PASSIONTIDE HALLELUJAH

PASSIONTIDE HALLELUJAH

(Parody of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah)

The disciples met to eat the Feast.
The Master showed Himself the least;
The Lamb leading the Paschal celebration.
He took the bread; he took the wine:
“My flesh is torn; this blood is mine:”
The Servant-King preparing His oblation.

(Chorus)

In the garden He prayed in pain,
“Not my will, Father, Yours must reign” –
The Suffering Servant incarnate just for this.
The night was bright with sudden flame,
With men and swords our Judas came:
Betrayed his loving Master with a kiss!

(Chorus)

The High Priest’s demand was plain and dire:
“Tell us, man, are you our Messiah?”
Jesus was forthright; he didn’t cower:
“It is exactly what you say,
And you will see on that final day
The Son of Man at the right hand of the Power!”

(Chorus)

Now Herod who ruled in Galilee
Was very keen this man to see,
Confusing magic with divinity.
But when the King would not oblige,
All Herod’s men hurled scornful jibes,
The real King enduring all with silent majesty.

(Chorus)

Then Pilate said, “Behold, I find
No evidence of any crime,
But I shall have him beaten up to satisfy.”
The crowd all shouted, “He must die!”
And Pilate said, “He’s guiltless – why?”
But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify!”

(Chorus)

The night was cold. I’m sure you know
How icy winds of fear can blow.
I was seeking warmth, while He was standing trial.
“You followed Him: we all can see
You also come from Galilee.”
No weeping can undo my loud denials.

(Chorus)

Three crosses stood upon the hill,
Though years have passed, I see Him still:
Divine yet human nailed up for my salvation.
On the guiltless one my sin is laid,
And with His blood my debt is paid:
He gives up His last breath in consummation!

(Chorus)

Then in the Sunday morning’s gloom
Our women saw the empty tomb;
The Master spoke to Mary; it was no vision.
So John and I ran to the place
But all we saw was empty space,
The grave clothes bare: the Master He had risen!

(Chorus)

[For an instrumental version of the tune: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62JYtzi86M8]

 

O MY SAVIOUR

This is a parody of the famous Leonard Cohen song  Hallelujah. I dedicate it to all those whose Hallelujahs are cold or broken.

 
You know what lurks inside me, Lord
You know just why I feel a fraud
But through it all Your love is just as sure
My life is up and down, but when
I fall, You raise me up again
And all that I can do is pant: “My Saviour!”

Hallelujah
O my Saviour
Hallelujah
Jesus Saviour

My faith’s not strong, not doubtingproof
I fall too often, that’s the truth
The burden of my sin surely hides You
The world, the flesh: I fall apart
I stretch my hands out to Your heart
If I can only cling to You, my Saviour!

Hallelujah
O my Saviour
Hallelujah
Jesus Saviour

I know I’ve said this all before
I try again; I can’t do more
I surrender, I give up, I can’t stay true
You’d judge my life as such a farce
It’s certainly no victory march
As I stumble, and I fall before my Saviour

Hallelujah
Lift me, Saviour
Hallelujah
Jesus Saviour

From time to time it’s true, I find
Your words keep playing in my mind
But sometimes so faint: if I am far from You
Without Your voice, I’m so forlorn
But when I see the crown of thorns
I weep beneath the cross of Christ my Saviour

Hallelujah
Christ my Saviour
Hallelujah
Christ my Saviour

 

I know You came down from above
Your life, Your death: it all was love
You came to set us captives free in You
And on that cross Your blood You shed
Yet three days later from the dead
The Father raised You up: O Glorious Saviour!

Hallelujah
Glorious Saviour
Hallelujah
Jesus Saviour

So now from sin You set me free
Let Holy Spirit dwell in me
So I can live the way You want me to
And when the end of time has come
The battle fought, the victory song
Is glory to the Lamb, Christ my Saviour!

