We are safely in our new home for the next seven months. We got here a few weeks ago and are in the final stages of taking over from another unit that has started their journey home. They did some great things out here making this place better for the locals and we are looking to make it that much safer before we finally leave.
Based on my first impressions of the place, I wasn't too sure there was anything but open space and dirt (what they affectionately call moon dust out here because it is like baby powder). However, I got to get out with a convoy the other day and was surprised at how green this place can get near the major river that runs through our area. It was also nice to get near the district center and see what the hub of activity looks like in Afghanistan. One good thing about my job is I get to travel around frequently to see my Marines. This also allows me to see the area and meet some of the locals, both of which I am looking forward to doing.
My RP and I have assumed the duties of ministry in this area so tomorrow is the first day of preaching on the FOB and we are getting settled in. We are also expecting mail tomorrow and with that the first batch of care packages specifically for 1/9. We have been sorting the ones from the previous unit this last week and getting those out to the companies to make room for all the love people are sending specifically to 1/9. The next post after this one will be an updated request list. The American people are extremely generous to those deployed out here and we are very appreciative, even if most of the service members fail to tell people that back home. The care package items are quite the draw that gets people to stop by the chapel and we have plenty to give them thanks to all of you who send stuff our way.
It looks like there will be few if any photos to post on the blog over the next few months. The computer rules around here are pretty strict due to recent security leaks, etc. I am still trying to find a way to get them posted here and will do so as soon as I can figure a reliable method that stays within the rules.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Greetings From Afghanistan
We arrived at Camp Dwyer in Afghanistan yesterday morning at about 9am. From there it was getting settled in and walking around getting a feel for the layout of this base. It is pretty impressive here as it is the larger base that we will report to and such. We are only here for a few days before we head out to our area of operations. We are scheduled for a good deal of training over the next few days to orient ourselves with the area, culture, specific procedures, etc. I am ready to get to our final destination, but it is nice to have a decent place in the rear to come back to. There are about 5 dining halls, an MWR tent from which I am typing this right now, a gym, a PX, laundry facilities, etc. I think I have to come back up here around once a month, so it will be a nice break. I know that my RP will like the break as well.
The only thing I really know about this place is that there is a lot of open desert around here and it is hot. I think it was 110 yesterday. Not all that bad, but the fact that at 6am we were in rain and 50 degree weather made the shock of that temperature that much worse. I hope to get some kind of decent internet access where we are going so that I can continue to update what it is like out here.
Today I will do some more walking around finding the chaplains and see what the worship schedule is like for tomorrow and the other days we are here as well as if I need to preach tomorrow. Plus, I might get an idea as to when I am heading out of here. I think it all depends on when the chaplain I am relieving is heading this way as there is a issue of rack (sleeping) space out there.
The only thing I really know about this place is that there is a lot of open desert around here and it is hot. I think it was 110 yesterday. Not all that bad, but the fact that at 6am we were in rain and 50 degree weather made the shock of that temperature that much worse. I hope to get some kind of decent internet access where we are going so that I can continue to update what it is like out here.
Today I will do some more walking around finding the chaplains and see what the worship schedule is like for tomorrow and the other days we are here as well as if I need to preach tomorrow. Plus, I might get an idea as to when I am heading out of here. I think it all depends on when the chaplain I am relieving is heading this way as there is a issue of rack (sleeping) space out there.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
On Our Way to Afghanistan
We arrived this morning in Manas, Kyrgyzstan which is a short stop on our way towards our final destination in Afghanistan. It is run by the Air Force, so we are living in relative luxury right now. The small chow hall had more than I had even thought possible while deployed and even the sleeping quarters are pretty plush. We get mattresses. Much better than what we had out in Twentynine Palms just last month. I have no idea how long we will stay here waiting for our next flight, but it is nice to actually get a bit of rest after the fight here. It was about 15 hours in the air with a two hour layover in Germany to refuel the plane and change the flight crew. The base here has plenty of things to do, but I sense it will get old fairly rapidly. We are ready to get to our final destination and do what we are trained for.
I have heard that we have already had care packages sent our way and now we get to see who can make it to our area first, the postal service or Transportation command and the Marines. Because we don't really know our schedule and when we are flying out, my money is on the USPS.
