Treborn's Treasures

#CRAVE - Jesus In Your Boat ~ Sermon by @JohnFehlen Poem by @Treborn

2011-01-18T14:05:00.000-08:00

West Salem Foursquare Church
www.WSFC.org
January 15/16, 2011
John 6:16-24

Poem:

Show me the money, show me the miracles
ministry can be god, that's not hysterical
let's not just do things for Him
be with Him instead, that's a fortune
Strive and search for significance
make it happen with greatness and experience
why take it out (+) be so liberal
this DOES make sense; it's literal
Not your average waves, an intimate scare
who could calm the storm with legitimate fear
so many motivators makes us crazy
it initiates us to no longer be lazy
if you're eager and you crave, you long for...
something that you lack, yes you want more
he came to free us from restriction
get that relationship, rest in peace to religion

You can row and row, left in sorrow
Think big, go large, be efficient not hollow
Fill the tank, charge the battery
Bits and pieces here and there are a fallacy

Everything's closing in that despondent place
this is the place where he meets us face to face
he came the hard way, so long and far
be sure of the son, more than a star
Take courage, in your darkest hour
beyond the ice, beyond a heart that's sour
don't be discouraged in the worse of times
find courage be encouraged, rehearse the lines
Even if your off beat in an emotional journey
the vessel sways away in waves in a hurry
looking for his hand, missing the man
not many see his face, took a blessing and ran
He won't let you sink, I know you've been searching
seeking and craving, pursuits got us hurting
he is so worthy, stop over-thinking, you're underachieving
have faith my child, it's time to start believing

If this doesn't fire you up, then bet
that your wood must obviously be wet
Immediately means... straight and direct
His power has power, no debate all respect

Surrender all to him, be with us now
Human effort and God's presence is different, how?
Different, so different, a brain can't imagine
Picture him now, it's more than you can fathom

POEM: A Mysterious Protection

2011-01-16T22:46:00.003-08:00

A Mysterious Protection
an original poem by Christian Treborn

At times, it's like I would rather put down my luggage just help someone else with theirs
The sad thing is I have to go back to get my life, pick it back up & reface my fears
The journey is twice as long, and half as educational... seeing how I enjoy being a help
How much exercise am I doing if I'm working harder than smarter? How is my own health?
I know I could go outside and play but my adventure clothes are in the closet
It's too big and dark to go in and grab what I need, so instead of moving forward I pause it
Procrastination, I want to stop it, but maybe I'll start being productive in the new year
Yeah right! That mentality ends with a new fear, yet my mind, body and soul... I'd rather renew here!
As if I was new here, I reminisce and miss the old me, fresh to all the homies that know me
If only they could see me now, how much I've changed and improved, they'd say they don't know me

I keep growing into a man I've been destined to be and what do I see but a blurred reflection
No matter how many times I wipe the mirror I'm comforted by a mysterious protection

Vintage Time Machines (My Favorite Local Band)

2011-01-08T11:32:00.000-08:00

Okay, I met this guy Mike over the summer at a party. I remember how interesting he was and how much he knew his Indie and not-so-known bands. I didn't immediately admit I was a poet, instead I just listened and got to know him better.

Months later, Courtney and I got invited to a Halloween Costume Party at Mike's house. There we met his roommate - Chad. They were both dressed in these time-traveling-jumpsuits. I thought it was a bit too easy of costumes. Later that night they get behind their instruments and start rocking out! I was amazed and it all made sense. Their band was called Vintage Time Machines. Now I know why they were dressed like Time Lords. It was all apart of their theme as the Vintage Time Machines.

I must admit, I really enjoyed their groove, their sound, and even their neo-retro style. It was refreshing and pleasing to my ears and my soul. I instantly became a fan.

A few months later... we have January. I got invited to their first big show at a new venue in Canby, Oregon called The Place To Be Cafe. When I got there, they were packed. It was great to see that so many more people get a chance to experience my favorite local band.

Here is a sample of their set from Friday January 7th.

SONG 1

2010 In The Year of Our LORD (a Reflection of the past 365 days)

2011-01-01T14:12:00.000-08:00

In the year of our LORD – twenty-ten, I had some life changing experiences. It all began towards the end of 2009 when I ended my stale and dull relationship with my girlfriend of 3 years. Our relationship wasn’t going anywhere, and after expressing her feelings, I had no response. No solution, no answer. I told her what I wanted to do; invest in others lives, lead bible studies, and further my relationship with GOD. So we ended it, and I began praying to GOD for resolution and reconciliation in my life. I spent Christmas alone (with GOD) and on December 26th, He called me to step out of my box, to get out of my comfort zone, and dedicate the year to His will.

2010 has been a ride and a journey for sure. I rededicate my life to GOD, left all my insecurities & imperfections behind to pursue holiness & walk in righteousness. I decided to surround myself with positive and influential men of GOD. Justin Doyle was my main comrade in my refreshed walk. We would fellowship and hang out with the South Salem Young Life kids.

After 2 years of being asked by Corey, I finally joined Young Life, and began volunteering my time to South Salem High School students. Young Life has been a journey and a calling to something I didn’t think I wanted and something I didn’t expect. It caught me off guard, and I am thankful it did. Thanks to Young Life I have learned so much about ministry, relationship, unconditional love, mentorship, and discipleship.

I also volunteered to be a bridge from Wyldlife to Young Life. Currently I am building relationships with middle school kids that will end up in high school where I do Young Life.Young Life needs it’s own post/update. Coming soon…

In the music scene I did some big things for Christian Hip Hop aka Holy Hip Hop.
I opened up for GRITS and Cookbook (formally of LA Symphony). I also ended up opening for Braille again this year. He has been though a lot, and to be there as he performed his hit songs was a blessing.

My church West Salem Foursquare Church had a UNITED service where everyone from each of our three services was invited to join a huge service at Riverfront Park to share picnic and worship. There were about 1500 people that showed up. At the last minute I realized I should have asked my pastor to allow me to perform a song before we began. People were just hanging around talking and eating; they might as well have some entertainment in the background while they wait too.

I ended up performing two of my fan favorites live for 1500 or so people. It was freeing and uplifting and inspiring. Just doing it for fun, I had kids come up to me telling me how much they enjoyed my performance. They asked if I had CDs, and I realized I did have some in my car. Always being prepared, I grabbed a box of CDs and started handing them out to anyone and everyone that walked up to me. It was a blessing all around.

(To see this live performance visit HERE)

For about half the year I volunteered to help DaSouth.com by writing reviews on music projects. This was a great opportunity to help the music scene – behind the scenes. Plus it helped me with my journalism skills.

The biggest thing that happened in 2010…

I met the love of my life - Courtney at church. Never did I know she was related to people I knew and worked with. I ended up doing a lot of volunteer work with her and we began making new memories and sharing new experiences. She has opened my eyes to many different aspects of life that I haven't seen in the past.

It's been a blessing through every challenge and obstacles we have had to face. If we have learned anything, it's that God is faithful and true. We can always rely on him and ask him to meet our needs. I have never prayed for any person (not even myself) as much as I have for Courtney. I care about her so much and I love her unconditionally. She is a mighty servant for Christ and continues to grow and learn each week. It's been such a blessing to be apart of her life and witness God's work in her.

It has been such a great year. Through everything I have done and experienced, I have learned a ton about God and even a bunch of things about myself. This has been the year of my life & I am looking forward to what God brings next.

Thank you Jesus for using me to help so many people. Even without my knowledge. I am filled with joy to be apart of the body of Christ. Praise the Lord. He is sovereign!

My Favorite Encouraging Scriptures

2010-12-23T17:52:00.000-08:00

I Have heard this verses throughout Inspirational Hip-Hop. I have had bible studies on some of these verses. If I could give a believer a list of my favorite scriptures, or a list of the scriptures that encourage me, I would give them this list.

How can you benefit from this list? You could always S.O.A.P. on it. S.O.A.P. is a method of studying scripture and speaking with the Holy Spirit about what you read. If you don't know what S.O.A.P. is or how it is done, check out this link for an example.

I pray these verses inspire you, encourage your spirit, and strengthen your faith. May GOD reveal Himself to you, and may GOD bless you in your seeking of His face.

Be encouraged and stay blessed.
Christian {2Co517}

~

FELLOWSHIP OF THE UNASHAMED Romans 1:16

THE GREAT COMMISSION Matthew 28:16-20

DEAD TO SIN, ALIVE IN CHRIST Romans 6:1-14

BEAR EACH OTHER'S BURDENS Galatians 6:1-10

UNITY + DIVERSITY 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

THE LAW & SIN Romans 7:14-20

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT Galatians 5:16-25

BE A REBEL Romans 12:1-2

TAKE YOUR CROSS UP Luke 9:23-27

SUFFICIENT GRACE 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

GROWTH IN THE FAITH 2 Peter 1:5-8

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE YOUTH 1 Timothy 4:12

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS LOVE Colossians 3:12-17

CONSISTENCY Ephesians 5:15-21

IF YOU FAIL Numbers 32:23

REFUSE TO LOOK Job 31:1

FREE DOWNLOAD for a Limited Time! @Treborn's #AllRight PLZ RT! http://bit.ly/ALLright

2010-12-20T13:39:00.000-08:00

* DOWNLOAD THIS FREE DIGITAL ALBUM FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY! *

Immediate download of 12-track album in your choice of 320k mp3, FLAC, or just about any other format you could possibly desire.

1. Don't Be Mad (produced by Fresh Mann) 04:08
2. Preach featuring EKG, John Campbell, Bumps 05:29
3. Tre Born featuring B. Cobb 03:33
4. Crusin featuring B. Cobb 03:03
5. All Right featuring Illusent 03:58
6. Cellar Door (Radio Edit) 03:01
7. Liberty 03:50
8. Another Fork 04:15
9. Criminal Behavior 02:50
10.Holy Definition Remix featuring Phil Zahn 03:47
11.Practice featuring EKG, John Campbell, Bumps, Braille, Fresh Mann, & eCsiLe 05:13
12.Break The Chain 04:02

ABOUT:
ALL RIGHT features guest appearances from Christian's fellow tweeps from across the United States. The songs within were comprised over 2009 and early 2010 during Treborn's transitioning period. Just like his life, this material covers a lot of different emotions and feelings.

Stay updated: twitter.com/ChrisTreborn

CREDITS:
Initially released 07 September 2010
Lyrics & Music by Chris Treborn (except lyrics by guest artists)
Photography by Agape Studios - Salem, Oregon
Clothing provided by Break The Chain Apparel

Copyright 2008-2010 Christian Treborn - All Rights Reserved.
http://treborn.bandcamp.com/album/all-right
http://bit.ly/ALLright

10 fan favorites from 3 of @Treborn's albums

2010-12-18T13:30:00.000-08:00

Great Priced Christmas Trees!

2010-11-23T19:58:00.001-08:00

South Salem Young Life is selling coupons for Christmas trees at Eola Christmas Tree Farm!

It is easy! Just contact Corey Knudson if you are interested. You will receive a coupon which you will show at the tree farm when choosing your tree!

You have three kinds of trees to choose from, the price is excellent and South Salem Young Life receives the amount in parenthesis, which as you can see is a huge percentage.

1 Noble Fir $30 ($18 to YL)
1 Grand Fir $25 ($17 to YL)
1 Douglas Fir $20 ($15 to YL)

Eola Christmas Tree Farm will be open weekends, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Nov. 26th through Dec. 19th. You will find them at 4705 Eola Dr. NW in Salem.

Just give me a call or send me an email and let me know what kind of tree you would like and I will get you a coupon to redeem at the farm.

Thank you for your support of South Salem Young Life!
Corey
503.930.4912
knudie2425@yahoo.com

#BlessedAre - The Poor In Spirit ~ Sermon: @JohnFehlen Poem: @Treborn

2010-11-21T13:23:00.000-08:00

Blessed Are; The poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3, 7:7-23
Pastor John Fehlen
West Salem Foursquare Church
www.WSFC.org
November 21st, 2010

POEM:

Blessed are the poor or those in total poverty
we need a larger understanding in spirit, obviously
it can be a gift of the spirit or is it a curse
poverty us beyond what's in your wallet or purse
Do you volunteer to be poverty stricken
prosperity isn't the only design - be risen
the LORD isn't a slot-machine to pay out
some will stay n doubt, so will you say or shout
Are we so filled up and we have no more room
if He didn't give you breath, you would see doom
so give thanks for the creator of it all
nothing is made without Him, trust Him or fall
Grand adventure is shared, but not His glory
this is our page, or chapter, but His story
my sufficiency comes from you = meekness
my strength (in Him), comes from my weakness

I AM LEFT SPEECHLESS
THE WORLD
WE HAVE TO REACH THIS
HE HAS CAME TO TEACH US
REVEAL YOUR MYSTERY
YOUR SECRET

We have to ASK, when we seek and knock
how much better will the gifts be in stock
if our earthly father gives - a heavenly father gives more
dad gives a toy, father gives us the store
And so much more! In an abundant amount
gifts will be given, more than you can count
but if we ask, we shall receive
treat how you want to be treated, don't deceive
I am dependent, on the generosity of others
the poor in spirit, have obviously; lovers
loved enough to be saved and carried
loved enough to be dated and married
Why arch our back, we need to straighten up
not restriction, it's safety taken up
are you desperate for such a caretaker
get intimate and meet the most fair maker

I AM LEFT SPEECHLESS
THE WORLD
WE HAVE TO REACH THIS
HE HAS CAME TO TEACH US
REVEAL YOUR MYSTERY
YOUR SECRET

Believers B3ARFRUIT, but the road is narrow
why so many leaves, are you hiding a sparrow
where is the fruit, you were made to produce
life gave you lemons, it's time to make juice
Is it success or value, culture surrounds us
this is the death of morals, it astounds us
more in the show-window, less in the stock room
too many in a movie, too little that got moved
No resume will qualify us for His kingdom
the job won't be ours acting like heathens
we killed demons and preached your message
but no checklist religion, can ever bless us
I'm filthy rags, apart from you LORD
take all of us, give us more of you LORD
give us more, please give us more
apart from you, we are filthy & poor

I AM LEFT SPEECHLESS
THE WORLD
WE HAVE TO REACH THIS
HE HAS CAME TO TEACH US
REVEAL YOUR MYSTERY
YOUR SECRET

SCRIPTURE:

Blessed are the humble, who rate themselves insignificant.
Blessed are the poor and realize their need for Him.
Dependence versus Independence - Ask, Seek, Knock
Character versus Charisma - Narrow & Wide, True & False
Obedience versus Importance
"Blessed are those who feel their poverty and so cry out to heaven."
"Blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and His rule."
"Blessed are those who realizes their own utter helplessness, and who put their whole trust in God!"
"You say: 'I am rich, I have acquired wealth, and do not need a thing.' But, you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked."
Matthew 25:40
John 6:7
John 3:30

(Sermon) I'm Just ONE Piece in HIS Puzzle

2010-11-15T16:39:00.000-08:00

I'm doing a club talk for tonight at South Salem Young Life. Here is my rough draft of what I will be sharing.

I know a lot of us are in a crisis. We are searching for an identity. We want to know who are we? What are we good at? What is our purpose in life?

I lived my life searching for purpose. I used to be a huge fan of WWF. I even saw some events live. I remember painting my face and wrapping my wrists and biceps (or the lack thereof) with electrical tape, just like the pros. I had a bunk bed and some gigantic stuffed animals (which I grew out of), but I still kept them and used them as wrestling opponents. I pretty much wanted to be a professional wrestler… or entertainer. I didn’t really like the wrestling part, I rather enjoyed the acting and show of it all instead.

Then I thought I was supposed to be an actor, or maybe an entertainer, or perhaps a football player. Once I got onto the Frosh football team my freshman year, I knew that I loved football. Even though I wasn’t a starter, I figured if I did my best and strived my hardest, I could be on the sidelines watching the best that the NFL has to offer.

It was Wednesday October 30th, and I just had the best week of football practice. It ended even better when the Defensive coach told me I was going to be starting at Defensive Back. I was so excited to tell my dad and step mom that after practice I ran into the house to share my joy. I was thrown back with a sad face upon my parents. All they could say was “We lost her.” I didn’t know what they meant. I knew they were talking about my 3-month-old sister, but I didn’t understand what happened. My dad then said “She’s no longer with us.” I was so confused. Did she go with someone else, or what? Finally, I realized that she died.

She died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Basically, she just stopped breathing her sleep. My dad blamed God, and I had no answer. I had no idea how to explain what happened to my sister or why God would allow such a thing to happen. I wanted to express my feelings toward God and at the same time explain to my parents why my baby sister had to die. I ended up writing a song that told a story of one of God’s angels in charge of my sister’s life.

I had no idea how big of an affect it would have on my parents. It touched them, and even though I didn’t have the right words, God was using me to speak to them. I then realized my calling was to write stories in song format with morals and understandings. I was still young, and still seeking for the truth myself. But now with a divine purpose to write songs, I felt even more encouraged and obligated to search for the morally right answers and share all the knowledge I obtained.

Since then I have written around 500 songs. Not all of them were turned into songs, and not all of the songs were recorded. But now I have identity and purpose in my writing and story telling and truth sharing. I am a tool that God can use to speak to those that might not know how to communicate with Him.

Does that sounds pretty simple for me? I know that something dramatic doesn’t happen to everyone. Not everyone has a testimony that is life changing. But we ALL do have a testimony. A testimony is the triumph and victory of a test or trial. Have you ever been challenged? Have you ever overcome an obstacle? That is a testimony. God allows good and bad things to happen in our lives so that we will take notice to Him. If my sister never lived and died, would I have ever questioned God and why he does what he does? He used her to get my attention. My testimony is that my sister died, I asked God why? And through searching I found my calling – to write and I most importantly found God. I began a relationship with him. That is my life’s purpose, to be in a relationship with Him and do things for him and with him.

Keep in mind, not everyone has a testimony or hears their calling right away. Sometimes it takes a lot of time and a lot of life to be lived first. All I know is, the sweet isn’t as sweet, without knowing the sour. Does that make sense? How would I know how GREAT, GOOD, AWESOME, & AMAZING our God is, if I didn’t know how horrible the world could be. If I didn’t know that we live and we die. Isn’t there a purpose during those years of life? Yes: to live for Him, to be His friend.

Do you look at yourself and try to figure out what you are supposed to be? Why don’t you try to look around you? Do you fit with anybody else in your life? Are you friends with this person or that person? Do you distance yourself from this person or that person? There is a good reason you are where you are, for a purpose.

Instead of asking yourself: “what am I good for, I have no talents.” Ask the creator of this big picture where you fit in. Ask how you can assist his puzzle. Be a piece that fits and works with the rest of the pieces for his purpose, to fulfill this big picture. Now, is that simple enough? Is that tangible? This week at school, think of the people placed in your life. Consider it to all be on purpose.

Now, are you the piece that fits with another piece? Or are you a piece that others fit with you? You can be the one to encourage and inspire and change someone’s day for the better. Or someone can be the one to encourage and inspire and change your day for the better. Just be aware of your surroundings and how God is using you for his divine plan.

(POEM) Empty Me Out First

2010-11-14T08:50:00.003-08:00

Why would I have the nerve
To get what I deserve
I had a full tank
Now I'm idling on reserve
You can laugh to the bank
I'll just walk it
In need of a ticket
For too long I parked it
Now I'll need a car kit
Just to keep her maintained
High maintenance
Because the previous owner was slipping
More like slacking
Eventually dipping
No gas. No oil. What's that sound
You hear a click or a tick
The wheels wobble around
And the breaks begin to stick
But that's okay
You can sell it get a new one
That will solve your problems. Today

Now back to the track
And the reason I'm attacked
I had a heart of gold
Now it's rusted and black
Will the coal miner take me back
Or am I a blood diamond that lacks
I used wear khakis but now I wear slacks
How fair is that
From a sweater vest to no vest at all
Just a tattered sweater that's best of all
The holes are stories
Each have their own dialog
Each a different narrator
Some might even try a song
But who will sing the words
If we hum to the beat
Who will dance around
If we only tap our feet

Dear God, I've lost value
At least I can no longer see it
I feel I'm feeling void
Am I falling into a deep pit
Please fill the void
Cuz I can't do it alone
I'm packing those steroids
But I'm not lifting at home
What does that mean
If i try to stay clean
I'm not working out enough
Yet I tell then to buy more weights
Yeah I'm a hypocrite
I wish it was the end of it
I'm ashamed of my life
When I live for myself
Put my life on the shelf
Take down a better word
I'm cattle, no, I'm a flock
A sheep with no wool. So absurd
Why do I grow it
Just to get taken away
I'm embarrassed to share
When joy is mistaken for pain

I'm in need of rain
Because my fields are dry
Too many rose bushes
With thorns and no peddles, why
If the soil is hard
Please make it soft
I need these seeds to grow
Plant them and watch them stop
I would rather see them talk
And share their journey
Living with extra dirt
Loving the oh so worldly

So what's the mission
In this matrix of a labyrinth
I'ma praise the LORD daily
Not just the sabbath
This life was never mine
Here, you can have it
Back. Forget this habitat
I'm leaving this place
And I'm not coming back
I have a home being built
I will choke out all my guilt
Because in order to be felt
You have to understand His will
Let it be done
Through his only son
That is what he gave
Even though it was you he made
So can that be saved
Before you reach the grave
Some would love to be remade
Not me though. No.
I would rather be forgave

#BlessedAre - The Merciful ~ Sermon: @JohnFehlen

2010-10-24T11:25:00.000-07:00

Blessed Are; The merciful. Matthew 5:7, 38-48
Pastor John Fehlen
West Salem Foursquare Church
www.WSFC.org
October 24h, 2010

POEM:

At the sermon on the mount, is where it all begins
do you hold it to the core; revengeful relationships?
next there are those, with resentful attitudes
but we should reflect on Matt. 5's beatitudes

Draw emotional lines, invisible, imaginary
in your heart you pay them back, that is scary
swirling with anxiety + frustration is common
anticipation isn't stoppin', but it needs to be stoppin'

Are you the patron saint of grudges?
a grudge mentality leaves us without judges
we don't want to end up blind and sightless
a law of Lamech, we all got to fight this

This type of thought must be neutralized
what we need is mercy, make it supersized
what does it mean and look like to have mercy?
grab urgency, and take them, it's an emergency

MERCY - responds to human pain
MERCY - allows the LORD to reign
MERCY - pursues the future things
MERCY - forgives the past & sings

MERCY - is no respecter of persons
MERCY - is what we are(n't) deservin'
MERCY - even when we feel worthless
MERCY - was paid in full with Christ's purchase

If you suffer, you hide; which they expect
sometimes you share yourself, its the 'birthday effect'
doing it alone, can't carry pain on our own
heavy is the royalty, that sits upon that thrown

Think outside the hash-marks, stop stepping in puddles
people are trying to break up our little 'holy huddles'
they feel as though, there is not enough bandwidth
how can they tear the iron curtain or withstand it

Don't think that it's "Us four and No more"
befriend the peculiar trust more and know more
this isn't a club that is exclusive either
this is all inclusive make no excuse neither

Let's extend mercy to those with no arm and no leg
this is our body our family, we don't need t beg
how many cripples do you know in this walk?
how many mutes are more than willing to talk?

