This one is going to be different.
And 200% better.
I am talking about my new recording that I am presently gathering material to produce. I hope to have the entire thing complete by the end of the year, ready to be offered after the first of the year in 2012.
My new recording will contain mostly new material, written by yours truly. Yep, the words and music will be by Anthony G. Martin. Y'all didn't know that I wrote music too, did ya?
My last recording was a 'By Request' project that was based upon songs people have asked me to sing in various places. It was done on a shoestring budget and shortcuts had to be made to fit that limited budget.
This one is going to be different. It is going to have my signature on all of it, my stuff, done in my style. And I think you will be very pleasantly surprised.
Before the spring of this year, it had been nearly 38 years since the last time I recorded an album. There were no 'CDs' back then, only long play vinyl albums, or singles...and 8 track tapes. Now everything is digital and high-tech. So, my first effort using today's recording equipment was very different and took some getting used to.
My second effort will be a vast improvement. I now know what to do and how to do it. And I have learned some things about the production, arrangements, and so forth.
Now, here is where you can help.
Everything I do here at Martin Christian Ministries is free. Devotionals, songs, all if it. I never charge for anything. But, it is time-consuming. And money is in very short supply. I say that not to solicit sympathy. I don't want or need it. I am just stating fact.
During the month of October I will have a fundraiser right here. Of course, you can make a donation anytime you wish, using the donate button in the top right column. But this will be a concerted, coordinated effort to keep this operation going.
You will be offered a free gift for your donation, but I will tell you more about that when the time comes.
As always, thanks for your support, your prayers, your gifts, and your continued readership. I deeply appreciate all of you. Thank-you most kindly.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
True Confessions
The Bible says that we are to confess our faults one to another, as Christians. That is not an easy thing to do. The humiliation involved, the embarrassment, and the need to swallow one's pride and throw oneself on the mercy of others is a gargantuan task.
But it is necessary for its cleansing effect.
First, a stipulation. As one who has studied the Bible all my life both personally and in scholarly circles, I do not believe that the admonition to confess our faults to one another means to incessantly air out all of one's dirty laundry in public. That is foolish and a gross misinterpretation of those words.
There are times when 'confessing' publicly will hurt someone else. It is important to keep confidences. To blare out something about yourself that would also put another person in a very negative light is akin to a bull in a china shop. That is just as bad as whatever act you needed to 'confess.'
And then, some things are so personal that they simply do not need to be told. That is common sense. There is NO incident in the Bible where anyone, anywhere, EVER confessed publicly to things that should not be discussed in the open--except in a few very select venues, such as a support group perhaps, or privately to the person who was offended.
But, other things are good and helpful to be discussed. Other Christians can learn from our mistakes.
I remember growing up in church that periodically we would have 'testimony meetings,' where the 'saints' or 'Christians' would stand up and confess their past sins and celebrate how God had delivered them.
I heard alcoholics describe their broken, ruined lives and then recount how Christ turned them around completely.
The Church has lost something in the modern era in that there is no mechanism in place for Christians to 'confess to one other their sins.' The objective is not to glorify the sin but to glorify God for His ability to deliver. I get the impression today that a certain cancerous pride has invaded the Church where even Christians do not want others to think they EVER do anything wrong. That is a big mistake.
As for me, I admit I have a temper. I am a very passionate, emotional person who is prone to fly off the handle and say things I later regret. In some ways I am much better about it than I used to be, but in other ways it is worse. Strangers are usually the recipients. I have learned to spare those closest to me.
There are times when a person deserves a verbal raking over the coals. There are other times when such a thing is way over the top and uncalled for. I am still seeking a middle ground, the discernment to know the difference.
Anger itself is no sin. The Bible says, 'Be angry and sin not,' meaning that there are some things so bad and so unjust that to fail to get angry about them is sinful. But the Bible also reminds us that in other situations the tongue must be tamed because it tends to be like a raging torrent, consuming everything in its path.
