A Call for Mercy Petition – Asia Bibi

 

Like me, many of you receive updates from the “Voices of Martyrs” organization. Recently they’ve asked for a petition to be signed for someone who could potentially be put to death in Pakistan for her professed belief in Christ. This seems like a very worthwhile effort to me.

The information and petition to sign may be found by going to the below site:

WWW.CALLFORMERCY.COM

 

Informed Choice of Iowa Fundraising Banquet

The “Informed Choice” of Iowa clinic is having a fundraising banquet coming up on Tuesday, October 25 at the Coralville Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. The seating begins at 6:45pm with the dinner and program going from 7 – 9pm. Among other things, they’re scheduled to have some very moving testimonies from women who have “chosen life” for their children. Keep their efforts in your prayers and consider supporting them through this and other events. For more information, go here.

Hope for Fraternities and Sororities? Reclaiming Efforts Taking Place

I found the below article from our friends at “To the Source” to be very interesting. I decided to post it below (used by permission) -Eric ____________________________________________________    Reclaiming Fraternities and Sororities
Better known as bastions of partying and hook-ups, American fraternities and sororities were actually founded in the 18th and 19th centuries as Christian fellowship societies. In a return to those roots, a growing number of college students are holding Bible studies and prayer meetings at fraternities and sororities nationwide. As students return to campus this fall, Greek InterVarsity is mobilizing college students to transform lives and develop “world changers” in a system that helps produce many of the nation’s presidents, members of Congress, U.S. Supreme Court justices and business leaders.
September 14, 2011	by tothesource
The college students who established the first American fraternities and sororities in the 18th and 19th centuries – the earliest was Phi Beta Kappa in 1776 at the College of William & Mary – founded the societies as Christian fellowships.That may be surprising given the reputation of today’s fraternities and sororities – a notoriety stoked by movies like National Lampoon’s Animal House – as hotbeds of hard partying and “hook-ups.”In an effort to return to the Greek system’s roots – and fight the the tendency for faith to take a back seat and church attendance to drop off during the college years – an increasing number of college-age Christians are joining fraternities and sororities, holding Bible studies and prayer meetings and becoming a witness for Jesus Christ.”Fraternities and sororities have long been known for partying and sex, but this wasn’t always the case,” says Eric Holmer, spokesman for Greek InterVarsity, an interdenominational ministry that mobilizes college students through regional conferences and campus meetings to engage in Bible studies and similar activities within the Greek system. “A larger number of the largest social fraternities and sororities were originally founded as Christian fellowships – a place where men and woman could find community, friendship, social activities and personal development.”These aims and principles are still found in the bylaws and rituals of many fraternities and sororities, but are in many cases largely ignored in practice, Holmer says.”Greek InterVarsity believes that it shouldn’t be an oxymoron to consider yourself a Greek Christian – that is to be a practicing follower of Jesus within a fraternity or sorority house,” Holmer says. In what is becoming a growing movement in the Greek system, thousands of college students are participating in Bible studies and prayer meetings at the nation’s fraternities and sororities. As students return to college this fall, Holmer says the vision of Greek InterVarsity is to see “lives transformed, campuses renewed and world changers developed.” “The Greek system is often stereotyped, overlooked and written off, but Greek InterVarsity makes this community its focus,” Holmer says. “We seek to develop student-led movements in fraternity and sorority houses both by training leaders to minister to their brothers and sisters through Bible studies and prayer meetings, and by giving them encouragement to be a compassionate and available spiritual resource to their chapter.” Greek InterVarsity chapters are located at 71 colleges and universities ranging from the Ivy League to the Big 10 to smaller liberal arts colleges. More than 2,700 students at 321 fraternity and sorority chapters are involved. Nearly 160 small group Bible studies took place at those chapters and 161 fraternity and sorority members became Christians through the ministry last year. The movement was featured in a recent New York Times story, “Where raucous is the norm, Bible study.” “It’s not like a sweeping movement over Greek life, but there is a change being made in people and in the houses,” says Chelsea Richter, a 21-year-old senior at Central Michigan University who participates in a Bible study at her sorority. “It’s not like all of a sudden there are no more parties in Greek life, but there is a movement where there are quite a few houses where girls and guys have decided to turn their lives over to Christ and give up worldly things.” Holmer says the Greek system is an incredible missionary field and offers an opportunity to reach tomorrow’s leaders for Christ. Greek alumni make up 48 percent of all United States presidents, 42 percent of U.S. senators, 30 percent of U.S. representatives, 40 percent of members of the U.S. Supreme Court and 30 percent of Fortune 500 executives. “I thought it was the weirdest thing ever, but it is a great place to witness and minister to people,” Richter says. “It’s a place where most Christians on campus will shy away from, but in my opinion Greeks are calling out, wanting somebody to show them how to live out their faith.” Joy Karl, a 