Growing up, we always heard that it was wrong to write Xmas instead of Christmas. It was said that those who do are x-ing out Christ and removing Christ from Christmas.
In studying Koine Greek (the language the New Testament was written in), you discover that the name Christ starts in the Greek with the letter that looks like our “x.” Here’s a couple things from the Wikipedia article about Xmas:
“In ancient Christian art, χ and χρ are abbreviations for Christ's name. In many manuscripts of the New Testament and icons, Χ is an abbreviation for Χριστος, as is XC (the first and last letters in Greek, using the lunate sigma); compare IC for Jesus in Greek.”
“The word "Christ" and its compounds, including "Christmas", have been abbreviated in English for at least the past 1,000 years, long before the modern "Xmas" was commonly used. "Christ" was often written as "XP" or "Xt"; there are references in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as far back as AD 1021. This X and P arose as the uppercase forms of the Greek letters χ and ρ used in ancient abbreviations for Χριστος (Greek for "Christ"), and are still widely seen in many Eastern Orthodox icons depicting Jesus Christ. The labarum, an amalgamation of the two Greek letters rendered as ☧, is a symbol often used to represent Christ in Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Christian Churches.”
So, when one writes Xmas, they are really just shortening Christmas by using the age-old common abbreviation for Christ. They are not really removing Christ from it. (Whether they realize it or not).
So, I see both sides of the coin. For those who are not in the know, using the full Christmas would be better. Yet now that we are in the know, let’s now not get bent out of shape over the word Xmas.
December 31, 2011
December 30, 2011
Day 5 - Hark the Herald Angels Sing?
Every year, we sing songs such as “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” in which we refer to angels singing at the birth of Jesus. But did they actually sing?
In the story of the birth of Jesus, the Bible states that the angels said, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people…” It also records, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’”
Nowhere in the Christmas story does it record an angel singing. Actually nowhere in the Bible does it ever record that any angels sang. I believe that this is one of the things that set us as humans apart from the angels.
In the story of the birth of Jesus, the Bible states that the angels said, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people…” It also records, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’”
Nowhere in the Christmas story does it record an angel singing. Actually nowhere in the Bible does it ever record that any angels sang. I believe that this is one of the things that set us as humans apart from the angels.
December 29, 2011
Day 4 - The “3” Wise Men
Now I’ve grown up watching plays and manger scenes which all have 3 Magi or Wise men. I’ve sung the song “We Three Kings.” Yet, the Bible does not tell us how many Wise Men came to see Jesus.
We know, from Matthew 2:11 that they came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Common sense, and tradition, would then suggest that there were 3, each bearing a gift. However, there could have been 2 (with one bearing 2 gifts) or more than 3 (with a couple bearing the same gift, or a couple bearing no gift).
Though tradition says there were 3, let’s not be too insistent on this point.
We know, from Matthew 2:11 that they came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Common sense, and tradition, would then suggest that there were 3, each bearing a gift. However, there could have been 2 (with one bearing 2 gifts) or more than 3 (with a couple bearing the same gift, or a couple bearing no gift).
Though tradition says there were 3, let’s not be too insistent on this point.
December 28, 2011
Day 3 - Magi in a Manger Scene
We usually don’t put the Magi in our manger scene at home when we put it out. One year, I actually set the Magi in the kitchen with the rest of the manger scene in the Living Room. Why? Because the Magi actually were not at the manger at Christ’s birth.
I know, I know, we always picture the manger scene with Jesus, Joseph, Mary, Shepherds, Cattle, etc., and the Magi. Yet, what does the Scripture say?
Luke chapter 2 tells about Christ’s birth and the visit of the shepherds. It continues with His circumcision (on the 8th day), Mary’s purification (40 days), and their sacrifice at the Temple.
Matthew chapter 2 tells us that after Jesus was born, the Magi went to Herod to find out where Jesus was. Herod refers to Jesus as the young child (not baby). The Bible records that the Magi entered a house not a manger, stable, or Inn. Later, the Bible says that after the Magi departed, Joseph was told to go to Egypt and so he went.
Since Joseph was told to go to Egypt right after the Magi left, and so he did, that most likely took place after Mary’s 40 days of purification. By this point, too, they would have been in a house. Also, since Herod wanted all children under 2 killed, Jesus could have been up to 2 years old by the time the Magi visited Him, and would not have been at the manger at that time.
I know, I know, we always picture the manger scene with Jesus, Joseph, Mary, Shepherds, Cattle, etc., and the Magi. Yet, what does the Scripture say?