Hallelujah
Glorious Saviour
Hallelujah
Jesus Saviour

Hallelujah
Christ my Saviour
Hallelujah
Jesus Saviour

Link for Israeli Defence Force singing it in Hebrew. However, they sing 5 stanzas; I have 6; and one of the versions has 7!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtAMrRtuF_4

Below is a link to another parody of this song, but Christmas-themed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1OzT2NZQ6I

 

(INFINITE) MERCY

This is a near parody of the Alice Cooper song: Poison

Your home on high
Your throne divine
You left it all
Came down to die

I hate my sin, but I just can’t stop
(Can’t stop)
I wanna bow down , and my conscience tells me it’s right
I wanna live right, and I want it so much
(So much)
I wanna love You, for Your death is infinite mercy
Your mercy breaking all these chains
Your Mercy
I don’t wanna stay the same

Your sac-rifice
Your blood, my life
One drop can heal
Your pain, I’m free

I hear You calling, and You promise new life
(New life)
I wanna follow ‘cause I hear You calling my name
I wanna follow and live under Your will
(Your will)
I wanna know You and Your heart of infinite mercy
Your mercy breaking all these chains
Your Mercy
I don’t wanna stay the same, mercy

One drop
(One drop)
Can heal
(Can heal)
Your death, I’m free

I want Your freedom; so come clean up my heart
(My heart)
I wanna praise You, and I never want it to stop
I want Your Spirit and I want it so much
(So much)
I wanna hold on to Your heart of infinite mercy
Your mercy cleansing all my sins
Your mercy
I want You to break these chains, mercy
(Mercy)

I want Your freedom; so come clean up my heart
(My heart)
I wanna praise You, and I never want it to stop
I want Your Spirit and I want it so much
(So much)
I wanna hold on to Your heart of infinite mercy
Your mercy cleansing all my sins
Your mercy
I want You to break these chains, mercy

Cleansing deep inside my soul, mercy
(Mercy)
Thank You that You break these chains
(Thank You)
(Thank You)
Thank You that You break these chains

 

References quoted below are from NET. Clicking the link takes you to the NIV.

Phil 2:8
He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross!
To view this excerpt in context, click the following link:
http://biblehub.com/niv/philippians/2.htm

Jude 1:21
maintain1 yourselves in the love of God, while anticipating the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that brings eternal life.
To view this excerpt in context, click the following link:
http://biblehub.com/niv/jude/1.htm

1 Pet 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
To view this excerpt in context, click the following link:
http://biblehub.com/niv/1_peter/1.htm

Eph 2:5-7
But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us, even though we were dead in transgressions, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you are saved! and he raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, to demonstrate in the coming ages the surpassing wealth of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus
To view this excerpt in context, click the following link:
http://biblehub.com/niv/ephesians/2.htm

Rom 3:23
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 24 But they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
To view this excerpt in context, click the following link:
http://biblehub.com/niv/romans/3.htm

Rom 6:4
Therefore we have been buried with him through baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may live a new life.
To view this excerpt in context, click the following link:
http://biblehub.com/niv/romans/6.htm

Rom 7:6
But now we have been released from the law, because we have died to what controlled us, so that we may serve in the new life of the Spirit and not under the old written code.
To view this excerpt in context, click the following link:
http://biblehub.com/niv/romans/7.htm

Rom 7:14
For we know that the law is spiritual – but I am unspiritual, sold into slavery to sin. 15 For I don’t understand what I am doing. For I do not do what I want – instead, I do what I hate.
To view this excerpt in context, click the following link:
http://biblehub.com/niv/romans/7.htm

John 3:16
For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life
To read this verse in context click the following link:
http://biblehub.com/niv/john/3.htm

Rev 7:14
Then he said to me, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb!
To read this verse in context click the following link:
http://biblehub.com/niv/revelation/7.htm

 

One sacrifice, once offered

[This was written in the week leading up to Good Friday this year.]

From the Cross
a drop of blood falls,
spreads out, washes over
Jerusalem, Samaria, Asia Minor
Europe, Africa, the whole world.

Arms stretched out,
the Man, the Son, cries out
“Come and bathe; wash yourselves clean.”
The blood of the Lamb: in each drop
– an ocean of forgiveness and Life.

 

For Mom – 19 June 2013

This is rather different from my usual postings.

Ever since just before Resurrection Sunday (Easter) my Mom had been in and out of hospital. She had water on the lungs and shrunken heart valves; so she had a bad circulation of badly oxygenated blood, and so felt she could not breathe. Because of her age, her frail condition and the state of her blood vessels she could not go through with the five operations that would have prolonged her life, or at least enabled her to be more active.