21-year-old senior at the University of Cincinnati studying early childhood education, says she became involved in Greek InterVarsity after getting an e-mail from the president of her sorority. The president was passing along an e-mail from a Greek InterVarsity leader named Michelle who was coming to the university to start a Bible study for the summer. “I was at a crossroads in my life and had really been feeling God tugging on my heart and to start a relationship with him again, so Michelle’s e-mail could not have come at a better time,” Karl says. Inspired by Michelle, Karl started a Bible study at her sorority. The attendance has varied week to week, but every study has brought meaningful conversations with her sorority sisters. “There are many people who reach out to me and say that they love that I started a Bible study and they want to come,” Karl says. “They have so many questions and would really like their faith reestablished, but they do not end up coming. I do not take this personally because I understand that it can be very hard to be vulnerable and put yourself out there and stand for something that is not necessarily popular or understood in college.” Kurt Skaggs, a 21-year-old senior at Indiana University studying business, says he became involved in Greek InterVarsity after seeing a flyer on a bus. He attended a Bible study and was impressed that the message was not the “watered-down gospel to appeal to the masses like some Christian college organizations seem to be about.” Skaggs, a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, says being a Christian in a fraternity gives him a unique opportunity to live in a “witness field like no other.” He doesn’t judge his fellow fraternity brothers, but rather uses it as an opportunity to share Jesus with them. “Getting drunk and having sex with girls is no different than someone idolizing his grades or someone else believing his own works make him a moral and good person,” Skaggs says. “Only Christ can bring true joy and fulfillment to one’s life, so witnessing to those brothers involved in drunkenness and premarital sex is actually a bridge to the Christian conversation of how Christ satisfies in the ways that those sins cannot.” Cody Scott, a 20-year-old junior at George Washington University studying international affairs and international economics, got involved with Greek InterVarsity after learning about it on Facebook. Scott, public relations chairman for the Sigma Chi fraternity, now serves as a student leader of the organization, planning events, organizing Bible studies and developing recruitment strategies. Scott says an organization that tells students they can be both Greeks and Christians is “one of the most refreshing things a college student can hear.” “It’s breaking down a stereotype that fraternity guys and sororities girls behave and act a certain way,” Scott says. “And what’s better is that it’s the very fraternity and sorority members who are creating this change.” Scott says the first time he hosted a Bible study at his fraternity the house was abuzz with “a lot of hype and, unfortunately, and lot of disapproval as well.” But Scott held the Bible study, talking about passages concerning helping others and the bond of brotherhood. “It was a bit awkward at first to bring this part of my life up to my brothers, but it was worth it,” Scott says. “It sparked a lot of curiosity.” Although it may seem “completely backwards and counter-cultural from the outside,” Scott believes Bible studies at fraternities and sororities are among the strongest ways to express and live out the values of “brotherhood” and “sisterhood” that Greeks profess. “Think about it: If everyone is hanging out at a party every weekend having a good time, sure it’s fun, but how is that showing that we care for one another on more than a social or physical level? Bible studies allow us to bring our challenges, our questions, and our lives together before one another,” Scott says. “As brothers and sisters we can examine what occurs around us, and look to a common source (Scripture) to see what we can do build up those around us. At the end of the day, we’re all seeking grace – I’m pretty sure throwing a huge party can’t give you that – no matter how much fun it may seem in the meantime.” Scott says many students have become Christians or rededicated their lives to Jesus through the ministry. He heard many of these testimonies at the Greek InterVarsity’s Greek Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina earlier this year. Greek InterVarsity has been holding regional Greek Conferences since 1994 when a few dozen students braved a blizzard and gathered in a small hotel outside Indianapolis, Indiana. Since then, the conferences have been held in Charlotte, Long Island, New York and in Southern California. At the conference, students learn how to live as a Christian within the Greek system and how to lead Bible studies in their chapters. Other seminars address questions about privilege and power and about vocation, especially for seniors. “I’ve heard several stories of people becoming Christians after they finally had the chance to sit down and look at what Jesus actually said about the people he cared for – not what people say he said – but what he actually did according to Scripture,” Scott says. “Once people encounter these truths firsthand, it changes their outlook on life. They either accept it, or they don’t. And it seems an overwhelming percent of the time, it forces them to look deeper into the Jesus’ words to see what it means for their lives – and it ultimately changes them.” Holmer says it’s his hope and prayer that the ministry will ignite a spiritual awakening and a cultural shift on college campuses nationwide. In turn, Holmer hopes those Greeks who become Christians will exert a positive spiritual influence in the years ahead throughout the world. For more information about Greek InterVarsity, log into http://www.intervarsity.org/greek.