Luke chapter 2 tells about Christ’s birth and the visit of the shepherds. It continues with His circumcision (on the 8th day), Mary’s purification (40 days), and their sacrifice at the Temple.
Matthew chapter 2 tells us that after Jesus was born, the Magi went to Herod to find out where Jesus was. Herod refers to Jesus as the young child (not baby). The Bible records that the Magi entered a house not a manger, stable, or Inn. Later, the Bible says that after the Magi departed, Joseph was told to go to Egypt and so he went.
Since Joseph was told to go to Egypt right after the Magi left, and so he did, that most likely took place after Mary’s 40 days of purification. By this point, too, they would have been in a house. Also, since Herod wanted all children under 2 killed, Jesus could have been up to 2 years old by the time the Magi visited Him, and would not have been at the manger at that time.
December 27, 2011
Day 2 - Epiphany
Another thing that we sometimes don’t understand is the Epiphany.
We may see it on a calendar and think, “ok, what is that?” Or we think, “Doesn’t epiphany mean a sudden realization of truth?”
On January 6, many churches celebrate the Epiphany, which is the traditional day on which the Magi visited the baby Jesus. Here’s part of the Wikipedia article about it:
“The observance had its origins in the Eastern Christian Churches and was a general celebration of the manifestation of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. It included the commemoration of his birth; the visit of the Magi (‘Wise Men’, as Magi were Persian priests) to Bethlehem; all of Jesus's childhood events, up to and including his baptism in the Jordan by John the Baptist; and even the miracle at the Wedding of Cana in Galilee. It seems fairly clear that the Baptism was the primary event being commemorated.
“Christians fixed the date of the feast on January 6 quite early in their history. Ancient liturgies noted Illuminatio, Manifestatio, Declaratio (Illumination, Manifestation, Declaration); cf. Matthew 3:13–17; Luke 3:22; and John 2:1–11; where the Baptism and the Marriage at Cana were dwelt upon. Western Christians have traditionally emphasized the ‘Revelation to the Gentiles’ mentioned in Luke, where the term Gentile means all non-Jewish peoples. The Biblical Magi, who represented the non-Jewish peoples of the world, paid homage to the infant Jesus in stark contrast to Herod the Great (King of Judea), who sought to kill him. In this event, Christian writers also inferred a revelation to the Children of Israel. Saint John Chrysostom identified the significance of the meeting between the Magi and Herod's court: ‘The star had been hidden from them so that, on finding themselves without their guide, they would have no alternative but to consult the Jews. In this way the birth of Jesus would be made known to all.’.”
We may see it on a calendar and think, “ok, what is that?” Or we think, “Doesn’t epiphany mean a sudden realization of truth?”
On January 6, many churches celebrate the Epiphany, which is the traditional day on which the Magi visited the baby Jesus. Here’s part of the Wikipedia article about it:
“The observance had its origins in the Eastern Christian Churches and was a general celebration of the manifestation of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. It included the commemoration of his birth; the visit of the Magi (‘Wise Men’, as Magi were Persian priests) to Bethlehem; all of Jesus's childhood events, up to and including his baptism in the Jordan by John the Baptist; and even the miracle at the Wedding of Cana in Galilee. It seems fairly clear that the Baptism was the primary event being commemorated.
“Christians fixed the date of the feast on January 6 quite early in their history. Ancient liturgies noted Illuminatio, Manifestatio, Declaratio (Illumination, Manifestation, Declaration); cf. Matthew 3:13–17; Luke 3:22; and John 2:1–11; where the Baptism and the Marriage at Cana were dwelt upon. Western Christians have traditionally emphasized the ‘Revelation to the Gentiles’ mentioned in Luke, where the term Gentile means all non-Jewish peoples. The Biblical Magi, who represented the non-Jewish peoples of the world, paid homage to the infant Jesus in stark contrast to Herod the Great (King of Judea), who sought to kill him. In this event, Christian writers also inferred a revelation to the Children of Israel. Saint John Chrysostom identified the significance of the meeting between the Magi and Herod's court: ‘The star had been hidden from them so that, on finding themselves without their guide, they would have no alternative but to consult the Jews. In this way the birth of Jesus would be made known to all.’.”
December 26, 2011
Day 1 - The Twelve Days of Christmas
The first thing that we sometimes get wrong at Christmas is the concept of the 12 Days of Christmas.
