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| T O P I C R E V I E W | | AXEMAN2415 | Posted - 01 Jan 2007 : 16:31:49
Jesus Joshua 24:15 Newsletter - January 2007
www.jesusjoshua2415.com
The Band:
Bobby Shepherd: Drums
Steve Pettit: Lead Vocals
Jay Woody: Bass
Will Rauser: Guitars
The Crew:
Mark Bussell: Webmaster, Computer Tech
Jim Bishop: Promotion, PR
Tammy Woody: Video Production, Wardrobe
Juli Rauser: Booking
Editor's Lead
Welcome to January 2007! I wanted to greet all of you with something positive and hopeful, as we have now entered a new year.
Unfortunately, this lead in is somewhat bittersweet. I have been pondering some thoughts, and they are not all pleasant in their outward appearance. Nevertheless, I wish to speak to you about something that I find an important issue for Christians in this day and age.
Two or three weeks ago, as I was listening to a news commentator, I heard about a recent poll conducted in Europe and, I believe, here in the United States. The question posed was along the lines of, "Do you feel that Religion is a threat to society?" or some such nonsense as that. Interestingly, of all of the Europeans polled, 2 out of 3 (thats' 66%, folks) believe that Organized religion is a bad thing for society. Fortunately, the numbers are smaller in the U.S., with 1 in 3 (33%, roughly) sharing that sentiment.
Why do I bring this point out? Well, this goes along with some devotional material that I have been studying and pondering. I shall relate my thoughts.
Oswald Chambers writes, in his book "My Utmost For His Highest", an article entitled "The Focus of our Message". The Scripture verse he leads with is an interesting one, to say the least. Chambers' text is the words of Jesus Himself, as written in Matthew 10:34: "I did not come to bring peace but a sword." Ironic choice of words coming from the Prince of Peace. I have often pondered the irony of Jesus' statement here. Almost seems contradictory. Almost.
Chambers writes these words: "Never be sympathetic with a person whose situation causes you to conclude that God is dealing harshly with him. If a person cannot go to God, it is because he has something secret which he does not intend to give up - he may admit his sin, but would no more give up that thing than he could fly under his own power. It is impossible to deal sympathetically with people like that. We must reach down deep into their lives to the root of the problem, (read this part carefully - ed.) which will cause hostility and resentment toward the message. People want the blessing of God, but they can't stand something that pierces right through to the heart of the matter.
"If you are sensitive to God's way, your message as His servant will be merciless and insistent, cutting to the very root. Otherwise there will be no healing. We must drive the message home so forcefully that a person cannot hide, but must apply its truth."
You might be asking yourself, 'What does this have to with the European Poll answers?' Well, for starters I am inclined to believe that the reason why most people who actively oppose Religion in general - and Christianity in particular - has to do with the very thing that Chambers reveals in this article.
I suppose that if you were to individually query those who partook in the European Poll, they may answer that Christianity has too many hypocrites in its ranks (unfortunately, that is true)or that Christians are way too judgmental (alas, that part is more true than even I care to admit), but I believe that a clearer assessment would reveal that most people choose to believe those excuses precisely because nobody particularly enjoys conviction from God. I don't necessarily think that many who claim judgementalism as a reason for rejecting Jesus are victims of said crime. I believe it has become a fashionable excuse, one that makes that party out as a victim rather than truly facing their need for salvation.
Personally, I think that Christians don't have to say one word, that our very existence is enough to power conviction, and thus imply a judgementalism that doesn't really come from us to begin with.
Here is where the "I did not come to bring peace but a sword," idea stems from. Jesus clearly recognized that not every man would receive His message, and many would violently oppose it. That said, there are many in this world today who passively (if not aggressively) share the sentiment of opposition, if only because the Message of Christ and His salvation and Lordship stands in direct opposition to the nature of man and his rebellious behaviors. That which is meant to unite mankind in light and love is creating division, much as a sword would, between those who choose to live in freedom (in Christ) and those who wish to remain chained in their sin.
