'Wandering' is an understatement.
Soloists in Christian music by and large do not fare well in the marketplace, especially not in Southern Gospel Music, where the emphasis is on quartets and trios. And while such lone minstrels do much better in 'Contemporary Christian Music,' the field is much harder to break into, and the deck is stacked against more mature artists in order to appeal to the younger set.
Thus, mature, seasoned soloists who are a bit older and who tend to steer toward middle of the road music--a combination of Southern Gospel, hymns, worship and praise, and country gospel--have a much harder time getting bookings, recording deals, and attention. So, we wander around as starving artists, minstrels who are simply looking for a place to sing.
Take Buddy Liles, for example.
Buddy is listed in my list of preferred links in the right column. For over 25 years Buddy was the bass singer for the Florida Boys. Back in the late 1990s he decided to move into the realm of solo work, and while today he keeps a rather full schedule, he can tell you that for years the going was very rough.
As a soloist, and a bass vocalist in a quartet, Buddy has one of those smooth, mellow voices that are rare in Christian music today. He is plenty low enough, but he has a voice that is so melodious that he can take a lead and sing it like a lead vocalist.
Buddy doesn't get much recognition although he deserves it.
And this is my point. Many of us who get out there and sing week by week do it because we love it, not because we get recognition, fame, or fortune. If these singers wanted to be rich and famous, they would sing some other form of music.
This is where you can come into the picture. Struggling artists such as myself are dependent on those who support what we are doing. If you support this ministry and like my singing, consider a donation during my special 10 Days Ablaze. You can also get free gifts if you donate.
Prayerfully consider making your gift. Thank-you.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Don't Be Misled--I'm at the Bottom Rung
The public at large tends to think that anyone involved in the music business, particularly the artists, live in luxury, make truckloads of money they don't what to do with, and essentially lead a glamorous life that is far removed from that of ordinary people.
That may be true for Mariah Caray, Celine Dion, Toby Keith, Taylor Swift, or Sugarland, but for most nothing could be further from the truth.
Only a tiny percentage of artists make it to the top level. Most operate in the dregs of society, at the bottom rung, attempting to squeeze out a measly living by doing one-night-stands in various small-time venues.
This is even more true in Gospel music.
Take Southern Gospel, for example. Out of the several hundred groups that are out there singing, only about 30 or so manage to make enough money to stay on the road week after week. And some of these in the top 30 must supplement their income by working other jobs. The money is simply not there, not by a long shot.
I remember when Glen Payne and George Younce first launched the Cathedral Quartet in the early 60s. Many assume that the group has always been prosperous, rolling in dough, living the good life. Far from it.
Glen and George struggled for the first 20 years of the Cathedrals' existence. I remember that Glen, as manager, would have the quartet out on the road for 28 out of 30 days of the month, singing almost every single night at every small church that would agree to have a quartet come in, just in order to scrape together enough money to meet expenses and pay the singers a little money. But times were very hard.
In fact, in 1979 when every member of the group departed except for Glen and George, Glen almost decided to hang it up altogether and put the Cathedrals to an early grave.
But, the group was blessed enough to add 3 newcomers to the field of quartet singing--pianist Roger Bennett, baritone Mark Trammell, and tenor Kirk Talley. By 1981 the group's fortunes began to change. The new sound appealed to a broad cross-section of listeners, and it certainly helped when they were able to get several of their recordings to the top of the radio charts. Soon promoters inundated the group with requests to sing at paid concerts.
Thus, from 1981 or so until 1999, when the group retired, they enjoyed tremendous success that only continued to climb right up until their retirement. The 18 years of great success was far less than the 20 years that the group spent in small churches night after night barely making enough in love offerings to fill the bus with diesel.
My point in telling you all this is that contrary to the notion of many that Gospel singers are 'only in it for the money' is ridiculous. If that were true, they most certainly would NOT be singing Gospel music! For most, there is NO money in it, just a deep love for the Gospel, an abiding love for this kind of singing, and a desire to be out there spreading the good message of Christ's love.
And as for me, I am at the bottom rung of the faceless scores of good, solid folk out there every week trying to take the Gospel in song to people who need to hear it.
But, as you well know, it is impossible to exist without money. Many lament the 'profit motive' as evil but turn right around and engage in it to the max, because no matter what they tell you outwardly, internally they know that unless they get out there and work in order to make money, they will not eat or pay their bills.