I am still trying to learn the difference between the two. It is way too easy to justify one's verbal onslaughts as 'righteous indignation' that is fully justified. Sometimes, it IS justified. But in other cases it is clearly NOT. I have had trouble making the distinction.
But I am learning and hopefully growing. That is about the best any of us can hope for.
But it is necessary for its cleansing effect.
First, a stipulation. As one who has studied the Bible all my life both personally and in scholarly circles, I do not believe that the admonition to confess our faults to one another means to incessantly air out all of one's dirty laundry in public. That is foolish and a gross misinterpretation of those words.
There are times when 'confessing' publicly will hurt someone else. It is important to keep confidences. To blare out something about yourself that would also put another person in a very negative light is akin to a bull in a china shop. That is just as bad as whatever act you needed to 'confess.'
And then, some things are so personal that they simply do not need to be told. That is common sense. There is NO incident in the Bible where anyone, anywhere, EVER confessed publicly to things that should not be discussed in the open--except in a few very select venues, such as a support group perhaps, or privately to the person who was offended.
But, other things are good and helpful to be discussed. Other Christians can learn from our mistakes.
I remember growing up in church that periodically we would have 'testimony meetings,' where the 'saints' or 'Christians' would stand up and confess their past sins and celebrate how God had delivered them.
I heard alcoholics describe their broken, ruined lives and then recount how Christ turned them around completely.
The Church has lost something in the modern era in that there is no mechanism in place for Christians to 'confess to one other their sins.' The objective is not to glorify the sin but to glorify God for His ability to deliver. I get the impression today that a certain cancerous pride has invaded the Church where even Christians do not want others to think they EVER do anything wrong. That is a big mistake.
As for me, I admit I have a temper. I am a very passionate, emotional person who is prone to fly off the handle and say things I later regret. In some ways I am much better about it than I used to be, but in other ways it is worse. Strangers are usually the recipients. I have learned to spare those closest to me.
There are times when a person deserves a verbal raking over the coals. There are other times when such a thing is way over the top and uncalled for. I am still seeking a middle ground, the discernment to know the difference.
Anger itself is no sin. The Bible says, 'Be angry and sin not,' meaning that there are some things so bad and so unjust that to fail to get angry about them is sinful. But the Bible also reminds us that in other situations the tongue must be tamed because it tends to be like a raging torrent, consuming everything in its path.
I am still trying to learn the difference between the two. It is way too easy to justify one's verbal onslaughts as 'righteous indignation' that is fully justified. Sometimes, it IS justified. But in other cases it is clearly NOT. I have had trouble making the distinction.
But I am learning and hopefully growing. That is about the best any of us can hope for.
Another Artist Spotlight and a Bit of Music History
So far I have talked about the top young gospel quartets today that were spawned by the world-famous Cathedral Quartet upon their retirement in 1999. I have already written at length about 2 of those groups--Ernie Haas and Signature Sound, and Legacy Five.
There is, however, a third major group that came out of the Cathedrals. This group focuses on one individual, and the quartet bears his name--the Mark Trammell Quartet.
Trammell began singing baritone and playing bass guitar for the Cathedrals as a young man in 1979. Out of all of those schooled in what is known in southern gospel circles as 'the Cathedral Way,' Trammell perhaps embodies that description more fully than any of the others who graduated from the Glen Payne-George Younce 'school' of gospel singing.
As the ultimate 'quartet man,' Trammell is a modern example of the tried-and-tested model set forth by The Vaughn Music Company and Stamps-Baxter Music when they first started sending professional quartets out on the road to churches across America to sell their songbooks.
These men were the consummate professionals--well-trained in vocal technique, stage presentation, and in selling the songbooks that paid their salaries. They were also self-sufficient, low-keyed, and even a bit shy about promoting themselves. They were there not to become individual 'stars' but to promote the songbooks.
George Younce once said that if you wanted to find the best quartet man in America today, you would look no further than Mark Trammell.
In 1990 after Danny Funderburk left as tenor for the Cathedrals, Mark had notions of leaving as well but stayed on in order to tutor a very young Ernie Haas, who had just joined the group as their new tenor. Once that was done, Trammell became baritone for the other top group in Southern Gospel at the time--the Gold City Quartet--due to his close and longstanding friendship with Gold City bass and manager Tim Riley.