I believe it was last October, in a news report Elton John stated emphatically that if he were a world leader, he would do all that he could to abolish organized religion (i.e. Christianity). Really, Elton? What about the freedom of expression you so valiantly claim to endorse? I should not be surprised, though, as the Message of the Gospel of Christ is diametrically opposed to his particular lifestyle choices. Somehow I doubt ole Elton sat in a church pew somewhere and caught the brunt of some Pharisaical church congregate. I could very well be wrong, but I think Mr. John has issues with the Gospel because it doesn't fit conveniently into his particular world view. And I am certain he is not the only one who has that feeling. I believe that the European poll I cited above is peripheral evidence of that.
Now, of course, Elton John is not a mover and shaker in the political realm. However, I am sure there are those walking the halls of earthly power and dominion who share Elton John's opinion on this matter. And I suppose my question is a simple one: What if there is someone who rises to a position of power and influence that shares John's viewpoint?
Don't believe me? History bears this truth out. Let us all be reminded that Hitler was elected to power by the German people. In the process of Hitler solidifying his power, he made sure that he had control of the nations churches. Hitler appointed pastors and clergy who would extend no opposition to his "Final Solution" and his hateful rhetoric.
Russia's Stalin did the same exact thing. God poses a radical burden upon the lusts of men, and to accept the mere presence of God (in the form of His saints) is to accept conviction upon the human heart. God stands in the way of human sovereignty, and is a constant reminder of our need for redemption. Thus, anything that stands in the way of personal appetites, be it lust for the physical(sexual misconduct), the material(greed), or of power (dictatorial or otherwise) is to be eradicated form all forms of culture and societal influence.
Does this sound far fetched? I only wish it were. Yet I am hearing more and more of such questions being raised (such as the above poll). That disturbs me. 30 years ago, no such polls would have been conducted, no such questions even contemplated. Nowadays, questions like the European Poll are routinely being given airtime and ink print. I wonder why? Is it because Christians actually stand for something?
In the book of Genesis, we read the story of Lot. For those of you not familiar with this story, Lot lived in the city of Sodom. Lot had lived there for several years, probably decades. Two angels were sent to Lot's house, by God, to warn Lot that God was going to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gammorah, because of the cities' inhabitant's perverse wickedness. A soon as the men of Sodom saw that there were two new males in the city, those men went to Lot's front door and demanded he send those men out to be sodomized. Lot told the men of Sodom, "Don't do this wicked thing..." and the men of Sodom reacted with indignation and outcry. They demanded to know what gave Lot the right to dictate to them about matters of morality. The men of Sodom actually said Lot was being judgmental toward them.They ranted "How dare this outsider tell us how to live our lives!"
As a matter of fact, the actual Scriptural passage says, in Genesis 19:9, says, "'Get out of our way',...'This fellow (meaning Lot) came here as an alien, and now he wants to play the judge! We'll treat you worse than them (meaning the two angels posing as men)."
In other words, the men of Sodom did not like being called on their wickedness, and they cried, "Judgmental!" It is amazing to me how little man's attitudes have changed over the centuries. Man does the same thing today. Dare to challenge wickedness, or simply declare that there is an objective standard, or even mind your own business and live upright in the will of God, the Word being your standard, and there will be those who shout, 'How dare you throw your faith at me! How dare you judge me!"
This is the "sword" that Jesus was referring to. Truly it divides, and creates conflict. The very presence of Jesus in His people creates a spirit of conviction and tension among those who choose to reject Him. People want us to tell them what their itching ears want to hear. Unfortunately, we as Christians cannot do that. We are obligated to the truth no matter how much that truth hurts. A physician who tells you you are healthy when your body is wracked with cancer is not a good physician. There are many people who refuse to go to the doctor because somehow if you ignore a problem it means the problem isn't there. Meanwhile, the condition still exists. We human beings have an amazing capacity for self-deception. We can tell ourselves anything, and make ourselves believe anything.
