20 Years ago this week – the Berlin Wall came down
AVB Wednesday, November 11th, 2009
What does that have to do with AVB? The Acappella Company sponsored a serious radio – markeing push for the song “Roll That Stone Away,” written by Danny Elliott. Included with the campaign, we had purchased pieces of the actual Berlin Wall to include with the radio single, commemorating the fall of the iron curtain. Of course, we were celebrating a much more significant and earth-shattering event – the day that Jesus “rolled the stone away” and overcame death once and for all!
As we celebrate milestones like this one, I don’t want to appear to be living in the past. Far from that notion, my dream is for Acappella Ministries to continue serving people until the Lord returns (not sure that would be in 2012, ha) We were reminded of the vast amount of great music we have in our catalog as Acappella CLASSIC were trying to choose the song list for the South African tour. Steve Maxwell said we should write a book about the beginning years and experiences as Gary Moyers even began recording stories about these challenging times.
Speaking of the Berlin Wall, hearing the news and commentaries from around the world surely provides additional insights to world events and the varying perspectives. While listening to a British media report about the Berlin Wall coming down, I was amazed to discover that such a large percentage of the East German residents wish the wall had never come down. That’s perplexing to me, as many others died trying to cross the barrier. Could this be similar to our reliance and comfort with the bounds of religious legalism? Isn’t it easier to disavow others than to attempt to relate to and understand their viewpoint? Brings me back to another AVB message about “Legalistic Tendencies . . .”
Tell me where companssion went when you condemn the innocent?
You search for reasons to accuse – the brotherhood you will abuse!
Their eyes are closed they cannot see their legalistic tendencies.
The news report continued about how little things have changed in 20 years after the wall came down. In a parallel notion, as I consider how much I mercy that’s been granted to me, it would behoove me to be compassionate and understanding of others who, in my eyes, are falling short. Sermon over today. This is Keith Lancaster in downtown London – sharing my thoughts with you. Have a blessed day!
Short URL: http://keithlancaster.com/?p=866
Hey Keith. Love these thoughts. I was reading Philip Yancey’s book “Prayer, Does It Make Any Difference?” He had an inset from a Ukranian man who reflected on the desire of many Ukranian Christians who longed for the resurgence of Communism. They believed that the opposition of Christians made the church stronger. But that freedom made many Christians lazy. I do agree that in your example, there are many that find legalism comforting. But amazing to see that freedom sometimes never allows people to live freely. I have been to 2 former Soviet nations a several times on mission trips. Amazing how the people exchanged the bondage of Communism for the bondage of immorality thinking it was freedom. Long story short. Freedom by any other disguise or name is just an exchange for another form of bondage. Jesus is the only true freedom we’ll ever know.