clarify here- I am not trying to call anyone names and try to condemn anyone, but rather to state what The Bible says regarding sexual matters.
(On this note, I want to clarify the meaning of a phrase used within the song. As you may notice, the tone of the song shifts from the world's point of view regarding sexuality and life in general after the first verse and chorus to my point of view as a Christian. The term "let your freak flag fly" is referenced in the first chorus. This phrase is not intended to be derogatory in any way. It is a phrase that may well have its origins in the 1960s as a rallying call for hippies, but it's become adopted into the common vernacular as an exhortation to allow all one's true colors to show- to embrace the person you are, no matter how "freaky" the rest of the world may view it, and flaunt it, revel in it and enjoy it. Here are some references for further reading. This is the Urban Dictionary's listing for the term. [Please note that this site contains some vulgar references.)
Also worth noting, within the song I referenced a wonderful book that offers a Christian perspective on the topic this song addresses and I highly recommend giving it a read.
And most of all, I want to remind people that no matter what sin you've done (and we're all in the same boat in that area)- Jesus can forgive you of all of them. He loves us all like crazy and wants to have a relationship with us all. He forgives all of us when we ask Him and He gives us a spiritual rebirth. As He said to Nicodemus in John 3:3, we all must be born again. And when we're in Christ, we're no longer slaves to sin, but instead we're slaves of Christ! (as Romans 6 talks about.) 2 Corinthians 5:17 says that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation! The old has gone and the new has come. And as 2 Corinthians 6:2 says, today is the day of salvation! Jesus has died to pay for all our sins and He rose again to give us all salvation if we will trust Him in faith and follow Him. And when we do that, we truly are reborn His way. :-)
*[Yes, I realize I went even more than usual on the heavy side on the Bible verse references. ;-) The main reason for this is that, though this list is of course far from comprehensive, there are a number of Bible verses, commands, principles, teachings and examples that I think should be considered in how we navigate this and other controversial issues that are complex and simple at the same time. Many times, I may have directly referenced some verses or drew some inspiration from them in writing some lines- and others I simply researched and read in the course of putting the song together as The Lord guided. And others are just for further reading reference. :-) That is generally true for most all of my songs and poems and writings in general. As Rich Mullins was known for saying, I'd rather you get to know the Scriptures more so than these song lyrics- and ultimately, the Lord God Christ who provided them all. :-)]
Reborn This Way
(parody of "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga; copyright by Nathan Ludwick 5/7/2014)
(1 Corinthians 13 [especially verse 6], Proverbs 8:12-13, Proverbs 9:10, Proverbs 8:1-11 and 32-36, Proverbs 9:13-18, James 4 [particularly verses 11-12], Galatians 3:26-29, Psalms 19:7-11, Ephesians 4:20-24, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Colossians 3:1-4 and 5-17, Romans 6:1-14, Galatians 6:14, Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 8, John 12:25, John 3:1-21, 2 Corinthians 4:16, Galatians 5:16, Isaiah 64:6, Hebrews 9:14, Ephesians 1:1-14, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 1 Peter 2:24, John 15, Romans 12:1-2, Philippians 2:1-18, 1 John 2:1-17, Romans 1-3, Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 2 [especially verse 24], Genesis 3, Exodus 22:19, Leviticus 19:20-22, Exodus 20:1-17, Leviticus 18, Leviticus 20-21, Leviticus 11:45, Deuteronomy 5, Deuteronomy 6:4-19 and 8:19-20, Deuteronomy 21-22, Deuteronomy 23:1-14 and 17-18, Deuteronomy 24:1-5, Deuteronomy 25, Deuteronomy 28-31, Judges 19, 1 Corinthians 7, Mark 7:20-23, Matthew 15:18-20, Galatians 5:19-21, Philippians 4:13, Romans 3:23-24, 1 John 1:8-9, 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Genesis 1:31, Psalms 145:8-9, Romans 5:8, Romans 6:23, Matthew 18:15-20, 1 Timothy 5:17-25, Matthew 25:31-46, James 2:10-13, John 8, 1 Timothy 1:8-10, 1 Corinthians 6:9-20, John 1:16-17, Galatians 2:20, Matthew 16:24-28, Luke 9:23-27, Mark 10, Matthew 19, Romans 14, Matthew 22:23-40, Matthew 7:1-5, Matthew 5:43-48, Matthew 9:9-13, Luke 7:36-48, Luke 18:9-14 and 18-30, Hebrews 10:30-31, 1 Corinthians 4:5, Romans 7, 1 Peter 1, 2 Corinthians 4:7-18, 2 Corinthians 6:1-2, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Ephesians 6:5-8, Colossians 3:18-25,1 Peter 2:13-25, John 10:10, John 14:6, Acts 4:12, John 6:68)
(Intro: [spoken]) It doesn't matter how you love, kid- for capital I, you live ["live" echoed x3]
Forget the laws- yup
'Cause you were born to be free, baby- yeah
Verse 1
The Bible told us when we were formed
We were all born sinners, ya'll
We rolled our eyes- it's just religion
We're long past all those myths- so there!