I am aware that this subject is not a very pleasant way to usher in the joy of the New Year. However, it is my desire to have us think soberly about life and keep things in perspective. I truly hope that your New Year's celebrations have been joyous and festive. It is also my desire to have you consider the possibilities of the coming year. I want us to be optimistic, but also consider reality.
News and Events
- As some of you are aware, Bobby and Will, had an interview with the good folks at the Christian Rock And Fellowship chat room last December 9, 2006. They had a blast talking and joking around with the CRF folks, and look forward to another great time in the near future. You might be asking yourself, "How is this relevant news?" Well, I am glad you asked! This interview was recorded, and the result is posted here on the official Jesus Joshua 24:15 website. For those of you with broadband or other high speed connections, the entire interview can be downloaded in one big chunk. Or, if you have dial-up(ugh!), Our webmaster/broadcast engineer has taken the liberty of breaking the interview into 6 smaller sections. Either way, it is 2 hours (thereabouts) of unrestrained lunacy... er, I mean meaningful dialog with two players from Jesus Joshua 24:15. Learn about the band in greater detail, and have fun doing it!
- A special Thank You goes out to AnonJr (his name shall remain anonymous...get it?Anonymous?), our Webmaster, Computer guru, Audio Engineer, Roadie, and whatever else we can rope him into (without pay of course!). Anon has outdone himself with many duties, way too numerous to mention. But there is one in particular that deserves a big Kudos. AnonJr. Engineered our interview with Christian Rock and Fellowship. Anon is the one who edited and compressed the Interview with CRF, and he provided the media formats and the location, as well as the high speed connection( whew!) for a successful interview. Thanks, AnonJr.!
- The entire band also did an interview with the Montyman from Recovery Radio, an internet radio station. You can go to Jesus Joshua24:15 on MySpace, and check out the "Recovery Radio" banner, and the interview with the MontyMan will be broadcast in January. (Check "Recovery Radio" schedule for times.)
- Again, I would like to announce a Jesus Joshua 24:15 live show, at "The Warehouse" February 17 in Clinton ,Tennessee, along with the bands Brim and Eden's Way. Doors open: 7:30pm est. Cover: $8.00
- As of this writing, Jesus Joshua 24:15 has had a consistent #1 ranking on the numberonemusic.com in the Christian hard rock genre, for the last several months.
Guitar Points from Will
This month, I decided to take a different angle with our current subject, intervals. As we have studied, intervals are simply the measurable distance between tones in a musical scale. We have studied some of those measurements in previous columns. This time around, I would like to examine the intervals of the Fourth and the Fifth.
If you remember, we measure every distance from the Root (R) or one (1) of the scale. The reason that these intervals are important is they are the essential building blocks of "Power Chords". Power Chords are not really chords, but are called chords because they function as such in place of actual chords, because certain intervals do not lend themselves to clear sounds when played with major amp gain or distortion.
Power Chords, or power 5th chords (in most tabbed music, the power chord is is often labeled as a "5" chord,i.e. "E5" for an "E" power chord or "D5" for a "D" power chord.) utilize one basic interval; the 5th (Duh!).
In the key of "E" it is spelled like so:
Ex.1
R1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R1
E F# G#A B C# D#E ("E"Major scale)
|-P5-|-P4-|
1 5 1
E B E (Octave note)
On the fingerboard, this looks like this;
Ex.2
E B E E5 B E E5 E B E E5 E B E E5
1E|-------------|----0--0---|------------|-------------|
2B|-------------|--0----0---|------------|------5---5--|
3G|-------------|-----------|------9---9-|----4-----4--|
4D|-----2----2--|-----------|----9-----9-|--2-------2--|
5A|---2------2--|-----------|--7-------7-|-------------|
6E|-0--------0--|-----------|------------|-------------|
You do not always have to play all 3 notes (the Root, the 5th, and the Octave). You can simply 2 note it.