MERCY - responds to human pain
MERCY - allows the LORD to reign
MERCY - pursues the future things
MERCY - forgives the past & sings

MERCY - is no respecter of persons
MERCY - is what we are(n't) deservin'
MERCY - even when we feel worthless
MERCY - was paid in full with Christ's purchase

SCRIPTURE:

Matthew 5:7
Matthew 5:38-38
Matthew 18
Matthew 23
Genesis 4
Leviticus 24
Exodus 21
Deuteronomy 19
Psalm 41
Galatians 6:1-5
James 2:13
James 3:17

#BlessedAre - The Pure In Heart ~ Sermon: @JohnFehlen Poem: @Treborn

2010-10-22T12:09:00.001-07:00

Blessed Are; The pure in heart. Matthew 5:8
Pastor John Fehlen
West Salem Foursquare Church
www.WSFC.org
October 17th, 2010

POEM:

No one wakes up and makes a decision
It starts slow. Like a great incision
Walking on tracks and grazed by a train
Live to walk away to explain
You gotta kill'em when they're small
Issues in life grow to be tall
You need more than counsel and rehab
The cost to pay could really be bad
Before we are broken. Need to be spoken
End up broke'n nobody's jokin'
Look at the beatitudes and see - don't stare
See the state of our minds mouth and marriage
Can our brain be stopped with purity
Let's be frank and touch on adultery
It's not just for men, it's meant for far more
For humanity. The city slicker and farmer

Men feel convicted but women should too
Walkin'round with a red 'A'. Know it could be you
Damage, it's a battle. It's epic so stay sound
The mind is known as the devil's playground
A subversive level is where we approach
We need hyperbole to multiply like a roach
Never committed adultery. But my heart
I've thought in attempt. That is the start
Sensualized and sexualized on the daily
We need discipline, symbolism, not plainly
If it were literal, we'd enter the kingdom
Without an eye or member. We can't see'em
Stumblin' with our stubs. Living on weak sin
Stutterin' in our duds. It's a touch weekend
Blind men, are like the bleeding Pharisees
Even paperbacks are bound. It's clear to see

Deal with the root. No doubt.
What were you thinking... About?
Behind the blindfold
What if it slips? Well, I'm told
It's a wardrobe malfunction. Yup
Similar to a dysfunctional step

Renew the mind. With the word
A tilt towards the right. Haven't you heard
Cut in on it. And re-orientate yourself
Refill like Phil & his 4:8 philter for health
Pull up a chair. This is tough right here
Approach it with caution but not a fear
No legalism no liberalism either
The Bible is authoritative. Let's be there
God is so gracious. We are gentle
make your heartfelt concern mental
no need to expound with the code words
if it's in context, & if you know verbs
You must control it. Before it breaks out
yield with caution. Before the breaks go out
God has always been elevating women
but society has been down on them

Answer with a question. Find the heart of the matter
Not a commandment. It was permitted. No chatter
He acknowledged it. Not promoted it
Diagnosed it. But he didn't invent it

SCRIPTURE:

Matthew 5:8
Titus 1:15
Matthew 5:27-37
Philippians 4:7-8
Psalm 19
Matthew 19:3-9
1 Corinthians 7 & 8
Deut. 24

NOTES:

1. The state of your mind // Matthew 5:27-30
~Renew it (Romans 12:1)
~Refill it (Philippians 4:7-8)

2. The state of your marriages // Matthew 5:31-32
~Divorce and remarriage, although contrary to God's original intent, are not unforgivable
~Most couple seeking divorce today do so for unbiblical reasons
~Remarriage should not be pursued when the possibility of reconciliation is available
~Marriage vows can be maintained regardless of any Biblical 'exceptions.' The power of God can heal and restore

3. The state of your mouth // Matthew 5:33-37
~Hold it (Proverbs 17:27-28)
~Heal it (Luke 6:45)

FINAL THOUGHTS:

When we ask why it is necessary for Jesus to preach a sermon of this kind, we find that the answer is to be found in the fact that sin separates us from God. If Jesus' first words are 'love God' and 'love your neighbor', the intervening words becomes, "I have difficulty doing that; and in fact, it is utterly impossible for me to do so out of my own resources because I am cut off from God, and I am separated from my neighbor." Jesus would have not demanded that we love God and love our neighbor if we were not confronted by the problem of sin. He suggests throughout his message that the problem of sin is not located primarily in our overt interactions with one another, but is to be found, instead, in the heart.

Carl Vaught in 'The Sermon on the Mount'

A poem of Hurt

2010-10-11T12:09:00.000-07:00

09/22/10

I look around and what do I see
too many brutes many of them can't see
I can't believe how much hurt there is
nine gifts of H.S. have they heard of this

What could you purchase that's above the law
I would rather stand in love with awe
but how can one handle hurt in my country
for the love (of $) people are sold out for money

No doubt the gold they hold out with pity
there's hurt in my state and hurt in my city
no mistake to make take a break be col
there is hurt in my 'hood and hurt in this school

Pain can be felt can't you feel the pain
it smells like wet dirt hurt pours like rain
how simply can I explain the same thing
over and over again and even if I sing

Who would even hear how I feel so alive
if all are so deaf like Lamentations five
many laugh and hide but they don't lack pride
deep down inside superficial feelings reside

Who could ever hide from reliving hurt
I would rather relieve my body from dirt
how would that work keep it separated
it's hard if we made it don't grad be educated

#BlessedAre - The Peacemakers ~ Sermon: @JohnFehlen Poem: @Treborn

2010-10-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

10/09/10, 10/10/10 - www.WSFC.org
West Salem Foursquare Church
Pastor John Fehlen
Series: Blessed Are
Scripture: "Blessed (enjoying enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous--with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God!"

POEM:

Down to the border and it's absent of tourists
hunting for food, walking like for sure it's...
(hunger) with senses so peaked, everything is exasperated
b-line it back, never over-exaggerated
Anticipation, and sense of anxiety
that's when we lack PEACE, in such a variety
more than a frame of mind, who's in control
there's an absence of PEACE in us as a whole
The so-n-so's are coming, time to act right
tomorrow's a Red Dawn, surviving the fast life
stay keen to your surroundings - don't flirt
war-like conditions, is it an Amber Alert
Even those that are found, in the reserves
a simulation is fabricated, yet they get hurt
turmoil beyond, can we try to work at PEACE
not a hippie mentality, take it to the streets

PEACE be made and PEACE be shaped
in our culture, today till the end of the age
PEACE is a hallmark version of God
exibit the fruits of the spirit - it's not hard
Make PEACE, it begins with God's relation
missing a piece, in need of salvation
natural steps; Reality of sin-tation
is there separation, need reconciliation
Remedy is the cross, that is PEACE
Response is; Lord, you're mine, my PEACE
get your hear right and it will flow
make PEACE and share PEACE with your bro
Deal with anger and what lies below
if a friend comes against you, do know
'behind every act is an attitude'
what you put out comes back at you

Don't act so rude, don't be a hater
anger is the common denominator
Jesus wants to deal with humans
they're the wild card, confusing
Spirituality connects with humanity
not Christianity, anger in your heart's a calamity

Not a momentary action, it smolders
like a volcano, it burns inside with boulders
until it blows up, explodes, kaboom
kadosh, kadosh, we need 3 holys in this room
You fool - we speak out as if they're hopeless
they are helpless without God, no hope distress
is it stress, you'll surely speak your heart
use your phrasology proper - it's hard
Killing me softly, with your song
your words are poison, to my ears all along
head off to the temple for your worship
bathe and change clothes, before your ship...
Sails with no sails, now sacrifice
don't ignore, or reject, slave to a vice
you've been so hurt, and your gifts mean nothing
be reconciled 1st and live at PEACE - that's something

It's not them it's you, drinking that poison
who's dying? it's us, yet you've been chosen
settle it quickly before it's out of hand
fix it simply, it's time we got to stand
If your brother sins against you
go privately, that's the 1st thing you do
tell them the issue, before the time past
years pass, don't dump it or make a blast
Take steps of healing and take company
they can hear and pray, the truth is ugly
do it corporately, bring them to the church
people know how to reason and search
Got to treat lovingly, even without resolution
love the lost and those that hate our solution
lost in their pollution, with potential and worth
be a PEACE maker, not naturally - it's work

SCRIPTURE:

Romans 14:18
Colossians 3:15

Hebrews 13:20
Romans 5:20
Galatians 5:22
Matthew 5:21-26

Check In - #Rehab (lyrics by @Treborn)

2010-09-28T15:41:00.001-07:00

CHECK IN (Tre-Mix)

You gotta check in. Don't wanna check out
She just walked in, you gotta check her out
So many got sin. So many got doubt.
What's it about Him? (He's what it's all about!)

I could rhyme about my pride
I could rhyme about my ride
The shoes ya put on, or the luxury inside
You should be checkin' for my God! He will reside

It's alright. You think you got time
If only you knew; time is NOT on your side
Put both hands up, like it's mid-night
10 + 2 not gin & juice, when you cruise or ride

Think your crew's alright, well your crew's gonna die
Y'all in the limelight until you see that bright light
Then y'all repent, for each and every lie
But what can you give when death asks for your life

Wuatchya gonna call your wife. Is she your lifeline?
Here's a million dollar question, if you didn't see the sign
What will you choose; if it's life or death
How will you breathe if it's God that gives breath?

You gotta give your best. Live your life blessed
What you buy will all rot. Give like your stressed
Give it all up. Sell it all away
Gotta give to get, give your life today

Put it on the line like your sig when you sign
It's a good day to die is more than a tag line
Not a punchline it's crunch time; that's a lesson
Are you ready for rehab? It's time to check in!

"ALL IN" 'All In Worship' ~ Acts 17:16-28 Sermon: @JohnFehlen Poem: @Treborn

2010-09-26T12:34:00.000-07:00

September 25/26, 2010
Pastor John Fehlen
West Salem Foursquare Church
www.WSFC.org

POEM:

If you go "All In"; worship! and get it right
not just giving of songs, but the giving of life
picture Paul walking, noticing false idols
people giving up their treasure, which will cause idle
How about today, do we have our own alter?
what about your playstation? Idolatry won't falter
your god is your stomach; boy are you hungry
give time, energy and talents, plus all your money
Our resources go to what we worship daily
all the time we replace God, yet we say 'pay me'
God wants us t be filled with joy and be passionate
not sinful, but purely evil-less, don't be after it
You can be upbeat but don't be passionately wrong
emotionally pulled away from the Lord; so long
gauge worship on how we feel = emotionalism
with contrast to what you know = intellectualism

Opposed to pleasure, knowledge can be king
in an information age, can we know of every thing?
pontificating and babbling about Not much at all
idolized worship of IMOs, watching fact fall
Know God or knowing about God, now that's something
if you don't know a relationship, then you know nothing
now we elevate people and call them celebrities
but what about the respect and the integrity?
Why label a style, when it's worship not a thesis
we're always worshiping something, are you chasing Jesus
reach out and find him, seek and be with him
we live, move, and we have our being in him
He is glorified, we are satisfied = All In
God is glorified in me, when I'm satisfied in Him
turn away from idols, and apprehend you (Lord)
I desire a lot, but I'd rather have truth LORD!

NOTES:

1. IDOL OF EMOTIONALISM (HOW WE FEEL)
God's goal for our lives is more than happiness...it's HOLINESS.

2. IDOL OF INTELLECTUALISM (WHAT WE KNOW)
The purpose of worship is to know God and not just know ABOUT God.

3. IDOL OF CELEBRITY-ISM (WHO WE KNOW)
Worship of anything LESS than or OTHER than Jesus is idolatry.

4. IDOL OF INSTITUTIONALISM (WHERE WE ARE)
God doesn't NEED our worship. He's God and he's doing JUST FINE.

Seek Him - Reach out for Him - Find Him
Why? Because in Him...
We live. We move. We have our being.

LYRICS: Wall of Separation from #TimeCapsule

2010-09-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

WALL OF SEPARATION - to be featured on the upcoming album "Time Capsule" by Chris Treborn

Based on freedom from religion & separation between church and state as well as Paul's epistle to the Romans concerning death to sin, and life in Christ and being slaved to righteousness, seeing how we can't serve two masters.

Written on 09/09/10 + 09/16/10
a creative collaboration with Elliot Ross
Lyrics by Chris Treborn
Music by Elliot Ross

Hook:

Let's live our life like we'll go tonight
Yeah we gotta fight, fight for our life
Create a wall of separation
Organized religion or the state of the nation

Verse 1:

Picture them now, you can see them marchin
men of many ages, soon they'll be chargin
this goes back, like the time in the garden
one person didn't listen, then they were fallen
Disappeared in shame, they can hear him callin
should have never fell asleep, so stop yawnin
nowadays, no progress, instead we're stallin
no meals just snacks, see our ribs we're starvin
You can ask the kids, generations of a hard win
victorious in truth, maybe they saw him
something like an alien, a foreigner or a martian
did they understand or receive their portion
Can't swing on porches, the enemy is forcin
them out their land, breaking into their fortress
(now they) gotta ride for beliefs, powered by horses
but they can't breath, suffocated by the corsets

Verse 2:

It kind of reminds me, how it was North versus South
I ain't one to talk, instead I'ma zip my mouth
reminisce and recall how it was in your mom's house
why talk like a street rat when I'm a church mouse
Yeah, I admit it, I'm not kiddin' that's atheism
I'll show my true colors and never run that's patriotism
even if the LORD never allows me a spouse I'm not hostile
I keep it friendly, simple, I'd rather share the gospel
Don't need to be organized, laid out like them other guys
everyday a spare-ritual, I'm spiritual in other's eyes
and I'll sign that line, like it's the constitution
it's a new world comin', bring that revolution
No evil words from my lips, I'm not political
not a mystical, hear my goal, I'm not hypocritical
if I was, I'm sorry, I had to change, I need a miracle
like the land of the free, home of the brave; AMERICA

People like jackals so hysterical, livin' in fear (it's)
seven times a year bad luck broken mirror with terrorists
beware of the spirits that plague your nation
it gave your name with no hesitation
Know what your facin', and just replace it
don't stay/sit, get up and get out, don't take it
had to fake it till we break it, now rebuild
honestly and truthfully, obey - this is how we feel
Even talk shows make waves on the stereo
change minds and wash 'em take pay that's typical
they ask for your vote, how will you perceive
what they enforce on you - Don't be deceived
Families will be relieved, no longer grieve
wearing hearts on their sleeve, you know what they need
can you spare some change, I know with my hand out I look strange
with my hand out I look strange, but can you spare some change

Outro:

I can say I'm free 'cause I don't live under the law
I'm under grace, but should I sin and be an outlaw
Absolutely not! I offer myself as an obedient slave
I'm a slave of that one I obey, in an expedient way
Because sin will eventually lead you right to death
but living in obedience will lead you to righteousness
you can be sanctified but don't have to be segregated
if you obey from the heart, you too can be liberated
For when you were slaves of sin, you thought you had freedom
an allegiance to righteousness is what you were free from
use a parrable to communicate a human analogy
God bless your heart if you sneeze to a stupid allergy
Many members of the body are played like instruments
but they have been brought back, like constituents
if you're ashamed of those things, what fruit did you get
witness my visit, don't dismiss it, a 12 figure digit

Deut 21:10-14
Romans 6

IT IS I - A Worship Song I wrote at a Young Life Leader's Retreat

2010-09-24T14:36:00.000-07:00

The weekend of September 17th, 18th, & 19th we drove out to Washington Family Ranch in Antelope, Oregon for a Young Life Leader's Retreat. There we got to be able to enjoy the camp without our kids (High Schoolers) and got to learn about what Young Life is all about and why we do what we do. While we were there I had some quiet time alone and I wrote some poetry. I would like to share that with you here.

Break my fragile heart into several pieces
replace me with a new start make me new
no longer selfish I want to do what pleases
you my love it's a process and you're not through
Many lonely nights sitting in the rain
still no one fights or comes to rescue
this doubtful dreamer or clean the stain
pain fades thinner and I will bet you

I know a man - Who's got the best truth
A landscaper, a gardener who will bless fruit
So it will grow to be so sweet and pure
Maybe it's slow but I believe it sure

My wounds heal to scars | Who would steal the stars
Make you a picture with them | Share with you real wisdom

It is I, He will whisper softly
It it I, won't you listen closely
He wants to share a story
If you're willing... His glory

What more will he say, what more will he tell
If only you will stay, you will not fail
Dress up with love, don't mistake truth
Place no one above you, I cannot replace you

How many others were broken like me
how the love smothers and covers all fear
reignites a flame of passion so lively
despite being lame action is seen clear
Give me your grace give me your truth
look me in my face and hold me so close and
never let me go don't let me down too
instead qualify me because I'm chosen

I know a man - Who's got the best love
A romantic, a singer He will give a blessed hug
So let me be yours so sweet and pure
Maybe I'm slow but believe me I'm sure

Wounds heal to scars why | Gently placed across the sky
Make me a picture with them | Tell a tale with your wisdom

It is I, I will listen closely
It is I, please whisper softly
I want to share His story
Through my life... for His glory

What more can I say, what more will I tell
every time I pray, I won't morally fail
bless me love, take me with you
above and beyond, know I love you

2 Corinthians 5:11-15
Matthew 9:9-13
Colossians 4:2-6

Campaigners - S.O.A.P. On John 4

2010-09-12T16:17:00.001-07:00

SOAP - JOHN 4

Scripture - John 4:13-14 NIV
13Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

Observation - Jesus is speaking of the Living Water which reminds me of the Holy Spirit. It comes from within and flows like an everlasting spring. We all get thirsty and we have to obey our thirst, but only the Christ can truly quench that thirst with what he offers.

Application - When we get hungry we have to be fed. When we get thirsty we have to drink. If only the Word can truly feed our souls, then the Living Water can quench our spirits. We seemingly need both to survive and be healthy. I must draw to the well of Jesus (instead of drinking from my broken cistern.)

Prayer - LORD, God I pray that in my time of need and my time of desire I can come to you and drink from the spring of life. I wish to have eternal life and allow the water to overflow in abundance. I pray my quenched thirst will be seen by others and they will ask me from where do I get this water that lives within.

"ALL IN" 'All In Growth' ~ Acts 6, 12, 13, 19 Sermon: @JohnFehlen Poem: @Treborn

2010-09-12T08:16:00.000-07:00

'ALL IN' series
September 11/12, 2010
Pastor John Fehlen
West Salem Foursquare Church
www.WSFC.org

POEM:

So the word of God spread because He's our need meeter
by the power of Christ, He's a complete leader
we need to join be apart of the cross movement
once on the outside looking in, no longer looking a lot stupid
Please don't do it, the gospel begins with a smile
we each have a roll, a piece of the puzzle of style
your life has been called; to be more than you think
pastor's not a celeb., ignore their cred., or sink
All hands on deck, the captain isn't alone on a ship
it takes a whole crew to prevent a holy dip
beyond prayer and faith, it takes actions upon action
stop slackin' stop relaxin', where's your reaction
Where are you called, don't be jealous and imitate
take notes, take lead, take a chance and initiate
the message will grow with or without you and flourish
now it's in your face, in your place, and in your church

Sovereignty of God makes all the difference
recognize and be obedient, dismiss bliss in ignorance
where the church is growing, believers are being pressed
imprisoned and persecuted, but instead we are blessed
We don't die, we multiply, once we crawled - now we fly
let's not stay like Peter, upon the mount of transfiguration
we worry, but worry not, for He'll wipe each tear from your eye
transportation will personify His glory and sanctification
Don't be apathetic, coming in sharp leaving dull
you prayed for a shovel, and now you're digging a hole
take control - GO ALL IN - once again be made wholly
what do scared people do? They go to God who's holy
Radical viral growth - begins with repentance
Jesus is everything, point. Period. End of sentence
empty out your closet and replace all that's grim
bond with your brothers and be filled from within with Him

WHY DO WE REPENT; BECAUSE WE ARE SINNERS
CRAVING A FEAST; COOKING MICROWAVE DINNERS
MANY WOULD RATHER; ENLIST THE LOST
LET'S 180 OURSELVES; TAKE IT TO THE CROSS
STOP TRYING CHANGE; THE WORLD'S HEALTH
LOOK IN THE MIRROR; AND CHANGE YOURSELF

NOTES:

!. GROWTH through practical MINISTRY
2. GROWTH through God's SOVEREIGNTY (message / x-factor)
3. GROWTH through pressing PERSECUTION
4. GROWTH through heart-felt repentance

SCRIPTURE:

Acts 6:7
Acts 8:4
Acts 12:24
Acts 12:14-16
Acts 13:49
Acts 19:20
1 Peter 4:10
Matthew 3:2

QUOTE:

"We are not sinners because we sin, we sin because we are sinners." - RC Sproul

A Profitable Shipwreck • Acts 27.13-28.10

2010-08-29T17:55:00.000-07:00

Paul and his shipmates would have been thankful just for surviving the sea storm. But there was a practical divine plan behind the shipwreck on Malta. Governor Publius and his family were God's target for salvation. With Publius' cooperation, Paul was the instrument for bringing the gospel to the whole population. To this day the unexpected visit of Paul and his party to Malta is celebrated by memorials and relics of that time.

Don't be upset when your plans are interrupted. God always has a good reason (Romans 8:28).

The Storm at Sea

13When a gentle wind from the south started blowing, the men thought it was a good time to do what they had planned. So they pulled up the anchor, and we sailed along the coast of Crete. 14But soon a strong wind called "The Northeaster" blew against us from the island. 15The wind struck the ship, and we could not sail against it. So we let the wind carry the ship.
    16We went along the island of Cauda on the side that was protected from the wind. We had a hard time holding the lifeboat in place, 17but finally we got it where it belonged. Then the sailors wrapped ropes around the ship to hold it together. They lowered the sail and let the ship drift along, because they were afraid it might hit the sandbanks in the gulf of Syrtis.

    18The storm was so fierce that the next day they threw some of the ship's cargo overboard. 19Then on the third day, with their bare hands they threw overboard some of the ship's gear. 20For several days we could not see either the sun or the stars. A strong wind kept blowing, and we finally gave up all hope of being saved.

    21Since none of us had eaten anything for a long time, Paul stood up and told the men:

   You should have listened to me! If you had stayed on in Crete, you would not have had this damage and loss. 22But now I beg you to cheer up, because you will be safe. Only the ship will be lost.

    23I belong to God, and I worship him. Last night he sent an angel 24to tell me, "Paul, don't be afraid! You will stand trial before the Emperor. And because of you, God will save the lives of everyone on the ship." 25Cheer up! I am sure that God will do exactly what he promised. 26But we will first be shipwrecked on some island.

    27For fourteen days and nights we had been blown around over the Mediterranean Sea. But about midnight the sailors realized that we were getting near land. 28They measured and found that the water was about one hundred twenty feet deep. A little later they measured again and found it was only about ninety feet. 29The sailors were afraid that we might hit some rocks, and they let down four anchors from the back of the ship. Then they prayed for daylight.

    30The sailors wanted to escape from the ship. So they lowered the lifeboat into the water, pretending that they were letting down an anchor from the front of the ship. 31But Paul said to Captain Julius and the soldiers, "If the sailors don't stay on the ship, you won't have any chance to save your lives." 32The soldiers then cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it fall into the sea.

    33Just before daylight Paul begged the people to eat something. He told them, "For fourteen days you have been so worried that you haven't eaten a thing. 34I beg you to eat something. Your lives depend on it. Do this and not one of you will be hurt."

    35After Paul had said this, he took a piece of bread and gave thanks to God. Then in front of everyone, he broke the bread and ate some. 36They all felt encouraged, and each of them ate something. 37There were 276 people on the ship, 38and after everyone had eaten, they threw the cargo of wheat into the sea to make the ship lighter.



