Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Monday, December 9, 2024
Sunday, May 29, 2022
A Degenerate Vine
A Sermon on Jeremiah 2:20-22
“For long ago I broke your yoke
and burst your bonds;
but you said, ‘I will not serve.’
Yes, on every high hill
and under every green tree
you bowed down like a whore.
Yet I planted you a choice vine,
wholly of pure seed.
How then have you turned degenerate
and become a wild vine?
Though you wash yourself with lye
and use much soap,
the stain of your guilt is still before me,
declares the Lord GOD. (ESV)
What do the people of Israel have to teach? Because all things in holy Scripture are for humanity’s benefit, Christians can learn much about the nature of humanity and themselves by looking at the ancient people of God. In this sermon on Jeremiah 2:20–22 titled “A Degenerate Vine,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones tells that according to the Bible, humanity is polluted by sin. Every desire and inclination are brought under the twisted subjugation of their sinful nature. In a fallen state, humans are not able to pursue the good and upright. They are not able to live lives of love and justice. Many try to escape their own sin by looking to works of righteousness. They think that if they try hard enough, they can erase their sin and earn God’s favor, but this is a hopeless task. What then is the hope? The answer is found not in what people can do, but in what God has done. God has sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die upon the cross and to shed His blood so that sinners can be saved. All who believe in Jesus are forgiven of their sins, adopted as children of God, and made truly righteous. There is nothing left for anyone to do but repent of their sin and believe.
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Heart of Worship Music with Christina Mae
Christina Mae and Heart of Worship Music
Please tell us about your musical journey in Christ. How long have you been making music? Any formal training? Professional experience?
I didn't get to know Jesus personally until later in my life. I was 29 when God's grace and mercy got a hold of me and I accepted the precious gift of hope and life that Jesus offers to all who will come to Him. I realized then that I wanted to use any of my musical abilities and talents (and anything else I had) to serve Him and glorify Him. I had been trained as a classical pianist and also had some vocal training - and had played in clubs and bars for much of my early adulthood. I now wanted to use all that experience to tell the world about the King of Kings! I began serving in our local church and also had the opportunity to start writing with some really gifted Christian writers in Nashville. God has been extremely faithful and generous to bring many people into my life that have helped guide me and encourage me in both my spiritual and my musical journey.... It's a never-ending journey where I continue to surrender anything and everything I have back to Him - that He might use my gifts to build His kingdom and bring the life-changing news of the gospel to others.
I am inspired my many genres of music - most deeply when the beauty of God is seen - which can happen even in a simple melody. I love classical music such as Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin etc but my most favorite type of music is that which draws us closer to God and invites us to know Him more, usually because there are lyrics attached that inspire us. The Getty music group (including Matt Boswell, Matt Papa and Matt Merker) is currently writing fantastic, Spirit-filled songs that speak of God's greatness, love and mercy and invite us to respond. In a more contemporary vein I enjoy some of the new Elevation worship music that finds a very relatable way to express deep theology under the leadership of Steven Furtick. One of my favorite solo artists right now is Danny Gokey - I think his music is very accessible to this generation and always has a message that points hearts to Jesus. I also spend a lot of time listening to Southern Gospel - groups like Legacy 5, Brian Free and Assurance, Joseph Habedank, Gold City and the Lefevre Quartet. There are so many great vocalists, musicians and writers out there who are using their gifts for the glory of God.
From a songwriting perspective, music has made me very carefully examine what I believe and what the Bible says on certain topics. I would never want my music to lead someone in the wrong direction - and I want anything that I write or sing about to lead people to some kind of action or reaction. This means I need to dig deep into the truths of God to make sure they are expressed clearly and in a way that makes people want to respond. Writing has also made me sensitive to some of the serious battles and struggles other people are going through - and I seek to find ways to use God's promises to bring hope and peace into those struggles.
What projects are you working on now? What are your hopes for them?
I just finished work on a song called "BEAUTIFUL LIFE" - now available on YOUTUBE and SPOTIFY. It is my hope that this song will remind us all of God's many blessings and goodness, no matter what we are walking through.
I enjoy writing and singing both solo type and more congregational type worship songs. I have made many of these songs available with free lead sheets on my website below. https://heartofworship.online/
Monday, May 23, 2022
Christina Mae and Heart of Worship Music
Please tell us about your musical journey in Christ. How long have you been making music? Any formal training? Professional experience?