When I was younger, I seem to recall people using the concept of the 12 days of Christmas as a countdown to Christmas. This seemed to progress to the 25 days of Christmas, as a countdown to Christmas day.
The 12 days of Christmas actually refer to Christmas Day and the 11 days after Christmas, leading up to the Epiphany (January 6). Here’s part of the Wikipedia article about it:
“The Twelve Days of Christmas are the festive days beginning Christmas Day (25 December). This period is also known as Christmastide and Twelvetide. The Twelfth Night of Christmas is always on the evening of 5 January, but the Twelfth Day can either precede or follow the Twelfth Night according to which Christian tradition is followed. Twelfth Night is followed by the Feast of the Epiphany on 6 January. In some traditions, the first day of Epiphany (6 January) and the twelfth day of Christmas overlap.”
When I was younger, I seem to recall people using the concept of the 12 days of Christmas as a countdown to Christmas. This seemed to progress to the 25 days of Christmas, as a countdown to Christmas day.
The 12 days of Christmas actually refer to Christmas Day and the 11 days after Christmas, leading up to the Epiphany (January 6). Here’s part of the Wikipedia article about it:
“The Twelve Days of Christmas are the festive days beginning Christmas Day (25 December). This period is also known as Christmastide and Twelvetide. The Twelfth Night of Christmas is always on the evening of 5 January, but the Twelfth Day can either precede or follow the Twelfth Night according to which Christian tradition is followed. Twelfth Night is followed by the Feast of the Epiphany on 6 January. In some traditions, the first day of Epiphany (6 January) and the twelfth day of Christmas overlap.”
November 8, 2011
My thoughts on the Jobs Bill
I am all for a plan or a way to get folks back to work. I recently discovered, through a CBS report on our small town of Robbins, NC, that we are at 36% unemployment. Also, according to the 2000 census, our population is about 1200 people. (This means that 432 people are unemployed). With these figures in mind, here’s how I see things.
The president is calling for a jobs bill to get America back to work.
The president’s plan will lower the unemployment rate across America.
The jobs bill seems to focus its attention on 1st responders (police, fire, etc), teachers, and road construction jobs.
The jobs bill cuts taxes.
That’s my 2 cents.
The president is calling for a jobs bill to get America back to work.
- I can support that.
The president’s plan will lower the unemployment rate across America.
- I can support that.
The jobs bill seems to focus its attention on 1st responders (police, fire, etc), teachers, and road construction jobs.
- Ok, that’s a good start, but what about the rest of my town’s unemployed?
- Most of those who are unemployed here are unemployed due to mills, factories, and chicken houses closing up. These are the types of jobs we need.
- Besides, do you really think we could employ 50-100 new 1st responders, 50-100 new teachers, and 200 road construction workers?
The jobs bill cuts taxes.
- I can support tax cuts for the middle class, as they seem to be some of the ones hurting in this economy.
- I don’t know about the tax break for companies who employ veterans who’ve been unemployed for over 6 months.
- While I support our military and veterans, I don’t believe companies should favor them over others if the others are more qualified for a position.
- Doesn’t that lend itself to a sort of discrimination, or reverse discrimination?
That’s my 2 cents.
November 4, 2011
Halloween, ghosts, and demons??
Since Halloween was Monday, I had posted on facebook the story about the Sceva House that was made up by the Skit Guys (Christian Comedians) as a way of starting the dialogue this time of year about the role of the supernatural and how Christians should handle the topic.
This caused one person to respond with questions about Christians:
Well, since I believe that Christians shouldn’t be afraid to address these types of questions, let’s get to them.
Let me start out by saying that some of the Christian views about these topics may go completely against the non-Christian’s views. Please hear me out and afterwards I will try to explain how I believe the differences came about.
Do Christians believe in the supernatural?
Why shouldn’t we? Webster’s gives a couple definitions for supernatural:
Doesn’t the supernatural contradict most of the heaven and hell beliefs?
No. We believe that God has created hell as the final resting place of Satan, Satan’s angels (which are called demons), and those who reject God. So, it seems that hell exists for supernatural beings.
Now for the statement: She also stated that none of the Christians [she has] known have believed in ghosts and such, because they did not like the idea of having your soul 'trapped' on earth.
Well, here’s where we will have differing views.
First, let me share what happened in 1 Samuel 28. In this chapter, King Saul seeks out a medium to bring Samuel’s spirit up so he can ask him a question. Well, the witch did bring up his spirit. There are varying views on what happened. Either Samuel’s spirit appeared or it was an angel (or demon) representing Samuel. Either way, there is a medium that got in touch with something supernatural (Samuel’s spirit or an angel/demon).