I have heard that we have already had care packages sent our way and now we get to see who can make it to our area first, the postal service or Transportation command and the Marines. Because we don't really know our schedule and when we are flying out, my money is on the USPS.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Care Package Needs May 2011
So the time is drawing near that we will be heading out to Afghanistan. One thing I am using this space for is to relay care package needs from both the 1/9 Marines and the Afghan children that life in our area of operations to those out there who may be interested in sending some stuff our way while we are living in the desert. I have been told it will take about 3-6 weeks for things to get out to us so I wanted to start this list as soon as the mail address went active. Anything sent without a specific purpose will be distributed evenly among the companies and my RP and I will deliver the items as we get around the battle space visiting the Marines and Sailors. If you want the items to go to a specific person or group of people, please drop a note in the box indicating that. Also, if you know of any school teachers that want to send notes please do that as well. I intend to decorate our chapel with letters and cards from the kids.
I thank you ahead of time for anything you send.
Care Package Needs May 2011
Afghan Children:
Coloring Books—Culturally appropriate-Animals, etc
Crayons
Colored Pencils
Pencils
Pens
Notebooks and Paper
Backpacks
Soccer Balls (Deflated)
Kick balls (Deflated)
Marines:
Socks (Brown, Green, Black)
Foot Powder
Razors
Candy (Jolly Ranchers, Starburst, Werther’s, Twizzlers, BlowPops) This gets to the kids as well
Beef Jerky
Drink Mix (Single packets of Propel, Propel Zero, Gatorade, Kool Aid, Coffee, Tea, etc)
Bulk Drink Mix
Baby Wipes
Gum
Chex Mix, Trail Mix
Granola Bars
Sunscreen
Hand Lotion
Chapstick
Food spices, flavorings and condiments
Tuna Packages
Sunscreen
Hand Lotion
Chapstick
Food spices, flavorings and condiments
Tuna Packages
Chapel and Chaplain:
Letters from children to decorate the chapel and dining halls
Pancake Mix (Just add water kind only)—Will try to do pancake dinners in the field
Syrup
Chex Mix-Turtle and Honey Nut Flavors
Anything you want to send from the above lists. If I don’t use it, it will get put in the general pot
I thank you ahead of time for anything you send.
Mail Any packages to:
Chaplain Russ Ferguson
1/9 H Co S-1
Unit 74095
FPO AE 09510-4095
Chaplain Russ Ferguson
1/9 H Co S-1
Unit 74095
FPO AE 09510-4095
If someone wants to send something bigger contact me at bubbleheadchaps@gmail.com and I’ll give you a list of things that would make help my ministry in a big way.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Way to Go USO
So this isn't an update on anything in the last few days but a huge thank you to the men and women volunteers at the USO at John Wayne International Airport in Ontario, CA. They have done some amazing work the last few days. It started on Thursday night when we arrived at 11pm after a 2.5 hour bus ride from Twentynine Palms after EMV. I happened to be on the first bus at the front and was the first one inside the USO on Thursday night, the first of about 650+ Marines and sailors they would host that night alone, not counting the next two nights with the rest of 1/9 and all of 3/6 getting home.
When we got there, they had cold soft drinks in every part of the USO for us to have along some great snacks. Additionally, they had someone on the grill non stop cooking hot dogs for anyone who wanted them. I have been in a few USO locations and this by far was the largest I have ever seen. It looks like they took over an entire terminal that isn't used anymore and just spread all kinds of love and kindness to our servicemembers. The volunteers took time to talk with each person as they walked in the door and were extremely patient dealing with so many Marines cramped in a space designed for about 150 or so. They were there in shifts all through the night and it was amazing to see that kind of dedication to take care of some hungry and exhausted Marines.
I talked with many of the volunteers (the two Navy vets were glad to talk with a non-Marine for a few minutes). One lady had never seen a chaplain come through and had all kinds of questions and enjoyed talking with me about what I did each day. I am so grateful there are dedicated people that will come in and meet servicemembers regardless of the hour they come through.
Thank you and continued blessings to the USO on their ministry to those they serve.
When we got there, they had cold soft drinks in every part of the USO for us to have along some great snacks. Additionally, they had someone on the grill non stop cooking hot dogs for anyone who wanted them. I have been in a few USO locations and this by far was the largest I have ever seen. It looks like they took over an entire terminal that isn't used anymore and just spread all kinds of love and kindness to our servicemembers. The volunteers took time to talk with each person as they walked in the door and were extremely patient dealing with so many Marines cramped in a space designed for about 150 or so. They were there in shifts all through the night and it was amazing to see that kind of dedication to take care of some hungry and exhausted Marines.