The Shipwreck

39Morning came, and the ship's crew saw a coast that they did not recognize. But they did see a cove with a beach. So they decided to try to run the ship aground on the beach. 40They cut the anchors loose and let them sink into the sea. At the same time they untied the ropes that were holding the rudders. Next, they raised the sail at the front of the ship and let the wind carry the ship toward the beach. 41But it ran aground on a sandbank. The front of the ship stuck firmly in the sand, and the rear was being smashed by the force of the waves.
    42The soldiers decided to kill the prisoners to keep them from swimming away and escaping. 43But Captain Julius wanted to save Paul's life, and he did not let the soldiers do what they had planned. Instead, he ordered everyone who could swim to dive into the water and head for shore. 44Then he told the others to hold on to planks of wood or parts of the ship. At last, everyone safely reached shore.



Acts 28

On the Island of Malta

1When we came ashore, we learned that the island was called Malta. 2The local people were very friendly, and they welcomed us by building a fire, because it was rainy and cold.
    3After Paul had gathered some wood and had put it on the fire, the heat caused a snake to crawl out, and it bit him on the hand. 4When the local people saw the snake hanging from Paul's hand, they said to each other, "This man must be a murderer! He didn't drown in the sea, but the goddess of justice will kill him anyway."

    5Paul shook the snake off into the fire and wasn't harmed. 6The people kept thinking that Paul would either swell up or suddenly drop dead. They watched him for a long time, and when nothing happened to him, they changed their minds and said, "This man is a god."

    7The governor of the island was named Publius, and he owned some of the land around there. Publius was very friendly and welcomed us into his home for three days. 8His father was in bed, sick with fever and stomach trouble, and Paul went to visit him. Paul healed the man by praying and placing his hands on him.

    9After this happened, everyone on the island brought their sick people to Paul, and they were all healed. 10The people were very respectful to us, and when we sailed, they gave us everything we needed.



Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society

Song notes on Teleportation - #TimeCapsule

2010-08-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

Here are the notes and some lyrics for a song on my concept album . The topic I chose is Teleportation based on John 6.16-59; Matthew 14.22-27; Mark 6.45-52

THANK YOU DAMON DUGGAR FOR THE INSPIRATION!

Teleportation might explain various allegedly paranormal phenomena
I see inadequacy of mainstream science to account for strange phenomena
one means of teleportation is the transmission of data
used to precisely reconstruct an object or organism at its destination (beta)
To travel instantaneously is as of today believed to be impossible
from one point to another I beg to argue is plausible
transporting humans faster than light has a technical issue
it's considerably unresolved with sufficient accuracy and unofficial
To allow reproduction elsewhere sounds like an uncertain principle
quantum mechanics is a philosophical issue basically unreasonable
do you destroy a human in one place and recreate a copy elsewhere in beauty
and would that provide a sufficient experience of existential continuity
The reassembled human might be considered a different sentience
with the same memories as the original but the original would cease to exist
and could each copy constructed via this data-only method be made
of new matter already at the destination point or would it all fade

A wormhole is fundamentally a shortcut, in physics and fiction
it's a hypothetical feature of space time, witness description
a wormhole is theory is much like a tunnel with two ends
each in separate points in space time, but don't interrupt the continuum
Like a black hole it generalizes relativity and Newton's Laws
universal gravitation, well that's the general theory of relativity after all
leave it up to Einstein to think up this idealistic bridge
although there's no observational evidence for their existence, there is
Unlike black holes, wormholes are traversible
crossing from one side to the next, not irreversible
how can you hold them, or dare to keep them open - at best
best believe they stay connected by a narrow umbilicus
Wormholes connect two points in space time like gravel
which means that they would in principle allow for time travel
as well as space, and it's proven to be more sterdier
but it's not possible to travel back to a time if it's earlier

This time - the fifth sign, walking on water - let it be
let's rewind, His disciples went down to the sea
into a boat to go across, then darkness set in
He had yet to begin to go with them
Then a high wind arose, and the sea began to churn
after rowing 3-4 miles, soon they'd learn
they were afraid, tell me; what did they see?
what they saw was Jesus; walking on the sea!
Approaching the boat, he said; "It is I."
"Don't be afraid." Now who is going to wonder why?
they were willing, to take Him on board
and all at once, the boat was at the shore
The next day: the crow knew there's only one boat
and they left without Him, so how did He float
some went looking for Him, He didn't disappear
He was there and they asked; "Teacher, when did you get here?"
Jesus greeted them, He was so nonchalant
He said; "Forget the signs, it's the bread that you want!"
not to flaunt, He knew the bread of life kept them fed
don't work for perishables, He'll admit; "I am the bread"
Work for the ever sustaining, that's with Dad
we will all pass, unless we're dead
teleportation, who's Doctor needs a simple explanation
explain simply a need of Dr. Who? Teleportation

Were you taken away, through time and space?
in the blink of an eye, were your atoms replaced?
are you a copy of your original state?
make no mistake, we are filled with grace!

Tele-por, teleportation
tele-por, teleportation
in the warm fall, it's time for exploration
enter a wormhole, this time no expiration

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

The Deacon's Corner

SCRIPTURE:

Psalm 135:6

“The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.”

Jeremiah 32:27

“I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?

Matthew 19:26

”..With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Its simple faith. Don’t put God in a box. He can do anything! This is reality and not science fiction.

[Memory Box] the Mixtape featuring Remixes + B-Sides FREE DOWNLOAD

2010-08-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

[Memory Box] was digitally released with little press on 09.09.09.

Chris Treborn also recorded remixes and alternate versions for each of the songs featuring on the [Memory Box] LP. [MB] is a collection of lyrics and instrumentals from Chris Treborn written in 2008 and 2009. Although he never released a physical copy, Treborn is waiting for a DVD to accompany the album to release as a whole project. Until then, here is a free digital download of the lyrics featured on [Memory Box] upon some familiar beats.

<a href="http://treborn.bandcamp.com/album/memory-box-remixes">Who Really Knows Remix by Chris Treborn</a>

Throughout Treborn's sabbatical he has been written here and there as well as making instrumentals here and there. He also recorded about a dozen of songs and intends on releasing it in the fall along with the instrumentals - all of which, but one, he produced as well.

You can also support and buy [Memory Box] for only $2. You can find the Instrumentals & Acappellas on the bandcamp website too, each are $1 a piece.

Thank you for listening and thank you for your support. 2011 will be a great year filled with new music and new collaborations.

<a href="http://treborn.bandcamp.com/album/memory-box-2">Church Time by Chris Treborn</a>

"ALL IN" 'All In Giving' ~ Acts 4:34-5:11 Sermon: Pastor @JohnFehlen Poem: @Treborn

2010-08-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

"All In" Trust. Try. Tell
August 14/15 2010
All In Giving

West Salem Foursquare Church
www.WSFC.org

POEM:

Let's just admit it; we're all consumed by money
Don't be an eight year old, acting like a dummy
Be honest - 99% of debt if your yearly income
Spending a buck twenty-two for every dollar you bring home
Let the American Dream go bro, it's time to sell homes
Keep it real Holmes, put down the cell phones
Watch how the time will tell, will we give to charity
3% of Christians tithe, all across the planet it's scary
2330 verses in the bible, about wallets and purses
16/38 of parables by Jesus, about money - it's worth it
1/10 verses in the Gospels, not just about worship
500 on prayer, but over 2000 on money - financial verses
We need to talk about money more often, bottom line
Many got a line, don't get it wrong, get it right
Heart. Mind. & Pocketbook - 3 conversions take place
a theological document, what and who you worship

Give God honor, a dollar bill's not a tissue
Snowball effect, it's a financial issue
God blessed you with wealth, He didn't dismiss you
Give it back to the LORD, don't misuse it too

Don't make a show, give wholeheartedly
The price that it cost, can hardly be free
Nothing we have, come from us - it's ownership
Every perfect gift comes from God - Lordship
Is it worth it to lose it, or is it like fluid
Smooth and flows free, you gotta be a good steward
Malachi 3:10, bring it in the store house, blessings pour down
but if you're stingy and picky, you'll be blessed with a poor frown
Serious about your giving, go all in, give all in
In obedience, God will call for more when your givin'
The rest will rot, understand about your giving
Feel the truth penetrate and be well and convicting
Use your training-wheels, then you can walk it out
please don't pull up, in your new Lexus... (saying;)
"Look at what Jesus did! Look at how He blessed us!"

Give God honor, a dollar bill's not a tissue
Snowball effect, it's a financial issue
God blessed you with wealth, He didn't dismiss you
Give it back to the LORD, don't misuse it too

How much does God trust you with what you get
He wants to give you more, but does He trust you yet
Faithful in little, trustworthy equals abundance
It takes two to tango, it's not just a fun dance
Similar to romance, it's a level of intimacy
God will bless your heart, say "LORD please level with me!"
He will match you, if your glass isn't half empty but half full
It'll overflow, 'cause the tree doesn't stand far from the apple

Give God honor, a dollar bill's not a tissue
Snowball effect, it's a financial issue
God blessed you with wealth, He didn't dismiss you
Give it back to the LORD, don't misuse it too

SCRIPTURE:

Acts 4:34-5:11
Malachi 3:10
2 Corinthians 8:7
Matthew 25
Luke 16
Proverbs 3:9
2 Corinthians 9:7

NOTES:

"If a person gets his attitude towards money straight, it will help straighten out almost every other area in life." Billy Graham

1. How we RELATE to God's money is a matter of LORDSHIP & STEWARDSHIP.

2. What we RECEIVE from God is a matter of TRUST.

3. How we RESPOND to what we receive is a matter of FAITHFULNESS.

"Honor God with everything you own; give Him the first and the best." Proverbs 3:9

QUOTES:

"If you invest = He will will release and increase."
"I can't afford NOT to tithe and give money back to God."

AFTERTHOUGHT:

Has this poem, sermon, or scripture convicted you? Do you feel a tug on your heart to give? You can Give Online. It's safe and easy. 100% goes to the church.

http://wsfc.org/give

ADDITIONAL $ TALK:

Your crisp “dollar” comes from the word “Joachimsthaler.” Here’s what it means: http://bit.ly/b70fDS

West Salem Times #HotOffThePress with @JohnFehlen

2010-07-31T20:03:00.000-07:00

Lyrics inspired by Pastor John Fehlen
Saturday July 31, 2010
West Salem Foursquare Church
www.WSFC.org

POEM:

He conquered all as the Messiah - Christus Victor
May Christ be victorious in you, He's our winner
People display their faith with some symbols
Relic and ancient jewelry, overused and simple
What does it really stand for, foolish to perishing
Power to GOD from deed within, we're cherishing
look here - this ring. Is it alive and vibrant too
the beauty of this walk it's a process, a silent truth
Sanctification is being applied to a holy being
working in us and on going till we stand and we're seeing
eye to eye with the guy, he's our deity figure
why spend time worshiping, something that's not
A sign of weakness. Death, no miracle or wisdom
but Christ is the power of GOD - He's with Him
we all want a dude. A man's man, not a hippie
or a surfer dude, men follow him, to others it seems silly

Individuals bubble at the surface, who'll set it back in motion
How can a hero serve us, will He lack in commotion
Not even waves in an ocean, can say hello enough
Even nature gives praise, who prays for this stuff

Why be universal or relevant, no need for brilliance
Be like Lazarus + by Agape be resilient
Don't reject life, because of the evidence of death
Allergic to dust, wonder who gives you breath

He could have shown his stuff, but he was obedient
He submitted like Clark Kent, getting beat and bent
So different, the opposite, ambidextrous liver
not quick to quit, he was an abundant giver
Get underneath like a sliver, deep within
you need evidence and proof, yet you sleep with sin
From a human point of view, it's not working
intellectuals need that brain function flirting
Many think it's brilliant, leaning on our own
understanding science & a mathematical poem
acting so grown, in our daddy's clothes
but they don't fit, and soon he's coming back home
All they do is babble on, with no pack leaders
no conclusion, many agree, but none accept. Cheaters
make up your mind, stop idol talk, that's idle talk
why don't you try to walk, like a man risen. Don't stop!

Individuals bubble at the surface, who'll set it back in motion
How can a hero serve us, will He lack in commotion
Not even waves in an ocean, can say hello enough
Even nature gives praise, who prays for this stuff

Why be universal or relevant, no need for brilliance
Be like Lazarus + by Agape be resilient
Don't reject life, because of the evidence of death
Allergic to dust, wonder who gives you breath

SCRIPTURE:

1 Corinthians 1:18
1 Corinthians 1:22-24
Matthew 7
Philippians 2
Acts 18
Acts 19

RELATE-ABLE SONG:

http://treborn.bandcamp.com/track/praise
<a href="http://treborn.bandcamp.com/track/praise">Praise by Chris Treborn</a>

UPDATE ON ME: I've been on a mission all year

2010-07-13T12:47:00.000-07:00

Where

Hey everyone that cares. How are you doing? How is your walk with Jesus? How has God blessed you recently?

To answer my own questions; I've been doing well. I've been busy with some work at Starbucks working about 34 hours a week, I'm finished settling into my new home, & I've put music on hold as I strengthen myself spiritually. I've gone on a few trips recently as well.

For my birthday weekend I visited my father and step mother in Eureka, California. I actually took my significant other and my Parents really loved her. In fact they said if we decided to get serious, we have their blessing. Wow. I didn't expect that. I still have to introduce her to my mother. That would be an extremely serious move. One day. Nevertheless, our 4 days were challenging, but they were blessings too. A great time for growth.

Last week I got to experience my first camp. I visited Washington Family Ranch near Antelope, Oregon for a week of Young Life. I was a leader of 8 teens ranging from 14-18. All are high school kids at different points in their lives. Although the first 3 days were the most exhausting and challenging, the final 4 were amazing. It was a blessing to talk to and share with our cabin, a community of 10. Walls were broken down & Jesus was definitely on our minds and hearts. Our souls were touched and blessed. It was a great experience as a person, a Christian, and as a leader.

I'm praying for strength when it comes to being a better spiritual leader. I'm a born leader, but the world has brought me down in the past 4 years, and it's time for that to change. The last 9 months have been months of change, growth, & stepping out of my comfort zone. God is pushing me towards the man he's always intended me to be.

I pray I can put away my plans and agenda and trust in Him 200% with my life, & my future. I know I have purpose. I know I have identity. I'm just learning how to fit in my own skin. I've been stretched and now it's time to wear this Jesus suit everyday. It's a matter of taking my cross up and following the perfect example.

2010 has been a year or challenges and growth, but I've faced it all with a brave face and a peaceful heart. I'm thankful God has pushed me and pulled me. And I am grateful for God's infinite mercy & divine grace. I've never felt more loved. And I've never wanted to please Him more. I'm confident to stay true and obedient, not to be blessed, but because I have faith. Besides it's not about me. My faith will bless others. My purity and obedience will bless others. And my truth will bless others. I pray and speak in love. One day you will only know of LOVE. And it will be unconditional. Are you ready to experience what you've been created for!?

#iAmJonah Part 3: "The God of Second Chances" Sermon: @JohnFehlen Poem: @Treborn

2010-06-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

#iAmJonah Part 3: "The God of Second Chances" Sermon: @JohnFehlen Poem: @Treborn

June 19th/20th, 2010 Pastor John Fehelen
West Salem Foursquare Church www.WSFC.org

POEM:

Learn how to listen to the LORD better
Open your heart to his poetic love letter
He said it once, and he will say it again
"Get up and Go!" time to be obedient my friend
   It is fair to say God is a God of second chances
How many need another shot in circumstances
Does he have your attention, now you know
Why did it take a life altering event to grow
   Slow to listen, quick to speak up and out
Failing in obedience, because of pride or doubt
Submit to authority, let go of anger
Be rooted and built up, foundation of an anchor
   Ignorance can't last, respect an explanation
Father illuminates our path, don't neglect relation
Even Peter denied 3 times, yet God's mercy reigns
Obedience beyond faith, feeds spiritual hunger pangs

We hunger for food. But He is bread
We can live on. But 1st we must be dead
We can't disobey. No kiss on the head
We denied Him. Let's deny ourselves instead

Sick to our stomach. We are hesitent
Can't stomach it. But the word is heavensent
Living fantasies. In a paradise bent
Imagine all of Portland. Reviving to repent

•

Fleeing - bad
Praying - sad
Preaching - glad
Learning - mad

SCRIPTURE:

Jonah 3:1-10
Mark 16:7
2 Corinthians 5
John 8
2 Chronicles 7:14
Jeremiah 18:7-10

#iAmJonah Part 2: "Caught in a Fish and a Heart Place!" Sermon: @JohnFehlen Poem: @Treborn

2010-06-14T15:34:00.000-07:00

June 12th/13th, 2010 Pastor John Fehelen
West Salem Foursquare Church www.WSFC.org

POEM:

From the depths of a grave, more like a twain
could you fathom such a place, let's explain;
1st sing a song of Thanksgiving and praise
Trust & Obey, for more than 3 days
Look at it as fact and know truth, yes + amen!
Not allegorical, not just a story to bless men
a time frame of God's is a process, a steady duration
we prefer a swift reply, we are a microwave generation
Jailhouse repentance, it only lasts for a moment
too many backslide, so many 360 in their motion
yearly hittin' that Reset Button, time to get it right
bring 'em out, bring 'em back, eventually it'll stick like rice
To repent is nice, conviction eats us alive
in distress we cry out a prayer, hear us cry
not just 'good people', God hears all who speak his name
put down your doubt, lift up your voice without shame

God called. Jonah stalled.
Jonah sailed. God wailed.
It's a season like fall
more than a whale of a tale

Your testimony is the greatest thing you got
overcame by the current, breaking waves over top
how you returned to shore, is quite a story
you were lost in the heart of the seas, so stormy
Who will show up, in your emotional time of need
'hope floats' you better believe, you better breathe
extinguish hate, I'm sure what you expect is fate
the promises of God have no expiration date
He's a hope dealer on the corner, 1st is free
the 2nd sample is free, he'll get you hooked, you'll see
take it to the bank, cash it in and invest it
where you put it, it will stay, what will you be left with
Many trials and tribulations will teach a lesson
many trials and tribulations will preach a blessin'
allow works done deep from within like a belly
I wonder if hunger will be appetizing, it's shocking like jelly

God called. Jonah stalled.
Jonah sailed. God wailed.
It's a season like fall
more than a whale of a tale

SCRIPTURE:

JONAH 2
PSALM 18
ACTS 16
2 CORINTHIANS 4

The Lonely Musician (Part 1)

2010-06-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

The CEO made a Recording Studio with everything it needed. He looked at what he created and said; "This is Good!". Alone, the Studio was awesome. The only thing was, he had all the Equipment needed, but he didn't have anyone to Work it & put it to good use. So then he created the Producer. Someone that Work the Studio, put it to good use and take care of it. The Producer loved the Studio and learned how to Work everything.

But one day, the Producer got Lonely & Bored, so the CEO gave him Instruments. The Producer enjoyed the Instruments and he even gave them each a name. After Playing with each one, the Producer again got Lonely & Bored. And one day, he fell asleep in his comfy Studio chair. The CEO took a Talent from the Producer & created a Vocalist. The CEO knew that the Vocalist would bring Joy + Happiness to the Producer and now they could make Beautiful Music together.

When the Producer awoke from his Slumber, he saw the Vocalist, heard her sing like an Angel and exclaimed; "WHOA MAN!". He was quite impressed with what the CEO made from his Talent. The CEO commanded them to make Beautiful Music and create Songs to fill the air waves.

To be continued...

#iAmJonah Part 1: "You Can Run But Not Hide" Sermon: @JohnFehlen Poem: @Treborn

2010-06-06T12:05:00.000-07:00

#iAmJonah Part 1: "You Can Run But Not Hide"
June 5/6 Pastor John Fehlen
West Salem Foursquare Church www.WSFC.org

POEM:

Going back yo reflect, are you an average JO-nah
Life's a highway, are you in the fast lane Dayto-na'
How many times do we see things by our failures
Instead of our strengths, so we're cursing like sailors
   Throw an anchor down, hold up right here & now
Don't spin out of control, correct behavior, no fear or doubt
Do we have 'zero moral authority' because we're convicted?
Even prophets of God fail, yet by grace they're lifted
   We walk this life, we fall down, & get up again
We fall down, scrape our knees, get up and get walkin'
Runners on the go, packing bags and going
Men of the sea, cargo storwed, ready for rowing
   People come and go, our father has pity
Lord loves the lost, even the biggest baddest city
The WORD comes & you're called, called to go, it's a mandate
Reach people w/the message of salvation, you're a canidate

Potential for a lack of comfort. Be called
We want to hear, but we don't want to listen. Be awed
His voice, our ears, and our feet to respond
He who has ears, let him hear and beyond

What have you been called to do. Be called
What have you been set aside for. Be awed
What have you been running from. Respond
What far away destination have you chose instead. Beyond

How can we flee from such a great pressence?
We can't get away but we can try in essence
I blew my money, my integrity + reputation
But I came back (home), my true destination
   Fish keep on swimming, yet you go against the flow
You can swim upstream, but how far can you go?
Eventually, it's misery, exhausted & disgruntled
Jonah knows this well, he suffered for his trouble
   Sometimes we all feel, we were tossed into the ocean
This love is not a potion, our portion is in motion
Pain isn't always our enemy, it can correct us, with;
God's miracle whipped up, tune up upon the sand, which...
   can be a beach, it's life, grab your towel & umbrella
We're probably not prepared, just like a dumb fella
Don't slumber, humility will come, it's pride
Confide within a temple, reside for three days inside

Potential for a lack of comfort. Be called
We want to hear, but we don't want to listen. Be awed
His voice, our ears, and our feet to respond
He who has ears, let him hear and beyond

What have you been called to do. Be called
What have you been set aside for. Be awed
What have you been running from. Respond
What far away destination have you chose instead. Beyond

SCRIPTURE:

Jonah chapter 1 You can run, but can't hide
Jonah 4:11 = was this the 1st case of Mad Cow Disease?
Matthew 28:16-20 The Great Commission
Jonah 1:3-10 Jonah's marathon
Luke 15:11-32 The Prodigal Son
Jonah 1:11-16 Jonah's misery

Prophesy + Fulfillment

2010-06-05T23:03:00.000-07:00

Here are some great prophesies tha came true years later, after they were written.

Zachariah 12:10

Psalm 22:16 - Mark 15:24

9am Friday morning. The Cross was raised
Charges against him: Jesus of Nazareth. The King of the Jews
The sign was above his head in three different languages.
Next 6 hours at least 12 specific prophesies were fulfilled.