A few years later, however, Trammell did what many of the top singers in Southern Gospel do when they achieve quite a bit of name recognition--they start their own group.
And today, the Mark Trammell Quartet is one of the absolute best gospel groups on the road in America. They are not flashy or gaudy. They do not go for cheap applause. They are not loud and boisterous. They just stand up and sing, and the quality of their music does the 'selling' for them.
Here is an example of the Mark Trammell Quartet, singing, 'How Long Has It Been.' As we say in the south, 'It don't git no better than that!'
By the way, there is yet a 4th major group that came out of the Cathedrals. I will tell you about that later.
There is, however, a third major group that came out of the Cathedrals. This group focuses on one individual, and the quartet bears his name--the Mark Trammell Quartet.
Trammell began singing baritone and playing bass guitar for the Cathedrals as a young man in 1979. Out of all of those schooled in what is known in southern gospel circles as 'the Cathedral Way,' Trammell perhaps embodies that description more fully than any of the others who graduated from the Glen Payne-George Younce 'school' of gospel singing.
As the ultimate 'quartet man,' Trammell is a modern example of the tried-and-tested model set forth by The Vaughn Music Company and Stamps-Baxter Music when they first started sending professional quartets out on the road to churches across America to sell their songbooks.
These men were the consummate professionals--well-trained in vocal technique, stage presentation, and in selling the songbooks that paid their salaries. They were also self-sufficient, low-keyed, and even a bit shy about promoting themselves. They were there not to become individual 'stars' but to promote the songbooks.
George Younce once said that if you wanted to find the best quartet man in America today, you would look no further than Mark Trammell.
In 1990 after Danny Funderburk left as tenor for the Cathedrals, Mark had notions of leaving as well but stayed on in order to tutor a very young Ernie Haas, who had just joined the group as their new tenor. Once that was done, Trammell became baritone for the other top group in Southern Gospel at the time--the Gold City Quartet--due to his close and longstanding friendship with Gold City bass and manager Tim Riley.
A few years later, however, Trammell did what many of the top singers in Southern Gospel do when they achieve quite a bit of name recognition--they start their own group.
And today, the Mark Trammell Quartet is one of the absolute best gospel groups on the road in America. They are not flashy or gaudy. They do not go for cheap applause. They are not loud and boisterous. They just stand up and sing, and the quality of their music does the 'selling' for them.
Here is an example of the Mark Trammell Quartet, singing, 'How Long Has It Been.' As we say in the south, 'It don't git no better than that!'
By the way, there is yet a 4th major group that came out of the Cathedrals. I will tell you about that later.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Conversation with an Atheist
Let me make clear at the outset that I am not the kind of Christian who goes around shoving my religion down people's throats. I rarely bring it up unless the other person does, except for those that share my views.
If I know the person shares my values and my views on faith, I am not reluctant at all to bring up spiritual issues. But for people in general I usually don't initiate those conversations, believing that the Holy Spirit will prepare a person who is ready to hear what I have to say. And a good indication that they are ready is when THEY bring it up.
However, there are exceptions. Not everyone who brings up the subject is ready to hear.
Such a conversation took place with an atheist the other day. In reference to a certain tragedy that was in the news, he wanted to know "why a loving God would allow such things to happen."
I said, simply, "I don't know. That is a question that cannot be answered adequately. Any 'explanation' that could be offered usually comes up short."
It was then that he unleashed his vitriol against Christianity and people of faith in general.
Said he, "Your answer to my question is only more proof that there is no God. I have never been able to get a Christian to answer my question. If everything you say about God, the Bible, and Christianity were true, you would be able to answer it."
I responded, "So, you would make a judgment about whether or not God exists solely on the basis of something I do not understand and cannot explain..."
"That's how all of you believers try to wiggle out of it," he snapped. "You can't honestly address the fact that if God were loving there would be no young kids murdered by a nutcase with a gun, no tragedies such as the Tucson massacre or the Japanese earthquake and tsunami."