© Copyright 2011 – tothesource

Courageous Movie – Get Ready to Take Courage

Many of you already know there is a mainstream, Christian, feature film release coming to theaters very soon. The movie is entitled “Courageous,” and has been created by the same people who made “Fireproof” – with the theme this time being on taking courage to have a healthy family. The film will be released in many theaters on Friday, Sept. 30, with our own city (Chariton, IA) getting it shortly after that. I’ve been pleased that each movie produced by these film-makers has been progressively higher quality and more meaningful. The film trailer and particular scenes can be viewed by going right here - revealing it to be especially promising.

This is yet another excellent time to send a message to Hollywood by supporting a film that speaks positively about Christian values. Know that many inroads are currently being made in the entertainment industry with executives’ “pocket books” prompting them to work through their prejudices about what a mainstream movie release “should” or “shouldn’t” be. For a number of recent months I’ve been very pleased to see the “Courageous” movie trailer alongside the previews of other standard Hollywood films throughout various theaters.  

If you live in the Southern Iowa area, know that a “Courageous” themed emphasis will take place at Cornerstone Community Church, Chariton, IA, from Sundays, October 16 through November 23, and you and your family are invited to 10:15am worship and 9am classes which will feature the themes/subjects addressed in the film:

Cornerstone Community Church – 120 Northwestern Ave. Chariton, IA. 50049. (641) 774-LOVE (5683). www.cornerstonecommunitychurch.net

Take Courage,

-Pastor Eric

Joshua 1:9; John 16:33

Exodus 13 – Go Priestly – The Consecrated Life

The following is some extra background material, relevant scripture passages, and applicable quotes from our recent study in Exodus on the law of the firstborn and the consecrated life.

_________________________________________________

Hebrew: qadash “to consecrate, to set apart, to sanctify, to make holy” 

Exodus 13:1-16. After an introductory statement about the Israelites’ firstborn (vv. 1-2), who were to be dedicated for the service of the Lord (since they were spared the 10th plague)… Moses addressed the people again about the Passover and the Unleavened Bread feasts (vv. 3-10), and then returned to the subject of the firstborn (vv. 11-16).

“Once in the land of promise (Ex. 13:11), the firstborn sons and male animals were to be dedicated to the Lord (cf. v. 2; Numb. 18:15). Animals were included because they too benefited from the redemption which God provided in the 10th plague (Davis, Moses and the Gods of Egypt, p. 154). Since donkeys were considered ceremonially unclean animals (Lev. 11:2-4) they could not be sacrificed, but they could be redeemed (Heb. padah, “to buy back for a price“) by lambs sacrificed in their place. Of course, since human sacrifice was unacceptable the Hebrews’ sons were also to be ‘redeemed.’ This too would have teaching value in the home (cf. Ex. 12:26-27; 13:8). The Egyptian firstborn were slain, in judgment, and the Israelite ‘firstborn’ were either slain (the animals) in substitutionary sacrifice or redeemed (the sons). Like the Feast of Unleavened Bread (vv. 7-9) the consecration of the firstborn was a sign and symbol, a reminder of God’s powerful deliverance (v. 16). both were reminders of God’s gracious deliverance from the land of bondage”  (Walvoord and Zuck – The Bible Knowledge Commentary p. 130)