For example;
Ex.3
E B E5 B E E5 E B E5 E B E5
1E|-------------|----0--0---|------------|-------------|
2B|-------------|--0----0---|------------|-------------|
3G|-------------|-----------|------------|----4-----4--|
4D|-------------|-----------|----9-----9-|--2-------2--|
5A|---2------2--|-----------|--7-------7-|-------------|
6E|-0--------0--|-----------|------------|-------------|
In the key of "A", the same interval spacing applies. Let's look at it from the perspective of the fretboard;
Ex.4
R1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R1
A B C#D E F# G# A ("A" Major scale)
|-P5-|-P4-|
1 5 1
A E A (Octave note)
Ex.5
A E A A5 E A A5 A E A A5 A E A A5
1E|--------------|----5--5---|--------------|-----5---5---|
2B|--------------|--5----5---|-----10---10--|---5-----5---|
3G|------2----2--|-----------|---9------9---|-2-------2---|
4D|----2------2--|-----------|-7--------7---|-------------|
5A|--0--------0--|-----------|--------------|-------------|
6E|--------------|-----------|--------------|-------------|
If you notice, the Root does not always have to be on the bottom (or bass) of the chord. As long as the intervals are present, the order of intervals does not matter. Let's build a power chord vocabulary.
Ex.6
Gb5 Ab5 A#5 Db5 Eb5
E5 F5 F#5 G5 G#5 A5 Bb5 B5 C5 C#5 D5 D#5 E5
1E|------------------------------------------------|
2B|------------------------------------------------|
3G|------------------------------------------------|
4D|-2--3--4---5--6--7--8---9--10--11--12--13--14---|
5A|-2--3--4---5--6--7--8---9--10--11--12--13--14---|
6E|-0--1--2---3--4--5--6---7--8---9---10--11--12---|
Ex.7
A#5 Db5 Eb5 Gb5 Ab5
A5 Bb5 B5 C5 C#5 D5 D#5 E5 F5 F#5 G5 G#5 A5
1E|-------------------------------------------------|
2B|-------------------------------------------------|
3G|-2--3--4--5---6---7--8---9--10--11--12--13--14---|
4D|-2--3--4--5---6---7--8---9--10--11--12--13--14---|
5A|-0--1--2--3---4---5--6---7--8---9---10--11--12---|
6E|-------------------------------------------------|
Ex.8
Eb5 Db5 Ab5 A#5 Db5
D5 D#5 E5 F5 F#5G5 G#5A5 Bb5 B5 C5 C#5 D5
1E|------------------------------------------------|
2B|--3--4--5--6--7--8--9--10--11--12--13---14---15-|
3G|--2--3--4--5--6--7--8--9---10--11--12---13---14-|
4D|--0--1--2--3--4--5--6--7---8---9---10---11---12-|
5A|------------------------------------------------|
6E|------------------------------------------------|
Ex.9
(No Octave note present, just 2 notes.)
Gb5 Ab5 A#5 Db5 Eb5
E5 F5 F#5 G5 G#5 A5 Bb5 B5 C5 C#5 D5 D#5 E5
1E|------------------------------------------------|
2B|------------------------------------------------|
3G|------------------------------------------------|
4D|------------------------------------------------|
5A|-2--3--4---5--6--7--8---9--10--11--12--13--14---|
6E|-0--1--2---3--4--5--6---7--8---9---10--11--12---|
Ex.10
(Here is an example of using a two note power chord, with the 5th on the bottom)
Gb5 Ab5 A#5 Db5 Eb5
E5 F5 F#5 G5 G#5 A5 Bb5 B5 C5 C#5 D5 D#5 E5
1E|------------------------------------------------|
2B|------------------------------------------------|
3G|------------------------------------------------|
4D|-2--3--4---5--6--7--8---9--10--11--12--13--14---|
5A|-2--3--4---5--6--7--8---9--10--11--12--13--14---|
6E|------------------------------------------------|
Here is an illustration of something very interesting. These power chords (in Ex. 10) have the 5th interval in the bass, or on the bottom. What is interesting is that the distance from the 5th back to the Root is an interval of a 4th. Look at Examples #1 & #4. Each one shows the interval distances from the Root (or 1) to the 5th and back. The distance from "E" to "B" is a 5th;
Ex.11
|-P5-|
1 5
E B
The distance from "B" to "E" IS A 4th;
Ex.12
R1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R1 (B Major scale)
B C# D#E F# G# A# B
|--P4---|
|-P4-|
1 4
B E
So, "B" is the 5th of "E", in the key of E Major
and "E" is the 4th of "B", in the key of B Major
Interesting. This shows how the intervals and chords can be interchangeable with each other. It also can illustrate how names and references can be confused. Take your time to grasp some of these concepts, as they will help you understand future studies.