Isaiah 53:12 - Mark 15:27
Psalm 22:7-8 - Matthew 27:39-43
Psalm 22:18 - Matthew 27:35

At noon. The 6th hour. God answered.
Amos 8:9 - Matthew 27:45
Psalms 22:1 - Matthew 27:46
Psalms 22:15, 69:21 - John 19:28-29
Psalms 31:5 - Luke 23:46
Psalms 34:20 - John 19:32-33

Isaiah 53:9

#CanYouSeeHim? "I'll Be Back..." Rev 22:7-21 http://bit.ly/bJHokd Sermon by @JohnFehlen Poem by @Treborn

2010-05-16T11:03:00.000-07:00

#CanYouSeeHim? "I'll Be Back..." • Revelation 22:7-21 http://bit.ly/bJHokd Pastor @JohnFehlen • @WSFChurch www.WSFC.org

POEM:

Can you see him? He said "I'll be back!"
Don't speculate or be cynical and lack
You can't figure out the time, dude that's rude
Only the Father knows - like a rubix cube
   He is coming back, it says it three times clearly
2000 years isn't soon, but to him it's nearly
A blink of an eye, as the time passes
There's potential for manipulation, sugar coated like molasses
   Cant stand there and wait like an ostrich
With your head in the ground - that's obvious
Don't be discouraged, time to be patient
Share the gospel with all, time to face it
   God will prepare the hearts of many
Those that will accept God are good and plenty
Jesus will return, this is eminent
It's universal, no one will miss what's heaven sent

His final reveal will be epic (I love it)
It's ABSOLUTE, we're going to love it (I love it)
Affection displayed in public (I love it)
Waiting for him, are you ready for him? (I love it)

How many brides will miss the groom
Forgot to prepare and exit the room
Leave to return, but he will return
Live for his return, freeze or burn
   Will you be lukewarm till the end of time
Or will you be his poema, a significant rhyme
Time to take words, put them in action
Don't take it for granted, don't be slackin'

SCRIPTURE:

Revelation 22:7-21
Matthew 24:36
Matthew 24:24-26
2 Peter 3:8-10
John 14:1-3
Hebrews 9:27-28

ALL THINGS ARE NEW! #CanYouSeeHim? Revelation 21:1-5

2010-05-09T17:50:00.000-07:00

ALL THINGS ARE NEW! #CanYouSeeHim? Revelation 21:1-5
May 9th, 2010
www.WSFC.org Pastor John Fehlen

Smells like sin? Tastes like chicken!
What a cliché to describe heaven
In my opinion I think heaven tastes like chicken
Hate sin eat chicken, what a description
   How can you explain a divine truth
Limited to communicate it to you
Allow your imagination, wrap your mind around
How can you personify tastes or sound
  There's got to be more, look it's right
There's another book, the book of life
So many times we just jot or tittle
Consequence of crimes are a lot not a little
   Superior in kind to the old - Its New!
Eradicated & replaced, it was due
This is not quite the same with us
Creation transformation is what Christ to give us

   If anyone is in Christ, he is made new
Personify his life, our calling - what we dp
Tears, pain, death, have passed and gone
Forever more, the king has won
   The one on the throne, makes all new
Write down, my words are trusted and true
Recreated by a process of restoration
Not a new model, this is revelation

There's a change taking place with time
The canvas is wiped down and repainted in kind
The grand artist will give a new sight
A new design, similar to day and night
   A relational connection is an important component
Understand the alpha and omega and own it
At the center of the city is the throne room
Residing in all glory, the marvelous grown groom
   Without win we will again have perfect harmony
That's the difference between Eden and eternity
No death, means no sin, no potential
Christ crucified ONCE! plain and simple
   No selfish desire, no selfish dysfunction
United with God, more than a bride to her husband
That's why the bible preaches on lovin
Right now we're being prepared in an oven

We anticipate emotions with righteous purity
As sure as we are, he is the cure in me
Abide in the vine of life - stand firm in Christ
Our desire will be his desire, we'll be enticed
   Fully engaged, more enlightened, sure
We are filled with his love, righteous and pure
Rejoice, feast, and sing! Twenty-four Seven
This is what we look forward to in heaven

1 Corinthians 5:17
2 Peter 3:10

ALL THINGS ARE NEW! #CanYouSeeHim? Revelation 21

The Most Interesting Man In The World #CanYouSeeHim? Revelation 19

2010-05-09T17:48:00.000-07:00

THE MOST INTERESTING MAN IN THE WORLD #CanYouSeeHim?
May 2nd, 2010
www.WSFC.org Pastor John Fehlen

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls
The most interesting man in the world
Here he comes from heaven as they open
On a brilliant white horse, he's chosen
   With his army behind him in white and pure
Enemies will be slain and offer a cure
Heal the world, make it a better place
Everything on the earth will be replaced
   Time to make it new, build it from scratch
We put our hands to it and make it last
The old will pass, no longer do we fast
He prepares a meal, a feast alas
   Its written on his robe & on his thigh
King of Kings Lord of Lords - holy on high
Holy. Holy. Holy. Three times and righteous
He's returning to us, riding right beside us

Cleaning it up He's a total overcomer
He said, he'll be back Like the love for summer
Faithful and true Yeah he makes war
He's the real deal Not a fake lord
When it comes to him There's no ambiguity
Almighty all-powerful The rest are so puny
Whom else can go to battle Dazzled in white
It's a dirty job But you know they'll fight
   Once dirty people, now soldiers of light
Seasoned with salt, staying holy all night
Don't sit on the bench, gotta get in the game
Faith on auto-pilot, barely using his name
   What a shame, living in guilt
Driven to be righteous, you're already killed
You want to be healed, but walking in faith
Change your pace today, today pace for change

Can You See Him? WWJST? Revelation 2 & 3

2010-04-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

Can You See Him? WWJST?
4/17/2010 www.WSFC.org
Pastor John Fehlen
Revelation 2 & 3

POEM:

Tell me: What Would Jesus Say Today?
In an American church, would He stay?
Or just walk away - wish He didn't knock
Leave the church in shock, watch Jesus walk
   Not skipping down the block, never crucified
Not a Christian blogging about who had lied
He would address 7 churches, share his mind
A righteous judge, He's been prepared in time
   Before it existed, He spoke it into existence
Speaking of Himself, no resistance just persistence
Thoughts plague minds with doctrinal literacy
Beef it up for Jesus, not an optional delivery
   The letters have been sent, no theological junk
Filthy rags have a scent of a psychological skunk
There is nothing more meaty than Jesus
Beef up Christology, LORD lead us

Remember how high & how far we have fallen
Repent! Do the works. That's why He's callin'
Otherwise, your lampstand will be removed
Reflect & go back go the joy of your youth

No sync problems, words match up with character
They perceive unpolitely, about His figure
So many seasons, but He is sovereign
Many had Him, left Him, dismiss Him & forgotten
   Too many spoiled and rotten, sippin on syrup
Begging for milk money, livin to burn up
When the trumpet sounds, He will (still) rule
Flexing His muscles, with enemies as His foot stool
   So pure & righteous, even said to Thyatira
Eyes a fiery flame, feet of refinin' fire
Rise from nothing, like a branch from a stump
Made something, it's something - stand don't strut
   Seven spirits of God with seven stars
He is the annointed one, holding you in His hands
Yeah He's got the whole world, but we don't listen
Pray everyday? You text but don't call. PAY ATTENTENTION!

Remember how high & how far we have fallen
Repent! Do the works. That's why He's callin'
Otherwise, your lampstand will be removed
Reflect & go back go the joy of your youth

People give up the palace, for the pig pen
You are royalty, and you've been forgiven
Left what you were given, your inheritance
Sorrow will follow into repentence
   Why be P.C.? You'll end up P.C. in hell
Politically Correct equals religiously fail
Entitled to nothing, BUT by God's grace
Replace a sour taste, return - seek His face

SCRIPTURE:

1 John 5:20
Isaiah 11
Luke 2

QUOTE:

"Jesus would either be a lunatic - on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg - or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this mans was, and is, the Son of God; or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us." C.S. Lewis

Stop Praying! Seek, Listen, & Heed. Obey + Love

2010-04-13T10:44:00.000-07:00

Last month seemed like a huge test or trial for many of those I care about. This month has been better yet kind of excruciating. I am overwhelmed by a relentless God. Yes. It's crazy love. We immediately seek counsel, or pray. But I have a suggestion (as suggested by Francis Chan)...

STOP PRAYING!

What if I told you to stop talking AT God for a while, but instead to take a long, hard work at Him before you speak another word? Solomon warned us not to rush into God's presence with words. That's what fools do. And often, that's what we do.

Be obedient: listen and take heed to what you hear.

God has placed a number of you in my life for a divine purpose. I love that I don't have to walk this life alone. This battle is brutal but the war is enduring. I am a soldier moving forward into battle with my armour. And with my shield of faith to prevent firey darts from hitting me. But the enemy is unfair and keeps shooting them at me, when I'm my weakest, and even when I'm my strongest.

My faith may withstand a few arrows. But eventually it will wear me down and I will no longer be able to move forward. I will be caught dead in my tracks. I pray for help. I thank God He has placed you guys there on the frontline with me. If I didn't have back up, I would be captured and devoured by the enemy.

Let's get each other's backs. Allow us to uplift and encourage one a other. Not only pray, but share our joy for the Lord. Let us share our testimonies. We are all going through something right now. We need to be encouraged and strengthened. Let's unite as one body. Under God. Indivisible. With liberty and justice.

You guys have listened to me. You have answered my questions. You have been there for me when I needed inspiration. I appreciate you all. Even when you aren't 100%, you give me just what I need. I praise God and I thank Jesus for you and your willingness and your desire for God. I love you passion. I love how He blesses you. And through those blessings I am blessed as well.

I pray I can do and be the same for you.

May God bless you with grace, peace, mercy, patience, self-control, love, gentleness, kindness, hope, and faith. I pray you find wisdom as you seek him as well.

Can You See Him? Portraits of Jesus

2010-04-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

Can You See Him? Portraits of Jesus
4/11/2010 www.WSFC.org
Pastor John Fehlen

POEM:

Here's a revelation that will tear corsets to pieces
John will illustrate some 'Portraits of Jesus'
You can break it down using numerology
That's 'Much Ado About Nothing'-theology
   Eschatology, I haven't read Rev. since I was a teen
'Symbology', realize Jesus has always been seen
Similar to Magic Eye; the picture of Christ
'Can You See Him' glorified? Brighter than lights
   Suffering servant, that's a familiar portrait
Nothing attractive about his poor trait
Watch blood pour straight, flowing grace
This will wash sins away, with pain replaced
   As he was, now reveal who he is & will become
All sovereign. All knowing & powerful thee Son
Not a Freddy Kruger state - that might scare
This is John's dream, not an Elm Street nightmare

Fall to His feet
As though you're dead
Feel His right hand
Laid upon your head
Isaiah fifty-three
That was the past
Fear not!
He's the first and the last
The Living One
Died, now alive forever more
Of Death + Hades
He has the keys to the door

Jesus never refuted his divinity
He always was one third of the trinity
Christ is King, he's God as well
What else would he die for? Do tell
   Since the dawn of man 'US' includes Him
He knows your deeds, you can't elude sin
A prelude to grim, such a great authority
Superior like white snow as it flows to the sea
   Some grow to greed, pray to be slow to speak
Don't know your need? Grow and Breathe
Don't be passive, speak up and speak out
Declare MAJESTY, he has reached down
   Stand at attention, prepare to respond
He will return, he'll be here, it won't be long
30 years life 3 year ministry, then atonement
Never compromised, he was always poor and homeless

Fall to His feet
As though you're dead
Feel His right hand
Laid upon your head
Isaiah fifty-three
That was the past
Fear not!
He's the first and the last
The Living One
Died, now alive forever more
Of Death + Hades
He has the keys to the door

SCRIPTURE:

Revelation 1:12-18
Isaiah 53
Mark 12
John 10
Daniel 7
Hebrews 4:12

NOTES:

9 descriptions of JESUS

1. Robe (Authority)
The greater the authority the longer the robe
2. Sash (Dignity)
All GOLD, not just a thread
3. Head & Hair (Divinity)
4. Eyes (Clarity)
5. Feet (Purity)
Lamb of God without blemish
6. Voice (Majesty)
Stand & Declare like a mighty and strong lion
7. Hand (Security)
Holds the entire church
8. Mouth (Supremacy)
Not a dagger, but a battle weapon - 5x in NT
9. Face (Glory)

YES, I HAVE MUSIC! You can hear/read more at http://www.treborn.com/music/

2010-04-03T14:00:00.001-07:00

YES, I HAVE MUSIC! You can hear/read more at http://www.treborn.com/music/

I still have some CDs (OPEN HEART SURGERY) always with me or visit http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/christreborn,

For a full catalog including Singles, Instrumentals & A Capellas http://treborn.bandcamp.com/

& of course, you can buy 28 tracks on iTunes - http://www.itunes.com/christreborn/

SEVEN (Pt.7): Goodness vs. Envy - Sermon by @JohnFehlen Poetry by @Treborn

2010-03-28T12:33:00.000-07:00

www.WSFC.org
March 28, 2010: Pastor John Fehlen
Week 7: Goodness vs. Envy

POEM:

I see workers, standing there waiting
Quickly hired, no need for debating
It doesn't matter when you'll be paid
No matter the work the reward's the same
   I see oranges too, do you want the orangest?
Is it ripe or rotten, when did it leave the orchards?
If more is less, then the first shall be last
The last will first pass, the worse was a blast
   You know what's true, but do you live it too
Taking in lies, how can you give the truth
Haves & have-nots, the envy of possessions
Neglected not accepted, now give me your blessings
   What changed? Once you saw another kid
Makes me think of Abel and what his brother did
Really it's not all it's cracked up to be
The envy of perfection is lackin what you need

There is no comparrison
When we bow down
& get near to him
Serve whole heartedly
Put others first now
Love fully then
Give freely & Learn patience
Remember to cultivate greatfulness
Learn patience & give freely
Cultivate greatfulness to kill envy

   You want so much, what about what you have
Why compare yourself, in what do you brag
The good or the bad, living happy or sad
Patience is perfect, it will make you glad
   Cant rush perfection, what is really fair
How can you treat one differently, play it by ear
Many sizes & flavors, what about Yours!?
Artificially replicated, fades & falls to the floors
   Lastly, is the envy of power - an assassin
They think 'my mansion is bigger than your mansion'
What creeps in changes our level of maturity
I used to strive for happiness, now it is purity
   Soon we will surely see, we are living young & wild
Put away childish things, no longer think like a child
Give us humility, submission, don't go on a power trip
Take a vacation with the Lord's Supper + take a sip!

There is no comparrison
When we bow down
& get near to him
Serve whole heartedly
Put others first now
Love fully then
Give freely & Learn patience
Remember to cultivate greatfulness
Learn patience & give freely
Cultivate greatfulness to kill envy

SCRIPTURE:

Matthew 20:1-16
1 Corinthians 13
Proverbs 14:30
John 14

Next Weekend, Join Us For EASTER @WSFChurch

2010-03-25T22:01:00.000-07:00

Hey, I wanted to invite you to West Salem Foursquare next weekend. Join us for one of five identical services on Saturday, April 3 at 5 and 7 pm or Sunday, April 4 at 8:00, 9:30 or 11:15 am.

Together we will take a closer look at Jesus as we begin a new teaching series called "Can You See Him?" The espresso flows, the teaching connects, and the music engages at West Salem Foursquare. We invite you to find us on Facebook, Twitter (@WSFChurch) or at our homepage www.WSFC.org

SEVEN (Week 6): Knowledge vs. Pride Sermon by @JohnFehlen Poem by @Treborn

2010-03-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

West Salem Foursquare Church March 20/21, 2010
Pastor John Fehlen
www.WSFC.org

Acts 18:23-28

Poem:

Knowledge puffs up love builds up
The humility of Christ can heal us
Lots of tid bits in an info age
Take off your snuggie & enter stage
   15 minutes of charm then you got to know things
Flattering yes, but you need to grow brains
The know it all show mockery of intellect
Got the spirit but forgot to speak in respect
   A sub-culture out there with a commentary
Double-check resources, if not, O' God it's scary
With eagerness search the scriptures
Exposure is key just like developing pictures
   Study buddy, really sweat it out
Lovely muddy, saturated without doubt
What you believe is determined by doctrine

Where you look is where you go
Direction is determined if you grow
Surroundings are fixated
Behavior is dictated
Let me finish this thought...
To tell you what I'm thinking
If you are thirsty
It depends on what you're drinking

Charismatics want the spirit but no bible?
That's like wanting change with no revival
Lost in this world without a compass
No engine will stump us, no brain is dumb yes
   If we go wrong we will sleep with cod
Know it's alright to be a geek for God
Where you go depends on who you know
Passion and precision - hand in hand they go
   Growing Christians never truly know it all
Swallow pride so you can truly know it all
Constructive criticism, can you receive it?
If you hear truth, will you believe it?
   You feel convicted, that's a good conscious
You've been dismissed kid, living so cautious
To know God is more than just head-knowledge
Still an infant on milk, so you dread solids

Scripture:

Proverbs 19
2 Peter 1:5-9
Philipians 2:1-5
Proverbs 10
Acts 18:23-28

Even if this world eats my flesh!

2010-03-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

This goes out to my fellow citizens
Please forgive me for my criticism
I judged you & I need to be forgiven
I pray for strength & pray for wisdom
   When they see me will they say "God is with him"?
I was asleep & I got this vision
Not height it's the foundation of the building
What about legacy left with the children
   If I put I down how will you pick it up
If I fall down how will I get on up
Between a rock & a hard spot I'm stuck
Nothing on earth will bring me luck
   Chasing the wind is futile yes
Not a feather but I smile I'm blessed
I got the Lord beneath these bruised wings
Faded dreams yet praises I sing
   Every night I gaze at the stars
Every time I pray to heal scars
Wounds reopen when I sin once again
Once in sin fall again with a selfish grin
   Wipe it off my face grant me your grace
I hate being in this place let it be replaced
Don't hesitate I'm still having faith
Let my actions speak as testimony of strength

After I rise, I fall to my knees and confess
Christ is King, even if this world eats my flesh

WOMEN OF GOD; be encouraged, be strengthened!

2010-03-14T20:44:00.000-07:00

What if I could have

   sixty queens, eighty wives,

   and thousands of others!

   You would be my only choice,

   my flawless dove,

   the favorite child

   of your mother.

   The young women, the queens,

   and all the others

   tell how excited you are

   as they sing your praises:

   "You are as majestic

   as the morning sky--

   glorious as the moon--

   blinding as the sun!

   Your charms are more powerful

   than all the stars above."

I don't mean to flatter you, I just want to encourage you & remind you how remarkable you are. Keep striving for God, seek his face, heed his love, embrace his compassion, and share his wealth. You are a queen. You are a waterlily.

Love yourself, adore yourself, let that which empowers you flow from you like rivers of life. Oceans cannot contain your love. But they await you with patience, ease, & grace.

Be you. Be who God intends you to be. You were made for so much. Recognize your shepherd's voice. Don't stray from the flock, but march along with proud feet.

You were his, you are his, & you'll always be his. If you leave or get lost, you will be found again. Never lose hope or lack faith. He will strengthen you when you are weak. He will carry you when you cannot walk. You are the mother of our future. Be strong & be a blessing.

They look up to you & see beauty among ashes. They see you & beyond your beauty they see hope. The scars & wounds fade like the sun into the ocean. When they are seen, the light shines so bright & scars become merely valleys between hills.

You are loved. You are treasured. You are cherished. Never forget your importance.

Go. Be. Grace. Peace.

~ CHRiST!AN ~
Chris Treborn {2Co517}
www.TREBORN.com

SEVEN (Pt.5): Gluttony vs. Self-Control - Sermon by @JohnFehlen Poetry by @Treborn

2010-03-14T18:15:00.000-07:00

March 14, 2010: Pastor John Fehlen
Week 5: Gluttony vs. Self-Control

What do Red Lobster rolls and a popcorn experiment have in common with Galatians 5:16-17 and 1st Peter 1:14? Find out from Pastor John.

LISTEN TO PODCAST
DOWNLOAD PODCAST

POEM:

In 1917 this word was too offensive
it's GLUTTONY put sinners on the defensive
self-control opposite of "the seventh sin"
it's an issue of excess gorging from within
it's always "just one more" in every aspect
but we can't handle it so we neglect
self-control watch it all take place
such a disgrace how could we diss grace
a chaos theory look at Adam being gluttonous
we're still swimming in his sin and what it does to us
flesh has bark and the spirit can't bite
crawling in the dark get lost in last night
we walk the line, tip toe, then dive in
we were called to be free not free to try sin
we will die then free to be in bondage
like being 21 or being straight out of college
lack of self-control leaves us ineffective
think clear feelings will then follow in respective
we rationalize and make excuses then habits
we need to change the wheel for our rabbits
self-control we need to have it - not over
do it in moderation sensible as we get older
why fall in a pattern let the spirit say yes
master the desire stay controlled stay blessed
reshape our mind so it won't follow sin
carve new places for this river to be flowin'
what drives us and our deep down desires
they consume our lives and need to expire
flesh consumes us always wanting more
spirit says less is more I'm wanting Lord
blessed to the core should have back then
today's the next best day to lack sin

Willful choices lead to a tidal wave of blessing
by the power of the spirit that's the best thing

SCRIPTURE:

Titus 1 + 2
Galatians 5:16-17
1 Peter 1:14
2 Corinthians 10
Romans 12

SEVEN (Pt.3): Godliness vs. Greed - Sermon by @JohnFehlen Poetry by @Treborn

2010-03-14T17:45:00.000-07:00

February 27, 2010: Pastor John Fehlen
Week 3: Godliness vs. Greed

What is the greatest gain in life? What is the greatest return? Listen as Pastor John illustrates greed and how we engage in godly training.

LISTEN TO PODCAST
DOWNLOAD PODCAST

POEM:

Greed is good enough to save USA
remake Wall Street tell me who's to say
they got money on their mind money on their heart
keeps us from being productive from the start
preoccupied people pondering prosperity
prepare passionate power for proper charity
cherish it don't work then store it up
if we retire like Luke 12:16 is there more for us
life is demanded strife the curse commanded
we met the fall with Eve remember what the first man did
and today we're bound and backslid we need action
break the chain be godly don't be lackin'
time to get fit again a spiritual gymnásio
work out our faith don't be a sloth my bro
we're looking sloppy joe Manwich change
time to get mop-n-glo get baptized today

Benefits on earth and the life to come
getting fit it's worth time to get'r'done
we used to be none
now we are one
3/5 say; they want to be devoted mire
but they don't work to grow anymore
should I get up make coffee a cup
or should I sleep in and not get up

Do we fit the scripture into our calendar
that's like not shaving looking like a man with fur
don't we know the word is our daily bread
6am bible study but you'd rather stay in bed
I got to say I'm bad it's like I'm fasting
study the scripture skipping meals not lasting
I'm getting skinnier and weaker daily
meditate on it chew it and keep prayin'
My heart is captured by the word of God
a girl can't spend time with me less she's heard God
does that sound odd? Who's the biggest loser
if she's not Christ-like then I got to lose her
The Holy Spirit is my coach motivate me more
teach me train me I'll grow to know my Lord
let me stir the waters make it personal
we're given this gift as spirit-filled individuals

You need someone to spot ya
not another daughtah
not another props brah
a wing man who's got'cha
I pray for spiritual growth
no need for the world's money
I pray for spiritual growth
no need for the world's money

SCRIPTURE:

Romans 8
1 Corinthians 12

SEVEN (Pt.2): Kindness vs. Anger - Sermon by @JohnFehlen Poetry by @Treborn

2010-02-21T19:33:00.000-08:00

February 20, 2010: Pastor John Fehlen
Week 2: Kindness vs. Anger

POEM:

7 deadly sins that makes us ineffective
we need divine virtues to not be disconnected
as we strive to find balance walk a tightrope
how do we view Jesus? "No more Christian nice guy" - nope!
We knee jerk one way, do we turn a cheek too?
no opossum mentality, it's our turn to speak truth
maybe speak up or speak out loudly
Satan sit down and shut up acting so proudly
Righteous Anger - let's talk about it now
is it an accurate perception of true evil, then how?
then you can confront it, before you're still
keep in mind it's NOT ours, it is God's will
God isn't bothered by some things we are
yet he's compassionate, when we are far
rage against the machine of religiosity
with sternness he goes Chuck Norris obviously

Not an earthy throne, He rules our hearts
now what we expect, but after this life starts
we are born again & we're ready to defend
Ephesians chapter four verse 26 let's begin
Who were these people, before they knew him
being renewed, restore the groomsmen
the unity of the body and how to be sane
it's a lost art, lets let Paul explain
Take out the thoughts, like forgotten memories
anger is rooted in pride, words can be enemies
needs aren't met, we lash out and tear down
we will regret, back out and fear now
So many scared now, got a gateway emotion
the devil comes in, make way for sin
now there's a grudge and a murderous spirit
live of let die, I know you heard of this lyric

Oh No! The son has gone down
If you sleep, you'll weep and frown
Maybe you should sleep on it
Ephesians 6:12 Peep the topic

1st Peter five eight, be sober and alert
bring on the kindness, do not flirt
God resists the proud, gives grace to the humble
cast care upon him, dare to not grumble
Christ is the cornerstone, some will stumble
if the Holy Spirit doesn't dwell, you're in trouble
look deep in your heart, address the sitcho
we want to rewind, but it's not a video
We've seen it all, by examples of Christ
not just His actions, even after His life
he's not an actor with ice, he's got rhymes
more than a clique or a band throughout times
Call them His discypes, as sharp as knives
iron sharpens iron, this is our lives
discipline disciples, recycle the cycles
keep the cipher going, this is our life goal

SCRIPTURE:

Ephesians 4:26 Psalm 4:4
Ephesians 6:12
1 Peter 5:8
Romans 12
Matthew 5
Matthew 18

SEVEN (Pt.1): Love vs. Lust - Sermon by @JohnFehlen Poetry by @Treborn

2010-02-13T20:31:00.000-08:00

February 13, 2010: Pastor John Fehlen
Week 1: Love vs. Lust

POEM:

The number seven begins with Days of the week
it continues onto Revelation and is sealed to speak
all over the media, you'll see deadly sins suggestible
truth is; all of them are so detestable
Don't be a vegetable, use divine qualities
all these must continue to increase throughout all of me
1st we have love and its counterpart lust
conquer fear and insecurity with more of trust
Nature pulls us away, info sinful behavior
creatures of habit, like a wishful neighbor
working hard at staying, sexually pure...
marriage? or Christianity will feel essentially sure?
But we're still human, thoughts aren't eradicated
its that, I hated, I always prayed that I made it
all of us are tied, by many levels of bondage
desire isn't healthy. ONE LOVE! Where is the homage?

