I have decided to follow Jesus

Curtis preached on text from the gospel of John, when Nicodemus questioned Christ about how a man can be (or would even want to be) born again when he is already grown. Curtis also used text from Genesis, when Abram was called to leave his homeland and journey to God's promised land for him and his people. To become a Christian is to be "born again" into Christ's family, into a new life! When an infant is born he/she leaves the comfort and familiarity of mom's womb into a new world where everything is new. Abram was called to leave the comforts of his surroundings at the age of 75 to follow God. I don't know any 75 year old who would make a big move like that today (well maybe cept to Florida..hehe) All joking aside, out of faith and love for the Lord Abram obeyed and went.

Have we had to leave anything behind, to give up anything that was of comfort and security to us in order to follow Christ? If we have had to, we're reminded that what lies ahead is a journey with Jesus in which God is all sovereign in his providence.

We ended with an awesome hymn at chapel today ;o) I think part of the reason chapel at St. Andy's draws me so much is that I am an old fart at heart (not that there is anything wrong with being old!) in the sense that I do love traditional worship music and style. With things at 12:30 being mostly contemporary, I really miss standing with fellow Christians (and non-Christians!), hymn book in our hands, singing out hearts out every week ;o) There is something powerful in that... So thank you St. Andy for still giving me that old fix ;oP

I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.

Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.

On a side but somewhat related note, I am entirely amazed that I have found a youtube video of my old high school choir! This is what we sounded like people! (Yes I am very proud) Our conductor was extremely strict, but he can make a bunch of teenagers like this. I did a search for the song , which is called Witness, because the talk on Nicodemus had reminded me of this particular piece that I sang so long ago... what nostalgia!!!

Witness
Who'll be a witness for my Lord?
who will be a witness for my Lord?
oh, i'll be a witness for my Lord
i'll be a witness for my Lord.
there was a man of the pharisees,
his name was Nicodemus and he didn't believe.
the same came to Christ by night.
wanted to be taught out of human sight.
Nicodemus was a man who desired to know
how a man can be born when he is old.
Christ told Nicodemus as a friend
"Man, you must be born again"
He said, "Marvel not if you want to be wise
repent, believe, and be baptized."
Then you'll be a witness for my Lord
You'll be a witness for my Lord.
You'll be a witness, for my Lord.
Soul is a witness for my Lord.
You read about Samson, from his birth
he was the strongest man that ever lived on earth
way back yonder in ancient times
he killed ten thousand of the Phillestines
then ol' Samson went a-wand'rin' about
Samson's strength was never found out till his wife sat upon his knee
she said, "Tell me where your strength lies, if you please?"
well ol' Samson's wife, she talked so fair, ol' Samson said
"Cut off-a my hair!"
"Cut it off!"
'Shave my head just as clean as your hand,
and my strength will come like a natural man."
Samson was a witness for my Lord
Samson was a witness, Lord
Soul is a witness for my Lord.
There's another witness for my Lord
My soul is a witness for my Lord!