And this is why I ask you, without hesitation, to donate to this ministry. We are over half-way through our '10 Days Ablaze' where you can get some mighty fine free gifts for your donation. Soon this special promotional will end.
I need your support. And if you support what I am trying to do, consider making a donation. Take a look at the various levels of donation and the free gifts you will receive as a result RIGHT HERE.
If you don't support what I am doing, or you hate my singing, or you wish I would go away, then don't donate. I don't want you to feel pressured to support something you don't want or like. But then if you were so dead-set against it, you wouldn't be reading this now, would you?
Thank-you sincerely for what you have done so far. And please, if you have not given, consider making your gift today so you won't miss out on free Bibles and/or free music.
That may be true for Mariah Caray, Celine Dion, Toby Keith, Taylor Swift, or Sugarland, but for most nothing could be further from the truth.
Only a tiny percentage of artists make it to the top level. Most operate in the dregs of society, at the bottom rung, attempting to squeeze out a measly living by doing one-night-stands in various small-time venues.
This is even more true in Gospel music.
Take Southern Gospel, for example. Out of the several hundred groups that are out there singing, only about 30 or so manage to make enough money to stay on the road week after week. And some of these in the top 30 must supplement their income by working other jobs. The money is simply not there, not by a long shot.
I remember when Glen Payne and George Younce first launched the Cathedral Quartet in the early 60s. Many assume that the group has always been prosperous, rolling in dough, living the good life. Far from it.
Glen and George struggled for the first 20 years of the Cathedrals' existence. I remember that Glen, as manager, would have the quartet out on the road for 28 out of 30 days of the month, singing almost every single night at every small church that would agree to have a quartet come in, just in order to scrape together enough money to meet expenses and pay the singers a little money. But times were very hard.
In fact, in 1979 when every member of the group departed except for Glen and George, Glen almost decided to hang it up altogether and put the Cathedrals to an early grave.
But, the group was blessed enough to add 3 newcomers to the field of quartet singing--pianist Roger Bennett, baritone Mark Trammell, and tenor Kirk Talley. By 1981 the group's fortunes began to change. The new sound appealed to a broad cross-section of listeners, and it certainly helped when they were able to get several of their recordings to the top of the radio charts. Soon promoters inundated the group with requests to sing at paid concerts.
Thus, from 1981 or so until 1999, when the group retired, they enjoyed tremendous success that only continued to climb right up until their retirement. The 18 years of great success was far less than the 20 years that the group spent in small churches night after night barely making enough in love offerings to fill the bus with diesel.
My point in telling you all this is that contrary to the notion of many that Gospel singers are 'only in it for the money' is ridiculous. If that were true, they most certainly would NOT be singing Gospel music! For most, there is NO money in it, just a deep love for the Gospel, an abiding love for this kind of singing, and a desire to be out there spreading the good message of Christ's love.
And as for me, I am at the bottom rung of the faceless scores of good, solid folk out there every week trying to take the Gospel in song to people who need to hear it.
But, as you well know, it is impossible to exist without money. Many lament the 'profit motive' as evil but turn right around and engage in it to the max, because no matter what they tell you outwardly, internally they know that unless they get out there and work in order to make money, they will not eat or pay their bills.
And this is why I ask you, without hesitation, to donate to this ministry. We are over half-way through our '10 Days Ablaze' where you can get some mighty fine free gifts for your donation. Soon this special promotional will end.
I need your support. And if you support what I am trying to do, consider making a donation. Take a look at the various levels of donation and the free gifts you will receive as a result RIGHT HERE.
If you don't support what I am doing, or you hate my singing, or you wish I would go away, then don't donate. I don't want you to feel pressured to support something you don't want or like. But then if you were so dead-set against it, you wouldn't be reading this now, would you?
Thank-you sincerely for what you have done so far. And please, if you have not given, consider making your gift today so you won't miss out on free Bibles and/or free music.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Blazing a Trail
This ministry blazes a trail to some places that the Christian message does not normally go. With my extensive connections in the political world, some persons may click on these pages simply because they read my news stories and political commentary at The Examiner and The Liberty Sphere.
I am also engaged in taking the Christian message on the road--spreading the Gospel in song, word, and testimony. I write some of my own material, which is self-published and which does not bring much money, if any.
My programs at churches are free. I depend totally on what they are willing to give, and if they are willing to buy a CD. Some are unable to afford that, but the message is taken to them anyway. I have even given my CDs to some individuals for free, believing that it is more important for them to have the music than it is for me to make money.