“Closely linked with the account of Israel’s release from Egypt and the Passover was the consecration of all the firstborn in Israel. The connection of v. 1 with the preceding events is secured by comparing the repeated reference to ‘that very day’ (12:41, 51) with ‘this day’ (13:3) and ‘today, in the month of abib, you are leaving’ (vs. 4). Therefore, the sanctification of all firstborn was commanded by God probably at Succoth, the first stopping place after the Exodus (12:37); and it fell within the seven days set aside for the Feast of Unleavened Bread (12:15).”

“The general principle is set forth in v. 2: every ‘firstborn’ (Heb. bekor0 male of both man and beast (as explained in vv. 12-13), i.e., the first ‘offspring’ (that which opens the womb) belongs to the Lord and is therefore ‘to be set apart’ (qadash) from common usage for holy purposes. Thus God set aside the seventh day, the tabernacle, the tribe of Levi – and here all firstborn. The basis for God’s claim was not connected here with his lordship over all creation (Ps. 24;1 et al.); but as KD point out (2:33) from Numbers 3:13 and 8:17, it was based on the fact that God had already set apart to himself the firstborn in Israel on the day he smote all the firstborn of Egypt. Their sanctification did not rest on their deliverance from the tenth plague, but rather on God’s adoption of Israel as his “firstborn” led to his delivering them. From that time onward, that spared nation would dedicate the firstborn of its men and beasts in the way detailed in vv.12-16 in commemoration of God’s acts of love and his deeds that night.

(11-16) “As Israel ‘passed over’ the Red Seas and the destroyer ‘passed over’ their firstborn, so now they were ‘to cause to pass over’ or ‘give over’ to the Lord a;; their firstborn when they entered the land (v. 12). (Notice the connection between the ‘Passover’ and the ‘Passing Over’ of the death angel in the comment on 12:13). Only two slight modifications (v. 13) were made to this principle: (1) all firstborn male humans (firstborn females were exempted) were to be redeemed (padah) or ‘bought back at a price’ … (2) donkeys were to be ‘bought back’ or ‘ransomed’ (padah) by a lamb or kid since donkeys were ‘unclean’ animals and therefore unfit for sacrifice … to prevent any refusal to follow this command to ransom their animals, the Israelites were to kill them by breaking their necks.”

“The obligation of the firstborn to serve the LORD in some nonpriestly work around the sanctuary was later transferred to the Levites who became God’s authorized substitutes for each firstborn boy or man (Num 3). When the number of Levites was exhausted, additional males could be ransomed or redeemed at a price of five shekels apiece. Verses 15-16 again reiterate the explanation: the firstborn were owned by the LORD; for he dramatically spared them in the tenth plague, and he had previously called them to be his firstborn in 4:22″ (Walter Kaiser, Jr. Expositors Bible Commentary; Frank E. Gaebelein Gen. Ed. pp. 382-383) 

“FIRSTBORN: First son born to a couple and required to be specially dedicated to God. The firstborn son of newly married people was believed to represent the prime of human vigor (Gen. 49:3; Ps. 78:51). In memory of the death of Egypt’s firstborn and the preservation of the firstborn of Israel, all the firstborn of Israel, both of man and beast, belonged to Yahweh (Ex. 13:2,15; compare 12:12-16). This mean that the people of Israel attached unusual value to the eldest sons and assigned special privileges and responsibilities to him. He was presented to the Lord when he was a month old. Since he belonged to the Lord, it was necessary for the father to buy back the child from the priest at a redemption price not to exceed five shekels (Num. 18:16)…