A Final Thought
Final Thoughts for January
As sure as the New Year has just begun, it will slip into history. I am sure that many of you felt the same as I did this last Christmas. I was like, "What? Christmas is already here? It seems like it just left!" Well, folks, as I get older (no comments from those of you who know me personally!) I notice that the time just flies by. My children are getting bigger and smarter, and soon they will be on their own (Well, not too soon). And too soon I will be old and gray. Our time on this earth is but a vapor. I saw some of my extended family this last Christmas, as I do every year. This year, I noticed the hair a little grayer, the skin a little more wrinkled, the eyes more tired looking, and the bodies a little less agile. I am unsure of how many more years we have together as time and the elements take their toll. Surely we must cherish the time we have. We also must remember the sense of urgency we must have for the Kingdom of God and its message. If indeed life is but a vapor, then we must be ever vigilant in our presentation of Jesus in our lives. The Scripture tells us that Now is the time of Salvation, not later. If the Scripture is urgent in its message to us, then we who are the children of God, should do likewise. | | 20 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) | | AXEMAN2415 | Posted - 09 Jan 2007 : 11:35:38
Remember, you're in Australia...you're wayyy ahead of us, remember...lol | | Shredhead | Posted - 08 Jan 2007 : 18:51:38
LOL , ther's barely 12 mths between us , I've eaten pizza older than that . | | AXEMAN2415 | Posted - 08 Jan 2007 : 18:26:25
quote:
OLD !!!.... well if that's not the pot calling the kettle black , I don't know what is .
Well, I am a much younger pot.....Mr. Kettle...lol
| | Shredhead | Posted - 08 Jan 2007 : 17:16:54
OLD !!!.... well if that's not the pot calling the kettle black , I don't know what is .
"It's my guess that a "roo" is a kangaroo, a cetrtain famouse marsupial...but what is a paddock?"
http://www.aussieslang.com/slang/aussie-slang-p.asp
| | AXEMAN2415 | Posted - 08 Jan 2007 : 12:32:49
quote:
" Shred ole boy " , " ole " ?? What ? are we using Spanish now to increase the vast cultural gulf between us ?? lol .
No, not Spanish...That would be easier to understand. Indeed, ther is a cultural gulf between us...Yet I am the harbor that is waiting for you lost ship...You must come home to me, Shredders. I shall leave the lighthouse on for ya...
quote:
"I think Axe has gone a few bricks shy of a full load."
RHRRR Jim , does that mean he's got a few roo's loose in the top paddock ?
It's my guess that a "roo" is a kangaroo, a cetrtain famouse marsupial...but what is a paddock?
quote:
While I can't speak for those that perished , I can say with 100 % certainty , that Noah was a distant realtion lol .
Probably not too distant a relation...you probably were with Noah after the flood...Hence, my use of the word "ole" (translated:old).lol | | Shredhead | Posted - 08 Jan 2007 : 05:44:14
" Shred ole boy " , " ole " ?? What ? are we using Spanish now to increase the vast cultural gulf between us ?? lol .
"I think Axe has gone a few bricks shy of a full load."
RHRRR Jim , does that mean he's got a few roo's loose in the top paddock ?
" But I cannot help but wonder if that is the fringe benefit of our obedience( the affecting and shaping the world part), not the purpose of it."