Second, let’s remember that angels (and demons) were created by God before the world began, so they’ve been around forever, basically. The Bible also tells us that there are some in Heaven and some on Earth. We find them appearing as men and interacting with several people in the Old Testament. We even find some interacting with man in the New Testament as well. Even Jesus exercised demons out of people.
Also, I do not believe the Bible teaches that our souls are trapped here. I believe the Bible teaches that if we are saved, after we die we’ll be in God’s presence. Those who are not saved will be in a hell (which is basically a waiting cell for final judgment and final sentencing to the Lake of Fire).
Also, where did man get the notion that “ghosts” are people’s souls that are trapped here on earth? I hear that a lot. I believe that if you deny the God of the Bible and the Biblical view of Heaven and Hell, then you are left with the following logical reasoning: Someone sees a “ghost.” Since you don’t believe in angels and it looks human, the only logical conclusion would be that it is a person’s soul.
In summary: God created angels (and demons). The supernatural is comprised of God and the angels. “Ghosts” that people see are either angels or demons.
Let’s use this truth to share with others that those angels who rejected God won’t have a second chance to be with Him. They’ve sealed their fate. However, we humans have unlimited chances this side of the grave to accept God. But since it’ll be too late when we die, and we don’t know when that will be, we should accept God today.
This caused one person to respond with questions about Christians:
- Do Christians believe in the supernatural?
- Doesn’t the supernatural contradict most of the heaven and hell beliefs?
- She also stated that none of the Christians [she has] known have believed in ghosts and such, because they did not like the idea of having your soul 'trapped' on earth.
Well, since I believe that Christians shouldn’t be afraid to address these types of questions, let’s get to them.
Let me start out by saying that some of the Christian views about these topics may go completely against the non-Christian’s views. Please hear me out and afterwards I will try to explain how I believe the differences came about.
Do Christians believe in the supernatural?
Why shouldn’t we? Webster’s gives a couple definitions for supernatural:
- “of or relating to an order of existence beyond the visible observable universe; especially : of or relating to God or a god, demigod, spirit, or devil”
Christians believe in God, angels, demons (those angels who rejected God), and the Devil. So, yes, we believe that definition. - “departing from what is usual or normal especially so as to appear to transcend the laws of nature”
Christians who take the Bible literally know that God has done things outside of the laws of nature: He split the Red Sea; He made water gush from a rock; He caused the Plagues; He raised the dead; He caused a virgin to become pregnant, etc. So, yes, we believe that definition.
Doesn’t the supernatural contradict most of the heaven and hell beliefs?
No. We believe that God has created hell as the final resting place of Satan, Satan’s angels (which are called demons), and those who reject God. So, it seems that hell exists for supernatural beings.
Now for the statement: She also stated that none of the Christians [she has] known have believed in ghosts and such, because they did not like the idea of having your soul 'trapped' on earth.
Well, here’s where we will have differing views.
First, let me share what happened in 1 Samuel 28. In this chapter, King Saul seeks out a medium to bring Samuel’s spirit up so he can ask him a question. Well, the witch did bring up his spirit. There are varying views on what happened. Either Samuel’s spirit appeared or it was an angel (or demon) representing Samuel. Either way, there is a medium that got in touch with something supernatural (Samuel’s spirit or an angel/demon).
Second, let’s remember that angels (and demons) were created by God before the world began, so they’ve been around forever, basically. The Bible also tells us that there are some in Heaven and some on Earth. We find them appearing as men and interacting with several people in the Old Testament. We even find some interacting with man in the New Testament as well. Even Jesus exercised demons out of people.
Also, I do not believe the Bible teaches that our souls are trapped here. I believe the Bible teaches that if we are saved, after we die we’ll be in God’s presence. Those who are not saved will be in a hell (which is basically a waiting cell for final judgment and final sentencing to the Lake of Fire).
Also, where did man get the notion that “ghosts” are people’s souls that are trapped here on earth? I hear that a lot. I believe that if you deny the God of the Bible and the Biblical view of Heaven and Hell, then you are left with the following logical reasoning: Someone sees a “ghost.” Since you don’t believe in angels and it looks human, the only logical conclusion would be that it is a person’s soul.
In summary: God created angels (and demons). The supernatural is comprised of God and the angels. “Ghosts” that people see are either angels or demons.