However, such a practice does not come without some significant personal sacrifice. This is a shoestring operation that survives day-to-day. Sometimes I lose money. Sometimes I make a little money. As it evens out, I break even at best. In other words, I do not make enough money from this ministry alone to live on. Everything goes toward expenses.
This means that at any given moment in time, this operation will have to cease. Without funds I cannot get from place to place, nor get my music out to people who I feel sorely need it.
These are things to think about as you consider making a donation during my 'Ten Days Ablaze' going on right now, here at Martin Christian Ministries.
There are 4 levels of donations, each of which carry free gifts in appreciation for your support. The top 2 levels--Benefactor and Sponsor--carry a gift of a free leather-bound study Bible that I will send to you when you make either a $200 or a $100 donation. Other gifts are offered as well.
You can read all about the various levels of giving, and the free gifts that will be sent to you, right here.
This is a good opportunity for you to get free Bibles and free music--all for simply helping me in this ministry. Thank-you!
I am also engaged in taking the Christian message on the road--spreading the Gospel in song, word, and testimony. I write some of my own material, which is self-published and which does not bring much money, if any.
My programs at churches are free. I depend totally on what they are willing to give, and if they are willing to buy a CD. Some are unable to afford that, but the message is taken to them anyway. I have even given my CDs to some individuals for free, believing that it is more important for them to have the music than it is for me to make money.
However, such a practice does not come without some significant personal sacrifice. This is a shoestring operation that survives day-to-day. Sometimes I lose money. Sometimes I make a little money. As it evens out, I break even at best. In other words, I do not make enough money from this ministry alone to live on. Everything goes toward expenses.
This means that at any given moment in time, this operation will have to cease. Without funds I cannot get from place to place, nor get my music out to people who I feel sorely need it.
These are things to think about as you consider making a donation during my 'Ten Days Ablaze' going on right now, here at Martin Christian Ministries.
There are 4 levels of donations, each of which carry free gifts in appreciation for your support. The top 2 levels--Benefactor and Sponsor--carry a gift of a free leather-bound study Bible that I will send to you when you make either a $200 or a $100 donation. Other gifts are offered as well.
You can read all about the various levels of giving, and the free gifts that will be sent to you, right here.
This is a good opportunity for you to get free Bibles and free music--all for simply helping me in this ministry. Thank-you!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Note Important Changes to the Free Gifts Offered Below!
The free Bibles offered to those donating at the Benefactor Level and the Sponsor Level are leather-bound study Bibles.
In addition, I have just been informed that I can now offer a free pocket New Testament to those donating at the Patron level. This is in addition to your choice of a free CD.
The final change is that those donating at the Booster level will get both CDs--the vintage Royals Quartet recording from 1972 AND my latest CD entitled, 'By Request.'
So, the special offers just got much better to those who make donations in each of the 4 levels.
READ UP ON THE FOUR DONATION LEVELS AND THE GIFTS THAT ARE OFFERED UNDER EACH BY CLICKING ON THIS SENTENCE!
In addition, I have just been informed that I can now offer a free pocket New Testament to those donating at the Patron level. This is in addition to your choice of a free CD.
The final change is that those donating at the Booster level will get both CDs--the vintage Royals Quartet recording from 1972 AND my latest CD entitled, 'By Request.'
So, the special offers just got much better to those who make donations in each of the 4 levels.
READ UP ON THE FOUR DONATION LEVELS AND THE GIFTS THAT ARE OFFERED UNDER EACH BY CLICKING ON THIS SENTENCE!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Can Life's Adversities Draw One Closer to God?
Throughout the years that I have been involved in various types of Christian ministry--music director, Pastor, evangelist, chaplain--sooner or later the issue of life's adversities will come to the forefront of discussion. It is inevitable, for if you live long enough you will encounter loss, pain, disappointment, grief, sadness, and even despair.
Such is the nature of life.
And, as human beings who have been endowed by their Creator with a brain, we have serious questions to ask concerning such suffering that go to the very heart of our faith.
As one who has been heavily involved with ministry to those who are in crisis, I have observed that it can go either way--either a person finds themselves pushing God out of their lives due to the feeling of abandonment, or they will find themselves drawn closer to God in the midst of such suffering.
Thus, I can say that life's adversities can draw us closer to God, provided we keep a level head and think our way through it.
God never promised a life free of pain and suffering, but He did promise that He would be with us through it. His presence helps us deal with the devastating effects of illness, disappointment, grief, trauma, and hopelessness.