Hmmm , interesting thought Axelotyl , but lets look at the obedience of the apostles . I think it safe to say , their obedience & willingness to be used changed their culture . Ultimately our obedience should glorify God { purpose }.... I guess it's up to Him , what He does with it , considering Noah I mean .
"In Noah's day, he was obedient, and his obedience transformed no one outside of his immediate family. Everyone else perished. They were all probably from Australia...lol, except Noah...lol!"
While I can't speak for those that perished , I can say with 100 % certainty , that Noah was a distant realtion lol .
"That be Cap'n (Jack) Blasto to ya'll ...maties" .
Hmmm Captain Jack...wasn't that a rather interesting Billy Joel song lol.
"uhh... sorry guys... I guess I got a little carried away there... "
Yeees...I can see why you should , sorry , would be carried away lol .
| | Captain Blasto | Posted - 08 Jan 2007 : 02:37:34
yo ho ho... whoooo lives in a pineapple under the sea...
uhh... sorry guys... I guess I got a little carried away there...
| | AXEMAN2415 | Posted - 08 Jan 2007 : 01:01:55
Yes, Jimborama, I am a few Tacos short of a combo plate....
I can live with that...
Hope you can when you see me in a couple of weeks | | Captain Blasto | Posted - 07 Jan 2007 : 23:13:18
quote:
Now , one explanation deserves another I think ."before'n ya git 'ta feelin' a bit too froggy on over yonder thar... I be aware of'n the next verse in line an all like that thar... " LOL
That be Cap'n (Jack) Blasto to ya'll ...maties
If you don't know me.... You don't know ____ <<< Arrrghhh!!! | | jim@souljoyrecords | Posted - 07 Jan 2007 : 22:56:14
There be no objection from me Shred...I think Axe has gone a few bricks shy of a full load. Though I am sure that's something we all already knew...All in all at least Axe will have to live with it I will leave everyone else alone...lol...Remember Axe I will be seeing you in a few weeks...lol...ROCK ON FOR JESUS BABY | | Captain Blasto | Posted - 07 Jan 2007 : 21:32:26
Shred... I guess in broad terms (and I don't mean girl talk) we could certainly say...
"'tis the season"
But maybe part of the reason that "no man knows the day or the hour" has to do with what we have discussed here. Just a thought... | | AXEMAN2415 | Posted - 07 Jan 2007 : 20:59:36
quote:
I agree , but would like to add , in allowing God to transform & renew our hearts & minds , He , is shaping the world . " Gods' process for bringing about change in society has always been through the hearts of men & women ; bringing about change from within , rather than making short term gains by mere legislation from without ." - RZ . I think that also addresses the issue of we Christians & our civil rights being eroded .
And your addition, Shred ole boy, is absolutely true. But I cannot help but wonder if that is the fringe benefit of our obedience( the affecting and shaping the world part), not the purpose of it.
In Noah's day, he was obedient, and his obedience transformed no one outside of his immediate family. Everyone else perished. They were all probably from Australia...lol, except Noah...lol!
quote:
Anyway , I agree with the Right Honorable & Radically Rockin Rev Jim
You made two mistakes on this one, Shred: First: That's too may "R"'s in Jim's name for Jimbo to remember and Second: You said you agreed with him. Now We all have to live with that...lol | | Shredhead | Posted - 07 Jan 2007 : 18:40:47
Capn B; cooee is what you yell out if you're ever lost in the bush , it carries a very long way , which is why we use that expression lol .
Now , one explanation deserves another I think ."before'n ya git 'ta feelin' a bit too froggy on over yonder thar... I be aware of'n the next verse in line an all like that thar... " LOL
"Oh, Oh...I had better watch out, or Shred will hit me over the head with a liter of Petrol...lol" Now there's a flamin good idea , maybe we could work it into the act , sort of like a Hendrix thing lol .
