Jim Martin always has some interesting and challenging things to share.  His blog on this topic is not only great for personal examination, but is especially pertinent to our congregational planning and priorities.  Read his blog on Busy, Frantic and Overwhelmed?

It's here!  The brand new Praise & Harmony CD entitled, Glorious God.



Over 300 singers from 15 states joined together to make this congregational recording of 25 contemporary worship songs.  Every CD comes with a "bonus" vocalist training disc for the purpose of assisting non-singers in learning to sing harmony.  There is a Glorious God songbook available as well.

Click here to order and listen to snippets.

I'd love to hear your comments when you get to hear it.

It was very confusing having two groups with similar names.  Acappella Vocal Band was very different from the group, ACAPPELLA.  What started out as a back-up singing group for me and Rodney Britt transformed into a powerhouse musical entity in their own right.  Singing with Wes McKinzie in Oklahoma City this past Sunday brought back AVB memories.  Maybe at AcaFest, we will see a reunion.  Do you remember the album "What's Your Tag Say?"


This is probably my favorite AVB album.  "What's Your Tag Say?" served as an outlet for dealing with the frustration over rampant legalism.  In fact, one of the songs was entitled "Legalistic Tendencies."  I remember when this CD was reviewed by CCM Magazine, the reviewer was struck by the line, "Tell me where compassion went when you condemn the innocent?"  Legalism leads to combativeness and judgmental practices where it is not surprising to find oneself (as Gamaliel warned in Acts 5) fighting against God Himself.  It seems that Jesus experienced the most frustration with Pharisees and self-righteous legalists.

"Growin' Up With King James" was not a slam at that beloved translation; it was a slam at how people condemn others for not using their version of choice.  Ignorance has caused many people to defend traditions and opinions with the same fervor as the cardinal tenants of the Gospel.  I love the Elizabethean language of the KJV; however, that century was "way before my time."

At one point in my young life, I thought I had all the answers, thinking I possessed a firm, almost "exclusive" grasp of the truth.  The more I learn, the more I see my error.

So what is a legalist to do?  First of all, the album calls us to an "Attitude Check," and to "Walk By Faith."  I remember traveling with AVB to Alaska while working on the song "Changin'."  "If you look at me, you're gonna see CHANGES."  Growth is change.

Perhaps the most poignant song that confronts our inter-brotherhood relationships is "Accept One Another."  Taken from Romans 15:7, "Accept one another, just as Christ accepted you..."  The message remains timely.

AVB was quite advanced for their time.  Just ahead of the boy bands, their "Boys 2 Men-type sound" evolved as many church youth groups were not allowed to attend AVB concerts.  Things have changed!

At one point, we were accused of leading the church astray with this contemporary musical direction as many  feared the mimicking of electronic instruments and heavy use of vocal percussion.  Did we push the stylistic envelope too far for an all-vocal group?  Yes.  Did we severely blur the line between pure a cappella voices and electronically-altered sounds?  Yes.  Did we enjoy experimenting with new recording technologies?  Certainly!

We continue to hold sacred the phrase, "The human voice is the greatest instrument of music ever created."

AVB was ahead of their time.  They were banned in some circles who might currently think their sound is quite tame.  Yes, times change.  I smile, realizing how I'm on the more conservative side of current music issues, passionately calling churches back to 4-part harmony singing - a practice too precious to lose.

About 15 years ago, we sang for a unity conference between Christian Churches and Churches of Christ.  A preacher friend from the Christian Church made a hilarious statement: "You have a group called ACAPPELLA that uses only voices and tries to sound like instruments - we are starting a group called INSTRUMENTAL that only uses instruments but tries to sound like voices!"

Did you hear AVB in concert?  Which combination?
Maybe the album "Song In My Soul" was the most transforming AVB album?
What was your favorite AVB song?

Can you name these songs?



1. "on a road marked with suffering"
2. "He wraps Himself in light"
3. "nothing on earth is as beautiful"
4. "before even time began my life was in His hands"
5. "I'll bring You more than a song"

How much does projection help the effectiveness of preaching?



Do you believe it makes a tremendous difference in supporting the message of the sermon?
Does your church use it effectively?  (Is it overused, or are the number and quality of images a good mix?)
Do you believe it is distracting or not necessary?

Another wonderful experience in Tulsa, Oklahoma has come and gone by so quickly.
It was perhaps one of my busiest ever.



