Jack’s Winning Words 4/13/16
“It is in our lives and not our words that our religion must be read.”  (Jefferson)  T.J. had a unique view of religion which continues to influence us today.  He was the one who proposed a wall of separation between church and state.  It’s why many immigrants have come to America.  He looked for moralisms in the Bible, believing in a religion that was to be lived.  Edgar A. Guest wrote what Jefferson believed.  “I’d rather see a sermon that hear one any day.”    ;-)  Jack

FROM YOOPER BOB:  I agree with Guest.====JACK:  I knew Edgar's son.  Edgar wrote a poem everyday for the Detroit Free Press.

FROM TARMART REV:  The Apostle Paul wrote, "You yourselves are our letter of recommendation written in your hearts and read by everybody." (II Corinthians 3:2).====JACK:  I learned this verse a long time ago... "You are writing each day a letter to men; Take care that the writing is true; Tis the only gospel that some men will read--That gospel according to you."

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  recall the old VBS song:  Do You Know O Christian you're a Sermon in Shoes?       or the old line: " you may be the only Bible some people ever read".   good thoughts for the start of a new day... ====JACK:  "A sermon in shoes!"  I like it.  A children's book, in the shape of a shoe, has this song...
Do you know, Oh Christian, you’re a sermon in shoes?
Do you know, Oh Christian, you’re a sermon in shoes?
Jesus calls upon you, to spread the gospel news,
So walk it, and talk it.
Live it, and give it.
Teach it, and preach it.
Know it, and show it.
A Sermon in Shoes.
====SP:  that's it exactly!!   thanks.  i even had a bunch of shoes for the kids to really get the message...

FROM HONEST JOHN:  TJ was a massive hypocrite who kept slaves, used them for his sexual satisfaction, fostered children by them but didn't even treat his children fairly.   He Aldo was a ruthless politician who ate up his enemies.    He pushed state's rights to protect the institution of slavery.    He opposed federalism except when he thought he could use it fir his purposes....e.g., the Louisiana Purchase.    His cousin, John Marshall, saw him for who he was and had no use for him.====JACK:  He also had a Holey Bible.  He physically cut out those portions of the Bible that  he didn't agree with.  I guess you depict a "Holey Jefferson," pointing out those portions of his life that you don't agree with.  St Paul writes (Rms 3:10) that "no one is perfect, no, not one."====JOHN:  However, one who makes a big deal out of his ethics and way of life ought to be judged according to them....the salesman needs to sell a product that he actually subscribes to.... ====JACK:  The Church continues to suffer from the hypocrisy of its members and pastors.  Granted, no one's perfect, but blatant  un-Christ-like behavior turns seekers away.  Having said that, if a modern "Jefferson" came to you and wanted to join your congregation, how would you respond?  Or, if an "ordinary" person wanted to join, are there any restrictions?====JOHN:  No!     The sermons and teaching ministry would be used to help us think thru what Christian conduct should be.    And, of course, we have the confession of sin at the beginning of every service!

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I'd love to lay my hands on that song, "A Sermon in Shoes". I don't suppose those books are still for sale...A great song even for adults! Yes, so true, we have to walk our talk, or no one will listen to what we profess to believe, and since we aren't perfect we don't always do a  great job of it! And then there are those who heap praises on our heads, and almost idolize us, when we know we don't deserve that kind of adulation; we're just ordinary folks, TRYING to live a life of love....====JACK:  Through the magic of the internet, you can order from A BEKA BOOK, a songbook (Bible Song Visuals) which includes these time-tested favorites:
All Things Bright and Beautiful
Away in a Manger
The B-I-B-L-E
The Birds upon the Treetops
Books of the New Testament
God is So Good
The Gospel Train
Jesus Loves the Little Children
Oh, Be Careful
Sermon in Shoes
When Your Cup Runneth Over
The Wonder Song
Your senior group might enjoy singing them.

FROM KANSAN DON:  I have heard that the quote was not a "wall" but a"line of separation."  I checked it -- so this is my recollection.  I prefer "line" because there is a conversation needed between faith/God and government.====JACK:  "Something there is that doesn't like a wall," wrote Robert Frost...and you.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  There were plenty of times I would rather have seen a sermon than heard one.  LOL!  We were taught to be the person God would want us to be, but we had a tough time sometimes doing the right thing.====JACK:  Try changing places with the pastor on a Sunday and see how it feels.====JUDY:  No thanks!  Working at a church as its secretary taught me it's a no win job sometimes.  Pastors have to have hearts of gold and the patience of a saint!!!====JACK:  I had many secretaries in my ministry...and not a bad one in the lot.