She had always been very independent and fairly active, doing her own housework past the age of 90. We all knew, when she turned down the operations, that she would have little time left, maybe two years at most . In simple faith she accepted that. However, none of us realised she would go so quickly.

Seeing her suffer, struggling to breathe, even though she was on oxygen, was very hard.

In church one or two Sundays before she died I had a vision (although I’m not a “vision person”. Mom was on the left bank of a river. On the other side was a grassy field. On the upper right was an “empty” cross; between the cross and the river was Jesus beckoning to her and calling, “Come”.

On the day she died it was so bad seeing her suffer, and the vision had given me such assurance; so that night I prayed for Jesus to come and fetch her.

About an hour later we were called to the hospital. By the time we had got there, she had gone. I smsed (texted) my God-sister to give her the news. She replied:

“Farewell to her, amazing lady. Present with God breathing [the] fresh air of heaven.”

The next morning I woke up with this short poem:

 

I cried –

Until you died.

O what pain

That we should gain

The green fields of eternity!

 

John 11:25

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

To read ths excerpt in context go to: http://biblehub.com/niv/john/11.htm

 

TORN/RECONCILED

{This is a parody of the Natalie Imbruglia song Torn, to which I was listening sometime before Good Friday 2013.]

I know of One, who lived this life
He was born, he walked around and he was crucified
They say that he was born to die

Well, he wasn’t who they thought he’d be
He came down here
Came to set helpless captives free
To reconcile God and men

There was nothing else; he had to die
The only way to justify
All separation’s gone
The Temple veil is torn

It’s a step of faith
That is why I kneel
He was mocked and shamed
Hanging naked on a cross

The Law could never change
Had no power to heal
The lamb was slain and I can see
The sinless One was torn
He took on all my sin, in my place was torn

So the only way I can respond
Open my heart to what is there
Accept forgiveness now

It’s washed upon  my soul
And now I’m his; that’s how it is
I don’t miss my old life much
There’s just so many things
I am thankful for, reborn

It’s a step of faith
That is why I kneel
He was mocked and shamed
Hanging naked on a cross

The Law could never change
Had no power to heal
The Lamb was slain and I can see
The sinless One was torn
He took on all my sin, in my place was torn, torn

There was nothing else; he had to die
The only way to justify
All separation’s gone
The Temple veil is torn

It’s a step of faith
That is why I kneel
He was mocked and shamed
Hanging naked on a cross

The Law could never change
Had no power to heal
The lamb was slain and I can see
The sinless One was torn

It’s a step of faith
That is why I kneel
He was mocked and shamed
Hanging naked on a cross
He took on all  my sin, in my place was torn, torn

NOTE: Clickable Biblical references take you to the English New International Version translation. If you want a language other than English, click on the appropriate flag at the top of the page the link takes you to.

Matth 2:4  After assembling all the chief priests and experts in the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. “In Bethlehem of Judea,” they said, “for it is written this way by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are in no way least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
To read this in its context click the following link:  http://niv.scripturetext.com/matthew/2.htm

Micah 5:2  But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel.
To read this in its context click the following link: http://niv.scripturetext.com/micah/5.htm

Matth 27:24ff   So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged  Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.
To read this in its context click the following link: http://niv.scripturetext.com/matthew/27.htm

Mark 15:15   So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged1  Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
To read this in its context click the following link: http://niv.scripturetext.com/mark/15.htm

Luke 23:23 But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.
To read this in its context click the following link:  http://niv.scripturetext.com/luke/23.htm

John 19:6(b) Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.”
To read this in its context click the following link: http://niv.scripturetext.com/john/19.htm

Tacitus: Annales XV (A Roman historian whose writings Annals, Histories and Germania make very interesting (and demanding!) reading.)
(This translation is taken from Tacitus,: The Annals and Histories, edited by Hugh Lloyd-Jones, Regius Professor of Greek, Oxford University
“Christus … suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus …”
To read more about this click the following link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tacitus_on_Christ

