Rock of Ages

Ironically this hymn, which could be called our declaration of independence from sin and death was first published in England in 1776, the year we in America declared our independence from Great Britain. Also, noteworthy, “Rock of Ages” was the last and greatest work of August Toplady, who died just two years later at the age of thirty-eight. Last Sunday, the residents at Discovery Villages. joined in quite heartedly. Though they come from a variety of denominations, as we sing these words, we are united by our faith in Jesus Christ, who is the rock of our salvation and our hope for eternal life. I pray you might be blessed as you listen and even better as you join in.

A Picture Frame in Poetry

The picture frame that limits
Our quickly flying years
Marks a border to the canvas
On which our life appears

And day by day the choices
Of how we use our time
Are painting our life’s portrait
For those we leave behind

So why not give the artist’s brush
By faith To Jesus Christ?
Only He can paint the love of God
In our picture frame of life

 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, 
so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. 
Ephesians 2:10 NLT

A Picture Frame of Life by Peter Caligiuri copyright 2022 all rights reserved



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Who is Jesus?

Somehow we got a bit off track in our men’s zoom meeting last week and some of the newer believers seemed confused by conversations they had with some Jehovah’s Witnesses as to just exactly who Jesus is. They probably didn’t realize that the Watchtower society teaches that Jesus Christ was really originally the Archangel Michael – but not to get too deeply into the weeds I simply put together a pop quiz of people in both the Old and New Testaments to ask them one question. “Who is Jesus?” Here is a brief sampling of their answers –

Peter said: Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ the Son of the Living God.” Matthew 16:16

 Isaiah said: For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor Mighty God; Everlasting Father; Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

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John said: In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the word was God. John 1:1

Moses said: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light!” and there was light. Genesis 1:1-3  (Father Son & Holy Spirit in creation)

Paul said: Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13

King David said: Your throne O God is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness. Psalm 45:6

Thomas said: Thomas answer him, “My Lord and my God!” John 20:28

Daniel said: And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations and languages should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away, and His kingdom shall not be destroyed. Daniel 7:14

Jesus said: So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was, I Am.” John 9:57

I am the Alpha and Omega, says the Lord God, “Who is and who was and who is to come” Revelation1:8

But Most important of all is who you say that Jesus is!

Matthew 16:15 He said to them “ But who do you say that I am?”