I didn't get to know Jesus personally until later in my life. I was 29 when God's grace and mercy got a hold of me and I accepted the precious gift of hope and life that Jesus offers to all who will come to Him. I realized then that I wanted to use any of my musical abilities and talents (and anything else I had) to serve Him and glorify Him. I had been trained as a classical pianist and also had some vocal training - and had played in clubs and bars for much of my early adulthood. I now wanted to use all that experience to tell the world about the King of Kings! I began serving in our local church and also had the opportunity to start writing with some really gifted Christian writers in Nashville. God has been extremely faithful and generous to bring many people into my life that have helped guide me and encourage me in both my spiritual and my musical journey.... It's a never-ending journey where I continue to surrender anything and everything I have back to Him - that He might use my gifts to build His kingdom and bring the life-changing news of the gospel to others.
I am inspired my many genres of music - most deeply when the beauty of God is seen - which can happen even in a simple melody. I love classical music such as Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin etc but my most favorite type of music is that which draws us closer to God and invites us to know Him more, usually because there are lyrics attached that inspire us. The Getty music group (including Matt Boswell, Matt Papa and Matt Merker) is currently writing fantastic, Spirit-filled songs that speak of God's greatness, love and mercy and invite us to respond. In a more contemporary vein I enjoy some of the new Elevation worship music that finds a very relatable way to express deep theology under the leadership of Steven Furtick. One of my favorite solo artists right now is Danny Gokey - I think his music is very accessible to this generation and always has a message that points hearts to Jesus. I also spend a lot of time listening to Southern Gospel - groups like Legacy 5, Brian Free and Assurance, Joseph Habedank, Gold City and the Lefevre Quartet. There are so many great vocalists, musicians and writers out there who are using their gifts for the glory of God.
From a songwriting perspective, music has made me very carefully examine what I believe and what the Bible says on certain topics. I would never want my music to lead someone in the wrong direction - and I want anything that I write or sing about to lead people to some kind of action or reaction. This means I need to dig deep into the truths of God to make sure they are expressed clearly and in a way that makes people want to respond. Writing has also made me sensitive to some of the serious battles and struggles other people are going through - and I seek to find ways to use God's promises to bring hope and peace into those struggles.
What projects are you working on now? What are your hopes for them?
I just finished work on a song called "BEAUTIFUL LIFE" - now available on YOUTUBE and SPOTIFY. It is my hope that this song will remind us all of God's many blessings and goodness, no matter what we are walking through.
I enjoy writing and singing both solo type and more congregational type worship songs. I have made many of these songs available with free lead sheets on my website below. https://heartofworship.online/
Imitators of God
A Sermon on Ephesians 5:1-2
Walk in Love
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (ESV)
With so much input on how Christians are supposed to live their lives, how can they discern which way is correct? In this sermon on Ephesians 5:1–2 titled “Imitators of God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains from Scripture how Christians are supposed to live and why they are to follow these guidelines. Paul says “we are to be imitators of God.” Christianity, Dr. Lloyd-Jones says, is more than just a moral code. Believers are never to obey simply because it is the normal “Christian” thing to do. Rather, they are to obey because they know what God has done for them and why God tells them to avoid certain things. In His graciousness, the Lord did not leave His people without reasons for obedience— instead, He tells often in Scripture the reasons why people are better off obeying His instructions. Just as children are representatives of their families, God’s children act as representatives of Him to the world. People should be able to look at them and see the Father because Christians should strive to become like their heavenly Father in the same way that they often attempt to imitate their earthly parents.
Monday, May 9, 2022
The feminist case against abortion
This year, Erika Bachiochi won the dubious honour of being perhaps the first feminist to have been threatened with no-platforming by a conservative association — for being too conservative. In late November, the female board members of New York University’s conservative law association, the Federalist Society, resigned over its decision to invite the feminist legal scholar to speak. In their view, Bachiochi’s campaigning work against abortion renders her beyond the pale.