Isaiah prophesies Messiah’s death: 53:3ff
He was despised and rejected by people … we thought he was being punished,  attacked by God, and afflicted for something he had done. He was wounded because of our rebellious deeds,  crushed because of our sins; he endured punishment that made us well;  because of his wounds we have been healed … but the LORD caused the sin of all of us to attack him. He was treated harshly and afflicted … He was led away after an unjust trial … he was cut off from the land of the living; because of the rebellion of his own people he was wounded. They intended to bury him with criminals …
To read this in its context click the following link: http://niv.scripturetext.com/isaiah/53.htm

Philippians 2:8  He humbled himself,  by becoming obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross!
To read this in its context click the following link: http://niv.scripturetext.com/philippians/2.htm

Psalm 22  My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? …       people insult me and despise me. all who see me taunt me; they mock me and shake their heads. …. “Let the LORD rescue him!  Let the LORD deliver him, for he delights in him.” My strength drains away like water; all my bones are dislocated; my heart is like wax; it melts away inside me. the roof of my mouth is as dry as a piece of pottery;  my tongue sticks to my gums. … I can count all my bones;  my enemies are gloating over me in triumph. They are dividing up my clothes among themselves; they are rolling dice for my garments.
To read this in its context click the following link: http://niv.scripturetext.com/psalms/22.htm

John 6:15  Then Jesus, because he knew they were going to come and seize him by force to make him king, withdrew again up the mountainside alone.
To read this in its context click the following link: http://niv.scripturetext.com/john/6.htm

Josephus: The Jewish War [Slavonic text]
“Many of the common people flocked after him and followed his teaching. There was a wave of excited expectation that he would enable the Jewish tribes to throw off the Roman yoke. …When they saw his ability to do whatever he wished by a word, they told him that they wanted him to enter the City [i.e. Jerusalem], destroy the Roman troops, and make himself king; but he took no notice.”

John 19:24  But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and blood and water flowed out immediately.
To read this in its context click the following link: http://niv.scripturetext.com/john/19.htm

Luke 4:17ff …. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, … “because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and the regaining of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” … Then he began to tell them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled even as you heard it being read.”
To read this in its context click the following link: http://niv.scripturetext.com/luke/4.htm

Luke 7:22 So [Jesus] answered them, “Go tell John what you have seen and heard: The blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have good news proclaimed to them…”
To read this in its context click the following link:  http://niv.scripturetext.com/luke/7.htm

2Corinthians 5:19 .…in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting people’s trespasses against them, and he has given us the message of reconciliation.
To read this in its context click the following link: http://niv.scripturetext.com/2_corinthians/5.htm

Hebrews 4:15  For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin.
To read this in its context click the following link: http://niv.scripturetext.com/hebrews/4.htm

2Corinthians 5:21  God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God.
To read this in its context click the following link: http://niv.scripturetext.com/2_corinthians/5.htm

Matthew 27:50    Then Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and gave up his spirit. Just then the temple curtain [“veil”] was torn in two, from top to bottom.
To read this in its context click the following link: http://niv.scripturetext.com/matthew/27.htm

Luke 23:44  It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 because the sun’s light failed. The temple curtain was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And after he said this he breathed his last.
To read this in its context click the following link: http://niv.scripturetext.com/luke/23.htm

Mark 15:37 But Jesus cried out with a loud voice and breathed his last. And the temple curtain was torn in two, from top to bottom.
To read this in its context click the following link: http://niv.scripturetext.com/mark/15.htm

Josephus: The Jewish War [Slavonic text]
“In the days of our pious fathers this curtain was intact, but in our own generation it was a sorry sight, for it had been suddenly rent from top to bottom at a time when by bribery they had secured the execution of the benefactor of men – the one who by his actions proved that he was no mere man.”

Hebrews 10:19  Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the fresh and living way that he inaugurated for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in the assurance that faith brings
To read this in its context click the following link: http://niv.scripturetext.com/hebrews/10.htm

Eph 2:18  It is through Christ that all of us, Jews and Gentiles, are able to come in the one Spirit into the presence of the Father.
To read this in its context click the following link: http://niv.scripturetext.com/ephesians/2.htm

Eph 3:12  In union with Christ and through our faith in him we have the boldness to go into God’s presence with all confidence.
To read this in its context click the following link: http://niv.scripturetext.com/ephesians/3.htm

 

O What Precious Sacrifice

[As tomorrow is Good Friday, I am reposting this parody of Roxette’s The Sweet Hello, The Sad Goodbye, originally posted in 2010.]