Here's what my schedule looked like:

Wednesday
It was a joy to lead worship throughout the workshop with Shane Coffman, the new worship minister at Memorial Drive.  Their praise team joined us in leading a packed house this evening.  People who had traveled all day arrived in Tulsa to enjoy a free chicken dinner, fellowship, singing groups and worship.  Rick Atchley, the scheduled speaker, was not able to be there because his mother had passed.  This was a "reunion," as many of the Memorial Drive singers had participated in both the Awesome God and Glorious God recordings.

Thursday
11:00 A.M. I taught my first Praise & Harmony class.  Judging from the response and feedback, we are striking a chord (or rather, "singing" a chord) about the great need for worship revival.  We divided into sections (SATB) for this class. 
In the main evening session, Durant (as I proudly point out three of our children) presented a mini-concert before becoming the praise team to assist me and Shane in leading worship for an enthusiastic gathering of worshipers.  Acappella joined us for two songs before the sermon, including a special rendition of "It Is Well."  The last verse was electrifying!

Friday
My second Praise & Harmony session was at 11:00 A.M.  It was such a blessing to find a number of churches eager to book our seminar in their home towns.
Friday evening, we enjoyed a mini-concert by Acappella before they became our praise team, with Durant assisting as well.  The enthusiasm and energy this evening was contagious!

Saturday
My third class of Praise & Harmony was well-received.  It was an honor to be asked to teach three classes and lead worship for this one-of-a-kind annual event.

I remember the very first Tulsa Workshop in 1976.  The thrill of singing with thousands of Christians draws us back to Oklahoma year after year.   Thanks to Terry Rush and all the folks at Memorial Drive for hosting another wonderful festival.  Perhaps you'll join us in '08 as we declare our "Declaration of Dependence."

"Worry is interest paid on trouble before it is due."

Many times there will be slight changes in the wording of hymns, as different denominations sing the same hymn with different lyrics.  Which ones have you noticed?  (For example in "Holy, Holy, Holy:" the wording one way is "God in three persons," versus "God over all"). 
Here's a question for you studious folks.  Which ones do you know the reason for the changes?

I shared some photos on my shoutlife page, and this seemed to be a favorite.  This was taken last year on our Alaska cruise.  It was a breathtaking sight to see the glacier this close.

Without looking them up, can you name these songs?



1.  Did ere such love and sorrow meet?
2.  Let every kindred every tribe on this terrestrial ball
3.  Cheubim and Seraphim falling down before thee
4.  What language shall I borrow to thank thee dearest friend?
5.  And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain

BONUS:

6.  Christ has regarded my helpless estate and hath shed his own blood

Here are two of the elders of the Madison Church belting out some Motown Tunes with the juke box.



Pictured L to R:  Juke Box - Jim Wilson - Steve Smith

How do we help young people engage in worship?  This is an area that calls for our attention and prayer.


There is no surprise that different generations have different preferences.  And, of course, there is such a variety of tastes within each generation.  How do we embrace this diversity and avoid overlooking the needs of younger believers?  How do we plan?  How do adapt?  How do we help them become engaged in worship?  Perhaps we can find solutions through sharing ideas and discussion.

What exactly should we do to ensure that our young people are being fully encouraged through our worship planning and style?

Vancouver, British Columbia is a great place to visit.



Allison Lancaster

This region is so beautiful.  One of the many highlights of our trip was a visit to the "Living Forest."  There is a "Tree Tops Adventure" that was built to allow guests to walk through the tops of trees to experience the forest from the bird and squirrel vantage point.  I remember visiting something like this in Australia; in fact, the Canadians told us they studied that particular one (in Western Australia) before building their "Tree Tops Adventure."

To see more photos from our Vancouver Trip, go to the Photo Album category to the right and click Vancouver, B.C. or click here.

I have been blessed to see a lot of places in this world.  I'll have to admit, I'm jealous of Acappella.  They just returned from an outstanding tour which included France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland.  They went to places I have never visited.

       "The less you talk, the more you are listened to."

This was taken last year, before our Alaska cruise.

