Archive for July, 2011
Let’s set the Church Back 2,000 Years!
In July of 2000, Billy Graham was too ill to deliver an opening address,
even by satellite, at a week-long international tribute to him in
Amsterdam.
Instead, his son Franklin delivered the address on his behalf. “We must
go back and search the word of God to discover what we need to do
for the extension of the Kingdom in our day,” said Billy Graham, in a
statement read by his son. “We must go back 2,000 years to discover
the future.”
In 1949, at an 8-week Los Angeles revival, a fellow evangelist
accused Graham of setting religion back 100 years. Graham replied,
“I did indeed want to set religion back, not just 100 years but
1,900 years, to the Book of Acts, when first century followers of
Christ were accused of turning the Roman Empire upside down.”
Church Music Inspires
At church recently, I admired a song that I heard, mainly because the woman that played the keyboard was extremely talented. Her fingers danced all over the keyboard, emanating enchanting sounds throughout the acoustic room. I have always appreciated how well she played, so I took a quick moment to compliment her after service, and asked her “How did you learn to pay like that?” Astonishingly, she replied, “I taught myself how to play the keyboard.”
She proceeded to explain how she spent years, on a very part-time basis, learning the basics, practicing, and finally refining her skills. As amazing a woman played, I of course, became a skeptic. But, after researching the subject, I realized that it was, indeed accomplishable.
Building A Church Pt 2
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
The Book of Acts, gives us the instructions on, how a church must be run.
The main thing that we see, in a new Church, is singleness of mind and heart. We see this in Acts 4:32-35 and 2:44-47. There is a delegation of authority, that goes threw the leadership of the church as stated in Act 6:2-4; Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. This delegation of positions within the church structure, aid the Pastor in relieving him of the, day by day workings of the church.
And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.(Act 4:32-35)
From Pianist to Church Organist – Tips on How to Make the Transition
One moment you are happy and relaxed playing the hymns and choruses on the piano, the next minute you find yourself on the organ after being approached by the Vicar. Well, he or she did say some nice things and it is your Christian duty – right!
Now that your arms and legs are flying in all directions, the pressure is on and although you are working very hard at every opportunity, you are still finding it difficult to keep up with the requirements of the job.