Let’s use this truth to share with others that those angels who rejected God won’t have a second chance to be with Him. They’ve sealed their fate. However, we humans have unlimited chances this side of the grave to accept God. But since it’ll be too late when we die, and we don’t know when that will be, we should accept God today.
October 27, 2011
Why Halloween Costumes
A couple of years ago I figured out why kids dress up in costumes for going out for trick-or-treat night. Their parents make them.
And their parents make them dress up for a reason. You see, the parents probably don’t mind the kids going door to door getting candy, they just don’t want anyone to know that it is their kid.
Also, have you ever noticed that the parents typically stay away from the house and just send the kid to the door? Or if the kid is young, the parents will usually dress up too?
That’s so those at the door won’t recognize the kids or the parents. The parents don’t want people to know that their kids have gone out for trick-or-treat, and for very good reason.
It goes against what they taught their kid and might put them in a bad light as a bad parent. You see, parents usually teach their kids not to go up to a stranger and definitely not to take candy from a stranger. Then, on one night a year, all of that teaching goes out the window. They take their kids to strangers’ houses and let them take candy.
In short, in order to not get caught sending their kid out to a stranger’s house, and violating the “don’t take candy from strangers” teaching, parents make their kids dress up in costume for going out for trick-or-treat.
And their parents make them dress up for a reason. You see, the parents probably don’t mind the kids going door to door getting candy, they just don’t want anyone to know that it is their kid.
Also, have you ever noticed that the parents typically stay away from the house and just send the kid to the door? Or if the kid is young, the parents will usually dress up too?
That’s so those at the door won’t recognize the kids or the parents. The parents don’t want people to know that their kids have gone out for trick-or-treat, and for very good reason.
It goes against what they taught their kid and might put them in a bad light as a bad parent. You see, parents usually teach their kids not to go up to a stranger and definitely not to take candy from a stranger. Then, on one night a year, all of that teaching goes out the window. They take their kids to strangers’ houses and let them take candy.
In short, in order to not get caught sending their kid out to a stranger’s house, and violating the “don’t take candy from strangers” teaching, parents make their kids dress up in costume for going out for trick-or-treat.
October 23, 2011
Visit from some Jehovah's Witnesses
So, on Saturday, just as I was adding some comments about the Jehovah’s Witnesses to my sermon (on the Rapture in 1 Thess 4:13-18), guess who shows up in my driveway? Well, as much as I wish it was Publisher’s Clearing house, with a big check, God had something better in mind. That’s right, we got a visit from the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
After greeting them at the door and exchanging greetings, I listened, almost impatiently, as they went through their opening. I say impatiently, since I knew who they were and what they wanted. I also know what I wanted to share with them (the good news of the Gospel). But I didn’t want to be rude and interrupt. After the guy got to a stopping point, I asked if he would mind me stepping inside and getting a Bible. He said he didn’t mind.
So, I went in and returned with a copy of my Greek New Testament and a copy of the New World Translation of the Scriptures. Now, why would I use such a bible and not a KJV, NKJV, NASB, NIV, and any other Bible? Why would I use a bible that I knew was faulty? Because I didn’t want the translation to be a stumbling block to my presentation of the gospel. I know from past experience that if you point out something to them from the Bible, and don’t use their version, they will simply say that your Bible is faulty and dismiss your point. (As a sidenote, at one point, as I pointed something out – no, I don’t remember what – the guy said, “well that’s what your King James says.” I said, “no, I’m using your translation, not the King James.”) [Also, isn’t this one way of “becom[ing] all things to all men, that I might by all means save some”? (1 Cor. 9:22.)]
After going back and forth with the guy, with each of us trying to prove our Gospel, he finally asked what I thought the good news was. What an awesome question! I said that the good news is that Jesus died on the cross, was raised to life, and that by believing in Him as my Lord and Savior, I know I have a home in heaven and am saved.
I also learned a few other interesting things from the guy about their beliefs:
One question that the guy didn’t give an answer to (nor could a JW up north) was this:
John 20:28 says, “And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’”
Then I stepped them through the Greek NT and showed them that it literally says, “the Lord of me and the God of me” showing that Thomas called Him God. Then I asked, if Jesus was not God, why didn’t He rebuke Thomas or correct Thomas?
Now that I think about it, I think that this shakes their belief. Since Jesus didn’t say anything to correct Thomas, than 1 of 2 things have to be true. Either 1) Jesus is God, and no correction was needed or 2) Jesus, in not correcting Thomas, sinned and is less than perfect.