Sunday, May 8, 2022
Revival
A Sermon on Ephesians 4:4-6
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (ESV)
Many Christians today are praying for revival. What is it and what is the role of the Holy Spirit in it? Is revival something that is predictable? In this sermon from Ephesians 4:4–6 titled “Revival,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones tackles these questions and more. “The one supreme need of the church,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones says, “is revival.” It is its only hope. He defines revival as the repetition (to some degree) of what happened at Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit fell on a number of people at the same time. According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, revival serves two purposes: it raises the church to a new level of experience and it brings those outside the church to repentance. Many Christians are wary of deep emotions in their Christian walk, and thus are somewhat afraid of revival. But is this biblical? In addition to walking through biblical support for revival, Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that “the history of the church is a history of
revivals.” What does the history of revivals teach? Ultimately, it shows that they are a work of God, not of humanity, and that it is the responsibility of Christians to pray earnestly for them. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones answers common questions related to revival and its place in the life of the church.
Saturday, May 7, 2022
The emptiness of being queer
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Friday, May 6, 2022
Bring the Beast to Bay
Soothe the Beast with a Beat
[This is another segment in the Music in the Bible series which begins in Genesis and finishes in Revelation.]
"Let our master now command your servants, who are before you, to seek out a man who is a skillful player on the harp. And it shall be that he will play it with his hand when the distressing spirit from God is upon you, and you shall be well.” (1 Samuel 16:16-23)
Thursday, May 5, 2022
About that Roe vs. Wade thingy
Next week, Senate Democrats are planning to vote to codify Roe v. Wade into federal law. Roe v. Wade is an extreme policy. And it’s not just extreme by conservative standards—it’s extreme by the world’s standards. Did you know that America is one of only five countries that allows for elective, late-term abortions in the third trimester? We are debunking the Democrats’ “Abortion for All” agenda. Here are seven graphics that define the pro-life fight: |
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Please download and share these graphics. Let people know what’s at stake. You can also share the latest episode of our podcast, where I walk listeners through these stats and facts. And lastly, I would encourage you to call your Senators and voice your support for life. Conservative Senators need your support. Liberal Senators need to know they are on the wrong side of history. Babies are humans, just like every one of us. Let’s love life, and stand up for the rights of the unborn. Janae Stracke |
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Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Donate to Heritage Action for America
ALERT: A new leak from the Supreme Court suggests Roe v. Wade will be overturned!The left is already responding radically to push their will on the people. It's time to stand up now to protect our court and defend life. |
Fellow Conservative, history is being made...
In an unprecedented move, a Supreme Court decision regarding Roe v. Wade was leaked to the press. Reading the decision, it is clear the Supreme Court intends to faithfully uphold the Constitution and overturn Roe v. Wade.
49 years ago, Roe v. Wade was wrongly decided—it was an abuse of judicial power and took power away from the people. Before Roe, voters—and their elected representatives—were empowered to regulate abortion and enact pro-life laws.
That means power is returning to the people.
That means Congress and state legislatures can act to save lives.
That means we can save millions of babies.
But it's obvious the Left is not taking the news well. This leak appears to be a full-throated effort to inspire and empower a radical mob to intimidate Supreme Court Justices into changing their decision.
To further intimidate Justices, socialist Rep. Ilhan Omar is calling for Congress to pack the Supreme Court.
And others, like Senator Bernie Sanders, want to END THE FILIBUSTER and ram the “Abortion for All Act” through the Senate.
These are historic battles, and we can't afford to lose them. That's why we're empowering our grassroots army now to tell legislators to STAND STRONG, defend the integrity of our courts, and protect the lives of babies.
Will you chip in to fund their efforts now?
This fight is about protecting the sanctity of life and defending our Constitution.
Remember, our work began long ago—we started by supporting the Supreme Court nominees that would uphold the Constitution. And if Roe is overturned, we will have more work to do—at the state level—to pass pro-life legislation.
Ending Roe v. Wade is only the beginning! The next battleground will be in Congress and state legislatures!
We’ve built our team, strengthened our network, and we’re prepared to defend life across this nation. This kind of “boots-on-the-ground” grassroots organizing is only possible with your generous support.
Please, chip in now to protect our court and protect babies. Support Heritage Action’s mission: https://heritageaction.com/action-05_04_2022/
Thank you,
Jessica Anderson
Heritage Action - Executive Director
Heritage Action for America is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization. Donations are not tax deductible. State Registration Disclosures.
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