This happens to real people, no holds barred
layers are built upon, small steps aren't hard
beyond addiction, it's like several layers of paint
will the original be seen, or will prayers faint?
Born in perfect harmony, with God and each other
then sin came in & we kill our brother
look at David, on the roof watching her bathe
temptation pours through, bound by its chain
He sent for her, got her, slept + conceived
timing was key, and after she leaves
she sent a word to inform - she is pregnant!
he sent for her husband, not even hesitant
Now, what will we do, how will we respond
can we do it on our own, without the love of God?
blow through the stop sign, fail to hit the brakes
a double edged blade with blood turns puddles to lakes

Window shoppers, fantasize through the glass
Desire + temptation, time will soon pass
Time management is key, How and what will you do?
A battlefield of sin, guess what you'll lose!
Fertile ground of sin
Letting evil in
Walking around the roof
Falling to forbidden fruit

Thrill seekers... need true accountability
Kill deceivers... you need humility
Sour seals lust... tongue numbing, literally
Devour real love... witness simplicity

Consistent / intentional - systems in place
persistent / eventual - victims of grace
as the apple dangles... how are we able
lookers look beyond looks... sit at the table

SCRIPTURE:

2 Peter 1:3
1 Corinthians 13
2 Samuel 11
Ephesians 5

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Seven Deadly Sins:
pride, envy, greed, sloth, gluttony, anger, and lust

Seven Divine Virtues:
goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness, and love

:: For Small Group Discussion ::
~ Is lust always about sex?
~ What kind of strength is found in overcoming lust? What can this strength do in your life?
~ Consider the implications of Matthew 5:27-30. Is Jesus' aim to produce "sockets and stumps?"

Young Life Club for South Salem Saxons 02.08.10

2010-02-09T10:29:00.001-08:00

Our first club this year was a blast. Here are some videos.

YoungLife kids playing Cowboy / Hurcules / Astronaut - Rule: If you tie, you have to hug one another big time!

YoungLife kids playing Doctor Banana... Rule: reconstruct your nana using tape, toothpicks, & glue

YoungLife kids playing Banana 7up Float - yeah it didn't work like we expected.

Corey explaining Toilet Humor.

Andrew the Race car Driver

Annie the Roller coaster Rider

The great Wall jumper!

Poetic Notes: on Rooted & Built Up by @JohnFehlen

2010-01-17T11:56:00.000-08:00

Poetic Notes: on Rooted & Built Up by @JohnFehlen

January 17, 2010: Pastor John Fehlen
2020 Vision :: The next ten years of west salem foursquare
Rooted & Built Up

Verse 1:
   Paul is reflecting on how we plant seeds & grow
Not a styrofoam cup, but what you bare in your soul
Now there are groups & cults similar to housing developments
A bunch of over-spiritual people - astounding embarassment
   How many love Jesus, but not the church or religion
Free-lance religion, like an open source buffet of decision
A sad form of spiritualism, the centerpiece is vague & poor
So much built around it now you see nothig of the same core
   People want to blame more, not give but to take more
As if it's the same store, taking advantage of the grace-Lord
They take a healthy apple & fit it onto their tree
But that apple bears fruit, it's the key it's the seed
   Why the greed? You know how I mean about his version
We distort divine truth, twist it into a per-version
Now the insertion, this is why Paul's concerned
Passion in his action like a fireman - don't get burned

Chorus:
The end result is our heart not our pedigree
We can do all good things & not get into heaven? Gee!
Let me embed in speach. To know Christ is heavenly.
We must experience not just learn - let's witness & everything
I pray we are ROOTED. Then to be BUILT UP.
Allow us to be STRENGTHENed. OVERFLOWING His cup.
This is not a hiccup, it's all about His love
It's divine activity, no need to doubt this love

Verse 2:
   Farmers workin overtime preparing soil for the seed
Once it is planted it is GOD's. Only He can foresee
Will it take? Will it grow? Will we reap? What we sew?
Some people make music, some listen to the stereo
   Yeah, you got a fire, a desire to rise higher
But you better find a balance, before you expire
If you are a tree over-saturated - you will rootrott
Over tap resources, this is just a food for thought
   Dont end up an 'ugly-tree', let's call it a tumbleweed
Living life so free, but in all it is so lonely
Don't grumble to me. "Been there. Done that. Bought the t-shirt"
Think the cost is free? He bought the hurt with worth
   You can have a water thirst, but it all takes time
Not over night, it's a process - perhaps a paradigm
Be a keeper of truth, let's desire and seek
B'cuz "the deeper the roots (then) the higher the reach"

Chorus 2:
The end result is our heart not our pedigree
We can do all good things & not get into heaven? Gee!
To know Christ is heavenly. Let me embed in speach.
Let's witness & everything We must experience not just learn
I pray we are ROOTED. Then to be BUILT UP.
Allow us to be STRENGTHENed. OVERFLOWING His cup.
This is not a hiccup, no need to doubt this love
It's divine activity, it's all about His love

Scripture:
Colossians 2:6-7 (Amplified Bible)

6As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him.

   7Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving.

Additional Notes:

Live in long obedience in the same direction
Be rooted
Be built up
Be strengthened
Be overflowing

A. To connect deeper
B. To grow higher

For small group discussions:

•What is the condition of your spiritual soil?
•What do you think about this statement from Dallas Willard: "Almost every problem that we see afflicting, paralyzing, & even killing Christians & groups of Christians today would never even arise in a context where the primacy oc apprenticeship to Jesus is accepted and developed through a corresponding course of training."
•How has our overly-spiritualized culture helped and/or hurt Christian discipleship?

POEM: The Acts 11:26 Challenge

2010-01-04T12:52:00.000-08:00

The following is inspired by a sermon from Steve Dangaran at Outward Church on January 3rd, 2010.

ACTS 11:19 THE CHURCH OF ANTIOCH
"How do you preach the Gospel to people?"

Regardless of how we expect them to react
Move in Faith, the mood is great - be that!
you might fumble the ball, but get that goal
Keep pressin' on Represent in whole
You'll peak some interest - rally troops
tag team, brag Elohim - share the truth
you might be discouraged, don't lose heart
a teammate is great Let's remove the dark
Even the best need to be blessed in full
Wing man, he can stand - never guess or be a fool
Attitudes grow. Character will grow
Planting many seeds & the seeds will sew
Harvest will transpire, being spirit filled
beyond passion & desire... it's a miracle
Not just America, not just Erica
All people, all nations... like mass hysteria

WATCH MINDS TRANSFORM
TRANSFER FROM THE NORM
NOT BUILT TO CONFORM
PUT ON THAT SUIT...

A DIVINE UNIFORM

MINDS WATCH TRANSFORM
TRANSFER FROM THE NORM
BUILT OR BREAD TO CONFORM
PUT ON THAT....

DIVINE UNIFORM

Yeah we've been praying no not just saying
if you plan on staying better be praying
God is so amazing giving us his grace 'n
Christ is the king. This is his Graceland
Uh huh, uh huh, thank ya very much
Jesus is the Captain, like Berry Crunch
you and the captain can make it happen
no need for fish, because we're not slapping
chuckling & laughing, antique assassin
no longer masking, well I'm just asking
they knew you well, who could tell
besides your peers, they judge you well
you can tell if you fail, you can rise again
die daily Luke 9, be alive in him
be who he called, inside and outward
be strong and encouraged, don't be a coward

WATCH MINDS TRANSFORM
TRANSFER FROM THE NORM
NOT BUILT TO CONFORM
PUT ON THAT SUIT...

A DIVINE UNIFORM

MINDS WATCH TRANSFORM
TRANSFER FROM THE NORM
BUILT OR BREAD TO CONFORM
PUT ON THAT....

DIVINE UNIFORM

Going along in life
need a new trajectory
being strong in Christ
knowing he's protecting me

Sing a song of strife
in need of simplicity
being strong in Christ
witness we making history

attracted to the mystery
attached to the misery
mentor me & hinder me
inner me, please enter me

attached by the misery
attracted by the mystery
hinder me and mentor me
enter me, the inner me

WATCH MINDS TRANSFORM
TRANSFER FROM THE NORM
NOT BUILT TO CONFORM
PUT ON THAT SUIT...

A DIVINE UNIFORM

MINDS WATCH TRANSFORM
TRANSFER FROM THE NORM
BUILT OR BREAD TO CONFORM
PUT ON THAT....

DIVINE UNIFORM

Stream of Consciousness 01.03.10

2010-01-04T12:33:00.000-08:00

The following was inspired by Pastor John Fehlen @ West Salem Foursquare Church on January 3rd, 2010.

Come to eat. When I'm weak.
Get fed. Instead of bed.
Free / release. Here to praise on feet.
Worship beyond service.
Make contact even if I'm nervous.
Systematically. Melodramatically.
Firm resolution. Do / or not to do 'em.
Walk / talk. Sit down. Shut up.
1st thing GOD said to A&E...
"DON'T!" As children they obeyed.
God punished 'em by having kids
of their own. Post Fall. Host call.
Take 2 pills & keep away from children.

"WHERE ARE YOU?" Genesis 3:9 Interrogate our hearts

Exposed > Emotions cause us to run into dark
Run & hide, ashamed in pride, bunt / stride.
Hang at home EASY! Engage in the body? G-Z!
Sin is contagious, you'd keep away if you knew me.
You wouldn't like me. CONVICTION Condemned.
PSALM 139 Build that lack of confidence.
OPEN COMMUNAL LIVING
New beginning Where relation with God.
Devotions...

"WHERE'S YOUR BROTHER?"

ACCOUNTABILITY GENESIS 3:11
Naked as a J-Bird.

Freedom found in innocence
How did we create a perversion
shame leads to disconnection
sin>shame>separation>addictive patterns
Dysfunction - blame it on someone else
God did not create you to be a XUL being

James 5: confess + pray = healing

"WHO TOLD YOU YOU WERE NAKED?" Genesis 3:19 "What have you done?"

Take ownership of your own actions
don't play the blame game
OBEY our Father! Don't listen to some serpent.
Don't you recognize your shepherd's voice little sheep?
Lamb chop repent & retrun 180
Metamorphosis, Lead me in the way of everlasting
REFLECT leads to ANTICIPATION.... Participating

CHRISTMAS: Meaning + Date

2009-12-25T18:21:00.000-08:00

Question: "What is the true meaning of Christmas?"

Answer: The true meaning of Christmas is love. John 3:16-17 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love.

The real Christmas story is the story of God's becoming a human being in the Person of Jesus Christ. Why did God do such a thing? Because He loves us! Why was Christmas necessary? Because we needed a Savior! Why does God love us so much? Because He is love itself (1 John 4:8). Why do we celebrate Christmas each year? Out of gratitude for what God did for us, we remember His birth by giving each other gifts, worshiping Him, and being especially conscious of the poor and less fortunate.

The true meaning of Christmas is love. God loved His own and provided a way—the only Way—for us to spend eternity with Him. He gave His only Son to take our punishment for our sins. He paid the price in full, and we are free from condemnation when we accept that free gift of love. "But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

Question: "Was Jesus born on December 25?"

Answer: Speculation as to the time of Jesus’ birth dates back to the 3rd century, when Hyppolytus (ca. 170-236) claimed that Jesus was born on December 25. The earliest mention of some sort of observance on that date is in the Philoclian Calendar, representing Roman practice, of the year 336. Later, John Chrysostom favored the same date of birth. Cyril of Jerusalem (348-386) had access to the original Roman birth census, which also documented that Jesus was born on the 25th of December. The date eventually became the officially recognized date for Christmas in part because it coincided with the pagan festivals celebrating Saturnalia and the winter solstice. The church thereby offered people a Christian alternative to the pagan festivities and eventually reinterpreted many of their symbols and actions in ways acceptable to Christian faith and practice.

December 25 has become more and more acceptable as the birth date of Jesus. However, some argue that the birth occurred in some other season, such as in the fall. Followers of this theory claim that the Judean winters were too cold for shepherds to be watching their flocks by night. History proves otherwise, however, and we have historical evidence that unblemished lambs for the Temple sacrifice were in fact kept in the fields near Bethlehem during the winter months.

The truth is we simply don’t know the exact date of our Savior’s birth. In fact, we don’t even know for sure the year in which He was born. Scholars believe it was somewhere between 6 B.C. and 4 B.C. One thing is clear: if God felt it was important for us to know the exact date of the Savior’s birth, He certainly would have told us in His Word. The Gospel of Luke gives very specific details about the event, even down to what the baby was wearing – “swaddling clothes”—and where he slept—“in a manger” (Luke 2:12). These details are important because they speak of His nature and character, meek and lowly. But the exact date of His birth has no significance whatsoever, which may be why God chose not to mention it.

The fact is that He was born, that He came into the world to atone for our sins, that He was resurrected to eternal life, and that He’s alive today. This is what we should celebrate, as we are told in the Old Testament in such passages as Zechariah 2:10: “'Shout and be glad, O Daughter of Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,' declares the LORD.” Further, the angel that announced the birth to the shepherds brought “good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). Surely here is the cause for celebration every day, not just once a year.

A quick Timeline on Chris Treborn

2009-12-25T16:50:00.000-08:00

Born and raised in the SF Bay Area I grew up in diversity. After moving away from the gang violence I found new friends and found new ways to express myself. I became an artist (from tagging to drawing up comic books), as well as a story teller, and then a poet.

Me and my friend from across the street wrote our first rap song called Rocket Rap to the beat with the same title from a Sega Genesis game Toe-Jam & Earl.

I created 2 comic books on my own when I was 10. I forget the name but my Dad still has them. When I was 12 I wrote a short story called The Knight of Darkness.

Me and my neighborhood friends used to re-write songs and record our versions on a Karaoke Machine that I had. We were mainly inspired by groups in the early 90s like Kris Kross, Boyz II Men, etc.

When my baby sister died in 1996 (at 87 days old) I was inspired to write songs with morals. After I got saved in 1998 we formed a Christian Rap Group featuring my friends U-Niq and DJ Craz, as well as me; T.E.A.R.Z. which stands for The Endless And Relentless Zephyr.

In 2000 - I preached diversity once I moved to The Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I wrote a 500 word essay based on the Dr. Suess story about The Sneetches and won first place. My essay was exactly 500 words and was all in poetry format. It was published in the Mining Journal - a local newspaper on Dr Suess’ birthday.

From 1999-2001 I recorded a 17 track demo on CD using a 4-track. I recorded my first Studio Song in 2002 called The Zephyr’s Endeavor which is based on my essay. At this time, I was still known as T.E.A.R.Z.

In 2003 I performed for the first time in front of an audience. I met a Bishop of a Southern Baptist Church in Sacramento, and he invited me to rap for his congregation. At the time I didn’t know what I was really doing. I was overwhelmed by the 100 people watching me on stage in front of the Choir. It was filmed and broadcast on Local TV. My song was called; My Love, My Faith, My Trust - a love poem about God and inspired by Revelation 3:20.

In 2004 I wrote an anthem inspired by my then job - In-N-Out Burger. A co-worker and I spend 3 hours creating the music for it. It became super popular with my store and I made copies for other stores. I gave the song to corporate and they asked me to perform it at their company picnic. The performance was filmed and they created a music video out of it.

In 2005 I met a lot of Christian Rappers that wanted to connect and make music with me. A group of us formed a ministry/fellowship and called ourselves T.K.O. - which stands for The Kingdom’s Ours! (Matthew 5:10). We toured the central valley of California as well as the Tri-Valley/East Bay.

In 2006 my life changed and I prepared for a new start. Inspired by 2 Corinthians 5:17 - I became a new creature and moved to Salem after a failed attempt to move to Portland. Since then I’ve had more time to focus on my music.

Why does God bless the Rich & Famous?

2009-12-11T19:52:00.000-08:00

I said earlier; "There is a difference between being Tested by God & being Punished by God. Can you tell the difference between the two?" Well, as most Christians know by now, if you walk with Jesus you will be crucified like Jesus. The gift of salvation might be free, but it will cost you your life. That's the call a disciple gets daily. To live for Christ, you must die to yourself. You can no longer be a slave to sin, instead you have to be a slave to righteousness.

With that being said, I'd like to reflect upon the opposite side of things... the LOST. You can call them what you want; non-believers, heathens, atheists, agnostics, hedonists, self-righteous, etc. Either way, Christ-followers have a calling to reach-out to the lost. We are in the world but not of it. Therefore, we can be in it, we just can be of it. Make sense?

Moving on...
We often ask why the Sinners are so blessed in the flesh. Well, that can be a long discussion. But I will explain how I feel on the topic.

First off, God has given all of us Free Will to do as we please. This means he lovingly allows us to sin, disobey, and disappoint him as a parent would a child. Sad! People live their whole life meeting the standards of the world. Shame! So, by pursuing the American Dream, to achieve fame and riches, we achieve as much as our heart desires. Why would God allow us to become so distant from him?

Does a parent keep you from accomplishing your goals in life? From College to Career to Family. As we journey to college we leave the nest. Do we celebrate our freedom from our parents? How often does the average student call their mother or father? As they succeed, they obtain a career. This means full time work, including countless hours. If all you do is work, when do you have time for family, friends, fun? Its a crazy endless and relentless cycle.

After you become an individual, you meet someone else that is self-efficient, and you create a family. The entire cycle recycles and repeats its cycle. Is that the purpose of life? Of course all of our lives take different paths. But look at the people that succeed and make a name for themselves. They not only get the fame and attention each human desires deep down inside, but they often get hand-outs left and right.

Where is the joy in having everything handed to you? You no longer earn a thing. Now, that is the blessed life, right? Ask anyone that has been 'blessed' with success, fame, and riches... and they will tell you how lonely and unfulfilled they are. They can buy anything they want. But can they buy friendship, or a true relationship? Probably not. They can buy FAKE friends. People that will use them and leave them. WOW. I wonder if they realize that is how God feels more than often.

No to be in a place where they feel like God, that is a divine blessing. If only we weren't blinded by the illusion of this world. It's straight Matrix status. Blue pill, red pill. The world will consider you crazy to leave this endless dream, and go further down the rabbit hole to chase what? Something not of this world. No, not a religion, it is a relationship.

Who feels empty? Do you have a lot of stuff? Nothing keeps your attention. Nothing keeps you happy. Where do you find your delight? Is less truly more? Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. Perhaps you have to experience both extremes - Everything + Nothing to truly appreciate that concept.

If a person is to experience one of those two extremes (or both) I pray they can feel God's presence. God gets glory. We will all bow to down to Christ the King. All praise is due. Once we stop worshiping false idols, fake gods and creation, we can finally pay attention to our Creator & worship only HIM. Because it's all or nothing. Don't be lukewarm and serve two masters, otherwise you will be chewed up and spit out, then devoured by the fiery pits of hell.

Now that's intelligent design!

Behind The Music - [Memory Box]

2009-11-22T22:50:00.000-08:00

CT

The introduction was the track that changed the most conceptually. The intro originally ended with a Christian Music Reborn WARNING and 8 bars of punch lines, but that version was used for the Radio Edit/Sampler instead.

This final version is a Reprise of the Outro from OPEN your HEART to His SURGERY and blends into a suitable verse from the original Praise Your Creator lyrics.

WRK

Also known as The Zephyr’s Endeavor: This song is about diversity. The first verse took a whole new meaning after 9/11. It was also the first song I ever recorded in a professional studio and was the last song on my first album. WRK is based on a 500 word essay about the Sneeches. The local newspaper held a contest for Dr. Seuss’ birthday. I ended up winning first place and got my rhyming essay published in the paper. I love this song because its message of Diversity is endless and eternal. When I decided to bring out some of the old beats, this beat definitely had to be used again; in fact I re-composed it by ear before I recorded it this time around.

PM

The instrumental for this track was called Dear Father / Forgive Me, and was initially intended to be track 4 on Landscape of time. Instead, I used the song for the Lot EP.

The lyrics were intended for a beat composed by Fresh Mann. The purpose was to walk you through my journey of life and share the things I went through, call it a mini-testimony. It takes the view point of the fence and choosing which side to hope over to. But as you can see, it shows how I went from Culture, to Christianity since the world could only cure me on the outside and not the inside.

DR

The instrumental was composed for my first album; Prelude 2 Tearz, but I cannot recall if I had any lyrics for it. I wrote a Rap/Worship song, which is similar to Pre Med with the Testimony versus Question culture scenario. This time I question how a musician should display the gospel in this world. Do we want to make music that the world loves, and just change the words, so it is Good News? Or do we want to make music that is lyrically insightful and appealing and bless them with Gospel Music too!? We don’t want our message falling on deaf ears.

SFC

This instrumental was originally composed for a Family Reunion track. It has a family feel to it. The lyrics were written @ 3am one night, when I couldn’t sleep. I intended on using these lyrics for a song composed by INNATE, but I failed to get the beat from him, therefore I didn’t put the song on OPEN HEART SURGERY. When I went back and looked through all my older beats, this one I found worked perfectly. I knew I could bring out the fun and sarcastic side of the music and lyrics. This song is reminiscent of The Burning Building.

HD

Originally this beat was composed for Owe My God. I didn’t like how it turned out back then, so I never recorded it. I decided this time around I would through on some of my Rap/Worship lyrics. Obviously I wrote the chorus to the beat. I knew I wanted to have Rap and Worship on this track, so I asked Phil Zahn when he was at the studio and he blessed the part that wasn’t suitable for me to sing myself. I love it.

WHY

This beat was used on my Demo – which landed me a deal with a professional studio. Its original lyrics were about losing a loved one. This time around I used lyrics I wrote about abuse. Originally I wrote a song called Two Way Street about domestic abuse. I re-wrote that song a few times because it just didn’t feel right. Finally, I combined the spousal abuse with the beating of Christ. I took on the perspective of the attacker. It seems as if I don’t realize the pain I am causing as I abuse the one I should love. Both examples are taken from real life situations.