Anyway , I agree with the Right Honorable & Radically Rockin Rev Jim , we can't just sit around like a bunch of Southerners at a crawdad convention { heheh } & watch the world go to hell . The reason I asked about prophecy being a factor was , there's no point trying to turn prophecy back , it'll happen . If we do try , aren't we just being like Peter trying to stop Jesus ? Does that mean we should stop preaching ? NO !! Even though Gods' word says people will turn away , it also says to preach the gospel to every living creature , if we were to stop , that would be contrary to this commandment .
I wanted to know if the reason for the surveys' result was because we are in the last days { as I suspect } , or , was it because we { the Body } had stopped preaching to the lost . In other words , is it a result of our complacency , or the inevitable end for the lost as these days draw to an end . The former can be corrected , the latter cannot .
"But most of the time, your obedience has more to do with what God wants to do in your own life, and how He shapes you, not in your world around you."
I agree , but would like to add , in allowing God to transform & renew our hearts & minds , He , is shaping the world . " Gods' process for bringing about change in society has always been through the hearts of men & women ; bringing about change from within , rather than making short term gains by mere legislation from without ." - RZ . I think that also addresses the issue of we Christians & our civil rights being eroded .
Anyway..... hooroo ...lol .
| | Captain Blasto | Posted - 07 Jan 2007 : 18:35:55
quote:
However, I am directing my thoughts from the context of the phrase, "How can we compel them?" Well, we cannot do anything, much less compel anyone. My point was that it is God who does the compelling. We may very well be the tool by which God forms the furniture, but He is the Master Craftsman. Does the tool claim any credit for the Sculptures, or does the Artist? Clearly, we can see the toolmarks on the craft, but it is in the final product that we see the expression of the Artist (and, no, I do not mean Prince[/i], for those of you wise-guys out there...lol).
As much as I hate to amit it... Well said Axe... | | jim@souljoyrecords | Posted - 07 Jan 2007 : 16:22:47
"I would say this; Big Jim, you are correct that in taking a definite stand for Christ certainly gets things moving. But most of the time, your obedience has more to do with what God wants to do in your own life, and how He shapes you, not in your world around you. If you are obedient, it doesn't matter what happens with everyone else. Morality is doing the right thing, no matter what the outcome. I believe that obedience to the Lordship of Christ is the same way."
Thanks axe I could not agree with you more...
| | AXEMAN2415 | Posted - 07 Jan 2007 : 13:34:57
quote:
"you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink"
That one must be from the NRV of the Scripture (The New Redneck Version)...Somehow I couldn't find that reference in any of my other translations...lol
And, Captain Blasto, here's to the cooee comment! I couldn't have slammed my Aussie brother any better...lol Oh, Oh...I had better watch out, or Shred will hit me over the head with a liter of Petrol...lol (That's less than a gallon of Gasoline, for you non-Aussies...which is the rest of us...lol!
More to the point, though, I definitely think all of you are correct in your analases, but allow me to contextualize myself a little better. I do not wish to imply that we should not tell people, for that is contrary to the Scriptural command. Nor do I wish to imply that we won't be effective when we do speak to people. The above posts by Cpt.B and Shred clearly spell that out. I do not even desire to imply that it is fruitless, for we know that God's Word will not come back void.
However, I am directing my thoughts from the context of the phrase, "How can we compel them?" Well, we cannot do anything, much less compel anyone. My point was that it is God who does the compelling. We may very well be the tool by which God forms the furniture, but He is the Master Craftsman. Does the tool claim any credit for the Sculptures, or does the Artist? Clearly, we can see the toolmarks on the craft, but it is in the final product that we see the expression of the Artist (and, no, I do not mean Prince[/i], for those of you wise-guys out there...lol).
I am not trying to invalidate any of the above commentary or analysis, I am merely trying to focus my commentary. Certainly, each question and statement is equally valid, but not equally contextual in regard to my sentiments in my newsletter or responses.
But, hey, it sure is fun!...lol!
I would say this; Big Jim, you are correct that in taking a definite stand for Christ certainly gets things moving. But most of the time, your obedience has more to do with what God wants to do in your own life, and how He shapes you, not in your world around you. If you are obedient, it doesn't matter what happens with everyone else. Morality is doing the right thing, no matter what the outcome. I believe that obedience to the Lordship of Christ is the same way.