I countered, "So God is obligated to do your bidding, to act in accordance with YOUR opinion of what constitutes justice or love. What if God simply decides not to intervene in the laws of nature in most cases? What if He expects men and women to make decisions on their own, without being forced to do so, and that when they make poor decisions people will get hurt? If God decided to stop bad people from doing bad things, then we as human beings would not be free moral agents who have the power to decide for ourselves. We would be mere puppets."
He then launched into a tirade that I tuned out, which was mostly knee-jerk hyper-emotional reaction arising out of his own internal rage than any rationality.
I just let him talk. And then when he was through, I apologized for anything I may have said that got him upset. It was not my intent to get him so riled.
He accepted the apology and we moved beyond the clash.
What else can one do at that point?
Arguing religion and spiritual issues with someone who is not prepared for the answers, or the non-answers, is futile. It accomplishes nothing.
But I will say that there is a part of this encounter that sticks in my craw and always has--the fact that many unbelievers wish to hold me responsible for that which I cannot explain or that for which God has not provided an explanation.
There is plenty that people of faith will never understand. The finite cannot fully grasp the infinite. Our limited human minds cannot wrap themselves around that which is unlimited in scope.
I don't have to understand everything nor offer an explanation for everything. I can continue digging, exploring, inquiring, studying, and growing. But that's about it. I am not worried about things I cannot explain or understand. I am much more worried about the things I DO understand and CAN explain fully.
Accepting reality means embracing the fact that we mortals are limited in our ability to comprehend certain spiritual mysteries. This in no way undermines faith. In fact, faith is enhanced by our acknowledgment that 'blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed.'
If I know the person shares my values and my views on faith, I am not reluctant at all to bring up spiritual issues. But for people in general I usually don't initiate those conversations, believing that the Holy Spirit will prepare a person who is ready to hear what I have to say. And a good indication that they are ready is when THEY bring it up.
However, there are exceptions. Not everyone who brings up the subject is ready to hear.
Such a conversation took place with an atheist the other day. In reference to a certain tragedy that was in the news, he wanted to know "why a loving God would allow such things to happen."
I said, simply, "I don't know. That is a question that cannot be answered adequately. Any 'explanation' that could be offered usually comes up short."
It was then that he unleashed his vitriol against Christianity and people of faith in general.
Said he, "Your answer to my question is only more proof that there is no God. I have never been able to get a Christian to answer my question. If everything you say about God, the Bible, and Christianity were true, you would be able to answer it."
I responded, "So, you would make a judgment about whether or not God exists solely on the basis of something I do not understand and cannot explain..."
"That's how all of you believers try to wiggle out of it," he snapped. "You can't honestly address the fact that if God were loving there would be no young kids murdered by a nutcase with a gun, no tragedies such as the Tucson massacre or the Japanese earthquake and tsunami."
I countered, "So God is obligated to do your bidding, to act in accordance with YOUR opinion of what constitutes justice or love. What if God simply decides not to intervene in the laws of nature in most cases? What if He expects men and women to make decisions on their own, without being forced to do so, and that when they make poor decisions people will get hurt? If God decided to stop bad people from doing bad things, then we as human beings would not be free moral agents who have the power to decide for ourselves. We would be mere puppets."
He then launched into a tirade that I tuned out, which was mostly knee-jerk hyper-emotional reaction arising out of his own internal rage than any rationality.
I just let him talk. And then when he was through, I apologized for anything I may have said that got him upset. It was not my intent to get him so riled.
He accepted the apology and we moved beyond the clash.
What else can one do at that point?
Arguing religion and spiritual issues with someone who is not prepared for the answers, or the non-answers, is futile. It accomplishes nothing.
But I will say that there is a part of this encounter that sticks in my craw and always has--the fact that many unbelievers wish to hold me responsible for that which I cannot explain or that for which God has not provided an explanation.
There is plenty that people of faith will never understand. The finite cannot fully grasp the infinite. Our limited human minds cannot wrap themselves around that which is unlimited in scope.