The firstborn of a clean animal was brought into the sanctuary on the eighth day after birth (Ex. 22:30). If it were without blemish, it was sacrificed (Deut. 15:19; Num. 18:17). If it had a blemish, the priest to whom it was given could eat it as common food outside Jerusalem (Deut. 15:21-23), or it could be eaten at home by its owner, Apparently the firstborn of clean animals were not to be used for any work since they belonged to the Lord (Deut. 15:19). The firstborn of an unclean animal had to be redeemed by an estimation of the priest, with the addition of one-fifth (Lev. 27:27; Num 18:15). According to Exodus 13:13; 34:20, the firstborn of an ass was either ransomed by a sheep or lamb, or its neck had to be broken. Figuratively, Israel was God’s ‘firstborn’ (Ex. 4:22; Jer. 31:9) and enjoyed priority status. God compared His relationship to Israel with the relationship of a father and his firstborn son. Within Israel, the tribe of Levi represented the firstborn of the nation in its worship ceremony (Num. 3:40-41; 8:18). Christ is the ‘firstborn’ of the Father (Heb. 1:6 NIV) by having preeminent position over others in relation to Him. He is also described as firstborn among many brethren‘ (Rom. 8:29) and ‘firstborn of all creation’ (Col. 1:15 NAS). Paul (Col. 1:18) and John (Rev. 1:5) refer to Christ as ‘firstborn from the dead’ – the first to rise bodily from the grave and not die again. Hebrews 12:23 refers to the ‘church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven.’ Christian believers united with and as joint heirs of Christ, enjoy the status of ‘firstborn’ in God’s household” (Walker – from Holman Bible Dictionary – p.493)

 Some more relevant N.T. passages on the theme of the “consecrated” life:

I Peter 2:4-5 “Coming to Him as to a living stone rejected by men, but chosen by God and precious” (5) “You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”

Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (2) “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God”

I Cor. 6:19-20 “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”  (20) “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s“   

Colossians 3:1-5 “if then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God” (2) “Set your mind on things above not on things on the earth” (3) “For you died and your life is hidden with Christ in God” … (5) “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry”

“Holiness does not consist in mystic speculations, enthusiastic fervours, or uncommanded austerities; it consists of thinking as God thinks, and willing as God wills” (Scottish theologian John Brown as quoted from “The Pursuit of Holiness” by Jerry Bridges p. 46-47)

“Whenever we seriously contemplate the holiness of God, our natural reaction is to say with Isaiah, ‘Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty” (Is. 6:5). A Serious view of the holiness of God – His own moral perfection and infinite hatred of sin – will leave us, as it did Isaiah, seeing with utter dismay our own lack of holiness. His moral purity serves to magnify our impurity” … “You, too, if you diligently pursue holiness, must often flee to the Rock of your salvation. You flee there, not to be saved again but to confirm in your heart that you are saved through His righteousness alone” (Jerry Bridges from The Pursuit of Holiness pp 43, 45) 

Benjamin Smiles Toy Run – 2011 – Photo Moments

To Peggy Curtis and all those involved in the 2011 Benjamin Smiles Toy Run – great job! I’m certain many kids at Blank Children’s Hospital experienced the love of God. Here are some photo moments:

9th Annual Benjamin Smiles Toy Run – July 10, 2011

This Sunday, July 10 2011 the 10:15am service @ Cornerstone Community Church in Chariton, Iowa will take place in connection with the 9th Annual Benjamin Smiles Toy Run. This annual ride began in 2002 to honor the memory of Benjamin (“Smiles”) Mollett, a brave little boy who died at the age of 6 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Toys, pillows, and other items will be donated and delivered to children at Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines. The donations are accepted at C & C Cycle. To purchase a T-shirt, contact Peggy Curtis at C & C (641) 774-7494. The schedule that afternoon will be: Pizza @ 12 noon; Bike Blessing@12:30; Ride leaves@1:00pm. The Facebook page can be found by going right here. (Pray for no rain this year, and return to this site location for some pictures of the run to be added later!)

2010's Benjamin Smiles Toy Run

Iowa Band Sondogs Shine in Chariton – Reborn’s Andy Rich Joins for the Encore

From left to right - Robert Thatcher, Nathaniel Thatcher, Ian Richardson, John Thatcher

Including paying homage to our freedoms as a nation, on Sunday morning July 3 at Cornerstone Community Church in Chariton – local Iowa band Sondogs honored the one who gives us our ultimate freedoms. The concert started with some opening upbeat praise songs featuring the combined talents of the Cornerstone Praise singers and the back-up of Sondogs’ instrumentalists (concerning which Nathaniel Thatcher more than proved he’s capable of filling the “Dogs” drummer position).