And, if we push away the very One who helps us during such times, then we are dreadfully alone in the middle of it.
I will confess that I have reacted both ways to various and sundry calamities that have befallen me.
Earlier in life, I had my plans mapped out. I knew what I wanted to do, how I would do it, and I set about to reach those goals with a single-minded purpose. Then, the rug was pulled out from under my feet. I was absolutely devastated to the point of complete despair, hopelessness, and overwhelming anxiety, having everything I had counted on taken away from me. God was at once a source of strength but also a source of my blame. At one point the blame was so deep and thorough that I wanted nothing to do with church or ministry.
Eventually I saw the absolute folly of that course of action and corrected it.
But then, in other episodes of deep pain, I have found the presence of Christ to be the only thing that kept me going.
Some of you are aware of my various physical maladies that have befallen me in recent years. I had no idea anything was wrong until one day, out of the blue, I was struck with a serious vision problem that sent me to a specialist on a emergency basis. I was then referred to yet another specialist.
The diagnosis was clear, but the underlying source of it was a mystery.
In the meantime, I began to experience other distinct symptoms involving multiple body systems such as the joints and skin. This gave physicians an important clue, which eventually led to a diagnosis. I was also diagnosed with yet another malady that had nothing to do with this one.
The good news is that the eyes, after 3 years, have stabilized. I still have intermittent problems, but nothing to the degree with which I suffered for the first 2 and a half years. I am told that, if the diagnosis is correct, the eye problem should gradually clear up--in about 7 more years. I kid you not. 7 years is a long time, but it is much better than going blind.
The other problems, however, represent the bad news. They are chronic and lifelong.
I cannot work a 9-to-5 job like most people due to the ill effects of the illnesses on the body, and the medications for them. I would qualify for government disability, but I will not do that if I can avoid it. For one thing, I don't believe in it, and for another thing, I am not ready to give up or give in to the maladies that beset me.
Thus, I am forced to work 3 different jobs in order to piece together enough money to squeak by--barely. That in itself takes its toll.
Through it all, however, I found that the presence of Christ has grown more poignant, my spiritual life deeper, and my faith enriched like it has not been in years. My troubles this time have not resulted in my pushing God away in anger but in drawing Him closer, infinitely closer. And I am most richly blessed.
My friends, do not push God away when life comes apart. He may be the only friend who can truly help you through it.
Such is the nature of life.
And, as human beings who have been endowed by their Creator with a brain, we have serious questions to ask concerning such suffering that go to the very heart of our faith.
As one who has been heavily involved with ministry to those who are in crisis, I have observed that it can go either way--either a person finds themselves pushing God out of their lives due to the feeling of abandonment, or they will find themselves drawn closer to God in the midst of such suffering.
Thus, I can say that life's adversities can draw us closer to God, provided we keep a level head and think our way through it.
God never promised a life free of pain and suffering, but He did promise that He would be with us through it. His presence helps us deal with the devastating effects of illness, disappointment, grief, trauma, and hopelessness.
And, if we push away the very One who helps us during such times, then we are dreadfully alone in the middle of it.
I will confess that I have reacted both ways to various and sundry calamities that have befallen me.
Earlier in life, I had my plans mapped out. I knew what I wanted to do, how I would do it, and I set about to reach those goals with a single-minded purpose. Then, the rug was pulled out from under my feet. I was absolutely devastated to the point of complete despair, hopelessness, and overwhelming anxiety, having everything I had counted on taken away from me. God was at once a source of strength but also a source of my blame. At one point the blame was so deep and thorough that I wanted nothing to do with church or ministry.
Eventually I saw the absolute folly of that course of action and corrected it.
But then, in other episodes of deep pain, I have found the presence of Christ to be the only thing that kept me going.
Some of you are aware of my various physical maladies that have befallen me in recent years. I had no idea anything was wrong until one day, out of the blue, I was struck with a serious vision problem that sent me to a specialist on a emergency basis. I was then referred to yet another specialist.
The diagnosis was clear, but the underlying source of it was a mystery.
In the meantime, I began to experience other distinct symptoms involving multiple body systems such as the joints and skin. This gave physicians an important clue, which eventually led to a diagnosis. I was also diagnosed with yet another malady that had nothing to do with this one.
The good news is that the eyes, after 3 years, have stabilized. I still have intermittent problems, but nothing to the degree with which I suffered for the first 2 and a half years. I am told that, if the diagnosis is correct, the eye problem should gradually clear up--in about 7 more years. I kid you not. 7 years is a long time, but it is much better than going blind.