PBJ

This song was originally written to be a worship song (called Powered By Jesus), somewhat repetitive but with a rap in there. It had a slower hip hop beat originally, then ended up on a mixtape with a pirate type instrumental, and recently resurfaced as a deep grimy hip-hop beat filled with angst. Although I can get these lyrics to fit many different styles of instrumentals, I figured it would sound best as a spoken word / a’cappella.

FTS

We need to reach this…. Obviously the fruit of the spirit is known from weddings and definitions of LOVE. Don’t they realized this is from the bible? Why can’t we apply this to our lives and live it daily?

LMO

Let Me Out was written to a VTZ beat with FilthyRagz and Rseven in 2006. It was deep and definitely a testimonial song. I’ve used this verse many times on different beats when I perform LIVE. Finally, I made an original beat to emphasize the lyrics and transition into OWE MY GOD / ALL MY LIFE. Of course the words changed here and there, but lyrics grow just like character.

OMG

OMG is a testimonial/hip-hop song, so I use these lyrics quite often when performing LIVE. I’ve had at least 5 beats (if not 10) under these lyrics. I decided to just create a beat around the words to help bring out the integrity of them. On a side note, I sampled John Piper’s sermon on Don’t Waste Your Life to end this song with a strong punctuation.

LSN

Listen to your heart. This song was originally written to a beat with a sample of Listen to your heart. Although I didn’t know that at the time, I just wrote what was on my heart and never really released the lyrics. The original recording of this song was released on a mixtape in 2008 – “Lazy Surgeon, Productive Summer” The poem at the end was written one day at work. It kind of came out of no where and I just loved it, so I through it on here. The beat was composed with nothing in mind, but after it was complete it reminded me of a Braille type of beat. Definitely worthy enough of being a performance track.

SSR

These lyrics were inspired by Sunday Church Service, contemplated the politics of church life & they feel about you being there.

PYC

Praise Your Creator was written as a crunk type song. Somewhere along the lines I changed the verses. The verses on here are from a song called Knowledge+Faith=Wisdom. I guess you can call this a hybrid song. I composed the music around the lyrics to bring out the depth of the verses and to help personify the chorus.

ECS

We still got the sickest! I’ve probably performed this song more than any other one. It’s the perfect dance/performance/live track. It is a track to vibe with and spirit filled. It’s always interesting to see if people respond to the lyrics or the beat more. Either way, I use this to move The Body and Souls! I think only FilthyRagz has heard the original, and we both know it’s too slow. But I did want to slow the beat down a little bit, so here you have a “slower” LIVE track.

UNA

I wrote this to an Eminem type beat. I listened to it a dozen times as I wrote out each part to fit perfectly with what was going on in the beat. That version is on the Mixtape.

I was inspired by commercializing Christ and making Jesus a Hollywood star.

TIM

This Is Me was originally Final Chapter - featured on the Burning Building Mixtape. I re-recorded and re-released it to a VTZ beat called Dying Inside - featured on the Open Heart Surgery Mixtape. I decided to re-compose the instrumental myself to fit the mood and feeling of these testimonial-angst-filled lyrics.

Originally, it was to be my last song, but I decided to re-create Committed (now known as Unashamed) and kept TIM as a bonus track... separate from the album as a whole piece. I think of it as more of an afterthought.

All the lonely people, where do they all come from?

2009-11-21T22:05:00.000-08:00

Why is Man lonely, afraid to Die alone & Despises everybody

Why was Adam lonely?
Wasn't God enough? No. Apparently not.
He cried in loneliness, for what? A pet? A friend?
God created animals for man & Adam still wasn't happy.
He even had the responsibility to name each animal.
Only when he slept did God take his rib & create a mate for him. Let's call her the companion of his dreams.

God laid down the rules, and even though he was blessed with a mate he still wasn't happy. Because they were unhappy, they fell.
Why disobey your creator who gave you everything.
That's like a kid acting a fool to his mom & pop.
Why rebel against the one who raised you up & got you where you're at.

What is the point of making a lonely person?
Did God expect him to find companionship in his creator?
Why wasn't God enough for Adam?

Where does that put us?

Yes, I watched New Moon & I liked it... Well, more than Twilight!

2009-11-20T17:24:00.000-08:00

Girl loves vampire
Vampire leaves girl
Girl loves boy
Boy becomes werewolf
Werewolf leaves girl
Bad Vampire hunts girl
Werewolfs hunt bad vampire
Vampire thinks girl is dead
Vampire wants to die
Girl saves vampire
Head vampires investigate girl
Head vampires let girl & vampire go
Werewolf & vampire fight over girl
Girl chooses vampire
Vampire asks girl to marry him

Fill in the blanks with unfulfilled romance. No action, just mild comedy to snicker your way through the first boring hour. Finally something happens. Things get better & movie ends about 3 times.

This vampire movie is 10 times better than the first even though there are only vampires in the biginning & the end. Better director & better DP & better screenwrite.

I give it 7/10 or an 8 if you like boys with 6-packs!

Poetic Notes: STUCK? in a Marriage. Sermon by @JohnFehlen

2009-11-15T10:47:00.000-08:00

STUCK?
Stuck in a Marriage

November 14th 6pm + November 15th 9am & 11am
Pastor John Fehlen
West Salem Foursquare Church | http://www.wsfc.org

POEM by Christian Treborn:

Here we are today, talking about marriage
Some are not there, but have a baby in the carriage
Each relationship will deal with some conflict
If it's heaven sent - hearts heal - you can't stop it

If you stumble, you need to pray for a solution
It is inevitable, to embrace a resolution
Ken & Barbie got married, at the age of nineteen
Had a baby at twenty & said; 'Goodnight Dream'

Now it's a debate, on who sleeps in
This is common, on how a marriage begins
Next it's the 'BIG 3', in this circumstance
ONE: is MONEY, but we can call it finance

"Give to the Lord - He will take care of the rest"
Putting God first, will keep your life blessed
NEXT kids, you guessed it: not Sex but INTIMACY
"Give yourself to your spouse" Don't say 'gimme gimme'

Do you ever wonder how a Man might behave?
Well, he is similar to a microwave
& Women aren't fish - that got caught
Her mind is prepared, like a crock pot

If you need scripture, Take this picture
First Corinthians Seven Three, That makes it clear
In this day & age, we have a lost art of communication
So let's pray, every heart finds a common union

SIDE NOTES:

Six Good Marriage Sneakers:
from When Bad Things Happen to Good Marriages by Les & Leslie Parrot

1. BUSINESS: stressed & distracted [life is too fast]
2. IRRITABILITY: cranky & grouchy [nag or grunt]
3. BOREDOM: lifeless & routine [rarely communicate]
4. DRIFT: disconnected & disinterested
5. DEBT: strained & squeezed [focus on cash flow and spending habits]
6. SECRETS: wounds & scars [past comes back to haunt you, bite you]

Four Good Marriage Jolters:

1. ADDICTION
2. INFIDELITY
3. INFERTILITY
4. LOSS

Are You Fit To Be Tied? [Strain]

1. FINANCES (money)
Get Un-Stuck Principle #1 - Give to the Lord
2. INTIMACY (sex)
Get Un-Stuck Principle #2 - Give yourself to your spouse
3. TALKING (communication)
Get Un-Stuck Principle #3 - Give each other time
[those are the BIG 3]

If there is conflict:

Start small, but start right away
people communicate through email and text instead of on phone or in person
on average, a couple talks 8-12 minutes a day (out of 24 hours)

Keep short accounts
don't bring up things from the past that are current situations of conflict

Don't try to fix it
we all have two ears, two shoulders, and one mouth
close your mouth and allow your spouse to use your ears and even your shoulders
men want to fix it right away - women want to talk it out & work on it

SCRIPTURE:

1 Corinthians 7:3
Hebrews 13:4
1 Chronicles 3
2 Corinthians 7:1
Malachi 2
Malachi 3
Proverbs 5:15-21

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTS ON iTUNES:

[Click Here]

Pastor John Fehelen
@ West Salem Foursquare Church
West Salem, Oregon

The Church Is Dead! May it Rest In Peace

2009-11-06T22:38:00.000-08:00

The Dead Church

A new Pastor in a small Oklahoma town spent the first four days making personal visits to each of the members, inviting them to come to his first services.

The following Sunday the church was all but empty. Accordingly, the Pastor placed a notice in the local newspapers, stating that, because the church was dead, it was everyone's duty to give it a decent Christian burial. The funeral would be held the following Sunday afternoon, the notice said.

Morbidly curious, a large crowd turned out for the "funeral." In front of the pulpit, they saw a closed coffin, smothered in flowers. After the Pastor delivered the eulogy, he opened the coffin and invited his
congregation to come forward and pay their final respects to their dead church.

Filled with curiosity as to what would represent the corpse of a "dead church," all the people eagerly lined up to look in the coffin. Each "mourner" peeped into the coffin then quickly turned away with a guilty, sheepish look.

In the coffin, tilted at the correct angle, was a large mirror.

NOTE: I stole this from - http://www.Christian-Jokes.Org/jokes5.html

Nobody Is Pefect

2009-10-27T20:17:00.000-07:00

ANOTHER NOTE I FOUND THAT ID LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE BODY.
THIS WAS WRITTEN BEFORE I HEARD "THE WHAT IN THE HAM SANDWICH SHOW" WHERE THEY DISCUSSED THE CMR LETTER.

Nobody is perfect. Not even celebrities or heroes or artists.

This event I think is a big part of moving forward in the Kingdom. Look how a mistake has created a ripple effect throughout our family our community. Although bad things created this, it will be used to glorify GOD.

Fans and fellow Artists need to pray for this man. Remember when TON3X released Naked Truth? Just imagine if everyone prayed for him instead of bashing him. We need to not make the same mistake. When I got the email from CMR I was glad to see how sound they were in following God's law. And although I was disappointed in Ambassador I know he is human. I forgave him in my heart immediately!

I still pray for him and we all need to. I rember going to a church service and the pastor preached about praying for our leaders and especially our mentors and pastors. They need to be protected. We need to understand we are under them and if they are weakened then we will be too.

We need them to be strong even when the enemy tries to bring them down. They can only be strengthen through prayer. We must unite in the Holy Spirit and be one giant prayer pleading to God that our brother will be restored in Christ! If one falls we all fall.

Divide and conquer.

Please body of Christ, don't be divided by the Ambassador. If we can come together for Change and vote for one person to lead us, then we can defintely come together in prayer and lift up our own sibling.

If you are on top of the world you will fall off. Not saying Amba was the top of HHH but he is a pioneer in the Christian Rap game. We must understand we are no one especially without Jesus. We can not survive in this world alone and without Him. Get it?

Let me ask you this. When R-Swift lost his son what did you do?

Did you pray for him? Did you drop him an email or comment on his myspace? Was it positive or negative? Did you see God glorified through this tragic event. It was a bad thing that affected him and his family. So what is the difference? I understand that the tragedy is different enough you shouldn't compare them, but we should nor be different on how we reply to him or interact with him.

I suggest you listen to the Wade-O Radio show episodes 29 Interview with Tonex & 113 Interview with Pastor Eric Mason. If you aren't touched by these episodes you need to check yourself like playing chess alone. Pray is a powerful tool. Use it. Wade-O shows this is true in epi.29

LOVE & RESPECT
Christian

Purpose: Why Was I Saved?

2009-10-27T20:12:00.000-07:00

LOOKING THROUGH MY NOTES ON MY iPHONE, I CAME ACROSS THESE THOUGHTS...

Although I was saved to go to heaven when I was 16, I followed Jesus & boy did I stumble. I became fully submitted @ 23 & got baptized, since then I walked with Jesus.

If Jesus isn't there in heaven when I get there, I will know Jesus is with me. Even if it's just spiritually.

Therefore, I am not saved to go to heaven, I am saved by God's grace to be a tool used by Him. And Jesus isn't the question, He is the answer. I could never make it to heaven without Him being the way truth & life.

He is the key to the door, not the couch in the living room. I guess that means He is not our homeboy, He is our guide. Our flashlight as we go hiking. The gas in our vehicle.

Only when we understand the trinity can we understand Jesus' goal, purpose, & place in our lives & in heaven.

Are you still being punished for the crimes you committed?

2009-10-22T17:52:00.000-07:00

My question earlier today was;

Do you feel like you are still being punished (spiritually, emotionally, financially) for your past sins? By sins, I am implying Divorce, Sexual Immorality, & Stealing.

If you commit a crime you will have to pay the consequences. That we all know. Do you consider yourself a criminal even when you commit a crime against God?

Do you follow all of the laws? Or do you follow most of them, or just the ones you justify as being the ones you should follow.

At times I feel like I made some bad choices. I committed crimes against others, and I feel I'm still being punished for my mistakes. I have heard God forgives, but I am not being blessed in the ways I expect or think I should. It's as if I don't feel God's grace anymore. Am I losing faith? Am I growing older & thinking more rational? I'm I being to logical?

I bring up this question because I know how bad a divorce can be, and not just financially or emotionally, but spiritually. You say your vows, and you agree to stay together for as long as you both shall love. What happened to "until death do us part"? Is that no longer an option to agree upon? Either way, a divorce means you are agreeing to disagree & go your seperated ways. This might better one person, but it doesn't always better both parties.

One has been sinned against, but why should the victim pay for the sinner's actions? This is what I see more often than none. I am saddened by this. In search of God's love & grace I pose these questions.

Poetic Notes on "More Is(n't) Better" (Sermon by @JohnFehlen)

2009-10-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

In life, we need a cure for anxiety
Sometimes, passion is sure to die in me
Desire ends, when satisfaction begins
Expire my sins, dissatisfaction within
   Compare me to a bird
   Compare me to a flower
   Am I a letter in your word
   Or a second in your hour
In life, we need a cure for anxiety
Sometimes, passion is sure to die in me
Expire my sins, dissatisfaction within
Desire ends, when satisfaction begins
   Compare me to a flower
   Compare me to a bird
   Am I a second in your hour
   Or a letter in your word

Why thank the Lord, for your food prepared
What can be stored, if the goods are shared
Write me a letter, from a Roman Prison
No man is better, without a provision
   Ive learned the secret, of being content
I've earned a recipe, connected to Him
You can dig a hole, for radical simplicity
Live in buck 40, a sabbatical from the city
   You can learn the lessons, of Saint Francis
Do you need or want more, what's great satisfaction
Rotate on an axis, relate to the antients
The fact(s) is, don't be anxious - find patience
   What possessions, can bring fulfillment
Don't Waste Your Life, like the fool phil spent
Things; I don't need, won't use, can't afford
My shelter's not a status symbol! I need no more

In life, we need a cure for anxiety
Sometimes, passion is sure to die in me
Desire ends, when satisfaction begins
Expire my sins, dissatisfaction within
   Compare me to a bird
   Compare me to a flower
   Am I a letter in your word
   Or a second in your hour
In life, we need a cure for anxiety
Sometimes, passion is sure to die in me
Expire my sins, dissatisfaction within
Desire ends, when satisfaction begins
   Compare me to a flower
   Compare me to a bird
   Am I a second in your hour
   Or a letter in your word

Additional Notes:

Matthew 6:25-34
Phillipians 4

20-30 million Americans have Chronic Anxiety
1/6 people suffer from insomnia

Quote: "No one made an itch go away by being really good scratcher"

A poem inspired by today's Worship (@BoLane)

2009-10-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

As I look out to the congregation
I see my community in heaven. A compilation
Looking forward to knowing them more
Reminisce on eathly lives, what we explored
   Times we were bored & floored with joy
All the people we touched, every girl and boy
How we impacted them. Emotionally as well
A spiritual journey. That's why we can't fail
   Here & now. We stand on the rock
The spirit is like lightning, such a shock
I need family first, my brother and father
Unite us. Even your mother and daughter
   Im thankful, for the blessing you sent
I'm finding satelites in this paradise bent
Even when words don't make much sense
Forgive my sins. This is why I repent

Should Christian Engineers allow Secular Artists to Record

2009-10-16T16:33:00.001-07:00

If I am a Christian, that is an Engineer...

Should I allow secular artists / musicians to record at my studio? I'm a businessman and my business is to record artists in need of some engineer, producing and so on. If that okay, if its for business?

I know we have talked about being a "Christian Producer". The Ham Sandwich Show talked about Christian's using their God given talent to create music for secular acts (i.e. a band member for Jay-Z).

And when I say secular, I also mean; non-christian, cussing, spiritual (but not religious), etc.

Secular vs. Gospel vs. Christian MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC

2009-10-15T16:54:00.000-07:00

IT BEGAN WITH THE TOPIC OF SECULAR MUSIC VERSES CHRISTIAN MUSIC....

@lkgibbs20 :
Man wish I was here for the secular rap talk. Here's my thoughts on it. Secular means non-religious, which is diff. from anti-Christ....

@treborn :
which means Braille & Mr. J. Medeiros make secular music! & this is the great Christian musical debate. Secular vs. Gospel

@lkgibbs20
Not so treborn, Braille proclaims Christ in his songs. Secular doesn't involve a directed focus to God in music.

@treborn
I know Braille proclaims Christ, but some songs are secular aka non-religious. Braille is a smart businessman. He know how to rap
Mr. J Medeiros also directs his lyrics to God & God's love through his non-religious themes

@lkgibbs20
Well, I can't really agree with that. I think that God has used some(Frontlynaz,Braille,etc.) to express the practical implications of our faith, as I said in my album review of Frontlynaz "Game Over" project. Many people don't know how to respond to that however

Some ppl feel safe with only a @lecrae but they would have to mature and know that God uses other ppl mightly in other areas

Braille could rap in secular places Lecrae may neva go, yet Lecrae gets to go overseas

So I dont think that Braille could fall under that whole debate of how Christian rappers rap, ppl need to mature thats all

Mr. J is for the Kingdom to, he makes Jesus known sometimes the clearest and other times he does do artistically, but ppl know

@treborn
yeah. I can relate to Braille lyrics before Lecrae lyrics. Lecrae makes me think of Sin more.
ok. So is there a secular artist that does christian music or a christian artist that does secular music? Besides MA$E

@lkgibbs20
No, secular can't be Christian, its by its nature non-religious. But ppl make secular = demonic, and thats not correct

Mase is honestly on some other stuff, I don't consider him a Christian artist

The last song I heard was with him and Cam'ron, and Dasouth posted it for discussion(ppl beefed with it, they shouldnt have tho)

I won't provide a definitive answer to whether or not Mase is saved, but I see confusion following him, and Christians shouldnt have this. He has done some questionable things the last few things I've heard about him doing

@lkgibbs20
by the way, whats the diff. between Christian music and gospel music?

@treborn
Oh yeah. I meant Gospel music, not Christian. Mase might be a Christian? that makes secular music.
Im thinking of people like R.Kelly "Storm Is Over" or P.Diddy "Best Friend" making gospel songs. Are they Christian?

@lkgibbs20
Nah, they aren't Christian. They believe in God...so do demons. Christ calls for us to follow, and thats through surrender

@treborn
Christian music exemplifies the teachings of Christ. It doesn't always have to be religious. It can be shared in parables too.
Gospel music is a now popularized form of impassioned rhythmic spiritual music rooted in the solo and responsive church singing
Gospel music is central to the development of rhythm and blues and of soul music. Think Elvis, or Johnny Cash

This is in reguards to Lamar defining secular as non-religious. A lot of Christian artists make secular music.

@lkgibbs20
They believe in God...so do demons. Christ calls for us to follow, and thats through surrender

@treborn
FULL-SUBMISSION or it's REV 3:16

@justparadox
"which means @braillehiphop @mrjmedeiros make secular music" I disagree COMPLETELY Mr J is very Socially Conscious & Braille is too

"I know Braille proclaims Christ but some songs are secular aka nonreligious" all his songs seem to be Christian Rap 2 me

@treborn
I'll make you a compilation. I have every Braille song (not including collabs for other artists).

@justparadox
I have pretty much all of Braille's releases i've listened to his music & his crew and label

Christian rap to me isn't putting doctrine or Jesus name in it socially conscience and responsible songs including social justice

"@MrJMedeiros also directs his lyrics to God & God's love through his non-religious themes" making his music spiritual not secular

@treborn
& that's the difference between Gospel & Christian music

"I can relate to Braille lyrics before Lecrae lyrics Lecrae makes me think of Sin more" cause God cares about life not just sin

"there a secular artist that does christian music or a christian artist that does secular?" no Christianity is multifaceted deeper

@treborn
that would define it as Gospel which r.Kelly & p.Diddy makes. Not always. But churches play gospel music from secular artists

@justparadox
Im thinking of people like R.Kelly "Storm Is Over" or P.Diddy "Best Friend" making gospel songs. Are they Christian? NO NOT EVEN

"Xiamusic exemplifies the teachings of Christ It doesnt always have 2be religious It can be shared n parables too" true it is Xian

Gospel music is central 2 the development of R&B & soul music Think Elvis, or Johnny Cash" U can call it Gospel but its nto Xian

@treborn
which leads me to think: if you have a Ministry, that doesn't (always) mean you are a disciple of Christ?

@justparadox
A lot of Christian artists make secular music" I disagree many serve meat in parables, proverbs & poems its still Christian

Churches may play gospel but its not spiritual if the church plays a R Kelly or P Diddy song still secular

He speaks to listeners shares from his life, about his wife, family, faith... its a wholistic message not just salvation one part

@treborn
yeah! Exactly. I love @braillehiphop cuz he speaks life. Not just a big "Sin No More"! He speaks to listeners not at them!

If Christians follow Christ isn't that Secular? = not pertaining to or connected with religion @LkGibbs20 Matthew 15:8-9

What about Christian artists that do songs about Starbucks or Basketball. Those songs are secular.

but I feel you. Songs don't need a high JPM to be Christian.

Like the Bible, my Music is; Christian, Gospel, Secular, Sanctified & Multifaceted! Proverbs 8:7 Truth in the Form of Hip Hop

[Memory Box] Single - HD Remix w/ Phil Zahn (Listen+D/L)

2009-10-12T21:20:00.001-07:00

I just finished my remix for a song I call Holy Definition. Originally, the song is written to have some fast paced rap and then breakdown with some singing. I decided to make some Radio Versions of [Memory Box] for promotional purposes.

When I created a Radio Version of Holy Definition, I took out my original chorus and replaced it with the singing to make it sound more like a formatted song. After doing this I realized I should just make a remix that was more radio friendly.

I present to you, a finished product in MP3 format.
"Holy Definition Remix featuring Phil Zahn"
The digital single includes the Acappella & Instrumental

Listen to the song, & download for free @
http://treborn.bandcamp.com/album/memory-box-hd-remix

Chris Treborn | http://TREBORN.com
Christian Music Reborn
•
Preview Christian's [Memory Box]
@ http://Treborn.Bandcamp.com
•
Buy the digital copy for $9.99 - includes the full length album, the instrumentals & the acappellas
•
Or get the 4-Disc Collector's Edition
3CDs + Live 30 minute DVD = $20
http://Treborn.com/Music/CMB/

How Do You Get Into Heaven? / Who Knows You? (@johnfehlen)

2009-10-04T10:07:00.000-07:00

HOW DO YOU GET INTO HEAVEN? WHO KNOWS YOU?