Anyway, I let them leave the second time the guy said that he could see they were not getting anywhere and neither was I. As they were leaving, I said I would pray for them. They said it wasn’t necessary. I asked if I could pray for them then and there and they said no.
I do pray for them, that God will open their eyes.
After greeting them at the door and exchanging greetings, I listened, almost impatiently, as they went through their opening. I say impatiently, since I knew who they were and what they wanted. I also know what I wanted to share with them (the good news of the Gospel). But I didn’t want to be rude and interrupt. After the guy got to a stopping point, I asked if he would mind me stepping inside and getting a Bible. He said he didn’t mind.
So, I went in and returned with a copy of my Greek New Testament and a copy of the New World Translation of the Scriptures. Now, why would I use such a bible and not a KJV, NKJV, NASB, NIV, and any other Bible? Why would I use a bible that I knew was faulty? Because I didn’t want the translation to be a stumbling block to my presentation of the gospel. I know from past experience that if you point out something to them from the Bible, and don’t use their version, they will simply say that your Bible is faulty and dismiss your point. (As a sidenote, at one point, as I pointed something out – no, I don’t remember what – the guy said, “well that’s what your King James says.” I said, “no, I’m using your translation, not the King James.”) [Also, isn’t this one way of “becom[ing] all things to all men, that I might by all means save some”? (1 Cor. 9:22.)]
After going back and forth with the guy, with each of us trying to prove our Gospel, he finally asked what I thought the good news was. What an awesome question! I said that the good news is that Jesus died on the cross, was raised to life, and that by believing in Him as my Lord and Savior, I know I have a home in heaven and am saved.
I also learned a few other interesting things from the guy about their beliefs:
- They believe that Jesus was not God but a sinless man
- They believe all people are born with a sin nature (no, I didn’t get to ask if Jesus was a man, was He born with a sin nature, making Him less than perfect?)
- They believe that Jesus’ death on the cross paid our ransom
- They don’t believe in a New Heaven and New Earth as the Bible states
- They didn’t explain what it meant to them to be “saved” – other than just said we need to study the Bible and live according to it
One question that the guy didn’t give an answer to (nor could a JW up north) was this:
John 20:28 says, “And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’”
Then I stepped them through the Greek NT and showed them that it literally says, “the Lord of me and the God of me” showing that Thomas called Him God. Then I asked, if Jesus was not God, why didn’t He rebuke Thomas or correct Thomas?
Now that I think about it, I think that this shakes their belief. Since Jesus didn’t say anything to correct Thomas, than 1 of 2 things have to be true. Either 1) Jesus is God, and no correction was needed or 2) Jesus, in not correcting Thomas, sinned and is less than perfect.
Anyway, I let them leave the second time the guy said that he could see they were not getting anywhere and neither was I. As they were leaving, I said I would pray for them. They said it wasn’t necessary. I asked if I could pray for them then and there and they said no.
I do pray for them, that God will open their eyes.
October 18, 2011
Yesterday’s CCM and Today’s CCM
I find it interesting that the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) that I grew up on is connected with today’s CCM.
Here’s an example of what I mean:
Today’s CCM Yesterday’s CCM
TobyMac DC Talk – which was Michael Tait, Toby Mac, and Kevin Max
Newsboys w/ Michael Tait DC Talk – which was Michael Tait, Toby Mac, and Kevin Max
Newsboys w/ Sean Taylor Steve Taylor – Sean’s father (of and Steve still produces their stuff)
Steven Curtis Chapman Steven Curtis Chapman
Phillips, Craig, and Dean Phillips, Craig, and Dean
Michael W. Smith Michael W. Smith
Amy Grant Amy Grant
It is neat to see how some of these artists (like SCC, Smith, etc) are still going strong for the Lord with their music. It is also neat to see how some of the other older CCM helped pave the way for today’s CCM. Steve Camp had a good career and it seems his son has picked right up in his shoes. Despite DC Talk’s break, it is great to see Toby Mac and Michael Tait still singing for the Lord. Also, it’s great to see Steve Taylor’s influence in Newsboys, both when his son was in it, and still today. He’s even had a few bit parts in some of their songs, like Not Ashamed and In The Belly Of The Whale. (BTW, if you have never heard some of Steve Taylor’s material, you are certainly missing out).