Radiance Bible Studies
Lesson Four

“THE DECISION COMPLEX”

Song Lyrics:

BE DEVOTED
Words & Music by Keith Lancaster
©2005 Anthony K. Music ASCAP

Carry each other’s burdens
Carry each other’s burdens
And in this way you will fulfill
The law of Christ

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love
Honor one another above yourselves
Never be lacking in zeal
But keep your spiritual fervor
But keep your spiritual fervor
Serving the Lord

Love one another
Serve one another
Pray for each other
Encourage one another
And build each other up

Scripture Source:
Galatians 6:1-5; Romans 12:9-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:11


PART ONE  -- THE DECISION COMPLEX

This graphic illustrates an important principle, one that could be called “the Decision Complex.”  Note that:

1.    God is at the center of it all.  The decision complex starts with God, the invisible reality -- not with people, situations, personal desire, personal inclinations nor sociological habits.
2.    The next ring is the Word of God.  Scripture is true knowledge, the authority for space and time and transcendent intelligence. 
3.    The next ring is human will.  Here the self is disciplined to conform and consciously obey the word of the Lord.  To do this, one must perhaps contradict social traditions; and certainly violate the rule of the self.
4.    The next ring is resolved action.  Such action is purposeful and meaningful.  Because of where the action really begins-- which is with God-- it is eternal in character.
5.    From this point we move to out to quite a different realm, the realm of effects.  No one, really, can guarantee outcomes in any situation.  The ideal effect, though, is ideal brotherhood. 

These four rings and the square that represents the realm of effects thus comprise the graphic presentation of the Decision Complex.

The scripture passages on which the song is based require action – action that must be preceded by a decision to comply.   One must decide to carry each other’s burdens, to be devoted to one another and to love one another -- or not.

However, some people – even among Christians – don’t look primarily at the decisions that underlie the actions that create unity.  If you ask many people, “How do you know that you have made the right decision in a situation?” they will answer according to their assessment of the results.  In other words, effects trump principles of right or wrong.  All of the things to do mentioned in these texts require conscious action and a conscious decision to do so.

The Four Dynamic Rings

Look again at the four rings.  Each requires a dynamic.

a.    The move from God to the Word is dynamic, because when the Lord put His will in writing, it involved men who suffered to participate in this purpose of the Lord

b.    Moving from the Word to human will is dynamic, because the will must fight it out, it must reason to a point that the will must be compelled to conform. This is a tough inner struggle.  It is not automatic.  It is the result of personal exertion.

c.   Moving from will to resolved action is dynamic, because one must isolate and determine the action to be taken.  This is a highly conscious action.

d.  Moving from action to effects is dynamic.  Though we may not be directly involved in producing effects -- we are willing to accept the effects whatever they may be – the process itself is an active, dynamic one.

Any decision, we discover, is an expression of either God or the self.  A decision reveals a person’s starting point.  But when God is at the center, decisions are part of a chain of divine expression – they are rings of expression in just this way.

Where do decisions start?  Do they begin with pro/con assessments, looking for projected effects?  Do they begin with comparing cost to benefits?

To the contrary, a decision is a shared phenomenon!  If we look at the rings again in the decision complex, we see that we participate with the Lord, but He leads the way.
Any decision a Christian makes must be a shared phenomenon.  Some will say:
•    “I am not going to live that way because it’s too painful” -- (an effect) 
•    “I’ll lose too much” -- (an effect)
•    “I’ll look like a fool to my peers”  -- (an effect).

Therefore we Christians do not make personal decisions uniquely based on our wants, needs or inclinations.  Every decision that we make must be reached in direct relation to the expressed will of the Lord.  It is in this way that decisions that we make are shared between us and the Almighty.  What we might call private decisions have been left behind according to this standard.

However, Jesus shows us that effects must not countermand the dynamics of the godly decision complex.  For instance, in Luke 9:23 Jesus says that to be His disciple, we must take up our cross and follow him.  A cross is hardly a desirable effect. Make no mistake:   He asks us to put up with all kinds of undesirable effects to follow Him to heaven.

By symbolizing our following Him by means of a cross leading to death, Jesus told us that inherently effects are not applicable in our decision process.  Effects, thus, are not a fundamental consideration in the decision complex.  Jesus went to the cross and the personal result for Him was a merciless death.  The Lord understood that all decisions that believers make – even His – were based upon the elements in this very same decision complex.  Christ did not make the decision to go to the cross due to immediate outcomes for Him.  Therefore Jesus by His personal sacrifice teaches us that effects are non-applicable in the Biblical decision complex. 

Such a concept is heretical to the world.  Jesus might as well have said that effects are lifted out and away from the decision complex!  It negates “real world decision theory,” and violates the underpinnings of the world’s law of decision making which depends on the assessment of effects. 

So if we ask what is the relation between the decision process --------and effects?  We find that there is NO relation between them at all.  For the obedient Christian, effects become the province of God. Only He mitigates them.