I talked with many of the volunteers (the two Navy vets were glad to talk with a non-Marine for a few minutes). One lady had never seen a chaplain come through and had all kinds of questions and enjoyed talking with me about what I did each day. I am so grateful there are dedicated people that will come in and meet servicemembers regardless of the hour they come through.
Thank you and continued blessings to the USO on their ministry to those they serve.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Notes from California-EMV Part 4
This is the last post from California as I am hopping onto a bus in a few hours to make it to the airport and wait 6 hours for our 0500 flight back home. I have really enjoyed my time out here with my Marines and have learned quite a bit more about the USMC and what to expect in Afghanistan. The desert environment has been quite the challenge on me and my equipment and I learned tricks to overcome that. One thing I would improve is to have some dedicated training/mentoring for the Religious Ministry Teams (Chaplain and RP) that come out here for a month. It is a mentality of go figure out how to operate under a schedule and training environment that is nothing like deployment. So, RP and I had to figure out ways to make the training effective for us.
We did five foot patrols with the guys in a mock town in two days this week to get our teamwork and communication down. We have some more work to do, but there has been a good start and we can build on that next week and during our in country training period.
I got to participate in a few key leader engagements with Afghan role players. I was just there to engage with their religious leader if needed. It was great to learn the culture in an intense setting and to eat Afghan food. I did get to say a prayer at one of the meetings. It was odd saying a prayer as a Christian in a room of Muslims. I gather I did a good job as it was well received and I heard a comment of how our prayers are very similar.
Easter was great, despite preaching in 30+ mph winds. 80 people showed up across all three services throughout the afternoon. We couldn't do a sunrise service due to the training schedule, but I was pleased with the turnout. We'll see how many show up once we get into country. I am predicting a pretty good turnout, but that depends on how things are going.
It was a good experience for RP and I to bond and get a good feel for how we work together and what the stressors are for each of us. We also learned what happens to each of us as we get tired and exhausted. I am really looking forward to heading out in a few weeks and ministering where there is a distinct and great need.
We did five foot patrols with the guys in a mock town in two days this week to get our teamwork and communication down. We have some more work to do, but there has been a good start and we can build on that next week and during our in country training period.
I got to participate in a few key leader engagements with Afghan role players. I was just there to engage with their religious leader if needed. It was great to learn the culture in an intense setting and to eat Afghan food. I did get to say a prayer at one of the meetings. It was odd saying a prayer as a Christian in a room of Muslims. I gather I did a good job as it was well received and I heard a comment of how our prayers are very similar.
Easter was great, despite preaching in 30+ mph winds. 80 people showed up across all three services throughout the afternoon. We couldn't do a sunrise service due to the training schedule, but I was pleased with the turnout. We'll see how many show up once we get into country. I am predicting a pretty good turnout, but that depends on how things are going.
It was a good experience for RP and I to bond and get a good feel for how we work together and what the stressors are for each of us. We also learned what happens to each of us as we get tired and exhausted. I am really looking forward to heading out in a few weeks and ministering where there is a distinct and great need.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Easter Sermon from EMV
I know this is posting things a bit early, but I am not sure I will have time to post this tomorrow due to the crazy schedule and lack of computer access after I finish preaching the three services to all the positions of the companies in the field. While in the field I don't typically use a manuscript instead just relying on notes. But as this is my first major Christian holiday in the field I wanted to post the full text, well minus any ad libbing I do tomorrow, to test out something I want to do in country. I want to post sermon notes and texts so my lay leaders can use them as discussions so when I visit the Marines they are connected with any kind of series or recurring themes while I have been unable to visit. Plus, it gives a small window into how I reach my Marines. Unfortunately, you won't be there with them at the Forward Operating Bases in the desert and haven't been with them the last month, but I hope you get a feel for what they are going through and what they need as I have discerned.
Have you ever experienced a moment that you will never forget. One that is etched in your mind for all eternity. 9/11, for us old folks, the Challenger explosion, your first kiss, when you proposed, the birth of a child, the death of a loved one. This is one of those moments for the two women named Mary in the text. Normally, those moments have significance to just us, but this moment changed history and affected everyone for the last two thousand years.