I don't have to understand everything nor offer an explanation for everything. I can continue digging, exploring, inquiring, studying, and growing. But that's about it. I am not worried about things I cannot explain or understand. I am much more worried about the things I DO understand and CAN explain fully.
Accepting reality means embracing the fact that we mortals are limited in our ability to comprehend certain spiritual mysteries. This in no way undermines faith. In fact, faith is enhanced by our acknowledgment that 'blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed.'
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Artist Spotlight and Some Music History
Periodically I like to write about great talent in Christian music. Some of the best singers in the world can be found in Gospel music, particularly in the sub-genre known as 'Southern Gospel Quartet Music'--that is, if the singer in question is well-trained.
A study was conducted a few years ago by a major music school at a large university in order to determine which form of music was the most taxing on a singer. The study concluded that Southern Gospel Quartet singing is the most difficult on the voice.
This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that such singers must perform at least 250 dates per year to make a living and that the nature of the genre is such that great demands are placed on the voice that are not present in other musical genres, such as the ultra-high tenors and the mega-low basses, not to mention that quartet fans want to hear those dramatic endings in which the singers hold a note for an extremely long period, with the tenor reaching the highest levels of the scale and the bass sliding down to double octaves at the other end.
For this reason very few groups make it to the top. There are lots of quartets and trios out there, but only about 25 or 30 or so are successful enough to make a living at it.
You have read my numerous stories about The Cathedrals, the Florida Boys, J.D Sumner and Stamps, Gold City, and others who maintained a consistent level of success for multiple decades. These are excellent examples of the quality it takes to reach the top and stay at the top.
But there are younger groups that have come along who have demonstrated that they, too, have 'the stuff.' One of those is 'Legacy Five.'
And now a short history on how Legacy Five came to be.
When Glen Payne and George Younce of the Cathedrals announced that the year 1999 would be their last on the road, the other guys in the group, Roger Bennett on piano, Scott Fowler on baritone, and Ernie Haas on tenor, had to go to work to plan for their future without the 2 icons whom the fans wanted to see--Glen and George.
As I have written before, Ernie started his own group called 'Ernie Haas and Signature Sound' which has enjoyed booming success, appealing to a much younger fan base while staying true to their southern quartet roots.
But Scott and Roger, who were best friends, decided to go in a different direction, staying with the tried-and-tested 'Cathedral Way' that had given them unprecedented success. And, with the backing of some financiers within Christian circles, some of whom are well-known mega-church Pastors, the two were able to put together a quartet that was worthy to carry on the Cathedral tradition.
Immediately the group was able, through their generous donors, to purchase a bus and garner some high profile venues at which to sing--such as the First Baptist Church of Atlanta, Georgia, one of the largest churches in America.
Thus, Legacy Five was born. The group has been known to introduce some of the best singers in Gospel music to the national audience.
The group took a major hit, however, when Roger Bennett died prematurely from leukemia. Roger, in my opinion, was the absolute finest pianist in Gospel music, EVER. And that is saying a lot.
Roger and Scott were the backbone of the quartet, much as Glen and George had been for the Cathedrals.
But, as with George Younce who was instructed by Glen Payne just prior to his death to carry on and fulfill their obligations without him, so did Scott Fowler find a way to carry on without Roger Bennett.
The group has managed to stay at or near the top of southern quartet singing, winning several fan awards at the annual 'Singing News Awards' festival.
These guys are solid. Their stage presence captures the dignity of the legacy Glen and George left behind. And their commitment to Christ, the spreading of the Gospel, and 'walking the walk and not just talking the talk' are clearly evident.
Here is a great example of Legacy Five's music--I Found Grace. Click on the words.
A study was conducted a few years ago by a major music school at a large university in order to determine which form of music was the most taxing on a singer. The study concluded that Southern Gospel Quartet singing is the most difficult on the voice.