The other problems, however, represent the bad news. They are chronic and lifelong.
I cannot work a 9-to-5 job like most people due to the ill effects of the illnesses on the body, and the medications for them. I would qualify for government disability, but I will not do that if I can avoid it. For one thing, I don't believe in it, and for another thing, I am not ready to give up or give in to the maladies that beset me.
Thus, I am forced to work 3 different jobs in order to piece together enough money to squeak by--barely. That in itself takes its toll.
Through it all, however, I found that the presence of Christ has grown more poignant, my spiritual life deeper, and my faith enriched like it has not been in years. My troubles this time have not resulted in my pushing God away in anger but in drawing Him closer, infinitely closer. And I am most richly blessed.
My friends, do not push God away when life comes apart. He may be the only friend who can truly help you through it.
Friday, October 7, 2011
It's Still True
When I was a boy I remember hearing some of the old-timers say, "The Bible says it, I believe it, and that settles it."
Then, a revival preacher came to my church and put a new spin to it--"The Bible says it, and that settles it whether you 'believe it' or not!"
The man had a good point.
Some things are true whether people believe them or not. You can insist all day long that there is no such thing as gravity, but that does not make it any less true. You can claim from here to eternity that if a person jumps off the Empire State Building and crashes onto the pavement below, it will not kill them, but I will guarantee you that if you try it, you will be a greasy spot on the sidewalk no matter what you 'believe.'
In like manner, there are things in the spiritual life that are true whether you believe them to be or not. Truth is truth, and it does not require your approval.
To be sure, there are great mysteries that we will never quite grasp. The finite is incapable of grasping that which is infinite. For example, I like to read, study, and ponder quantum physics. The discipline holds rich implications for spirituality and Christianity, due to the fact that, as human beings, we are part and parcel of an infinite God who creates. And, as his offspring, created in His image, so do we create.
But, quantum physics is too vast, too complex for my mind to totally wrap itself around. This does not mean that its concepts do not hold truth. I may even deny that its concepts are true. But, that in no way makes it untrue. It is still true whether I believe it or not.
I like to draw parallels across various disciplines, to see relationships between, say, quantum physics and the Bible, or Christianity and psychology.
And being one who draws those parallels, I find myself reaffirming Biblical truth all over again.
The 'old, old story' has been around so long, and adhered to by so many, and placed under the refiner's fire of scrutiny, persecution, attempts at eradication, and the like, that it seems to me that the old, old story of Jesus and His love is as timeless as the concepts of quantum physics. The concepts inherent in the story of the Christ are timeless and all-encompassing. We may not be able to understand it all, but we can know enough to know that something there is very moving and life-changing.
Perhaps it is the story of an innocent man put to death for the wrongdoing of others. Perhaps it is the fact that Jesus was willing to lay down his life to show his disciples and the world the ultimate value of unconditional love. Perhaps it is the fact that the Gospels tell us that we were here in antiquity long before we were born, conceived in the mind of God, and that we will be here long after we 'die' a physical death. This is one of the reasons I have no problem believing in the Resurrection of Christ. Everything I have learned in the realm of science, astronomy, and quantum physics only confirms the great truths of the Bible, in my view.
This is why 'the old, old story' never grows old. It is always relevant.
Here is a treat for you. It's one of the Florida Boys' great hits in the days leading up to their retirement in 2007. This one is great quartet singing at its best. And, to go along with the message today, it's entitled, 'It's Still True.' I embedded the video below, but in case you can't access it, use the link. Enjoy...
Then, a revival preacher came to my church and put a new spin to it--"The Bible says it, and that settles it whether you 'believe it' or not!"
The man had a good point.
Some things are true whether people believe them or not. You can insist all day long that there is no such thing as gravity, but that does not make it any less true. You can claim from here to eternity that if a person jumps off the Empire State Building and crashes onto the pavement below, it will not kill them, but I will guarantee you that if you try it, you will be a greasy spot on the sidewalk no matter what you 'believe.'
In like manner, there are things in the spiritual life that are true whether you believe them to be or not. Truth is truth, and it does not require your approval.
To be sure, there are great mysteries that we will never quite grasp. The finite is incapable of grasping that which is infinite. For example, I like to read, study, and ponder quantum physics. The discipline holds rich implications for spirituality and Christianity, due to the fact that, as human beings, we are part and parcel of an infinite God who creates. And, as his offspring, created in His image, so do we create.