I have been trying to picture this whole scene at the tomb in my mind the last week. Let’s all put ourselves in the women’s shoes here. What would this whole thing look like?
A man we trusted and followed despite ridicule and banishment from our religion that defined our lives was brutally executed this past Friday. He didn’t go quickly either. He hung there dying for hours undergoing torture at the hands of people who couldn’t care who he was or what he meant to us let alone the world. All his other close friends essentially abandoned the last three years of following him and went back to their old jobs and lives the next day. Who can really blame them though? They needed to live and this Jesus guy wasn’t really who he said he was right? He promised to save Israel and had open arms for everyone. He did heal people, but so did other. So maybe he was just a fad like all the others.
If I’m honest with myself, I’d probably do the same thing. I put most of my chips betting on Jesus, but hold some back in case I’m wrong. The disciples did the same thing, it seems like human nature. But, these women don’t run away from Jesus, they are slower to go back to their old lives. Despite their world crashing down on them and essentially losing everything in his death, they go to the tomb after the Sabbath. They are following their customs when things get back to normal in Israel and want to anoint the body and help keep the stench down. They want Jesus to have respect and dignity in death, even if he did let them down.
When they get there though, the world changes again in a dramatic manner. According to Matthew, the earth shook, the stone rolled away and an angel was sitting on the stone. Imagine that scene for a second. You are grieving the loss of a dear friend and then bam, an angel is sitting on the stone at an open tomb that was sealed last time you looked a second ago. I’d run far and fast. The women pause and the angel says, “Do not be afraid.” Yeah, right! That would make me want to run even more. The angel says that the one we are looking for isn’t here, he is risen. Every scary legend I learned about graveyards is coming true before my eyes. These women know about Lazarus and how he walked out of a tomb, so this scene isn’t exactly new to them, but no one was there to raise Jesus. Did he do this himself? Before they can ask a question, the angel say to go and tell the disciples that Jesus will meet them in Galilee. They leave still afraid but are doing what the angel instructed.
On the way there, they see Jesus who greets them saying, “Hi!” like nothing has happened. Don’t be afraid and tell those scared men to meet me in Galilee. It seems like Jesus expected this and it isn’t all that amazing that he is talking to people a few days after his death. But, Jesus is not exactly like us. He looks like us, talks like us, walks like us, feels like us, but there is something distinctly different and this event has brought that into clear focus. And he needs people to tell the world who he is and what he is here for.
We misunderstand him all the time. We tend to lose focus on what Jesus came for and why he went through all he went through the last week of his life. On Sunday, he entered Jerusalem as a hero and then went and turned over tables at the temple. Monday he curses a tree as an object lesson and tells some parables about what is going to happen. Tuesday he seals his fate with the religious leaders. Wednesday his arrest is arranged. Thursday he has his last meal and is betrayed during his prayer with God. Friday he is beaten and executed after a trumped up trial in a kangaroo court. But, despite all this he came back. For us, each and every one of us here today. For this world so broken that creation moans for renewal. That is the gospel. That is the grace of Christ. That made everything he taught took a different meaning. Everything he said has eternal consequences and shapes how we live out our calling to bless to world.
In the passage from Colossians, Paul says we must seek things of Christ because he is part of us and we part of him. Christ has participated in everything we undergo in life and rose above it all. So doing the things of Christ are what brings his glory here on earth. So what exactly are the things we, those of us called Christians who proclaim the glory of the day we remember today, are called to do?
We have to go back to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry to see what today means. Jesus laid out the kingdom and what he was here for in the Sermon on the Mount. It also defined who Jesus is. The sermons in Lent have revolved around “Who is Jesus?” Today the answer is proven. We heard it from Jesus’ mouth earlier in Matthew so lets look again at how wide, wonderful and glorious this kingdom is.
It is humble, full of broken people doing what they can to help others as much or more than they help themselves. It is people who are looking to make peace with the world and others. People who care for creation as gardeners and not just consumers. People who love even their enemies as much as friends. People just like us who know they need Jesus to live into that kingdom. It is inclusive and waiting for anyone to come into the kingdom at any time.
The kingdom is Christ’s death, our sins, forgiveness, thankfulness, community, hospitality, inspiration, equality and our calling to be a blessing to the world. The kingdom is here for those of us who are broken and know the world is broken and know that is not what the world should be.