Of course, I could be wrong, but how unlikely is that?lol!
| | Captain Blasto | Posted - 07 Jan 2007 : 02:55:25
Just a couple more items to pondereth... sometimes I think it is hard to discern things an all-knowing God is telling us due to the limitations caused by our finite linear existence. He foreknew us and He knows every decision we will ever make before we make them yet it remains we who make them. In that sense he pre-knows our destiny. (a form or type of pre-destination?)
How unsearchable...
Proverb:16:4: The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
Proverb:16:11: A just weight and balance are the LORD's: all the weights of the bag are his work. | | Captain Blasto | Posted - 07 Jan 2007 : 02:31:24
Oh and uh.... by the way... to be totally truthful my wife ain't all that wild about my feet. But I'm with the Rev. Maybe that verse about the feet is implying that my feet will get better looking the more I carry the Gospel of Peace. But before that happens I think it's time for a good old 1st Century foot washin' extravaganza ! | | jim@souljoyrecords | Posted - 07 Jan 2007 : 02:18:53
I will not have big words or a buch of fancy quotes, I am from Tennessee ya know. After reading all these big words I was moved to put in my two cents or I should say the two cents I borrowed from God.
I have been thinking along the lines of at least a part of this very subject. Though we may not be able to force feed lost souls much like "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink" but we can continue to live in the light and be examples within the light.
I do not know about you all but I am tired of hearing we are loosing our youth, we can't do this or we can't do that. Mean while those same people just sit in a pew listen to the sermon being spoken then head off to the house and do nothing all week just to return to the same pew the next Sunday. Mean while our youth contiue to be lost and our rights in the free world continue you to erode.
Call me radical if you will...Hey thats pretty cool "The Radical Rev"...lol...
I know we are supposed to bring peace to a world in chaos but I do not believe for a minute we are to just sit and let the world walk on us. Why do we not Rise Up and speak the truth. It is not good enough to just live it day to day we must have action in our lives. What are we really doing for the Kingdom do we just sit in the pew as some do or are we pounding the streets telling folks about the Lord. I know the prophetic word says not everyone will enter the Kingdom but we do have an impact on how many get in if not only by professing the name of the Lord everyday. "Those with ears Let them Hear" well how they gonna hear ya dude if ya aint a talkin. Thats my deal.
In the first few weeks of this year 2007 I have seen more amazing things than I did all of last year. Now these things are not on the larger scale I have been talking about but it is a start. All it is, is people like you and I taking a stand for Jesus and things begin to move. While I know it is all not that easy and there will be trials and the enemy will surely try to move in. Dont be affraid cause Daddy's got your back. I believe we have grown so affraid as a society, of what people will think if we speak out that we just stand and say nothing.
Well Folks if I have to stay the rest of my life in jail or go to the grave early then they aint taking me down without a fight. I will fight on the side of the Lord always and I will speak his name everyday the rest of my life to someone, somewhere, somehow. So if I am labeled radical so be it at least I am radical for Jesus. Let me clarify radical before Axeman busts my chops...lol...(by radical I mean speaking the name of Jesus thru word and music, rock and otherwise. I do not mean being radical as in invokin violence) there Axe thought you may need some clarification...lol...It's and inside joke folks between me and Axe.
So I will sign off for now...Love ya Mean Itoh and Jesus Loves you too
The Radical Rev | | Captain Blasto | Posted - 07 Jan 2007 : 01:26:43
Oh and ...ahem ...Axe ...before'n ya git 'ta feelin' a bit too froggy on over yonder thar... I be aware of'n the next verse in line an all like that thar...
Ro:10:15: And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
But... I seen yer feet... and bud... it t'aint pretty. So we see God does have a sense of humor 'cuz it's framed as a question though it ends with one of them thingys >>> !
Like I said before... It's a concert !!! |
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