"There's nothing wrong with loving who you want,"
They said, " 'Cause He made you perfect, babe"
"So go your heart's route, girl and you'll go far"
"Listen- your dreams lead the way"
Chorus 1
You're beautiful just that way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
You've got the right to, baby
Do what your truth says
Don't hide yourself- just flaunt it
Just love yourself and you're set
So fly your freak flag, baby
You were born this way [echo: "born this way"]
Verse 2
Ooh, how quaint- The only Way
Hear me- you were born sin's slave
Baby, Jesus bore our shame [echo: "bore our shame"]
Ooh, there ain't another Way
Save me, Jesus Lord
Come on, invite Him to save ya
Be reborn today!
Bridge
Dump filthy rags- that's our "good deeds"
Isaiah writes- 64:6 - see?
No room to brag- just Jesus cleans
Trust Him!
Verse 3
If you have prudence, see Proverbs 9:10
Seek wisdom- rejoice with Truth
In the keeping of God's Word is great reward
I have died to self- instead Christ rules!
Verse 4
A same sex lover- that is a sin
Believe capital H-I-M (Hey, hey, hey)
Husband and wife is God's marriage plan
Jesus told us- Matthew 19 (Trust and obey)
Chorus 2
It's beautiful what He's made
'Cause God makes no mistakes
But Adam jumped tracks, baby
Now we're born sin's slaves
But Christ just died in our stead
He loves us all and beat death
Get brand new life, stat- baby
Be reborn His Way
(Repeat Verse 2 with first line changed as follows:)
Ooh- hear what I've got to say
Hear me- you were born sin's slave
Baby, Jesus bore our shame [echo: "bore our shame"]
Ooh, there ain't another Way
Save me, Jesus Lord
Come on, invite Him to save ya
Be reborn today!
Verse 5
Kind of a drag just bein' me
Whatever your lot, not easy bein' green
These black/white/grey labels- let's end
We're sexual beings- we orient
If your same sex tendencies
Left you outcast, bullied or teased
Rejoice- God loves you! Me too, babe
In Jesus, we are washed and waiting!
Verse 6
No matter gay, straight or bi
Lesbian, transgendered life
All bow to Christ on Last Day, so
Make Him Lord while there's time
All that come after Christ are changed
2nd. Cor. 5:17
Strap on my cross and deny me
I'm reborn and Christ's slave
(Repeat Chorus 2)
(Repeat Verse 2 with first line changed as follows:)
Ooh- hear what I've got to say
Hear me- you were born sin's slave
Baby, Jesus bore our shame [echo: "bore our shame"]
Ooh, there ain't another Way
Save me, Jesus Lord
Come on, invite Him to save ya
Be reborn today!
We were born in sin, babe!
But Jesus bore our shame
I asked Lord Christ to save me
I'm reborn His Way!
Now's the time to get saved
Jesus Lord- He is waiting
Go ask Lord Christ to save ya
And be reborn today!
[whispered echo: "I'm reborn His Way! Be reborn His Way! Be reborn today!"]
........................................................................................................................................
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