JESUS IS ALIVE!

Easter Sunday Morning-So many things fly through our mind. First pastorate- 
Samoset, community outskirts of Bradenton, Florida. Outdoor Sunrise 
Services-community churches, using the facilities and equipment of 
neighborhood school (indeed, things were different in the late 1950's and 
early 1960's), using song ONE DAY as a call to worship.

This song by J. Wilbur Chapman became a favorite of mine that I always used 
on Easter morning, This evangelist/songwriter fom the Presbyterian church 
left a great legacy.
Let us examine the majestic content as the story of Jesus is set to music.

Verse one gives us a glimpse into eternity past-
"ONE DAY WHEN HEAVEN WAS FILLED WITH HIS PRAISES-------"
Verse five begins with words of hope-
"ONE DAY THE TRUMPET WILL SOUND FOR HIS COMING---------"
Verse for this celebration begins with-
"ONE DAY THE GRAVE COULD CONCEAL HIM NO LONGER--------"
The lyrics of the refrain are eternally beautiful:
"LIVING HE LOVED ME, DYING HE SAVED ME, BURIED HE CARRIED
MY SINS FAR AWAY. RISING HE JUSTIFIED FREELY, FOREVER,
ONE DAY HE'S COMING, O GLORIOUS DAY"

I KNOW, I KNOW-I cringed a bit myself when I mentioned brevity last week, and 
then wrote too much like always. You chided me for so doing, but I am too 
old and far too stubborn.

I WILL ACCEPT KUDOS-Even if you question my originality of thought. My 
comment last week on permissive societal attitudes about sex was noted by a 
reader. Their further comment suggests that the church raise its voice in 
clear tones on the subject. Amen!

"But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them 
that slept."
These words from 1 Corinthians 15 : 20 remind me that Christ has risen from 
the dead can be historical fact, Christ is risen is personal salvation. 
Sing it correctly, please.

A FEW WEEKS-Ago, I asked you to pray for a couple of special men. Reports 
are good.

MUSLIMS-I have read a great deal about them and their faith (Islam) since 
9/11/01. My own conclusions are (1) That I fear them more than ever. And (2) 
I must not honor them as being equal to born-again believers in faith. 
Narrow minded? So be it.

STILL WAITING- For the update on the person who was making steps to go into a 
very perilous part of the world to help AIDS victims. Thank you.

ARAB STATES-Meeting in Beirut is not going smoothly at all. The Saudi plan 
is never going to receive any support from Israel as long as lands and 
occupation of them is to be discussed. Old Testament principles are at stake 
here.

LUKE 24 :15-Would make a fine Easter evening talk. The last part of the 
verse falls into a perfect three-point outline, "Jesus himself// drew near// 
and went with them".

SMILE-Unless you are too spiritual. I confess to being over fifty, so these 
song suggestions may apply: IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL-BUT, MY KNEES HURT, 
GUIDE ME. O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH-I FORGOT WHERE I PARKED.

His,
Ron Krantz