But, quantum physics is too vast, too complex for my mind to totally wrap itself around. This does not mean that its concepts do not hold truth. I may even deny that its concepts are true. But, that in no way makes it untrue. It is still true whether I believe it or not.
I like to draw parallels across various disciplines, to see relationships between, say, quantum physics and the Bible, or Christianity and psychology.
And being one who draws those parallels, I find myself reaffirming Biblical truth all over again.
The 'old, old story' has been around so long, and adhered to by so many, and placed under the refiner's fire of scrutiny, persecution, attempts at eradication, and the like, that it seems to me that the old, old story of Jesus and His love is as timeless as the concepts of quantum physics. The concepts inherent in the story of the Christ are timeless and all-encompassing. We may not be able to understand it all, but we can know enough to know that something there is very moving and life-changing.
Perhaps it is the story of an innocent man put to death for the wrongdoing of others. Perhaps it is the fact that Jesus was willing to lay down his life to show his disciples and the world the ultimate value of unconditional love. Perhaps it is the fact that the Gospels tell us that we were here in antiquity long before we were born, conceived in the mind of God, and that we will be here long after we 'die' a physical death. This is one of the reasons I have no problem believing in the Resurrection of Christ. Everything I have learned in the realm of science, astronomy, and quantum physics only confirms the great truths of the Bible, in my view.
This is why 'the old, old story' never grows old. It is always relevant.
Here is a treat for you. It's one of the Florida Boys' great hits in the days leading up to their retirement in 2007. This one is great quartet singing at its best. And, to go along with the message today, it's entitled, 'It's Still True.' I embedded the video below, but in case you can't access it, use the link. Enjoy...
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Things That Should Not Be Forgotten
I was singing over the weekend and had the opportunity to present a relatively new song that has created quite a stir within Gospel music circles. People seem to take to it immediately, drawn by its simplicity of melody and message.
The man who wrote it lives near the North Carolina mountains, and the song has a mountain flavor. Unfortunately, I do not have a recording of it to share with you. But I can share the words:
I Have Not Forgotten
words and music by Lance Carpenter
I have not forgotten God's only begotten
And the price that He paid for my sin.
I shall not forget in love not regret
He died on the cross for all men.
Lord, I have not forgotten.
Jesus, only begotten.
I was lost without hope
When the Lord saved my soul.
I remember that hour
By His saving power
I have not forgotten...
I have not forgotten...
He was bruised and afflicted as the prophets predicted
Despised and rejected of all men
But in His agony He paid the ransom for me
His blood brings me joy without end.
Lord, I have not forgotten.
Jesus, only begotten
I was lost without hope
When the Lord saved my soul
I remember that hour
By His saving power
I have not forgotten...
I have not forgotten...
I've been washed by His blood
His crimson flood
I have not forgotten...
I have not forgotten...
-------
You see, America by and large has forgotten some very important things in her history that made her a great nation. One of those things is her great faith, a deep abiding belief in the truths of the Judeo-Christian tradition.
I fear that unless those truths are recovered and affirmed once again, we will not survive as a nation. But there is always hope. As long as there is life there is hope.
The man who wrote it lives near the North Carolina mountains, and the song has a mountain flavor. Unfortunately, I do not have a recording of it to share with you. But I can share the words:
I Have Not Forgotten
words and music by Lance Carpenter
I have not forgotten God's only begotten
And the price that He paid for my sin.
I shall not forget in love not regret
He died on the cross for all men.
Lord, I have not forgotten.
Jesus, only begotten.
I was lost without hope
When the Lord saved my soul.
I remember that hour
By His saving power
I have not forgotten...
I have not forgotten...
He was bruised and afflicted as the prophets predicted
Despised and rejected of all men
But in His agony He paid the ransom for me
His blood brings me joy without end.
Lord, I have not forgotten.
Jesus, only begotten
I was lost without hope
When the Lord saved my soul
I remember that hour
By His saving power
I have not forgotten...
I have not forgotten...
I've been washed by His blood
His crimson flood
I have not forgotten...
I have not forgotten...
-------
You see, America by and large has forgotten some very important things in her history that made her a great nation. One of those things is her great faith, a deep abiding belief in the truths of the Judeo-Christian tradition.
I fear that unless those truths are recovered and affirmed once again, we will not survive as a nation. But there is always hope. As long as there is life there is hope.
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