Shane Bernard & Shane Everett is my favorite musical group at the moment. I'm going to their concert on May 10. Their lyrics are amazing and right on target. Here is what they wrote on the insert of the Carry Away CD:
We have got to have HIM!
Jesus, who seems way too good to be true, is the greatest taste we have ever known. So, may all that we hold so dear leave us appetized, at best, for Him who created it - the author and fulfiller of life and pleasure. Who, no matter how shiny "things" become, out shines them, and no matter how cloudy our days become, outlast them. For in Him, clouds become glorious (Rom. 8:28)! Their rain falls with grace and we are flooded under the downpour of a fallen world (Rom. 8:20). Wet, hurt, and ...satisfied.
Blue skies are no longer our pursuit and sunny days no longer our reward... He IS! And He is better! Jesus - the richest of fare (Psalm 63:5)! Who came not for "good days," but that we may have life and life to the FULL! (John 10:10).
So, we pray that you would drink deep as you listen, more than music, you would find Jesus and as you get before your Maker, may your kingdoms collapse in light of all that is better. May you find the fullness of joy in His presence (Psalm 16:11) and may His nearness become your good (Psalm 73:28).
Shane & Shane
The most important part of the message of the cross is that Jesus after He accomplished our justification by His death rose to life to ever intercede for us!
Alleluia, Christ is risen, Alleluia. Jesus Christ is risen today!
Note from Peter Hubbard
Easter is a big deal! Why? Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ so central and so significant? Here are a few reasons:
The resurrection of Jesus is…
• the sign for unbelievers (Matthew 12:38-40)
• the comfort for believers (Luke 24:36-39)
• the core of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-5)
• the subject of early preaching (Acts 4:2)
• the catalyst for evangelism (Luke 24:45-48)
• the daily fuel for victorious living (Romans 8:1-11)
• the basis of fruitful service (1 Corinthians 15:58)
• the confidence of future resurrection (1 John 3:2)
• the hope of eternal inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-5)
Without the resurrection of Jesus, “we are of all men most pitiable.” So it is virtually impossible to over-emphasize our Lord’s resurrection. He is alive! Join us this Sunday as we celebrate His victory over fear, doubt and death!
What does the cross mean to you? How often do you think of what Jesus did there? Is the cross the main thing in your life? Do you think of the cross as a one time thing that God used to save us and now you've moved on from there? What happens to worldly stuff when you stand close to the cross?
Paul says: "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures..." 1 Cor. 15:1-11
"The gospel," writes Jerry Bridges, "is not only the most important message in all of history, it is the only essential message in all of history."
"We should live every day as if the cross has happened yesterday." C.J.
The cross.
It should be our single-most passion in this life. Everyday we are dependant on what happened on that tree. Because Jesus was raised up on one of Rome's forms of death penalty, we are justified. The Son was crushed and then separated from the Father. Death and fear were defeated. Hell was conquered.
Jesus, thank you
The mystery of the cross I cannot comprehend
The agonies of Calvary
You the perfect holy One crushed Your Son
Drank the bitter cup reserved for me
Your blood has washed away my sin
Jesus, thank You
The Father’s wrath completely satisfied
Jesus, thank You
Once Your enemy now seated at Your table
Jesus, thank You
By Your perfect sacrifice I’ve been brought near
Your enemy You’ve made Your friend
Pouring out the riches of Your glorious grace
Your mercy and Your kindness know no end
Lover of my soul, I want to live for You
Excerpts from "Living the Cross Centered Life" by C.J. Mahaney
Jesus, thank you - Pat Sczebel (Sovereign Grace Worship)
This is one of my favorite songs. Appropriate for this time of year.
I used to listen to it all the time, over and over again...
It also was one of Charles' favorites. After being used in his memorial service, I can't help but think of Charles every time I hear it. The best part is that I'll be spending time with Charles again because I know my Redeemer lives. The song still makes me choke up a little bit.
Redeemer
Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning
Who told the ocean you an only come this far?
Who showed the moon where to hide 'til evening
Whose words alone can catch a falling star?
Well I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
All of creation testify
This life within me cries
I know my Redeemer lives
The very same God that spins things in orbit
He runs to the weary, the worn and the weak
And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken
They conquered death to bring me victory
Now I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life wihtin me cry
I know my Redeemer, He lives
To take away my shame
And He lives forever I'll proclaim
That the payment for my sin
Was the precious life He gave
But now He's alive
And there's a new day
Redeemer - Nicole C. Mullen
(c) Word Records
This was a great book, so if you don't have it go buy it.
and while you're at it - buy the sequel. It's a great one too!
Written by R.K. Mortensen and Illustrated by this awesome guy named cory
After much prayer and searching, God has lead Drew, Teresa, Roger, and little "R" to a church where they can serve. The door has opened for Drew to be the pastor of a little Baptist church in KC. The church has been hurting and is in need of God's comfort and some good ole bible preaching.
My prayer was that they would somehow make it down here to SC, and God answered that prayer. =)
NHCC online has started podcasting our services! Listen to this past Sunday's sermon - it was awesome!!
or if you know what you're doing:
http://www.nhcconline.com/Sermons/RSS/sermons.xml