This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that such singers must perform at least 250 dates per year to make a living and that the nature of the genre is such that great demands are placed on the voice that are not present in other musical genres, such as the ultra-high tenors and the mega-low basses, not to mention that quartet fans want to hear those dramatic endings in which the singers hold a note for an extremely long period, with the tenor reaching the highest levels of the scale and the bass sliding down to double octaves at the other end.
For this reason very few groups make it to the top. There are lots of quartets and trios out there, but only about 25 or 30 or so are successful enough to make a living at it.
You have read my numerous stories about The Cathedrals, the Florida Boys, J.D Sumner and Stamps, Gold City, and others who maintained a consistent level of success for multiple decades. These are excellent examples of the quality it takes to reach the top and stay at the top.
But there are younger groups that have come along who have demonstrated that they, too, have 'the stuff.' One of those is 'Legacy Five.'
And now a short history on how Legacy Five came to be.
When Glen Payne and George Younce of the Cathedrals announced that the year 1999 would be their last on the road, the other guys in the group, Roger Bennett on piano, Scott Fowler on baritone, and Ernie Haas on tenor, had to go to work to plan for their future without the 2 icons whom the fans wanted to see--Glen and George.
As I have written before, Ernie started his own group called 'Ernie Haas and Signature Sound' which has enjoyed booming success, appealing to a much younger fan base while staying true to their southern quartet roots.
But Scott and Roger, who were best friends, decided to go in a different direction, staying with the tried-and-tested 'Cathedral Way' that had given them unprecedented success. And, with the backing of some financiers within Christian circles, some of whom are well-known mega-church Pastors, the two were able to put together a quartet that was worthy to carry on the Cathedral tradition.
Immediately the group was able, through their generous donors, to purchase a bus and garner some high profile venues at which to sing--such as the First Baptist Church of Atlanta, Georgia, one of the largest churches in America.
Thus, Legacy Five was born. The group has been known to introduce some of the best singers in Gospel music to the national audience.
The group took a major hit, however, when Roger Bennett died prematurely from leukemia. Roger, in my opinion, was the absolute finest pianist in Gospel music, EVER. And that is saying a lot.
Roger and Scott were the backbone of the quartet, much as Glen and George had been for the Cathedrals.
But, as with George Younce who was instructed by Glen Payne just prior to his death to carry on and fulfill their obligations without him, so did Scott Fowler find a way to carry on without Roger Bennett.
The group has managed to stay at or near the top of southern quartet singing, winning several fan awards at the annual 'Singing News Awards' festival.
These guys are solid. Their stage presence captures the dignity of the legacy Glen and George left behind. And their commitment to Christ, the spreading of the Gospel, and 'walking the walk and not just talking the talk' are clearly evident.
Here is a great example of Legacy Five's music--I Found Grace. Click on the words.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
A Flawed Character
I will readily admit that I am flawed. Some would describe me as 'a flawed character'--a description that carries a rather negative connotation. And in some ways I suppose I am indeed a 'character.'
But a more accurate description would be that my character is flawed. This does not suggest that one is rotten to the core, or totally bad, or lacking in distinct positive qualities. But as a human being my character, regardless of how upstanding or admirable it appears to some, is still quite flawed.
I know very few Christians who attempt to pretend that they don't have faults. I will admit that I have met some, though. That is a big mistake. Sincerity, genuineness, and honesty demand that we readily admit our flaws, our tendency to sin, our mistakes and impure motives, and our weaknesses.
When a person of faith approaches other people with the attitude that he or she is better than those with overt flaws or fails to acknowledge his or her own failings, then those outside the faith can see right through such denial and come to the conclusion that the person is a fake.
And indeed to a great degree such a person IS a fake. That is one of the worst things that can be said about a Christian. If people do not believe us to be sincere, then we will be severely hampered in our efforts to spread the good news of Christ.
The Bible says, 'If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and the truth is not in us.' That verse is written to Christians, and not those outside the faith.
To be sure, some individuals are going to believe all of us are fake. Their skewed picture of Christianity leads them to conclude that all of Christ's disciples are not to be trusted and are totally lacking in any true sincerity. It is very hard to change such thinking when it is based entirely upon a knee-jerk emotional reaction rather than rationality.