Here’s an example of what I mean:
Today’s CCM Yesterday’s CCM
TobyMac DC Talk – which was Michael Tait, Toby Mac, and Kevin Max
Newsboys w/ Michael Tait DC Talk – which was Michael Tait, Toby Mac, and Kevin Max
Newsboys w/ Sean Taylor Steve Taylor – Sean’s father (of and Steve still produces their stuff)
Steven Curtis Chapman Steven Curtis Chapman
Phillips, Craig, and Dean Phillips, Craig, and Dean
Michael W. Smith Michael W. Smith
Amy Grant Amy Grant
It is neat to see how some of these artists (like SCC, Smith, etc) are still going strong for the Lord with their music. It is also neat to see how some of the other older CCM helped pave the way for today’s CCM. Steve Camp had a good career and it seems his son has picked right up in his shoes. Despite DC Talk’s break, it is great to see Toby Mac and Michael Tait still singing for the Lord. Also, it’s great to see Steve Taylor’s influence in Newsboys, both when his son was in it, and still today. He’s even had a few bit parts in some of their songs, like Not Ashamed and In The Belly Of The Whale. (BTW, if you have never heard some of Steve Taylor’s material, you are certainly missing out).
October 14, 2011
Sardine Festival
[gallery]
Looking for an unusual outing? Look no further than the annual Sardine festival.
Friday, October 14, 2011, my wife and I ventured over to Aberdeen, NC for the festival. We arrived as the people were setting up everything. We got our tickets for the food and listened to the live bluegrass music while we waited until they were ready to serve the food. (The food was free, but donations were welcomed*).
Knowing Hilary does not like sardines, we brought some extra food along. In line, I got 1 can of sardines and crackers for me, moonpies and diet cheerwine for both of us. The sardines were not as good as I remembered, so after eating alittle more of them, I was glad we brought extra food along with us.
Around noon, some of the past Sardine Queens arrived in 2 convertibles, attired in semi-fancy dress with strange hats. One hat was a shark, another had a crown on top of a cowboy hat, and still another had a whole lunch attached to the outside of it (pack of butter, sardines, moonpie, and mountain dew).
The new Sardine Queen arrived in a firetruck. After a speech by the new queen, we listened to some more bluegrass music. There were some t-shirt giveaways, as well as t-shirts and hats for sale. (They kept saying these “19th Annual Sardine Festival” shirts make good Christmas gifts….hmmm).
All in all, it was a great time of good clean fun (that smelled alittle fishy).
Oh – You might be like me, wondering how something like this gets started, huh?! I mean isn’t it strange to have an annual 3-hour festival based around sardines in a town that isn’t famous for sardines?!
Well, here’s the backstory, according to the Pilot News:
The late Randall Moss started the festival as a joke. One day, his daughter forced him to eat his sardine lunch across the highway from his office at Aberdeen Lake Park because she couldn’t stand the smell. Moss invited his friends to join him and, just like that, a festival was born.
*According to the Pilot newspaper article: Last year, the event raised $2,500, which was donated to local youth organizations, including local Boy Scouts and a local little league team.
Looking for an unusual outing? Look no further than the annual Sardine festival.
Friday, October 14, 2011, my wife and I ventured over to Aberdeen, NC for the festival. We arrived as the people were setting up everything. We got our tickets for the food and listened to the live bluegrass music while we waited until they were ready to serve the food. (The food was free, but donations were welcomed*).
Knowing Hilary does not like sardines, we brought some extra food along. In line, I got 1 can of sardines and crackers for me, moonpies and diet cheerwine for both of us. The sardines were not as good as I remembered, so after eating alittle more of them, I was glad we brought extra food along with us.
Around noon, some of the past Sardine Queens arrived in 2 convertibles, attired in semi-fancy dress with strange hats. One hat was a shark, another had a crown on top of a cowboy hat, and still another had a whole lunch attached to the outside of it (pack of butter, sardines, moonpie, and mountain dew).
The new Sardine Queen arrived in a firetruck. After a speech by the new queen, we listened to some more bluegrass music. There were some t-shirt giveaways, as well as t-shirts and hats for sale. (They kept saying these “19th Annual Sardine Festival” shirts make good Christmas gifts….hmmm).
All in all, it was a great time of good clean fun (that smelled alittle fishy).
Oh – You might be like me, wondering how something like this gets started, huh?! I mean isn’t it strange to have an annual 3-hour festival based around sardines in a town that isn’t famous for sardines?!
