Newspapers / The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, … / March 30, 2006, edition 1 / Page 13
Part of The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, N.C.) / About this page
This page has errors
The date, title, or page description is wrong
This page has harmful content
This page contains sensitive or offensive material
http://www.thecharlottepost.com 5B ®[)e Charlotte RELIGION Deter mined to praise God PSALMS 145:1-2 Intixiductioiit t We often hear about how important it is to ‘be practi cal.” If a preacher spends any length of time discussing some at-tribute of God or a point of theology it is not unusual for someone to say “He may be r^ht about all that, but I just want to hear about stuff that I can use in my Ufe.” Of course, there is nothing wrong with wanting instruc tion that will hdp us be more useful and grow in our Chris tian lives, but we must be careful that we do not improperly define what is practical. We were put on this earth primarily to enjoy a relationship with God and to glorify Him. If our greatest purpose is to know God, perhaps we can profit fi-om stretching our minds- a tdt to leam some the ological truths about Him. And if we are to glorify our Lord, maybe we should join the Psalmist David in singing God’s praises, as he did in Psalm 145. In truth, nothing could be more etemaly prac tical or sensible!! Lesson background The Psalmist David was a man who knew all about the ups and downs of life. His vic tory over Goliath, being chased by Saul, selection to be king, adultery with Bathsheba-so many experi ences on both the spiritual moimtaintop and in the spiri tual valley! Probably it was both types of experiences that drove David to greater praise and worship. A Determination to Praise God (Psalm 145:1-2) 1. What does David make clear finm the beginning of this psalm (vs. 1,2)? Notice the words extol, bless, and praise in the first two verses of Psalm 145. Each word has the same essential meaning: to lift high, to give honor publicly and openly and to promote. David mdses very clear finm the outset what this psalm is about. He intends to promote God publicly and vigorously The Psalmist David cen tered his life not on building himself up but on giving ^ory to the Lord. He did so not because he felt he had to but because he loved God. Althou^ David addresses God directly the intended action is for others to notice. David wants to make sure that the fame of Gfed is spread everywhere. No one should fail to know or under stand how great God is, and David win make sure that God’s greatness is unmistak able and mideniable. 2. Why is daily spiritual consistency “with” Grod more See DETERMINATI0N/6B In the family way LeJeune Thompson’s Charlotte recording includes husband, son PHOTO/WADE NASH CJ, LeJeune and Cedric Thompson will all be a part of LeJeune's live recording on Friday. LeJeune Thomp son is a neo-soul gospel singer and is recording her first live CD in the Queen City. By Chens F. Hodges cheris.hodges@ihecharloltepost.cot When LeJeune Thomp son records her first live CD in Charlotte Eriday it wiH be a true family affair. Her 14-year-old son, C. J., wUl play the drums. Her husband Cedric will lend his musical exper tise. He is a famed gospel music producer with 13 years in the business. Hie Thompsons will launch their new record label, LeCe Entertain- meait as well. “I had previously done a recording on EMI and it was a studio record,” Thompson said. Her debut CD, “Soul Inspiration,” had a bit of R&B, hip-hop, traditional gospel and jazz. She even tackled a remake of the Clark Sisters hit ‘You Brou^t the Sunshine.” Thompson said that she wanted to do a live album because, “I like the inter action finm a live audi ence,” she said. The recording session win feature a new group called Dennis Reed & G. A.P., which will provide backgroxmd vocals on “Metamorphosis. ” The CD is a project that will display a complete spiritual, mental, and emotional change in Thompson’s life over the last five years. Gospel music lovers can look for ward to foot-stomping songs fike “I Gotta FeeHn” and “Wait,” while contem porary music lovers are sure to appreciate “The Praise.” “Metamorphosis” is set to drop in 2006 and wUl be recorded at New Life Fellowship Center. “I started singing in 1983. A firi^d introduced me to John P. Kee,” Thompson said. She became a featured • vocalist on Kee’s New Life Community Choir and sung with Donald Lawrence and the Tri- City Singers. Performing has always come natural to Thomp son. “I come fiom a family of 10 brothers and sisters,” she said. “I was always singing. It was what I really wanted.” But singing, she said has one purpose. “The purpose of giving God the ^ory remains the same, regardless of what project I’m working on at the moment,” she Please see CD/6B African church aims to save America t By Rachel Zoll THE ASSOCIATED PRESS IRVING, Tfexas—On the 25th floor of a luxury office tower, a church most people have never heard of is plan ning to save America. Its leaders bdieve Jesus has sent them to spread a difficult truth in the United States: Demonic forces are corrupting society and only spiritual warfare can stop them. CaU it the message. The messenger comes from Nigeria. The Redeemed Christian Church of God was founded in Lagos by men and women who were once the target of missionary work them selves. Now their church has become one of the most aggressive