But most people will appreciate the fact that a Christian can admit his or her mistakes, own up to their flaws, express regret, ask for forgiveness, and openly remind everyone around them that we all are just sinners saved by grace.
When I was much younger I thought that I had to live in such a way that I kept all of my flaws carefully hidden lest anyone think that I was a fake. As I matured, however, I found that the more I attempted to cover up my flaws the more I appeared to be exactly that--a fake.
Now I don't try so hard to pretend anything. I will openly admit that I am a flawed servant of the Lord. I have never claimed to be perfect, and I am not about to start. I can only say I am working on my failures as God continues to mold and shape me into what He wants me to be.
But remember, that work will not be complete until we reach our final destination--home with Him forever.
But a more accurate description would be that my character is flawed. This does not suggest that one is rotten to the core, or totally bad, or lacking in distinct positive qualities. But as a human being my character, regardless of how upstanding or admirable it appears to some, is still quite flawed.
I know very few Christians who attempt to pretend that they don't have faults. I will admit that I have met some, though. That is a big mistake. Sincerity, genuineness, and honesty demand that we readily admit our flaws, our tendency to sin, our mistakes and impure motives, and our weaknesses.
When a person of faith approaches other people with the attitude that he or she is better than those with overt flaws or fails to acknowledge his or her own failings, then those outside the faith can see right through such denial and come to the conclusion that the person is a fake.
And indeed to a great degree such a person IS a fake. That is one of the worst things that can be said about a Christian. If people do not believe us to be sincere, then we will be severely hampered in our efforts to spread the good news of Christ.
The Bible says, 'If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and the truth is not in us.' That verse is written to Christians, and not those outside the faith.
To be sure, some individuals are going to believe all of us are fake. Their skewed picture of Christianity leads them to conclude that all of Christ's disciples are not to be trusted and are totally lacking in any true sincerity. It is very hard to change such thinking when it is based entirely upon a knee-jerk emotional reaction rather than rationality.
But most people will appreciate the fact that a Christian can admit his or her mistakes, own up to their flaws, express regret, ask for forgiveness, and openly remind everyone around them that we all are just sinners saved by grace.
When I was much younger I thought that I had to live in such a way that I kept all of my flaws carefully hidden lest anyone think that I was a fake. As I matured, however, I found that the more I attempted to cover up my flaws the more I appeared to be exactly that--a fake.
Now I don't try so hard to pretend anything. I will openly admit that I am a flawed servant of the Lord. I have never claimed to be perfect, and I am not about to start. I can only say I am working on my failures as God continues to mold and shape me into what He wants me to be.
But remember, that work will not be complete until we reach our final destination--home with Him forever.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Great Men Teaching Great Things
When famed gospel singer Glen Payne was in a hospital in 1999 dying of cancer, his group, the Cathedral Quartet, was scheduled to embark on their much-publicized farewell tour prior to their retirement after 35 years together.
Little did Glen know when they announced their retirement and tour that he would be diagnosed with cancer, which would prevent him from appearing with the group.
Doctors and medical personnel did everything they could to help Glen but their efforts were to no avail. And when it became apparent that Glen would die within a few short weeks, a shaken George Younce--bass singer for the group--went to see him in the hospital.
"You know, Glen," said George, "We've been out there night after night singing the Gospel for 35 years. You have not only been my business partner in this group but my best friend. I don't think I can go out there, or ask the rest of the guys to go out there, and do this retirement tour without you. It just doesn't seem right to me."
In a weakened voice, Glen responded, "George, in 35 years we've sung no matter what. Our promoters and our fans depend on us. We sang when we were sick. We sang when there were family emergencies. It had to be done. We never let our supporters down, not once. You go out there and sing for the people. Keep our commitments to the promoters...all of them."
Reluctantly George did as Glen had asked.
I went to one of the Cathedrals' farewell concerts in a large southern city. They were the only group on the program, but it had been sold out weeks in advance--all 20,000 seats.