Therefore effects/results/consequences are subject to at least two modalities.  Modalities are the way in which something comes to us or happens to us.  In this case there is….

a.    Modality #1 – a happy or pleasant effect
b.    Modality #2 – an unhappy or unpleasant effect

We acknowledge that these effects exist.  They are inevitable.  Yet God calls us to refuse to let them influence our decision process.  He calls us to factor them out of the decision process.

This means, in terms of decision making, that there are no temporal or worldly elements in the decision complex.  Indeed, for a Christian, all of the elements that bear consideration are eternal.

The weight of the decision complex rests upon two things:

1)  Its starting point, which is God
2)  And, what we must exclude from the process, which are temporal elements.  Temporal elements refer to things of this world and the consequences that we must face.  But all of the elements in the decision complex are purely spiritual.

Here’s the crux, one that is addressed in the song:  Building relationships depends upon a decision process!  This is true in every relationship—in the church, in friendships, in marriage, in business.   Dr. Phil is wrong – relationships are not negotiated.  The Decision Complex tells you what to bring to the table or to the relationship.  And it tells you what you must exclude.

If two married people use this decision complex, then that is what each one brings to the relationship.  That is how they make decisions about everything.  This is a true picture of compatibility.  A shared decision complex takes care of other problems.


Discussion Questions for Part One

1.  Describe the elements of the Decision Complex and their relationship to one another.

2.  List any scriptures you can think of that describe or explain any or all of the elements of the Decision Complex.

3.  If someone makes decisions without consideration of effects, he
 or she is often accused of “painting themselves into a corner” or “putting God in a box.”   How would you answer such a charge?

4.  If a married couple does not use the Decision Complex and instead they make decisions on the basis of projected outcomes or effects, do you think this will produce unity or friction?  Explain your answer.

5. What scriptural support do you see for active reliance upon the power of God versus the seeking of a desirable outcome?



PART TWO – THE LEVELS OF SCRIPTURE

We find that examining passages that tell us such things as, “be devoted to one another” demonstrate levels of Scripture. 

LEVELS OF SCRIPTURE:
A.  THE PRAGMATICS
B.  THE FUNDAMENTALS

The pragmatics (A) are the things that we are supposed to do, the behaviors listed and reiterated in the song.  These can include both the scriptures themselves, such as the Galatians passage; and the behaviors those scriptures would evoke.  There would be a unity between the words and someone’s actions, for instance.  In fact, one of the ways we express this unity is through such thoughts as “Just do it,” or “It says to be baptized, so I was baptized.”  We might characterize pragmatics as “surface findings,” because they’re visible to an observer.  They are required but reflect only one level of reading the Scripture and understanding obedience.

However, these pragmatics open a door to a deeper level below, one we might call the level of fundamentals (B).  At this level is the inspired rationale for what emerges on the pragmatics level.  These might be referred to as “fundamental findings.” The fundamental findings are the explanations for the surface findings.

This inherent structure of Scripture – the pragmatics with an underlying fundamentals level – is seen not just in the Galatians, Romans and 1 Thessalonians passages that are the basis for the song.  This structure is seen throughout all of the Bible.  All passages can be accessed on the pragmatics level, but they point to something, below something richer.  In these texts under consideration – all three of them – we can recognize these two levels.  The pragmatic level comprises the “what to do” statements.  We call them pragmatics because they must be practiced.  But that level points to yet another level – the fundamental level – where we detect the idea of the decision complex.  Nothing is stated directly in the passages about any decision complex; and yet it is there in the underlying logic of the teaching.  

This structure transcends Biblical genres and literary criticism.  Seeing the pragmatics/fundamentals connection isn’t a method for interpretation, but rather an acknowledgment of the way that Scripture provides meaning.

The relationship between the pragmatics and the fundamentals yields an even richer truth when one considers a further insight.  The pragmatics lead one to search for the fundamentals.  That’s why a non-believer would be attracted to the “surface findings” he or she sees in a believer and asks, “Why do you do that?”  Such an unbeliever won’t be swayed by the explanation of mere obedience to commands – he or she will want to know why?   The pragmatics are symbolic of something deeper and compelling. 

But in a marvelous, reflexive way, the fundamentals level is demonstrated in the pragmatics.  One symbolizes the other (pragmatics to fundamentals); and one demonstrates itself in the other (fundamentals to pragmatics.) 

