BHBC Music Notes

NOTE:  MUSIC NOTES was not published last week due to me being out ill.  So, this week you get a “double issue.”  Lots of great news, quotes, and inspiration. nw

THIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 29

Choir:  Jesus Loves Me

Preacher:  Jason

“SILENCE” – In Theaters Now…

NOTE:  I have not seen this movie yet, and have read that it is quite graphic in its depiction of Christian persecution.

Based on the persecution of Christians in 17th century Japan, Scorsese tackles deep theological and philosophical questions.  Yes, this is the same director, Martin Scorsese, who directed the blasphemous 1988 film, “The Last Temptation of Christ.”  Yet, here is a quote from Scorsese that indicates that he is still searching for the Truth:  “There are no answers. We all know that. You try to live in the grace that you can. But there are no answers, but the point is, you keep looking. Because people tell you science tells us everything. Science doesn’t! …We’ve progressed on the outside, but what about inside? What about the soul and the heart? Without trying to sound pompous and ridiculous, I can tell you this is where my interest is.” 

Read more about this movie in these excellent reviews:  FOX News click here.  To read of how star, Adam Garfield’s, faith was challenged during the filming of the film click here.  Finally, you’ll find a solid review by Christianity Today by clicking here.

OUR BROKEN WORLD

Regardless of what you may read/see on social media and/or tv news, our world’s not any more broken than it’s been since we told God to, in essence, “shove off” from Eden. The difference between now and “pre-media” is that we now have immediate access to “all things broken.” To all who may be discouraged here’s a reminder that there is a cure for the world’s sickness. He is Christ Jesus. And He’s on His way…. He said, “In this world you will have trouble, but take courage; I’ve overcome the world.” (Jn 16:33)

HEY GOD – HEY JOHN

I was told about this guy, “John”, last week.  He occasionally posts on his Facebook page under the heading of an ongoing conversation between God and himself.  Enjoy…

Me: Hey God.

God: Hey John.

Me: My anxiety is crushing me today. I’m not sure I can survive this.

God: Of course you can. Breathe. In and out. Slowly. You are going to be fine. Breathe it all in. Breathe.

Me: I can’t!!

God: Take a couple of deep breaths. Breathe in and breathe out. Your heart will calm down if you just breath deeply and let yourself be healed.

Me: I don’t think breathing air is going to heal me.

God: I didn’t say anything about air.

Me: What am I breathing in, then?

God: Me.

A GREATER REALITY

“I became a Christian at the age of 18 while studying chemistry at Oxford University. My conversion related to my perception that Christianity offered a more comprehensive, coherent and compelling account of reality than the atheism I had embraced in my earlier teenage years.” Alister McGrath, Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics

McGrath references C.S. Lewis’ (a former atheist, as well) familiar quote, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else,” where Lewis emphasizes the importance of “seeing” as a metaphor for human engagement with greater reality.

IF YOU LOVE TO READ HISTORY….

Eric Metaxas, a NYT best-selling author, has become one of my favorite biographers.  After reading his biography on Dietrich Bonhoeffer I was hooked.  This past week I saw the following posted on Metaxas’ Twitter feed.  I’m a huge fan of Luther.  Can’t wait for the Fall release of Metaxas’ biography.

AN ASTROPHYSICIST’S JOURNEY TO FAITH IN CHRIST

Sarah Salviander, Ph.D., is a researcher in the Astronomy Department at the University of Texas at Austin. She also a part-time assistant professor in the Physics Department at Southwestern University.

A former atheist, she has a powerful story of her journey to faith in Christ. About her former years she shares, “My view of Christianity was negative from an early age, and by the time I was in my twenties, I was actively hostile toward Christianity…I had come to believe that Christianity made people weak and foolish; I thought it was philosophically trivial.”

Read Sarah’s exciting story by clicking here.

QUOTE(s) of the WEEK

“It is possible to love people in the Lord even if we do not like them in the flesh.”  A.W. Tozer

LAUGHTER IS GOOD MEDICINE

GRACE NOTES:  When a Loved One Goes Home to Jesus

I’ve read Jesus’ prayer recorded in John 17 many times.  But I never considered this.  Read the blog here.

Soli Deo Gloria, Nick