evangehzers to emerge finm the advance of Christianity across Affica. The Redeemed Church is part of a boom in Afiican churches establishing Ama:- ican outposts, Jacob Olupona, a professor at the University of California, Davis, has found hundreds of examples in cities large and small. “Anyone who i^tes about Christianity in America in the 21st century,” Olupona '■HliRfiLlAY MARCH :5Ce30C Life 1B said, “wUl have to write about Afiican churches.” At the core of the shift are pastors fixim Nigeria. Over the last century, Christians there have swelled finm a tiny minority to nearly half the population, and its pas tors have shown an excep tional talent for winning believers abroad In the United States, the Redeemed Church is ahead of them aU. It has opened more than 200 parishes in just over a decade, finm California to New York, and is training Lawrence’s ‘Finale’ closes great chapter Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers Finale Limited Collector's Edition CD produced by Donald Lawrence EMI Gospel Donald Lawrence’s ego kept this special package fi'om being called “Phenomenal” instead of “Finale.” That only begins to desaibe the farewell concert finm what may be the world’s best ensemble. Recorded Uve at Atlanta’s Tabernacle, “Finale” winds up a 15-year association between Lawrence and Tri-City, an ensemble originally formed in 1981. Lawrence became its musical director in 1991 and led it into the national spot light with “A Songwriter’s Point Of Wew.” Recorded at Charlotte’s Spirit Square, it defined gospel for the 1990s nearly in the same way Andre Crouche did in the ‘70s and the Hawkins did the ‘80s. “Finale” also restates Lawrence’s place as one of the best songwriters of the last decade. There is a treasure trove of songs that are now standards. His song writing skills are matched by his touch as an arranger. His choir arrangements rival anyone else’s in the business. “Finale” features many favorites and a few new ones that will be added to Lawrence’s burgeoning stan dards catalogue. Erica McCul lough sings the absolute life out of “God.” Lawrence can always match her voice with the right song. This is the ri^t song. Blanche McAllistg- does “These Nails” right as well. Tri- City has never soimded better than on “The Blessing of Abra ham,” a praise and worship song that’s neither boring nor repetitious. It’s the medley of the old stuff that makes this something special. “Oh Peter,” “When Sunday Comes,” “Seasons” ‘When The Saints Go Tb Wor ship” and “Bless Me” would be enox^h to make this package stunnii^- The rest is gravy Speaking of packaging, pick up the limited collector’s edi tion. It’s lavishly packaged with two CDs, 2 DVDs and fiiU-color booklet on the choirs accomplishments. As much as I like the CD, the DVD is way better. PHOTO/THE STOCK MARKET pastors of all ethnicities to reach beyond the church’s base in the Afiican immi- ' grant community One of its largest congregations, Weto- ry Tbrnple in Bowie, Md., claims 2,000 members. Please see AFRICAN/6B »■ -Aim^ Church News The calendar deadline is noon on Fridays. Fax announcements to (704) 342-2160 or e-mail cherisLiodges@thecharloUeposl.com. Oi^oing Inspiration Networks is holding a gospel tal ent search for its nationally televised series CTiristian Artist Talent Search. The winner will receive a national recording contract with Point Of Grace Entertainment. AU entrants must be at least 15 years old by April 21. Entries are due by April 21. For rules and entry forms, log on to www.insp.com or call the CATS hotline at (704) 561-7955. April 8 Friendship Missionary Baptist Church wiU host its fourth annual Wedding Extravaganza finm 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The event is fi^ and designed to help brides, grooms and wedding planners focus on the preparation and the implanentation of a perfect Christian wedding and marriage. The registration deadline is March 31. For more information, caU (704) 392-0392, ext. 111. • C.N. Jenkins Memorial Presbyterian Churdi, 1421 StatesviUe Ave., wiU hcet a health screening firom 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There wiU be testily for diabetes, chol^terol, HIV and prostate cancer. For more information, caU (704) 393-8387. April 16 RABO Records wUl host an Easter Simday celebration at Robert L. Bowers FeUowship Auditorium,Tocated at 407 Rocky River Road, MooresvUle. The event begins at 4 p.m. The doors open at 2 p.m. Some of the performers include LU Willie and The Gospel Keynotes, Ronica and The Mighty Blazing Stars and The Singing Ar^ls. For more information or to purchase tickets, caU (704) 333-7729. April 22 Preserve Pro Inc. is offadng a workshop on • i)0 “Optimizing Your Church’s Records: A Preser vation Workshop.” This workshop wiU be held finm 9-11:20 a.m. on the campus of Central Piedmont Community CoUege, Room 215, Pro fessional Development BuUdir^. The purpose of the workshop is to bring together individuals who have an interest in preserving the history of churches. This work shop is also open to the pviblic and highly rec ommended for aU individuals interested in learning about preservation, and archival practices. The registration fee for the work shop is $50. Please see PRESERVATION/6B “P*S“
The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
March 30, 2006, edition 1
13
Click "Submit" to request a review of this page. NCDHC staff will check .
0 / 75