This tells how the Bible actually “works”; how it functions for our greater benefit. The Book reflexes in just this way and obliges the mind to follow in its wake.  So the mind must become a reflexive system as well, constantly calling the body and speech to demonstrate the pragmatics – which themselves point to the deeper level of the fundamentals.

Thus we acknowledge the symbolic power of pragmatics.  We must read the pragmatics as symbols or doorways to the fundamental truth.  If not, we will never discover that layer.  It means that the language on the pragmatic level symbolizes the fundamental and the fundamental truth is demonstrated in the pragmatics.  Both layers or levels constitute the Word of God.  Someone might object to this as nothing more than “Gnosticism.”  But this structure does not smack one bit of the Gnostic heresy.  This is not private esoteric teaching, open and available to only a chosen few.  To the contrary, it is open to all who read the Scriptures looking into the symbolizing power of the pragmatics of the Text. 

A third level sits atop the reflexive two layers of pragmatics/language and the fundamental truth.  It is a level we might call commitment.  Commitment means an acknowledgment of the pragmatics/language level that will be carried out deliberately, considering all that underlies the words.  It’s the integration of all that the pragmatics/language has and is into daily thought, speech, and behavior

The three levels would look like this: 

1.    Commitment:  Thought / Speech / Behavior
________________________________________

2.    The Pragmatics / Language
________________________________________

3.    The Fundamental Truth

Look at the symbolic chain or sequence.  The Pragmatics is our starting point which opens the door to the fundamental truth; and then it’s back to the pragmatics which becomes the springboard to the upper level.  In the three texts on which the song is based, Paul in essence urges us to not break that chain.   In the commitment level we force onto our thought, speech and behavior all of the substance of the two previous layers of study and insight.  Because no matter what we discover in the word of God, if we do not obligate our thought, speech and behavior to conform to the truth thus discovered then we are hollow and empty vessels.  All of our reading of Scripture has come to nothing.  It has produced nothing of eternal consequence.

We can identify these three layers, but when people look at us, they see first the commitment.  They ask the reason why, and we point them to the level of the pragmatics – “We follow what the Bible says” – and often that opens the door for us to show them the fundamentals beneath the commandments.


Discussion Questions for Part Two

1.  How does the command to “keep your spiritual fervor” require looking at the fundamentals level?  How about “never be lacking in zeal?”  How do commandments like this, which require an inner effect, differ from those which are more outward actions?

2.  Someone recently observed that young people leave the church because they haven’t been taught that there is more than one level to the understanding of Scripture.  They are taught pragmatics almost exclusively.   Do you agree or disagree?  In what practical ways could a Bible school program include the fundamentals level?

3.  Explain how the pragmatics and the fundamentals are reflexive.

4.  In what way is the pragmatics level symbolic of what underlies it?

5.  How would stem cell research, the teaching of atheistic evolution, and gay marriage all illustrate an emphasis on effects?   What could an understanding of the fundamentals level contribute to a Christian’s understanding of such issues?


Part Three:  THE-THREE STEP READING OF THE TEXT OF SCRIPTURE.

Once we see this three-part structure, it leads logically to a three-step reading of Scripture itself. 

Step One:  Because it’s most observable and accessible we begin to read Scripture at the pragmatics level.  Such readers, those who stay simply at this level, will factor in the effects that Biblical obedience might imply.  In most cases, people who stay at this level do not want to run risks or take a chance that they might be bringing on themselves some potential unpleasant effects. 

Such a “pragmatics” reading of the Bible cannot build stable fellowship.  Look at all of the churches that divide.  Then they call for conflict resolution to try and hold the church together or put it back together.  Conflict resolution started in the law schools, and not in the Word of God.

Nor will this level of reading alone deal an effective blow to depression and discouragement.  It might enforce better behavior, but without an explanation provided by the underlying fundamentals level, it is difficult to sustain.

Step Two :  This step begins with re-representing the pragmatics level.  The words of Scripture and the behaviors it entreats must be seen as symbols, pointing us to something else, that level of fundamental truth.  Second-level readers say that such a reading of the Text generates great wisdom and insight.  

However, those who stay just at that level of reading, though enriched and helped by this fuller view, often are still enslaved with the fear of potential unpleasant effects.  They understand what Scripture says, can acknowledge the underlying inspired rationale, but aren’t willing to go to the level of commitment  -- a level that must be free of all fear of effects.  As necessary as these first levels are they are not the end of the story.  There is something else.

