One In Jesus

The original, as sung by Johnny Cash, followed by a variation on the theme by Josh Garrels.

(You should play Garrels’ version at my funeral. Sheer genius.)

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This is from Royce Ogle, a long-time reader and frequent commenter here — not to mention an accomplished blogger at Grace Digest.

Royce writes,

I learned this morning that once again a loving brother in Christ has lumped yours truly in with other Apostates. The New Mexico preacher/elder Al Maxey emails his publication “Reflections” to hundreds of people each week. His studies and articles are well researched and written. Bro’ Al is one of those damned “change agents” who is speaking truth to our beloved church of Christ people and a few of them are not happy.

One of those people who are less than pleased with Al Maxey is a preacher from Alabama, one Caroll Ray Sutton, who has been the preacher at a small church of Christ for about 50 years. He publishes a paper titled “The Instructor”. In the Feb 2013 issue Mr Sutton has this to say:

“When apostates (and other false teachers) like Edward Fudge, Al Maxey, Max Lucado, Leroy Garrett, Rubel Shelly, Randy Harris, Royce Ogle, Jay Guin, Lynn Anderson, etc. contend that there is no pattern in the New Testament for us to follow in order to please God and thus be saved eternally, I am made to wonder how any honest, truth-seeking person would pay any attention to what they have to say” [p. 2].

Well, as Royce said, it’s an honor to be lumped in with such a group of men. I mean, these men are spiritual heroes! I’m just proud to be on the list.

By the way, it’s a bit unfair to characterize my teaching as “there is no pattern to follow in order to please God.” There is indeed — it’s just not the traditional pattern of how to conduct an assembly. The pattern is Jesus.

(Phi 3:14-17 NAS)  ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  ¹⁵ Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you;  ¹⁶ however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.  ¹⁷ Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.

I’d never heard “Fix Me, Jesus” before the Bobby McFerrin version (I bought the album, spirityouall, by the way — how could I resist a “you all”?). As much as I enjoyed the McFerrin version, I wondered what the song would sound like in a more traditional style.

This is Queen Latifah with a very traditional, reverent version.

(And maybe I’ve figured out how to solve the problem with YouTube videos not getting into the emails. We’re about to find out …)

Not that I expect our songworship leaders to take this up … but wouldn’t it be cool?