Well, here’s the backstory, according to the Pilot News:
The late Randall Moss started the festival as a joke. One day, his daughter forced him to eat his sardine lunch across the highway from his office at Aberdeen Lake Park because she couldn’t stand the smell. Moss invited his friends to join him and, just like that, a festival was born.
*According to the Pilot newspaper article: Last year, the event raised $2,500, which was donated to local youth organizations, including local Boy Scouts and a local little league team.
September 21, 2011
North Moore Youth Rally cont.
Well, the rally is 3/4 over. It has been a great week so far. You do not want to miss tonight's!
On Monday night, Jamie Brown brought us another great challenge from the life of Gideon and how God gave the victory to the 300 He chose. New Covenant Fellowship Praise Team led us in worship.
Last night , Faith Baptist Youth and First Baptist Youth did some great skits for us and Victorious Sounds Ministry led us in worship. Evangelist Cody Shew brought us a message about hope from Ezra 10:2.
Tonight, the Sandhills Teen Challenge will be leading us in worship and we'll have another great challenge from evangelist Cody Shew. You won't want to miss it!
On Monday night, Jamie Brown brought us another great challenge from the life of Gideon and how God gave the victory to the 300 He chose. New Covenant Fellowship Praise Team led us in worship.
Last night , Faith Baptist Youth and First Baptist Youth did some great skits for us and Victorious Sounds Ministry led us in worship. Evangelist Cody Shew brought us a message about hope from Ezra 10:2.
Tonight, the Sandhills Teen Challenge will be leading us in worship and we'll have another great challenge from evangelist Cody Shew. You won't want to miss it!
September 19, 2011
Northern Moore Youth Rally
If you missed the Northern Moore Youth Rally Sunday night, you still have 3 more opportunities to come out to it! And you won’t want to miss it!
From about 5pm until about 6:30ish, there was a “meet and greet” time of food and fellowship. The pizza and homemade desserts were great. It was also great to see and hear people catching up with others they had not seen for a while.
Over in the auditorium, the group BeDoTell played some praise and worship music until it was time for the prize drawings. They gave away various CDs and 27 of the left over pizzas.
About 7pm, the main rally kicked off. Again, BeDoTell led us in worship. Then Pastor Jamie Brown gave a challenge from God’s Word. Using Acts 16:19-34 as his text, he spoke about the joy Paul and Silas had as Christians, about their witnessing, about the jailor’s conversion, and about our need of salvation and of witnessing to others once we’re saved. There was an altar call and several teens went forward for salvation or rededication.
It was a great night of praise, worship, and a challenge from God’s Word.
It was also impressive to see the auditorium pretty well filled with people who wanted to hear from God’s Word. Those in attendance ranged from a couple who were only a couple months old to several who were in their 70s and 80s. There were also several denominations represented, including Friends (Quakers), Methodist, and Baptists. Yet, we were all united by the same Gospel and the same Word of God.
As I said, if you missed it, you won’t want to miss the next couple nights. It starts at 7pm each night at North Moore High School. See you there!
From about 5pm until about 6:30ish, there was a “meet and greet” time of food and fellowship. The pizza and homemade desserts were great. It was also great to see and hear people catching up with others they had not seen for a while.
Over in the auditorium, the group BeDoTell played some praise and worship music until it was time for the prize drawings. They gave away various CDs and 27 of the left over pizzas.
About 7pm, the main rally kicked off. Again, BeDoTell led us in worship. Then Pastor Jamie Brown gave a challenge from God’s Word. Using Acts 16:19-34 as his text, he spoke about the joy Paul and Silas had as Christians, about their witnessing, about the jailor’s conversion, and about our need of salvation and of witnessing to others once we’re saved. There was an altar call and several teens went forward for salvation or rededication.
It was a great night of praise, worship, and a challenge from God’s Word.
It was also impressive to see the auditorium pretty well filled with people who wanted to hear from God’s Word. Those in attendance ranged from a couple who were only a couple months old to several who were in their 70s and 80s. There were also several denominations represented, including Friends (Quakers), Methodist, and Baptists. Yet, we were all united by the same Gospel and the same Word of God.
As I said, if you missed it, you won’t want to miss the next couple nights. It starts at 7pm each night at North Moore High School. See you there!
May 9, 2011
Getting Ready for NC
Since I'll be new to North Carolina, I thought I would take the advice of my cousin Ken Grant and start a blog of my adventures learning about North Carolina. I am looking forward to learning new things, exploring new places, and doing my best to document them on here.
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