October 4th - WSFC
Pastor John Fehlen

There's a thin line between ashy and classy
If I'm on stage should I not be flashy
Should I be reserved and sanctified
Looking bored and maybe terrified
   Where should I stand. Can't be on the fence
Cuz a shameful heart eventually repents
But should I stay and worship how I do
Or would it be a sin and offend you
   Dont wanna make my brethren stumble
So should I be free or shall I be humble
I feel like your eyes cut me through
I pray you see my heart see the truth
   When you judge I hope you find a friend in me
I need love from you please. Not an enemy
Give me humility give me patience
I need love just like Galatians

The crowd hears this and they'll say
How can anyone ever be saved
(Jesus said)
there are thing some men can't change
But GOD (yes God) can do anything

Who has sight if I was once blind
Who is righteous if you've been all your life
How far from God are we both
I remember communion as we make a toast
   Do I sin if I beg for some money
Are you perfect if you taste like honey
These comparisons are not that fair
How good is man at the end of the year
   Ive followed the commandments to a T
But I still fall short of Gods glory
Why call Jesus good, only God is good alone
You can do everything & still not have a home
   Wealth won't help, you made the wrong list
Give away your possesions, sing the song like this
Handle the circumstance and deny all evil
A camel has a better chance entering the eye of a needle

The crowd hears this and they'll say
How can anyone ever be saved
(Jesus said)
there are thing some men can't change
But GOD (yes God) can do anything


Notes:


John newton amazing grace
Sinner
Christ is a great savior

Perfect Jew faultless
Hebrew of Hebrews
Killed followers of Christ
Saul > Paul

If there's a god shaped hole in my heart
Is there an earth shaped hole in gods heart

Would god accept someone not perfect
Would I go to heaven if I was good but didn't go to church

The rich young ruler
Blind Bart

Matthew 18:18
Luke 18:18
Luke 13:23
Luke 18:35
Mark 10
Matthew 7

[Memory Box] Digital Copy (45 tracks) $9.99

2009-09-16T12:20:00.000-07:00

We are allowing you to preview 8 of the completed songs, we hid the rest so you can enjoy the album as a whole! Please buy/download for EVERY track. Thank you.

PURCHASE FOR $9.99 & GET ALL 45 TRACKS; SONGS, INSTRUMENTALS, ACAPPELLAS!

<a href="http://treborn.bandcamp.com/album/memory-box">Church Time by Chris Treborn</a>

PURCHASE FOR $9.99 & GET ALL 45 TRACKS; SONGS, INSTRUMENTALS, ACAPPELLAS!

Power Tool, Power Cord, Power Source

2009-09-13T11:20:00.000-07:00

Power Tool, Power Cord, Power Source
"SPECTATOR CHRISTIANITY"
1 Corinthians 12:14-31
Ephesians 4:16

When it comes to the body, it needs to function
We got many layers just like an onion
It needs vitality, naturally seen
We're the 'Called Out Ones' visably seen
  spiritually, we can't survive without the head- strong
It's legend that the church don't need them - Dead Wrong!
Might as well, call yourself a spectator
Come for entertainment, then you'll reflect later?
  how can you expect greater, without Respect? Hater!
Let's be a bride & bridegroom, not a neglect-dater
Time for the courtship, yeah, it's important
So you got to invest, if you want to afford it
  watch the credits roll & witness your role
Can't walk a mile, without the foundation of your soul
Not a factory, it's a family - making a movie
Not just a monologue, borrring. How will you move me

Ima just a power tool. Why you look sour fool?
Recharge in this hour too. Before they devour you.
Where is your power source? Connected to your power cord.
I need my power source. Not just a power cord.

Let's be concentric components in this organism
More than a group in an organization
No need for twisted motives, and See We Grow!
More than business, pastor's not a C.E.O.
  as we enter this building, it is a doorway
Not a destination, even though more say...
This is our field, not our mission field
Why get people here, when this place they don't feel
  who leaves an impression, like a footprint
How long will it last, after the good's sent
We are simply grains of sand on a beach
Be an ambassador, get out there and reach
  don't just go to sit. Stand up and be it
What good is a hospital hosting no one that's sick?
Rather burn out than rust out, watch the blood spill
We been ill, but still, a doctor's love will heal

Ima just a power tool. Why you look sour fool?
Recharge in this hour too. Before they devour you.
Where is your power source? Connected to your power cord.
I need my power source. Not just a power cord.

CRUISIN with @BCOBB901 (Lyrics)

2009-08-06T14:09:00.000-07:00

This life is a highway. I ain't in a hurry
Look in the rearview. You know it's blurry
Pay attention! They got you swerving (hittin curbs)
Time to 180. Cause the road is turning (hittin curves)
  These tires are burning. What are you learning
Respect is deserving. But you got to earn it
You're gonna get Left, if you don't t Right
Be my passenger, we can ride all night
  Is it about the journey or the hesitation
Is it revelation, or a simple explanation
Obey traffic laws-be safe. No hesitation
Holla if ya hear me. Across the nation
  time to break it down. You know we cruisin
He was beaten down. Broken & bruisin
Now you look confused. You know what I'm doin
I'm a Praise-A-Holic! CHRIST!!! You need to pursue Him!

Is Church that Bad? (In Reply to @PastorRuss09)

2009-07-31T20:07:00.000-07:00

I'm a first generation Christian & I thirst for church. I find it such a privilege to be fed & gain knowledge for free!

I suggest listening to Da T.R.U.T.H.'s sermon on Worship in the Local Assembly & see what a benefit it is to be in church and worship. He compares it to being fans of Oprah, Mike Jack, & the Celtics. How everyone unites and cheers for their idols. And in the same way we need to cheer for Jesus & idolize our creator.

I can see how a PK would like to rebel, because I rebelled from the environment I was raised in. So in a way it could be debated whether it's nature or nurture too.

We are blessed with the opportunity to choose our church. I feel like the church has done a lot of extreme things to bring in the generations. A church down the street from me now has a Drive-In service.

It's not like they aren't trying. I can't get enough that's why I get free sermons/podcasts from iTunes. I've gone to church even when I can't step foot in the building.

Like Da TRUTH says; we need that desire for God. And if we don't we need to ask God to put the desire in our hearts. It's all there, we just need Him to spark the flame inside us.

That's me though. I lived 16 years without following Christ & it took me 7 more years to figure out I need to not just follow Christ but know Him.

To me Church is like the gym. I go there to build the body & I'm addicted. It's not just a routine. But to some it is. It's not just to be healthy. But to some it is. I go because I love going. I enjoy seeing people there. I don't even mind a membership fee. It is all worth it to me.

I know with technology there are several ways we can get the church without going to church, but it's like a concert. Da TRUTH is right. You need to feel the Spirit move. That is so worth it. The experience. The look. The feel. The vibe.

I love it.

Cheer for the Hometown Hero!

2009-07-16T17:24:00.000-07:00

As I write this, I am witnessing a spider weave it's web.

It came from another place, and made a perimeter. From there it created a strong center to be its home base. After building a strong enough foundation it expanded to it's outer boundaries and webbed back to the core. Once it was finished it gladly sat in the middle and rested. It was home, for now.

I can't help but think this is how our Ministry should be.

.::

We are equal & need to unite equally for God! We all play different rolls but we should be pumping out 100% passion 100% love and so on. We are only as strong as our weakest link!

This is why I posted my question. I haven't been disciplined (as a disciple) one on one, but I've searched my heart and I've explored God's word to strengthen my faith. Sometimes I feel weak or incomplete.

So as (Rappers) Ministers preach to the lost, I feel left out. Although I can gain from them, I need to be edified too. Not just know how to crank a Holy Ghost version. That's why I love being able to 'bump' some & 'breathe' others. If you don't preach to the choir, who does, Top 40?

I guess at times I get discouraged & as a first generation believer/Christian I feel weak or less important than those raised in the church. Then they rebel and sin and I just shake my head. How can people leave or rebel from something others are dying to know and living to serve? Boggles my mind!

I love hearing different perspectives because not everyone is a light skinned guy born and raised in the Bay Area. Not everyone was influenced by MC Hammer, Too $hort, & 2pac.

Not everyone left the gang life or thug styles to pursue God. I understand there is a need & a calling for us to reach those we left. But I think the church needs awareness too. They need to be loved and cherished and ministered to.

I completely understand that a hospital's purpose is to heal the sick, but where do the doctor's go when they are ill?

I think we have lost the personal connection and the original point of discipleship. We now want our ministry to multiply in quantity instead of quality. Don't get me wrong, not every minister is like this. But we as Christians need to know our responsibility as Christians.

Share the gospel.
Be examples.
Inspire non-believers.
Encourage each other.
Edify our family.

I know I can quote 2pac; "How can we fix over there if we ain't fixed home yet?" I strongly agree with him on this. How can we reach those out there when we haven't reached those in our own house, our own family, our neighbors, our community??? How far did Jesus go? That's why I admire the hometown hero.

Michael Jackson for the Love of Christ!

2009-07-08T06:41:00.000-07:00

I couldve watched it Live online but decided to be different than everyone else.

I've heard everyone and their pastor talk about it online via social networks so it kind of ruined it for me.

With everyone so jazzed up about MJ it kinda killed my feelings and impression for/of him. No one cared when he released his last CD. No one has cared what his life was like the past 7 years. The only ppl that cared were ppl going to see him on tour soon.

But now that he no longer exists ppl want to jump back on the wagon and share with the world how close to Michael they were or how connected to his music they were or how his music has affected them. Fine.

But where the hell have these ppl been? They weren't telling us a single thing about MJ within the last decade. They just came out of no where. It posses me off big time.

Not to compare the king of pop with the king of kings because that's blasphemy, but in some ways this is how it was with Jesus.

They crucified this man. They never believed him. They didn't listen to him. They never followed him. They might have never even seen him in person. But now that he is dead, EVERYONE wants to be connected to him somehow. Not because of what he did. If it was for what he did it wouldve been clear you were with him back when he was touring. The truth is, they only mention his name because he is FAMOUS. Everyone has heard of him. Now everybody wants a piece of his light so they can seem brighter. Well it doesn't work that way.

You cannot be known for knowing a famous person. It's so disappointing how this world reacts. I just pray that one day we will all unite like this for the love of Christ!

It's a mad world. We live in a stark raving, sick sad little world.

Free Mixtape featuring Northwest Hip-Hoppers

2009-07-06T20:35:00.000-07:00

Mixtape

My peer and good friend Fresh Mann asked me to jump on a song for a Mixtape from Death2Self Records.

He said he had me in mind for this song that included my name. He asked if I had ever heard the song "Party Like A Rockstar". I honestly answered NO. Ge told me the concept was flipping it from rock/rockstar to chris/christian.

Because I hadn't heard the original, he played the first minute of the song so I would get a good idea of where we're coming from. I noticed that they were mocking white boys, skateboarders, and possibly punk rockers. I decided to mock some of the music they play where I'm from.

I also decided to explain how to party like a Christian; by 'Following the Leader!' Check out our fan favorite on Fresh Mann's new Mixtape presented by Death2Self Records.

The purpose of this Mixtape is to fill you in on Fresh Mann. He released "IM FRESH Part A" in 2007 and is working on "Part B". This Mixtape is appropriately titled "IM FRESH Interlude". You can find a song from Part B featured on Holy Hip Hop's compilation.

•

Download it for FREE here;

http://www.death2selfrecords.com/mixtapes/freshmann/interludemixtape.zip

"Letter to my Father" Lyrics by Chris Treborn

2009-06-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

COLLABORATION WITH SHYNE CHAYIM WHITE & CHRIS TREBORN
SONG: LETTER TO MY FATHER | DATE: MONDAY NOVEMBER 3RD, 2008

V1:   Dear father, I write this letter to you and pray;
That you receive this well, love lives another day
Dad I don't know… where to begin with this,
But you've raised me with stories to be a witness
        I share your experiences with my friends
Memories have a genesis, but they never end
Your legacy is what I wish to carry on
Continue through my life, through actions and song
        It's scary that I'm gone away from you and home
Least I can call on you and write you a poem
I never went to your school, many times rebelled
We've been through so much, still we build
        Don't give me a hammer, I can't use it myself
The bridge I build is through the words I tell
If I failed you I'm sorry, don't punish me please
Help my off my knees, on my feet I stand before I leave
CRS:          Daddy I love you. That's why I hug you
                You're my one & only. Place no one above you
                I'm writing to tell you that you make me happy
                I'm a tree you're my roots, don't mean to be sappy
                        Public display of affections to no other
                This is a love letter I write to my father
                If I do what you ask, your love will never fail
                I will journey as I share – now I set sail

V2:   You've taught me so much including respect
You are my hero I hope all will accept
No other soldier no other vet will do
I'm thankful for victory, what you say is still true
        Everyday I feel you, in every thing I do
Whenever there's fungus you discard the mildew
That's why the seeds you plant and their flowers bloom
Allow the sun to give them life; your life is ours too
        No words I can muster, not a thing I can utter
Iterate my adoration, in affection I just stutter
Too bashful or too shy, to show the best guy
I fall short of your glory, what is the reason why
        I can't remember it all, history you're alive
Recall, reflect teachings – in everything you survive
All reminds me of you, reminisce all we been through
All that remains, is us showing the world the truth
CRS:          Daddy I love you. That's why I hug you
                You're my one & only. Place no one above you
                I'm writing to tell you that you make me happy
                I'm a tree you're my roots, don't mean to be sappy
                        Public display of affections to no other
                This is a love letter I write to my father
                If I do what you ask, your love will never fail
                I will journey as I share – now I set sail

BRK:                 Set sail, as I tell. My father's tale
                No I won't fail, just stay on his trail
                Set sail as we tell – our father's tale
                No we won't fail – if we stay on his trail

V3:   Out of every man, you are my favorite artist
I'm an illustration of you. You know where my heart is
Every test you gave, easiest to hardest
I did my best to pass, rise out of the darkness
        I'm your prince aren't I dad, I'm your royalty
I know I once was, because you've spoiled me
But I left your kingdom, to see the world for myself
Fell in love with a girl, and boy did I fail
        Gone so many years, run with plenty peers
Woke from any dreams, and faced so many tears
This is me and you know, I continue to grow
To be the best son, as I reap what I sew
        Dad I love you and my mother, more than my lover
More than my son, I put you 1st before any other
And I send this to you, I hope you answer back
Truly yours. With unconditional love. That's a fact

CRS:          Daddy I love you. That's why I hug you
                You're my one & only. Place no one above you
                I'm writing to tell you that you make me happy
                I'm a tree you're my roots, don't mean to be sappy
                        Public display of affections to no other
                This is a love letter I write to my father
                If I do what you ask, your love will never fail
                I will journey as I share – now I set sail

BRK:                 Set sail, as I tell. My father's tale
                No I won't fail, just stay on his trail
                Set sail as we tell – our father's tale
                No we won't fail – if we stay on his trail

Copyright (110308) Christian | Surgeon For Christ
Chris Treborn • G-Rated ENT. • TREBORN.com

RIOT! in South Salem - Hosted by MorningStar

2009-06-18T20:19:00.000-07:00

There were 200+ teens!
There was a Mustang driving on two wheels!
There was a Free car found on CraigsList that was driven into another car!
There was a BBQ!
There was a Bonfire!
&
They let a Poet rap about the Gospel!!!

You missed out. But fir those of you that were there, thank you for being so welcoming. I appreciate you all. And I hope you love your new Poster!

If you'd like FREE MP3s - please email me Christian@Treborn.com & I'll send you the links. Also, if you'd like to ask me any questions email me too.

::

I am so thankful to have been a part of this event. It was probably the best one I've ever been at. The people were great, the vibe was great. God showed up like never before. It was a blessing all around.

Hope to be invited out to MorningStar Community Church again in the future.

ONE LAST THING...

if you have any pictures or video of the show I would love to see and share.

Thank You

NOTES ON: Filled With Awe / How to handle cynicism 05.24.09 @JohnFehlen

2009-05-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

FILLED WITH AWE // How to handle cynicism
WSFC May 24th, 2009: Pastor John Fehlen
Scripture: Mark 2:1-12

Fueled by Jesus, filled with Awe!
I'll take this thesis and make you pause
U been there done that bought the tee
But He paid the price to set you free!

Raised in church now got Religious fatigue
Some fall back after being Deceived
Don't count God out by the heart of man
He never turns away, may be hard to understand

Who can forgive sins no man only God
But I know He can, now round of applause
Dropped jaws, the elders just lost all
Outlaws of the world preachin the Gospel

So many unashamed, but what's the reality?
Act like peas in a pod, a reunion mentality
More than clique, is your mentality suspicious?
We never did it that way before, how is this religious?

Jesus was a rebel, shaking the earth
Open up! There's no mistakin His worth
He's right here in front of you
Yet you don't know what to do

What is it that troubles you
Do you know what His love will do
You've been searching for the best truth
He is the ONE truth, He came down to rescue...

You and your crew, everyone you ever knew
Friends and family and your enemies too
Now it's up to you to make a toast
In the crucifixion is what we will boast

Now that's a bold statement turn my life up
Don't waste your life just like John Piper
Are you desiring God? Get out your box
I got a contagious itch call it chicken pox!

Lyrics copyright Chris Treborn | G-Rated ENT.
Christian Music Reborn | TREBORN.com

ADDITIONAL NOTES;

Reunion mentality: Outsiders feel left out
Religion mentality: Pharisees, Jesus knows what your thinking
Wnditwb mentality: We never did it that way before

We need a WNSALTB mentality: We've never seen anything like this before!

Cynicism Busters:
1:Having an Active faith
2:Having a Whatever heart

Mark 2:1-12

CCMvsCHH? No! Body of Christ unite, forget Industry its Ministry!!!

2009-05-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

I am SOOO upset because of this article! Relevant Magazine

First off, Ambassador being dropped from Cross Movement Records speaks BIG about the label's integrity, and commitment to serving our Lord God. How many labels would hold everyone accountable to the standards of God? We need to pray for both sides on this subject, and pray that it furthers the Kingdom of God.

After the Ambassador news, Relevant posted this 'diss' about Christian Hip-Hop.

This is what I have to say in regards to the article;

As much as I hate being dissed for being a Christian that raps, I don't want to be mainstream like some CCM artists They have no originality!

Id rather preach Christ by saying you Dont need those 26s than telling ppl I have a God shaped hole in my heart. SMH. Engage people!

Dont just say what is simple minded and easy to sell records. For Christ's SAKE, we are NOT in competition & we arent tryna be mainstream

Christian Artists are not tryna sell the most records or outsell one another. WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST & WE NEED TO WORK TOGETHER FOR GOD!!!

I currently cannot find the link for the Hazakim song on CCM Radio, but the host basically slaps CCM on the wrist for not being creative or intelligent enough. They use Crucifixion Description as the Hip-Hop example of how to engage listeners and believers.

Also, The Ham Sandwich show did an episode on the topic of Christian Radio being RACIST. They bring up some great points to further this conversation.

Body & Tats RE: The Wade-O Radio Show

2009-05-07T15:35:00.000-07:00

TO START OFF, I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE AN EMAIL I SENT TO DJ WADE-O OF THE WADE-O RADIO SHOW. IF YOU LISTEN YOU KNOW THIS TOPIC. IF YOU DON'T LISTEN, HEAD OVER TO WADEORADIO.COM AND CHECK OUT MY FAVORITE PODCAST/RADIO SHOW/ETC.

THIS TOPIC BEGAN WHEN A LISTENER OF THE SHOW CALLED IN AND ASKED ABOUT HOW CHRISTIANS SHOULD GO ABOUT GETTING TATTOOS, IF ITS WRONG OR RIGHT, WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY, AND SO ON. EVERYONE HAS BROUGHT UP SOME GREAT POINTS AND I FIGURED I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE MY VIEW POINT AS WELL, IF I MAY...

Hey Wade-O,

I would call in but I feel I can express myself a little better by writing. I love the topics callers bring up, especially those which can go both ways.

On the subject of your body being a temple, that goes for inside and outside. If we treat our bodies like a temple, shouldn't we be eating healthy and nutritious food. Not junk food.

I understand God mentions we shouldn't worry about what we eat, but that's in the context of being provided for.

A caller mentioned tats can be for the love of the art and we could wear scripture on our skin to glorify God and share the gospel. I feel if we are concerned with tats, we should focus on our threads.

Think about SHOW EM OFF by Phanatik. He brings up a good point.

I could buy some Avirex jeans and SouthPole shirts for like $6 each (they were on sale at JC Pennies last week) but would that bring glory and would it be disrespectful to my temple.

Do we want our churches to look like clubs from the outside to draw in the world? Or do we set the example and show how to be respectable and representative to what we believe?

It's tough even as a Christian artist goes on stage wearing his clothes. Not everybody, but some people look up to artists or people in the light and see how they floss what they got.

Is it "swagger or substance"? (Copyright Dre Marshall) I believe each individual is called to do what God puts on their hearts. Follow Him, He will lead you in the right direction. And everyone thinking of getting a tattoo needs to pray on it first.

Bring a decision in your life before God and consider how it will affect our surroundings and brethren.

We are all a different part of the body of Christ, so we are not expected to all look and dress and talk the same. God is bigger than that. And he will use each tattoo to His glory, and each example and tattoo-less body to His glory as well.

I agree if it's an addiction it could be sin. If we eat fast food it could be an addiction. If we have pre-marital sex or other relations it is sin. So look at it like that too.

Treat your body right and how God intends for us to treat it.

And if you don't know what to do, we can take it back, and ask; What Would Jesus Do?

Can you see Jesus getting a tattoo.
REVOLUTIONARY
REBEL
or
GOD's SON

What of he got a huge tattoo on his shoulder blades saying I AM

That would look tight, but would it glorify God or would it draw attention to Jesus in possibly a negative way?

Blend in with the world?
Be sanctified?

Tough topic.

Thank you for your time.
Stay encouraged & be blessed!

Christian Hip Hop Dudes by @ChenoLyfe

2009-05-03T11:22:00.000-07:00

Can u preach as good or better than u can rap? Is ur lyrical content more than ur biblical nourishment? I pray not.

If God told u 2 step away from hip hop, will u still carry da title of Minister...or will u question "what's next"?