Sondogs Nathaniel Thatcher cooks with Cornerstone Praise band

As the Sondogs set started, singer Robert Thatcher voiced homage to the One from whom all of our ultimate freedoms come. This offering of spoken praise came between stirring renditions of the songs “It is You” and “Grace Like Rain.” At that point, the “Dogs” showed their versatility by performing edgy versions of classic hymns “When I survey” and ”Jesus Paid it All.” The capstone of this section of the concert was a progressively swelling offering of David Crowder’s “Oh How He Loves,” with the climax of the song resulting in attendees rising to their feet in worship.

Singer Robert Thatcher prompts worship

 

Charlie Hale (guitar) and Steve Thatcher (bass)

 

At this juncture in the set, the band had a humorous moment by describing it as the “love” themed segment of the concert – but putting jokes aside, their original songs “True Love” and “Love Me” next to ”No Greater Love” were among the most poignant musical expressions of the entire day. Along with the spiritual intimacy reflected in the lyrics, I couldn’t help but think that the combination of Robert and John Thatcher singing together was something akin to Christianized versions of Michael Stipe (Robert) and Joe Cocker (John). Also, the vocals were being countered by Charlie Hale’s guitar interludes, where the riffs reverberating off his stratocaster copy bore shades of Mark Knopfler’s playing from the Gospel rock album “Slow Train Coming.

John Thatcher sings soulfully

 

Charlie Hale "strato-gizes"

From there the band broke into one of their staple favorites for fans of south-central Iowa – which is their own unique, riveting cover version of the late Larry Norman song “Outlaw.” For the initiated, this is often one of the highlights of their concerts, and on this occasion there were some “converts” among the “uninitiated.” Following John’s touching speaking devotional and meditative solo worship number “Amazing Love,” the band kicked it back up again with their highly energetic rendition of Crowder’s “Undignified.” With not a person sitting and virtually nobody standing still… there ought to be rules against having this much fun.  Their “official” set concluded with a jarring interpretation of 3rd Day’s “gone,” which appropriately emphasized moving onward in step with a Divine calling.

In reaction to the encouragement from an enthusiastic crowd to play yet another song – singer Robert Thatcher invited Reborn’s Andy Rich to join them on stage, and the Sondogs backed Rich in performing the Reborn original “Who I Am” (to an elated crowd response). Much to the delight of many, this would not be the last time they would team up on this summer day.

Reborn singer Andy Rich joins Sondogs during encore

A special thanks to…
Robert Thatcher – Vocals
John Thatcher – Guitar/Vocals
Charlie Hale – Guitar
Steve Thatcher – Bass
Ian Richardson -Keyboard
Nathaniel Thatcher -Drums

…along with Andy Rich of Reborn and the Cornerstone Praise band for a great morning of music and worship.

I also noticed someone(?) placed a review of the July 3 Reborn/Sondogs concert in the Chariton town square at a link right here.

For more information about future Sondogs concerts – go here.

John Lennon – A Closet Conservative Late in Life?

Was John Lennon a closet political conservative late in life?
This is apparently the testimony of one of his assistants. Here are some excerpts from the article:

He says, “John, basically, made it very clear that if he were an American he would vote for Reagan because he was really sour on (Democrat) Jimmy Carter.”

“He’d met Reagan back, I think, in the 70s at some sporting event… Reagan was the guy who had ordered the National Guard, I believe, to go after the young (peace) demonstrators in Berkeley, so I think that John maybe forgot about that… He did express support for Reagan, which shocked me.

“I also saw John embark in some really brutal arguments with my uncle, who’s an old-time communist… He enjoyed really provoking my uncle… Maybe he was being provocative… but it was pretty obvious to me he had moved away from his earlier radicalism.

“He was a very different person back in 1979 and 80 than he’d been when he wrote Imagine. By 1979 he looked back on that guy and was embarrassed by that guy’s naiveté.”

Go here for a link to the entire article.