When the group walked on stage, George came to the microphone and stated somberly, "Friends, we are happy you all have come out to see the Cathedral Quartet tonight. We love you, and you know that. But I have to tell you right at the outset some bad news. Glen Payne died this afternoon at 3 PM."
You could hear one, big collective gasp in the audience. You could see women begin to cry and men reaching for their handkerchiefs. I admit I shed quite a few tears myself. Glen had been one of my heroes since I was a boy.
But once the announcement was made and the grief was expressed, the group sucked it up and did the program as never before...just for Glen.
They sang their hearts out.
The reason? It was not just for Glen but for the purpose for which they sang. Glen had always said from the beginning that when they started this quartet they wanted to do it for the right reasons and do it the right way--straight up, sincerely, honestly, and with integrity. He wanted the group to be a vehicle by which to spread the Gospel.
Both Glen and George had blemishes from their past, and they were the first to admit it. I don't know how many times I heard George give his testimony about how his drinking got the best of him in his early years in Gospel music. But God had a way of changing all of that. Both men came to see a better way. And in time they were molded and shaped by the Master Builder who turned their failures and sins into shining examples of what a life can become when Christ is the focus.
The lessons I learned from Glen Payne are numerous. Vocal technique, a love for quartet singing, how to present oneself on stage, a dogged determination to do what God had called you to do no matter what the obstacles, the need to give God the credit for whatever success comes your way, and, finally, how to die.
Great men teach us great things if we pay attention. Glen Payne is part of the reason I am who I am today.
Little did Glen know when they announced their retirement and tour that he would be diagnosed with cancer, which would prevent him from appearing with the group.
Doctors and medical personnel did everything they could to help Glen but their efforts were to no avail. And when it became apparent that Glen would die within a few short weeks, a shaken George Younce--bass singer for the group--went to see him in the hospital.
"You know, Glen," said George, "We've been out there night after night singing the Gospel for 35 years. You have not only been my business partner in this group but my best friend. I don't think I can go out there, or ask the rest of the guys to go out there, and do this retirement tour without you. It just doesn't seem right to me."
In a weakened voice, Glen responded, "George, in 35 years we've sung no matter what. Our promoters and our fans depend on us. We sang when we were sick. We sang when there were family emergencies. It had to be done. We never let our supporters down, not once. You go out there and sing for the people. Keep our commitments to the promoters...all of them."
Reluctantly George did as Glen had asked.
I went to one of the Cathedrals' farewell concerts in a large southern city. They were the only group on the program, but it had been sold out weeks in advance--all 20,000 seats.
When the group walked on stage, George came to the microphone and stated somberly, "Friends, we are happy you all have come out to see the Cathedral Quartet tonight. We love you, and you know that. But I have to tell you right at the outset some bad news. Glen Payne died this afternoon at 3 PM."
You could hear one, big collective gasp in the audience. You could see women begin to cry and men reaching for their handkerchiefs. I admit I shed quite a few tears myself. Glen had been one of my heroes since I was a boy.
But once the announcement was made and the grief was expressed, the group sucked it up and did the program as never before...just for Glen.
They sang their hearts out.
The reason? It was not just for Glen but for the purpose for which they sang. Glen had always said from the beginning that when they started this quartet they wanted to do it for the right reasons and do it the right way--straight up, sincerely, honestly, and with integrity. He wanted the group to be a vehicle by which to spread the Gospel.
Both Glen and George had blemishes from their past, and they were the first to admit it. I don't know how many times I heard George give his testimony about how his drinking got the best of him in his early years in Gospel music. But God had a way of changing all of that. Both men came to see a better way. And in time they were molded and shaped by the Master Builder who turned their failures and sins into shining examples of what a life can become when Christ is the focus.
The lessons I learned from Glen Payne are numerous. Vocal technique, a love for quartet singing, how to present oneself on stage, a dogged determination to do what God had called you to do no matter what the obstacles, the need to give God the credit for whatever success comes your way, and, finally, how to die.
Great men teach us great things if we pay attention. Glen Payne is part of the reason I am who I am today.
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