This kingdom turns our culture and what we value on its head. It doesn’t matter why you are here today, this kingdom is for you. You may only worship today and Christmas, you may only come when you need strength, you may come every Sunday because it is the only way you make it through the week. Jesus is alive and on the move for you.
This kingdom is for losers like me, where the least of these become the greatest in the kingdom and are the focus of Jesus’ ministry and who we losers are called to minister to as well. And what is amazing is that the king of this heavenly kingdom loves losers like me so much that he defeated death for me.
And this king is more than just someone who died to save us. I have to admit that sometimes I cannot adequately put into words who Jesus is and what it means to have him as my king. Those raised in an African-American faith can articulate that better than I ever will so I will take excerpts from a description of King Jesus by the Rev S.M. Lockridge from 35 years ago that is still powerful and relevant on a day like today.
"My King is: The king of the Jews-that’s a racial king. The King of Israel-that’s a national king; the King of glory; the king of kings and the Lord of Lords.
My king is a sovereign king. No means of measure can define his limitless love! No barrier can hinder him from pouring out his blessing!
He’s enduringly strong! He’s entirely sincere! He’s imperially powerful! He’s impartially merciful! He’s the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world!
He’s God’s son! The sinner’s savior! The centerpiece of civilization! He stands in the solitude of Himself! He’s the fundamental doctrine of true theology!
He sympathizes and saves. He strengthens and sustains. He guards and guides. He heals the sick. He cleansed the lepers. He forgives sinners. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate.
I wish I could describe him for you, but he’s indescribable! He’s incomprehensible. He’s invincible! He’s irresistible!
You can’t get him out of your mind or off your hands! You can’t outlive him and you can’t live without him! The Pharisees couldn’t stand him, but they found out they couldn’t stop him. Pilate couldn’t find any fault in him. Death couldn’t handle him and the tomb couldn’t hold him.
That’s my King, that’s my king, that my king and he’s the kingdom and the power and the glory Forever. AMEN!"
Easter 2011
Psalm 113:1-2, 14-24 (Opening Prayer)
Colossians 3:1-4
Matthew 28:1-10
“Who Jesus Is”
24 April 2011 Field Services
Have you ever experienced a moment that you will never forget. One that is etched in your mind for all eternity. 9/11, for us old folks, the Challenger explosion, your first kiss, when you proposed, the birth of a child, the death of a loved one. This is one of those moments for the two women named Mary in the text. Normally, those moments have significance to just us, but this moment changed history and affected everyone for the last two thousand years.
I have been trying to picture this whole scene at the tomb in my mind the last week. Let’s all put ourselves in the women’s shoes here. What would this whole thing look like?
A man we trusted and followed despite ridicule and banishment from our religion that defined our lives was brutally executed this past Friday. He didn’t go quickly either. He hung there dying for hours undergoing torture at the hands of people who couldn’t care who he was or what he meant to us let alone the world. All his other close friends essentially abandoned the last three years of following him and went back to their old jobs and lives the next day. Who can really blame them though? They needed to live and this Jesus guy wasn’t really who he said he was right? He promised to save Israel and had open arms for everyone. He did heal people, but so did other. So maybe he was just a fad like all the others.
If I’m honest with myself, I’d probably do the same thing. I put most of my chips betting on Jesus, but hold some back in case I’m wrong. The disciples did the same thing, it seems like human nature. But, these women don’t run away from Jesus, they are slower to go back to their old lives. Despite their world crashing down on them and essentially losing everything in his death, they go to the tomb after the Sabbath. They are following their customs when things get back to normal in Israel and want to anoint the body and help keep the stench down. They want Jesus to have respect and dignity in death, even if he did let them down.
When they get there though, the world changes again in a dramatic manner. According to Matthew, the earth shook, the stone rolled away and an angel was sitting on the stone. Imagine that scene for a second. You are grieving the loss of a dear friend and then bam, an angel is sitting on the stone at an open tomb that was sealed last time you looked a second ago. I’d run far and fast. The women pause and the angel says, “Do not be afraid.” Yeah, right! That would make me want to run even more. The angel says that the one we are looking for isn’t here, he is risen. Every scary legend I learned about graveyards is coming true before my eyes. These women know about Lazarus and how he walked out of a tomb, so this scene isn’t exactly new to them, but no one was there to raise Jesus. Did he do this himself? Before they can ask a question, the angel say to go and tell the disciples that Jesus will meet them in Galilee. They leave still afraid but are doing what the angel instructed.