With at least a couple of biographies noting that Lennon had a short season of embracing Christianity, I’m personally of the view that Lennon didn’t know what he truly held to and spent his life searching all the way up to the tragic end (for testimony about his “Christian” season see “Lennon in America” by Geoffrey Giuliano pp. 131-132 – note also the same book bears witness to his abusive tendencies pp. 19-21, as well as documenting his racist – including anti-semitic – rants while drunk – see pp.132-133, 143). Here are some other excerpts from the book based on the 1979 period:

“But as the days grew shorter and an autumn chill descended upon Manhattan, Lennon fell once again into a dark hole of desperation. He was shooting heroin with alarming regularity, whether to ease the pain of a sore tooth or simply ward off boredom…”

“The substance abuse, however, wasn’t limited to John, who grew concerned that Yoko was heavily indulging herself. Alarmed, John begged her to stop, but couldn’t very well preach what he himself didn’t practice…”

“‘At first I thought Yoko was ill, but then I realized she was simply strung out on smack.’ The fact that both John and Yoko had relapsed make it virtually impossible for them to kick their habits. Someone would tun up with some quality cocaine, and the pair would invariably succumb to temptation, even as an exasperated John secretly prayed for divine intervention.”

“One evening Lennon, examining a life that seemed worthless and directionless, confessed in his audio diary that he had been looking out the window and contemplating whether to leap. But even suicide, it seemed, would have required more passion than Lennon had at his disposal” (pp. 199-200)

John Lennon was a very gifted songwriter, but I find the trajectory of his life to be very sad.

Sondogs – Iowa Band to Play July 3rd at Cornerstone Community Church in Chariton

The Sondogs originate from both Lucas and Wayne County in South Central Iowa. Their fans can look forward to July 3rd to hear a very unique set-list of original songs and choice covers. The “Dogs” are known for mixing up a repertoire replete with everything from likes of an edgy version of “Amazing Grace” to resurrected covers of “Jesus Movement” Gospel songs. This reviewer has heard the band play on a number of occasions, and has always been impressed with the band’s chemistry. The Thatcher brothers (Robert and John), who make up the chronological “middle” section of 3 generations represented in the band, offer a vocal balance with a grittiness that hearkens classic rock at its best, and the band also features tight – yet still somewhat dangerous instrumentation (featuring both electric and acoustic guitars with John Thatcher and the recent addition of Charlie Hale; Bass: Steve Thatcher; Keyboard: Ian Richardson; and Drums: Nathaniel Thatcher). Their instrumental sound rounds out the vocal expression with a wealth of depth while still never becoming a mere “wall of noise.” With so many strong original songs, fans wonder why they’re yet to get into a studio and record. Until they do, audiences can expect live versions of their original songs along with some stand-out covers. Their cover songs will vary, but will often include the likes of Collective Soul’s/ Pillar’s “Heaven Let Your Light Shine Down” and even Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky.” Listeners are traditionally enthusiastic in their response to the Dog’s raucous version of David Crowder’s “Undignified” as well as to their particularly stellar, jugular vein cover of the late Larry Norman’s “Outlaw.” Rumor has it they also have in their hip pocket a cover version of Norman’s “Why Don’t You Look Into Jesus?” Having recently played Iowa’s “Bash on the Farm” – among other gigs – be looking to hear more from the Sondogs in the future.

The Cornerstone Praise Band/Reborn will be opening for the Sondogs that morning with some excellent praise worship leadership.

Reborn is known to bring people into the presence of God in a heartfelt manner while still being occasionally edgy in their presentation. Vocalists Andy Rich and Amanda Schroeder, among others, lead audiences through an experience of both gratitude and challenge.

Sondogs – with opening worship by Cornerstone Praise Band / Reborn: Sunday, July 3, 10:15am @ Cornerstone Community Church – 120 Northwestern Ave, Chariton, Iowa, 50049. (641) 774 – 5683.
Admission Free.
http://www.cornerstonecommunitychurch.net

Also watch for both Reborn and Sondogs to play in the Chariton town square Sunday, July 3 starting @ 3:30pm. Admission Free.

Sondogs on facebook

Sondogs Video Performing “How He Loves” in Dayton:

Reborn:

Reborn on Facebook

Link to Reborn performing Need to Breathe’s “Washed by the Water”