 
In my hour of  need you met me:
I tell the world there are no regrets.
In this heart there is such gratitude:
Grace received, Grace quite undeserved.
You are Messiah Guiltless One;
Yet You came down to die.

You left your glorious throne in heaven on high
(O what precious sacrifice);
You were content to live on earth for a time
(O what precious sacrifice);
With your life in our hands, we shouted “Crucify!”
And I can’t help but wonder why
You made that precious sacrifice.

In wilful pride, we went along our own way:
You came to search and find and save.
You left your Father in heaven above:
You made that precious sacrifice.

I know You are the Only One
Who could ever pay that price:
Only a Lamb so pure could satisfy
(O what precious sacrifice);
And still your Heart is hurt, time after time
(O what precious sacrifice)
When from Your Loving Face we run away and hide;
Then I can’t help but wonder why
You made that precious sacrifice.
Jesus
You made that perfect sacrifice.

Your Blood was all that could justify
(O what precious sacrifice).
For us the spear was thrust into Your side
(O what precious sacrifice).
All our guilt and sin onto Yourself were piled;
And I can’t help but wonder why
It was for me You chose to die
Jesus
You made that perfect sacrifice

O what precious sacrifice
O what precious sacrifice

 

The references below are accessible in several languages (36, I think!). Click the link, and at the top of the new page click on the flag representing the language.

Luke 19:10  The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
To read this in context, click this link:
http://niv.scripturetext.com/luke/19.htm

Philp 2:6 – 8 He always had the nature of God, but he did not think that by force he should try to remain equal with God. Instead of this, of his own free will he gave up all he had, and took the nature of a servant. He became like a human being and appeared in human likeness. He was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to death— his death on the cross.
To read this  in context, click this link:
http://niv.scripturetext.com/philippians/2.htm

Rom 3:24-25  But by the free gift of God’s grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free.  God offered him, so that by his blood he should become the means by which people’s sins are forgiven through their faith in him.
To read this in context, click this link:
http://niv.scripturetext.com/romans/3.htm

Rom 5:6 -8 For when we were still helpless, Christ died for the wicked at the time that God chose. It is a difficult thing for someone to die for a righteous person. It may even be that someone might dare to die for a good person. But God has shown us how much he loves us—it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us!
To read this in context, click this link:
http://niv.scripturetext.com/romans/5.htm

Rom 6:23  For sin pays its wage—death; but God’s free gift is eternal life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord.
To read this  in context, click this link:
http://niv.scripturetext.com/romans/6.htm

Heb 10:9 – 12  So God does away with all the old sacrifices and puts the sacrifice of Christ in their place. Because Jesus Christ did what God wanted him to do, we are all purified from sin by the offering that he made of his own body once and for all. Every Jewish priest performs his services every day and offers the same sacrifices many times; but these sacrifices can never take away sins. Christ, however, offered one sacrifice for sins, an offering that is effective forever, and then he sat down at the right side of God.
To read this  in context, click this link:
http://niv.scripturetext.com/hebrews/10.htm

Joh 1:11  He came to his own country, but his own people did not receive him. Some, however, did receive him and believed in him; so he gave them the right to become God’s children.
To read this  in context, click this link:
http://niv.scripturetext.com/john/1.htm

Isa 53:4  “But he endured the suffering that should have been ours, the pain that we should have borne. All the while we thought that his suffering was punishment sent by God. But because of our sins he was wounded, beaten because of the evil we did. We are healed by the punishment he suffered, made whole by the blows he received. All of us were like sheep that were lost, each of us going his own way. But the LORD made the punishment fall on him, the punishment all of us deserved.
To read this  in context, click this link:
http://niv.scripturetext.com/isaiah/53.htm

 

Highway to Salvation’s throne

Parody: (Highway to the) Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins from sound track of Top Gun
[Christmas Day 2012]

Man out in the desert
Calling all to turn or burn
Washing in the Jordan
Get ready for the King’s own Son

Highway to Salvation’s Throne
Right up to the Saviour’s Throne

Lying in a stable,
Cradled in a bed of straw
And laid aside all glory
Taking on this life of ours

Highway to Salvation’s Throne.
(He’ll take you)
Right up to the Saviour’s Throne.

