Introduction to the Gospel of John - a- King James Version

 

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

This one verse reminds us of the Creation, Genesis 1, and also teaches the Trinity - with the Word used three times, as in Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

The same is emphatic, reflecting on the Word three times, so the Triune God is the beginning, all things before God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

So easy and simple for Greek translation - God made everything and nothing was made apart from Him.

4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

The Son of God was life, and that life was also the light of mankind.

5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Just as light and life go together, light shines in the darkness; and darkness has no power over darkness.

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

A man whose name was John - he was sent by God.

7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

This man came to witness, witness to the Light, so that all men might believe in Him, through Him.

8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.  9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

He was not the Light, but he was sent to teach the Light. Every man can receive the true Light that comes into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

The Son created the world, and He was in the world, yet the world did not know him. He did not accept Him.

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:  13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

All those who accepted Him received the power to become sons of God, even those who believed in Him.

14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

The Son was born of the Virgin Mary and lived among us, filled with His divine glory, unique glory of the begotten Father, full of grace and truth.

 

The Old and the New - Its Failure in Churches

 

It is a shame that so many denominations were caught up in the excitement of something new in worship. The LCA and ALC got together for ELCA and watched their numbers plummet. The Lutheran Hymnal did the same. 

Everyone was excited about the new version, but soon people began to realize how many great hymns were jettisoned - along with hip liturgies. The changes are something like this -

5.3 million ELCA added up their members upon merging as the LCA-ALC-AELC. As one person wrote - "Congregations were leaving fast - before they waited to be drawn in.

The ELCA numbers are now more like 2 millions.

The Lutheran Hymnal was set aside for something more like ELCA's effort.

Both "improved" hymnals were heavier, not the best idea for an aging population. Irritating edits meant goofy hymns and liturgies demanded from the bosses in charge (exit ramp). 

The Church Growthers were more likely to fall for the exciting things that soon enough became rather tedious. 

The authority figures were always figuring out how it could all be better, but they missed the best and they now pay for it. 

Strange How Things Happen

 

Downtown Moline, Illinois featured something no one would have guessed. Look at the sign - Bartlett Insurance Agency.

The sign was one of those neon lit insurances, not strange or exotic at all! But wait. "I have often walked down this street before..." 

The agency led to a remarkable lifetime of entertainment -  not only Bonnie Bartlett (her father's talents) - but also her husband William Daniels, who is now about 98 years old. Bonnie is a wee bit younger.

This view faces the opposite on Fifth Avenue, where the tall spire of First Lutheran Church (Augustana Synod) and the Melo-Cream Donut Shop across from it.

The longtime couple, whose 73rd wedding anniversary falls on June 30, exclusively tells PEOPLE about their enduring love story.

Mr. Feeny isn’t done teaching life lessons.

Fans of “Boy Meets World” actor William Daniels initially believed he had died on Thursday when the 98-year-old posted a throwback photo on social media to promote a sale on his signed headshots.

The longtime actor’s followers, who apparently did not read the post’s caption, saw the image and assumed it was a death announcement. Here are links about the couple from Moline Memories.

 

The Bartlett family supported the Bartlett Performing Art Center.