On the way there, they see Jesus who greets them saying, “Hi!” like nothing has happened. Don’t be afraid and tell those scared men to meet me in Galilee. It seems like Jesus expected this and it isn’t all that amazing that he is talking to people a few days after his death. But, Jesus is not exactly like us. He looks like us, talks like us, walks like us, feels like us, but there is something distinctly different and this event has brought that into clear focus. And he needs people to tell the world who he is and what he is here for.
We misunderstand him all the time. We tend to lose focus on what Jesus came for and why he went through all he went through the last week of his life. On Sunday, he entered Jerusalem as a hero and then went and turned over tables at the temple. Monday he curses a tree as an object lesson and tells some parables about what is going to happen. Tuesday he seals his fate with the religious leaders. Wednesday his arrest is arranged. Thursday he has his last meal and is betrayed during his prayer with God. Friday he is beaten and executed after a trumped up trial in a kangaroo court. But, despite all this he came back. For us, each and every one of us here today. For this world so broken that creation moans for renewal. That is the gospel. That is the grace of Christ. That made everything he taught took a different meaning. Everything he said has eternal consequences and shapes how we live out our calling to bless to world.
In the passage from Colossians, Paul says we must seek things of Christ because he is part of us and we part of him. Christ has participated in everything we undergo in life and rose above it all. So doing the things of Christ are what brings his glory here on earth. So what exactly are the things we, those of us called Christians who proclaim the glory of the day we remember today, are called to do?
We have to go back to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry to see what today means. Jesus laid out the kingdom and what he was here for in the Sermon on the Mount. It also defined who Jesus is. The sermons in Lent have revolved around “Who is Jesus?” Today the answer is proven. We heard it from Jesus’ mouth earlier in Matthew so lets look again at how wide, wonderful and glorious this kingdom is.
It is humble, full of broken people doing what they can to help others as much or more than they help themselves. It is people who are looking to make peace with the world and others. People who care for creation as gardeners and not just consumers. People who love even their enemies as much as friends. People just like us who know they need Jesus to live into that kingdom. It is inclusive and waiting for anyone to come into the kingdom at any time.
The kingdom is Christ’s death, our sins, forgiveness, thankfulness, community, hospitality, inspiration, equality and our calling to be a blessing to the world. The kingdom is here for those of us who are broken and know the world is broken and know that is not what the world should be.
This kingdom turns our culture and what we value on its head. It doesn’t matter why you are here today, this kingdom is for you. You may only worship today and Christmas, you may only come when you need strength, you may come every Sunday because it is the only way you make it through the week. Jesus is alive and on the move for you.
This kingdom is for losers like me, where the least of these become the greatest in the kingdom and are the focus of Jesus’ ministry and who we losers are called to minister to as well. And what is amazing is that the king of this heavenly kingdom loves losers like me so much that he defeated death for me.
And this king is more than just someone who died to save us. I have to admit that sometimes I cannot adequately put into words who Jesus is and what it means to have him as my king. Those raised in an African-American faith can articulate that better than I ever will so I will take excerpts from a description of King Jesus by the Rev S.M. Lockridge from 35 years ago that is still powerful and relevant on a day like today.
"My King is: The king of the Jews-that’s a racial king. The King of Israel-that’s a national king; the King of glory; the king of kings and the Lord of Lords.
My king is a sovereign king. No means of measure can define his limitless love! No barrier can hinder him from pouring out his blessing!
He’s enduringly strong! He’s entirely sincere! He’s imperially powerful! He’s impartially merciful! He’s the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world!
He’s God’s son! The sinner’s savior! The centerpiece of civilization! He stands in the solitude of Himself! He’s the fundamental doctrine of true theology!
He sympathizes and saves. He strengthens and sustains. He guards and guides. He heals the sick. He cleansed the lepers. He forgives sinners. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate.
I wish I could describe him for you, but he’s indescribable! He’s incomprehensible. He’s invincible! He’s irresistible!
You can’t get him out of your mind or off your hands! You can’t outlive him and you can’t live without him! The Pharisees couldn’t stand him, but they found out they couldn’t stop him. Pilate couldn’t find any fault in him. Death couldn’t handle him and the tomb couldn’t hold him.
That’s my King, that’s my king, that my king and he’s the kingdom and the power and the glory Forever. AMEN!"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)