You’ll never get real free and clean
Till you get it from the Cross of Calvary
You never know what you can do
Until you take in the Blood He’s shed for you

Living for the Kingdom
Always where we yearn to be
The tougher the battle here
The more of His Grace there’ll be

Highway to the Salvation’s Throne.
(He’ll take you)
Right up to the Saviour’s Throne.

Highway to the Salvation’s Throne.

Highway to the Salvation’s Throne.
(He’ll take you)
Right up to the Saviour’s Throne.

References given below are from the New English Translation via The Word.
The English text used in the links is the New International. Version via Biblos Bible Suite. English not your language? Click the link; then click on the flag representing your language.

John 1:6    A man came, sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that everyone might believe through him.
To read excerpt in context click: http://niv.scripturetext.com/john/1.htm

John 1:19-28    Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed – he did not deny but confessed – “I am not the Christ!” So they asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not!” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No!” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Tell us so that we can give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” John said, “I am the voice of one shouting in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”… “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not recognize, who is coming after me. I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandal”. These things happened in Bethany across the Jordan River where John was baptizing.
To read this excerpt in context click: http://niv.scripturetext.com/john/1.htm
To read quotation from Isaiah in context click: http://niv.scripturetext.com/isaiah/40.htm

Acts 4:12    And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among people by which we must be saved.”
To read this excerpt in context click: http://niv.scripturetext.com/acts/4.htm

Rev 7:10    “Salvation belongs to our God, to the one seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
To read this excerpt in context click: http://niv.scripturetext.com/revelation/7.htm

Luke 1: 34f:    Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?” The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called the Son of God.
To read this excerpt in context click: http://niv.scripturetext.com/luke/1.htm

Luke 2:7     And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
To read the excerpt in context click: http://niv.scripturetext.com/luke/2.htm

Philipp 2:8ff:    though he existed in the form of God, [Christ] did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross!
To read the excerpt in context click: http://niv.scripturetext.com/philippians/2.htm

Rom 8:1    There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the life-giving Spirit in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.
To read the excerpt in context click: http://niv.scripturetext.com/romans/8.htm

Gal 5:1         For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery.
To read the excerpt in context click: http://niv.scripturetext.com/galatians/5.htm

Rom 6:8    Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
To read the excerpt in context click: http://niv.scripturetext.com/romans/6.htm

John 6:53-57    Jesus said to them, “I tell you the solemn truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in yourselves. The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.
To read the excerpt in context click: http://niv.scripturetext.com/john/6.htm

1 Cor 5:7b    For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.
To read the excerpt in context click: http://niv.scripturetext.com/1_corinthians/5.htm

Rev 7:14    “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb!  For this reason they are before the throne of God, and they serve him day and night in his temple, and the one seated on the throne will shelter them. They will never go hungry or be thirsty again, and the sun will not beat down on them, nor any burning heat, because the Lamb in the middle of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
To read the excerpt in context click: http://niv.scripturetext.com/revelation/7.htm

Rev 12:11    But they overcame him [the Accuser = Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.
To read the excerpt in context click: http://niv.scripturetext.com/revelation/12.htm

2 Cor 12:7    Therefore, so that I would not become arrogant, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to trouble me – so that I would not become arrogant. I asked the Lord three times about this, that it would depart from me. But he said to me, “My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” So then, I will boast most gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
To read the excerpt in context click: http://niv.scripturetext.com/2_corinthians/12.htm

If you are unfamiliar with the original song (one of the songs from the film Top Gun), you can click the following link to listen (and watch) on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8rZWw9HE7o or with original lyrics: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fab0nsF1z2I

 

Haiku

[I very seldom get visual pictures, but this haiku is the result of one. In church the Sunday after I had written this, the sermon referred to Jesus taking the initiative in respect of  Peter’s restoration. I think it’s often the same in Salvation. Sometimes God takes the initiative by sending the right person to one, or by allowing some misfortune to come to us. Personally, I am so thankful that he sent the right person to me; this person has become like family.]

