Good Brothers
by Sue
Malc and I have always been big music fans -we love all sorts of (good) music. After we invited Jesus into our lives, we began to listen to a lot of Christian music. We were amazed at how many great Christian bands there are, although a lot of the ones we liked the most were in the USA, and in those days (the mid-80s) it was not as easy to get hold of their music in this country.
One of the first bands we really liked was called 'Edmund's Crown.' Great name for a band, we thought. It is a picture of the youngest boy of the Pevensie children in the story of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Edmund was the one who was least considerate of his brother and sisters and who betrayed them to the White Witch. But ultimately, after seeing his error he was forgiven, and just like his siblings, he too received a crown from Aslan. It just mirrors God’s plan for forgiveness for all that come to repentance and those who do - will also receive a crown of Life from the Saviour.
Well, we looked everywhere for the album by Edmund’s Crown - Christian book shop, online – no joy. So Malc said perhaps I should just email the band and see if they could help us. Malc emailed Grep Pope, who is the lead singer in the band, and explained how hard we had tried to find a copy of their CD. Could he help us? He did more than that and sent us a copy of their latest CD, completely free of charge. How kind. I was thrilled to bits as it’s a great Album and Greg has such a lovely voice.
That was some years back and Greg now writes children’s books. What a talent he is. Before Edmunds Crown, Greg was often referred to as the fourth member of the band PFR (Pray For Rain) as he played with them so many times, on their recordings and on tour. PFR was another of our favourite bands with vocal harmonies and tunes that set them apart from many other bands. Time moves on and although the members of PFR are not playing together these days, they continue in other ministries. Two are now leading churches in the USA and the other is a record producer.
Malc also emailed PFR one time when he wanted to sing one of their amazing songs. Malc often played to a group of elderly folks at a Saturday morning club to entertain them. Joel Hanson, their lead singer replied personally confirming that he had no problem with Malc using his songs at all and he was very encouraging toward Malc and the elderly folk loved that song.
How really lovely that brothers in Christ, even though we didn’t know them personally, were so kind and generous toward us.
The fact is, when we are in Christ, we become family - sons and daughters and of the Living God. All those who trust in Jesus will find true blessing. The Bible exhorts us to ask what we will in the name of Jesus and if it is according to God’s will – we will receive it. What a promise!
But there exists a terrible lie of the devil that sadly, is perpetuated by many religious people that says “We are all God’s children.” Do not believe that lie. We are all certainly God’s creation, but we are not born as His children. But we can become His adopted sons and daughters when we are born again. The Bible makes it very clear in John’s gospel where it says:
“But as many as received Him [Jesus], to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13)
Do you know such a wonderful assurance and the promise of God? Maybe you are sensing that calling to trust Jesus. Come to Him today – before it is too late. You will not regret one moment when you make the decision to follow the Saviour and become part of God's family.