Step Three  brings with it the projection of commitment onto one’s thought, speech and behavior – regardless of the outcomes or effects.  This Commitment Level of Reading produces real students of the Word. Such will force the Biblical ideas upon the expressions of the self-- like thought, speech and behavior.  Such readers are not content with the pragmatics and not content just with listening to and simply learning about these things.

No one can go directly to Step Three.  Nor will exegesis nor historical analysis produce these three steps.  We start, as we must, with the pragmatics, delve into the fundamentals, and then bring these two up to the level of committed, transformed thought, speech and behavior. In the final analysis, our decisions become extensions of our reading of the text!

Discussion Questions for Part Three

1.  How does James 1:22-25 illustrate the commitment level of the reading of Scripture?  What does it say about thought, speech and behavior?  What does it say about effects?  

2.  Moses in Exodus chapter 3 decided not to go to Egypt because of the effects.  What did the Lord do that took care of Moses’ fears? 

3.  We could apply this “layered reading” to Abraham in Genesis chapter 16 and to Israel in Numbers 13 and 14.  Can you draw a structure that illustrates the three levels in either of these cases? 

4. How can someone’s location in or identification with any one of the three levels of the three-part reading reveal his or her acceptance or rejection of the decision complex?

For further reflection: “The Second Singing”   

Now that you’ve studied in depth some of the implications of the scriptures on which the song is based, what do you understand and think as you hear the song again?

Without looking these up, who can name the songs and artists?



1.   "Tambourines and elephants are playing in the band."
2.   "It's hard to keep a good man down but I won't be getting up today."
3.   "You were better to me than I've been to myself."
4.   "I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky."
5.   "Help me get my feet back on the ground."

Do we emphasize the Scriptures in our assemblies?
The Bible is God-breathed.  It is living and active.  It is the "light unto our path."



I'm intrigued by previous generations' reverence for Scripture as we learn from historical accounts; such respect that would motivate people to stand for hours in order to hear the Word of God presented!

Do you believe the Word of God is given enough priority in our assemblies?
It is not uncommon to hear the Word as a "call to worship" or before communion.  Of course, the preacher should be sharing the sacred Text.  Congregational readings are becoming more common.  Singing the Scriptures is one of my favorite worship practices, while others are learning to "pray through the Word."  Many congregations will stand in honor of the reading of the Scriptures.

My favorite preachers are the ones who are dynamic, enthusiastic, and captivating in style.  I am trying to train worship leaders who will lead with all their hearts and with "gusto."  Why do we allow so many people to publicly read the Word in a lifeless, mono-tone drone with little or no preparation or coaching?

Are we so time-conscious, or simply wayward that we have failed to adequately place God's Word at its rightful place (not only in our lives, but in the assembly?)

I realize I'm asking a lot of questions, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on how well we are doing in honoring God's Word in our assemblies.  In addition, please share ideas on how we can improve this vital need.

I'm not a great photographer, but I enjoy taking pictures.  My theory is, if you take enough pictures, eventually some of them will look really nice!  I heard that the difference between an amateur photographer and a professional is the amateur will show you ALL of his pictures (while the "pro" only shows you the good ones.)

Here is one taken six years ago on a visit to Martinique.  I don't recall seeing this kind of beautiful flower before.

Attention all you Tennessee and Kentucky readers:  You are invited to join us for a Praise & Harmony seminar on Saturday, April 28 at 3:00 P.M. at the College Hills Church of Christ in Lebanon, Tennessee.



The seminar is free of charge.  It will be most beneficial if you prepare by listening and learning the Glorious God songs ahead of time (which will be released in a couple of weeks.)  We will conclude at dinner break to allow for travel back home.

Hope to see you there!

Today, I attended the funeral of a special lady who was the widow of a special man.  Laura Catherine Johnson Keeble was 108 years old!




Laura married the legendary preacher, Marshall Keeble, in 1934.  Their wedding ceremony was performed by B. C. Goodpasture.  Marshall has been called "the greatest evangelist since the apostles."  We should be very grateful for leaders of faith like these.

I really enjoy one-liners.  Whether it's a joke or a morsel of wisdom,  I appreciate the delivery of profound truths within the economy of minimal words.  I thought it would be interesting to share some of my favorites and you can do the same. 

My first offering involves financial matters.  No doubt, we could engage in hours of discussion over the prudence of budgeting, saving, spending less than your income, living modestly and avoiding financial disaster.  This single financial axiom sums up a multitude of books and seminars and is easily remembered by the words out/in, up/down:



Do I hear an "amen?"