I stumbled Godwards:
On the cross already God
Was rushing to me!

Luke 15:20 So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way from home his father saw him, and his heart went out to him; he ran and hugged his son and kissed him.
For the full context click: http://niv.scripturetext.com/luke/15.htm

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
(For the full context click: http://niv.scripturetext.com/romans/5.htm

You can read the details of Peter’s denials of Jesus in John 18
http://niv.scripturetext.com/john/18.htm

You can read of Peter’s restoration in chap 20. (And you can understand why Peter was so keen to get to the tomb as well.)
http://niv.scripturetext.com/john/20.htm

Jesus took the initiative. Jesus restored. In God’s economy “broken” is NOT the same as “useless”!

 

 

I have a King

I have a King is a parody ABBA’s I have a dream. This was written yesterday, on Resurrection Sunday 2012.

I have a King, whose praise I sing;
His death’s brought victory over Sin.
And he died in my place to atone my guilt;
Yes, it was for my sake that his blood was spilt.
I believe in Jesus;
I believe in all he’s done for me.
I believe in Jesus;
And I know that he has set me free:
I have a King who’s conquered Sin.

No fantasy, it’s history:
Salvation’s now reality:
And my destination makes pain worth the while;
Peering through the darkness I can see him smile.
I believe in Jesus;
I believe in all he’s done for me.
I believe in Jesus;
And I know that he has set me free:
I have a King who’s conquered Sin;
I have a King who’s conquered Sin

I have a King enthroned above
Who came to earth out of great love,
And he cast his glory totally aside;
Yes, he walked on this earth, and in my place he died:
I believe in Jesus;
Now he’s risen, and he’s glorified;
I believe in Jesus,
And I know that he has set me free:
I have a King who’s conquered Sin;
I have a King who’s conquered Sin.

References below are from NET courtesy of The Word.
For NIV click the link below each reference.

John 3:16-18  For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world should be saved through him. 18 The one who believes in him is not condemned.
http://niv.scripturetext.com/john/3.htm

Philippians 2: 6-[Christ Jesus] though he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross! As a result God exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow – in heaven and on earth and under the earth – and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
http://niv.scripturetext.com/philippians/2.htm

Gal. 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free.
http://niv.scripturetext.com/galatians/5.htm

1 Cor 15: 56-57 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
http://niv.scripturetext.com/1_corinthians/15.htm

1 Cor 5:7(b) For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.
http://niv.scripturetext.com/1_corinthians/5.htm

Rom 5:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
http://niv.scripturetext.com/romans/5.htm

Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.
http://niv.scripturetext.com/ephesians/1.htm

Eph 1:20 This power he exercised in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.
http://niv.scripturetext.com/ephesians/1.htm

Rom 8:18 For I consider that our present sufferings cannot even be compared to the glory that will be revealed to us.
http://niv.scripturetext.com/romans/8.htm

Rev 7:14 “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb! For this reason they are before the throne of God, and they serve him day and night in his temple, and the one seated on the throne will shelter them. They will never go hungry or be thirsty again, and the sun will not beat down on them, nor any burning heat, because the Lamb in the middle of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
http://niv.scripturetext.com/revelation/7.htm

John 8:12 “I am the light of the world. The one who follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
http://niv.scripturetext.com/john/8.htm

Colos 3:1 Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
http://niv.scripturetext.com/colossians/3.htm

Rev 5:8(b) … the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders threw themselves to the ground before the Lamb.
http://niv.scripturetext.com/revelation/5.htm

Rev 5:12-14 … all of whom were singing in a loud voice: “Worthy is the lamb who was killed to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature – in heaven, on earth, under the earth, in the sea, and all that is in them – singing: “To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be praise, honour, glory, and ruling power forever and ever!”
http://niv.scripturetext.com/revelation/5.htm

Rev 7:10-12 They were shouting out in a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God, to the one seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels stood there in a circle around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they threw themselves down with their faces to the ground before the throne and worshipped God, saying, “Amen! Praise and glory, and wisdom and thanksgiving, and honour and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!”
http://niv.scripturetext.com/revelation/7.htm

Hebr 4:14-15 Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin.
http://niv.scripturetext.com/hebrews/4.htm