CHECK OUT MIAMI'S OWN - CHENO LYFE ALBUM IN STORES 06.02.09

http://chenolyfe.com/

Filled With Compassion @JohnFehlen

2009-05-03T11:08:00.000-07:00

[5/3/9 West Salem Foursquare Church Pastor John Fehlen]

"FILLED WITH COMPASSION"

You wouldn't know what to do with them and you'd drive them all away
Your heart is filled with compassion and this is why you pray
If you reach out your hand and make an attempt to touch their filth
They will be cleansed by Gods love and their hearts will be filled

When you fail you fall short in your mind but God knows your heart
Fear not, go forth and do good anyway, today is your start
Tomorrow won't remember yesterdays blessings, today is a new
This might be a tedious task but blessed are those that follow through

Do you weep at this city as you overlook it from the heights
I pray the stars won't dim, your life has purpose like knights
You have a sword to slay dragons and a shield made of faith
Make no mistake take a hold of what you have and be great with strength

Even though we have left home for the city and it's dreams
The lies sound better than a parents disappointing screams
But as time goes by like the people we meet in our fame
We see hope failed but home still remembers our name

If we take that ride and journey back to our old home
We will be welcomed with open arms no longer will we be alone

Even though I've seen the flaws of authority where I'm safe
I am lawless without them and without them I have no faith

Scripture references;

Mark 1:40
Lev 5
Lev 13
Luke 15:20
2 Corinthians - comforted

Song references by Chris Treborn;

Next to Him
Let Me Out

TreBorn / Spirit of Truth - Lyrics

2009-04-26T11:29:00.000-07:00

"TreBorn" aka "Spirit of Truth"
[4/26/9 West Salem Foursquare Church ~ John Fehlen]

Sometimes it's hard for me to not dance
A musician staying still in a b-boy stance
I worship with my heart not my lips;
not my hands, I lift you up & I can't resist
The holy spirit flows the living water grows
The mind won't slow how many knows;
what God has planned expects of us
We fear being alone we manifest lust.
Lacking trust, thirsting for a rush
Skipping breakfast hungering for lunch
Were so connected thanks to device
But no relationships, we relate to the vice
How can you take the holy spirit put it in verbage
Neglect the trinity churches getting nervous
Some don't get it and take out the less
In who's mind? All 3 are best so blessed

I confirm I've been born not to conform
Not once not twice but three times more
New creature cool feature
Not a t-shirt to stay warm
Born to my father. Not yet treborn
Revived by the son as a teen still not treborn
Renewed by the spirit now I'm treborn

Entered 1982 naked as can be
Michael is the birth name that they gave me
15 year old sinner new to desire
Gave my life to Jesus so i had to retire
I feel so alive lilt the first time FREE
changed my name call me Myk Gee
Walkin' like I'm changed looking so strange
Sharing my new life with my new name
All I did was brag and boast that's it
But I stumbled and tripped as I backslid
Blessed, but glorifying myself
Stressed, destroying spiritual health
23 years old ready for full submission
Praying for a vision send me on a mission
at Mount Cross in two tongues I'm baptized
Finally I died I realized this is life

Key Scripture Notes;

John 16:13
John 14:16
John 16:7 comforter / counselor
Acts 2:1-2 speaking tongues

NEXT TO HIM - Chris Treborn (Easter Song)

2009-04-02T12:36:00.000-07:00

This Sunday April 5th, I will be performing "Next To Him" at Dayton Christian Church

I would like to share some extra details on this song. It is a journey. Following Christ to the cross. Consider it an Easter song. My poem of the Passion.

This is a song inspired by a few things;

The Beat itself...
I created this instrumental, it was powerful and moving, and I didn't know exactly what to do with it. I shared it with my friend Eric Swenson and he suggested I write about the crucifixion of Christ.

Crucifixion Description & Never Look Away...
It was weighing on my heart at the time, and I've been watching the Crucifixion Description by Hazakim over and over. I knew I wanted to give my point of view as if I were someone in the crowd, and as if I were the sinner on the cross repenting next to him. The first man to ask Jesus for forgiveness. I loved the perspective KJ-52 brought on the song; Never Look Away, and I wanted to add to the detail.

Comparing my life to the one I love...
Cas has this on her myspace; "If I can have any wish, and wish anything; I would wish to be a teardrop so I can be born in your eyes, live on your cheek, and die upon your lips." I loved it, and incorporated it into the song. I also ask questions that define the differences between you and I.

A Sermon on Transformation... (2 Corinthians 5:17 & Romans 6)
Cas and I went to church and the guest speaker touched on 2 Corinthians 5:17. That is the scripture that helped birth my name. She talked about simplistic concepts and ideas that personified transformation into a new creature. Being dead to sin and alive in Christ. She ended on the note of how a gross caterpillar transforms into a beautiful butterfly and flies away from its old life. It sounds so simple, but once you've lived this, it takes on a whole new meaning to you and you feel it in your heart.

HEAR YE, HERE YAY: Next To Him (Radio Edit)
or
LISTEN / BUY: Album Version @ SoundClick

LYRICS:

What is the distance between me and you?
Is it our religion or the world we refuse
are we the same if we’re both abused
is it life or death that we get to choose
I was in a crowd hundreds of people
watched him walking from the steeple
he pulled a tree to set him free
you could see the fruit I began 2 weep
sum people mocked him others just watched him
sum ignored him but no one stopped him
he was looked . Down upon
like a bum . Singing a song
he was so far but he felt so close
I mean I felt his energy so I froze
the distance was distant yet so near
on his face was blood, on mine was a tear

I feel separated, but I’m next to him
I see the distance but I’m next to him
arms stretched across he loves us this much
more than a touch - this is real love
I know this true, the kingdom awaits
our citizenship is beyond pearly gates
just passing thru as I’m asking you
can u feel him in your heart
or will pass on the truth?

I wish I was your tear born in your eye
live on your cheek before my demise
die on your lips sealed with a kiss
to be next to u I cannot resist
your presence I miss so I pray for u.
I don’t really know u but I really want to
I seek your face beneath your pain
I want to hear your story can u explain
nothing was said, just looked with one eye
the other was swollen as if he had cried
blood sweat and tears. Doubt fear n prayers
teaching and leading through out the last years
who wants to follow someone who dies
but we were surprised see how he rise
conquered the earth beyond the death
now lives in spirit af-ter the last breath

I feel separated, but I’m next to him
I see the distance but I’m next to him
arms stretched across he loves us this much
more than a touch - this is real love
I know this true, the kingdom awaits
our citizenship is beyond pearly gates
just passing thru as I’m asking you
can u feel him in your heart
or will pass on the truth?

filled with compassion fueled by love
I feel like a raven next to this dove
but he’s so dirty just like a bug
can’t see his face just needs a hug
know he’s had enough. He sed it was finished
tears from the sky as he diminished
I feel unworthy next 2 his royalty
he will feed us not like spoiled meat
why should he die before me? If he is innocent
I should ask forgiveness and so I repent
I can feel the distance we’re not so different
as I hang on this cross I’m not hesitant
I believe I will live. I will grieve I will give
he will rise I will ride. I will stride he’s my guide
caterpillar on a cross so many wonder why
this is the cocoon before he is a butterfly

I feel separated, but I’m next to him
I see the distance but I’m next to him
arms stretched across he loves us this much
more than a touch - this is real love
I know this true, the kingdom awaits
our citizenship is beyond pearly gates
just passing thru as I’m asking you
can u feel him in your heart
or will pass on the truth?

HAZAKIM VIDEO:

An undeniable voice in Holy Hip Hop - Tedashii

2009-03-12T15:54:00.000-07:00

THE MOST OVER LOOKED EMCEE & UNDERRATED LYRICIST

Who is the most over looked emcee, underrated lyricist in Christian Rap?
In my opinion it’s Tedashii aka T-Dot.

I saw Sketch The Journalist post a question on Twitter - “What do you think Tedashii's impact has been on CHH so far?” I quickly e-mailed him my response; “T-Dot has made a huge impact possibly unseen! From features to hooks. I think he is the definition of Holy Hip Hop. (HHH without Tedashii) would be like the church without John Piper.”

Now, that is a bold statement, but I know it is true. Whether you know it or not, John Piper is a huge impact in the church. He even has created a movement; Don’t Waste Your Life. Piper wrote a book about it. He preached a 43 minute sermon about it on December 29th, 2003. There is a website dedicated to DWYL & you can watch video podcasts from DWYL on iTunes for free!

Lecrae made a song about it. In 2009, Lecrae and the rest of the 1-1-Six Clique / Reach Records artists are going on tour under the name; Don’t Waste Your Life. To help promote the Don’t Waste Your Life Tour, Reach has made commercials and posted them all over the internet. Now, think of this commercial you are laughing at. And realize it started as a seed from John Piper. A book or a sermon. But nonetheless, he has made a ripple effect, throughout the culture. This is how Tedashii compares to John Piper, but in the Holy Hip Hop culture. The seeds he has planted from one verse or a catchy hook, have been watered and will continue to water over the years.

WHEN DID I FIRST HEAR OF TEDASHII?

As I try to think of the first Tedashii song I ever heard, the verse (and hook) from Name Up comes to mind. Name Up is one of the hottest tracks on The Cross Movement’s 2007 album - History: Our Place in His Story. But there was a song before that. T-Dot was on Why Hip Hop 2K6. I bought the $5 promo CD in my local Christian Store in early 2006. The song is called This Song’s For You and it’s a straight dedication song. Come to think of it, Tedashii was on a few tracks from Lecrae’s Real Talk in 2005.

That’s where I know him from. The song Represent. Tedashii is also featured on one of my favorite songs; Aliens, as well as The Line. Represent, Aliens, and The Line are on Real Talk. Christ-in-a-Hip-Hopper.com or ChristianHipHopper.com features a giant mix of artists from Cross Movement and Reach Records. The song that gets stuck in my head every time is In Ya Hood by Tedashii featuring Trip Lee. As I became a bigger fan of Tedashii and Lecrae, I had to go back and get the 2004 release of The Compilation from the 1-1-Six Clique which features In Ya Hood and 3 other songs by Tedashii.

WHY I SUPPORT TEDASHII

In 2007, I attended a concert in Portland featuring R-Swift, Tedashii, Trip Lee, Lecrae, Da T.R.U.T.H., and Flame. I don’t know who was controlling the sound, but there was too much bass and you couldn’t hear any lyrics (unless you knew the words) from the artists, except for R-Swift, Tedashii, and Da T.R.U.T.H. This was a big turn off, but fortunately it got me loving Swift, T-Dot, and T.R.U.T.H. more. This was the main reason why I even bought Tedashii’s album and t-shirt at the show, and because his performance was the best.

Tedashii’s album Kingdom People is probably the best Christian Rap album I have ever heard and is only comparable to He’s Coming by Bruthaz Grimm (circa 1997). Every song on T-Dot’s album is on point and if I got his CD stuck in my stereo and could never play another CD, I would be completely happy. His music is deep, and motivating on all levels. This is why I wait, anxiously for his next album.

I NEED MORE TEDASHII IN MY LIFE

He can be most noted as a "Dirty South" emcee. Although, the South sound has a reputation, Tedashii is obviously paving the way with his style as if he were a part of Outkast - definitely hip-hop pioneer status. I strongly believe Reach Records is the Outkast of Holy Hip Hop. What Outkast did for Hip-Hop music, Reach & 1-1-Six will do for HHH.

Trip Lee’s 20/20 album was more than impressing. Each song is spirit filled and amped up. No two songs are alike. It’s an album I never get tired of hearing. If Trip Lee could step it up this big on his 2nd album, I am guaranteed Tedashii will do the same. Lecrae’s (Rebel) was among the top of the charts in iTunes. And although his album is highly rated in reviews, I don’t think it is as great as Trip Lee’s. Don’t get me wrong, I love Rebel, in fact I listen to it more than After The Music Stops. This will only prove to show that T-Dot has to deliver a phenomenal album. After all, it was pushed back a few times. It has been postponed for almost a year now. The eyes of HHH is upon T-Dot.

I’ve been hearing nothing but a single verse from my favorite Christian Rapper lately. A verse here and there is not enough for me. I need 110% more Tedashii music. This is why I am taking the time to talk about my favorite artist. I pray all of you will be blessed by his music. Hopefully, you can pick up his album Identity Crisis - due out May 19th. Look for more press and publicity from other HHH media and outlets.

MORE RELEASES FROM T-DOT

Probably not known to many people, 1-1-Six released a rock infused album called AMPED featuring remixes of some of the best songs from Lecrae, Trip Lee, and Tedashii. The album was advertized on MySpace - that’s how I heard about it. And even though it featured only 6 tracks, there were 3 new songs; Red Revolution by Tedashii which is most likely a promotion for RedRevolution.com, Beyond Belief by Lecrae, and Amped by Trip Lee. A perfect album for any 1-1-Six fanatic, especially if you like rock and/or remixes.

An album I had anticipation for was Lecrae’s After The Music Stops in 2006. Although T-Dot was featured on 3 songs from Lecrae’s previous album, this album contained only a hook and verse on the song Unashamed. One month earlier, Trip Lee released his debut album If They Only Knew which contained two songs with Tedashii.

But I think Unashamed as well as Name Up help define who Tedashii is as an influential Christian Hip Hop Artist. His hooks are so memorable and his verses are so filled with content, you have to go back and listen to the track over and over again.

After the Holy Hip Hop Industry heard Unashamed they knew Tedashii could offer an unforgettable song. In 2007 he was also featured on Flame’s song Shinin’, Phanatik’s song North & South, and Sho Baraka’s song Maranatha, and Cam’s song Back Up. Then, 1-1-Six dropped another amazing compilation called 13 Letters which features 4 songs with Tedashii.

Finally, in 2008 Tedashii had a verse on; Dillon Chase’s Walk Worthy, Json’s Listening Choice, Trip Lee’s Real Vision, and Lecrae’s Go Hard. I somehow came across a song on imeem.com called Transformers and featured a verse from Lecrae, Tedashii, and Trip Lee. I guess this was supposed to help promote his album which was going to be released in the summer of 2008. Sadly, his album Identity Crisis got pushed back till April, then again till May 19th, 2009.

TEDASHII FEATURES

Guest appearances;

* "Represent" by Lecrae
* "The Line" by Lecrae
* "Aliens" by Lecrae
* "Unashamed" by Lecrae
* "116 Intro (Remix)" by Trip Lee feat. Lecrae
* "Call Us Crazy" by Trip Lee
* "Shinin" by FLAME
* "Name Up" by The Cross Movement
* "North & South" by Phanatik feat. Christawn
* "Maranatha" by Sho Baraka feat. Json
* "Back Up" by Cam feat. Sho Baraka
* "Real Vision" by Trip Lee
* "Listening Choice" by Json
* "Walk Worthy" by Dillon Chase
* "Go Hard" by Lecrae

With the 116 Clique;

* "116 Clique: The Compilation Album" (2005)

- “In Ya Hood” by Tedashii feat. Trip Lee
- “Impressed Interlude” by Tedashii
- “Impressed” by Tedashii
- “Streets” by Lecrae, BJ, & Tedashii
- “Kingdom People” by Tedashii

* "13 Letters " (2007)

- “Dig In” by Trip Lee feat. Tedashii
- “Keep The Faith” by Tedashii feat. Diamone
- “Stand Strong” by Tedashii
- “Carry Mine” by Tedashii

* "Amped" (2007)

- “The Red Revolution” by Tedashii feat. Sho Baraka
- “No More” by Tedashii feat. Lecrae

resources; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tedashii - http://www.twitter.com/sketchthej - http://www.ChristianHipHopper.com - http://www.DontWasteYourLife.com - http://www.RedRevolution.com - http://www.ReachRecords.com

Who Watches The Watchmen?

2009-03-10T20:35:00.000-07:00

WHO WATCHES THE WATCHMEN...

Hate it or love it, Watchmen is on everyone's mind. After topping the box office with $55.7 M opening weekend, everyone wants to know why. Anyone that has read it knows every detail, every character, every upcoming scene, frame for frame. Obviously, these fanatics brought their friends with them to the movie.

Over the weekend Twitter and Facebook had post after post about Watchmen. Some were disgruntled, and some were ecstatic. Nevertheless, Watchmen is the most talked about thing this week.

With that being said, I'll give you the top 10 reasons why you will hate or love the Watchmen movie.

You will HATE IT because;

- this is NOT a family friendly movie.
- there isn't action scene after action scene.
- no one has super Powers.
- the good guys don't win in the end.
- the good guys are the bad guys.

And you will LOVE IT because;

- this is not a FAMILY friendly movie.
- the characters are realistic.
- no one has Super powers.
- 3 hours doesn't seem that long.
- the attention to detail is phenomenal.

This movie is rated R! Why? Because whenever there is blood there is a LOT of gore. AND, there is nudity and sex. No holding back in this movie.

This isn't an action adventure. Similar to Matrix but more on the level of real life tell the story with drama and life. There isn't fighting everyday, even if you're a crime fighter. When there is any action, the visuals are amazing.

No super powers? Well, besides Dr. Manhattan being able to have almost all the powers of God, there are NO super heroes in this movie. Each hero uses their God given talent to fight bad guys, along with their costumes. This works for them though because this makes them more realistic and life like - similar to Batman, without daddy's money.

I hate to break it to you, but the good guys are not perfect. They are human beings like me and you and make mistakes. Obviously, they make mistakes and they fail to save all of man kind in the end.

Every good guy is punished for his or her evil deeds. The pain and hurt is true to life. You come to find out the good guys weren't and/or aren't always good. Kind of like Heroes Season 3 VILLAINS.

Although this plot takes place in an alternate 1985, the feel is rather realistic and could be taken serious, unlike other comic book / super hero movies where you need to use you imagine and pretend that mutants could be real. Because of this, you can actually relate to characters, generally speaking.

Now originally this movie was about 4 hours, but they cut it to be under 3 hours. It doesn't feel as long as The Dark Knight though. I think if I watched the movie again, I'll come across scenes I forgot about. Plus, I believe you will notice something different the next time you watch it. If you are a fanatic or plan on getting the DVD, you'll be able to enjoy the full length director's cut as well.

Watchmen has been in the works since the 80s. Now that someone can actually accomplish turning the comic book into a feature film, you will be rewarded by their efforts. The attention to detail is amazing.

Throughout the first hour I tried to pick out something that was a flaw, i.e. the shadows of the camera crew in Transformers. But they made this movie the best movie they could. Each set was built in living color and matched perfectly with the comic book. They even used the comic as their story board. Amazing.

If you don't think they paid 110 times more attention to detail than any other blockbuster director, just download their podcast on iTunes for free and watch the video journals. You will be impressed. Directors and film makers, take notes!

Northwest Independent Christian Artists, let's UNITE!

2009-03-02T10:03:00.000-08:00

2008 was a year of personal growth and realization. As a Christian, I realized that selling records was not my goal. As an artist, I realized to make money from your music you cannot leave out the option of merchandise. It seems as though people love seeing you perform for free and love you even more if you hand out free cds.

In 2006 and 2007 I handed out 1000 CDs in mixtapes and singles. So I figured I should have a manufactured CD - packaged and ready to sell in any store. Even with a Free Poster, these CDs didn't leave my possession as quick as I expected.

We all need to understand, welcome, and embrace the new world and digital age. Having your music online is essential these days. Everyone has an album for sell on iTunes for $9.99. Now, the "new" thing is EPs and Singles. Why release a 12-15 song album when you can sell your songs at $.99 each.

I have released digital albums with bonus songs and extended versions to help the album get exposure. The best way to further your album is to follow the footsteps of Braille. He released his The IV Edition as an Instrumental album, AND an A Capella album. An artist can potentially triple the sells and open up the opportunity for other artists to use your beats or vocals for their remixes, mixtapes, and so on. Its a blessing all around.

Another great way to promote the music is a Podcast. I have been wanting to be a part of a Podcast in any way. Fresh Mann shared the idea of Video Blogging and offering fans the opportunity to send in questions to be answered. This is a great idea and should be taken further and include music by indie artists. I would like to increase the possibility of exposure of artists without labels by sharing their music, news, updates and interviews. I hope they can use this media to share their mission, ideas, & dreams for their music.

As this continues to weigh on my heart, I have been encouraged and inspired by Podcasts such as the Wade-O Radio Show. My goal is not only to help promote my own music, but others in the same position as me.

~

With all this being said, I will share with you my game plan for 2009.

~

Goals to accomplish;

A. MUSIC ENDEAVOR for 2009

1st - Record the 30 songs I wrote last year.
.: 2 Albums; [Memory Box] &

2nd - Release EPs / Singles digitally to help promote the albums.
.: EPs can be found on Treborn.com/Merch for $3.99 each

3rd - Print up the Album in whole and include bonus tracks on the CD.

4th - Release the Album in Instrumental and Acappella formats.
.: [Memory Box] ~Instrumentals~ on sale for $9.99 @ Treborn.com/Merch

B. MORE MERCHANDISE

I will increase the merchandise table for the fans. This will include stickers, buttons, posters, shirts, hats, and more. Currently, we have two sites hosting our merchandise; ZAZZLE.com & CafePress.com - both can be found on Treborn.com/Merch

C. PROMOTION / PODCASTS

Our mission is to further + increase the Body of Christ through media, encourage & inspire listeners, as well as promote opportunities to connect the fans and the music/artists.
Now, when I say WE, I mean G-Rated ENT. along with our contributors.

1st - Podcasts (Hosted by Chris Treborn | G-Rated Entertainment)

~ Our Podcast will feature and promote Independent Christian Artists in the Northwest Region.
~ Our Podcast will include songs, news blasts, updates, tour schedules, and interviews from NW artists. We will also inform artists of venue and event opportunities when and where possible.

2nd - Free Music / Giveaways
We want to reward our loyal fans with more than what we normally offer.

~ We will offer FREE Mixtapes, Full-Length CDs, MP3s, Merchandise, Gift Cards, and more.
All FREE!
These giveaways will be offered during our Podcasts. We will announce the winners during the following Podcast.

3rd - Contests
The Contests will coincide with the Giveaways.

~Contests will include Remix Competitions, Fan Reviews, Design / Fan Art, and more.

More details to come as this process proceeds and gets carried out.

We plan on enforcing these ideas (detailed in the above) within the next few months with the help of those willing to share our idea and goal. We are all playing the same game under the same rules for the same team. The only difference is we are wearing different numbers. Okay, enough with the sports analogies. When all is said and done we all want the same thing and we must work together to succeed and achieve our goals.

::

Are you a Northwest Independent Christian Artist? We want to help you out! Contact us if you would like to be featured. We will conduct an interview, and we will play your music. Our goal is to help promote your music and your ministry.

If you wish to help us out with donations, ideas, resources, etc., please e-mail Christian@Treborn.com to become a contributor.

Thank you all for reading this and may God bless you and your endeavors.

Chris Treborn [2 Corinthians 5:17]
G-Rated ENT. | www.TREBORN.com

Christian Rock in Portland!

2009-02-22T17:12:00.000-08:00

I entered a contest at RethinkMonthly.com and won a pair of concert tickets. The tickets were for Kutless, Disciple, Stellar Kart, and Esterlyn at the Rolling Hills Community Church in Tualatin. Prior to this event, I have not been to a concert with just rock bands. My past experiences include festivals with multiple Christian acts such as DC Talk, OC Supertones, and Superchick. We went to the show on Saturday February 21st at 7PM and the following is my play by play experience of the concert.

•

We arrived at the church 30 minutes before the doors opened (6PM) and there were already 200 people in line. Before the doors opened 100 additional people lined up behind us. The fans mainly consisted of grade school kids and their parents. The rest of the crowd was filled with youth groups. Everyone was anxious to get in and out of the 40 degree weather, especially with the cold winds sweeping in. Although the seating was general admission, we were in our seats by 6:15. Before the show started, they announced Stellar Kart wasn't going to be there since they had a prior engagement. I was disappointed because that was the only band I was unfamiliar with.

Esterlyn got on stage promptly, encouraged everyone to clap with them, and the crowd got into it within the first two songs. The lead singer Luke Caldwell then announced they had an acoustic EP more on the worship side and that they were going to perform songs from the EP. The first song was called Sweet Love and sounded beautiful with the dual acoustic guitars. After their 3rd song, they announced they had their LP, EP, poster, and T-shirt on sale for $30. Then they shared the origin of their band's name. It was a great testimony of God's love and they followed with the piano driven song Esther. Finally, they ended with their last acoustic song. I was disappointed they came from Boise, Idaho, and they only performed 5 songs. They should have gotten more stage time with the absence of Stellar Kart; after all, it's only 7:18.

Five minutes later Disciple hits the stage rapping like your favorite rap rock band would. Kevin Young's stage presence was subtle, as if he was conserving energy. Regardless, the guitarist from Albany, Oregon was rocking out and got the crowd pumped up. Disciple's second song was 321, followed by some great singing on Romance Me. "Quick, everyone grab your cell phones!" Kevin gave everyone a free ringtone for 321 on the spot. Next was another song from their latest album; Southern Hospitality. In fact, it's the Title Track and it's reminiscent of Kountry Gentlemen in the style of Family Force 5's ‘crunk rock’. And now, a song I'm more familiar with; Love Hate (On and On). They stopped playing to briefly introduce the band and then began praying. Kevin is such a great speaker, very professional. He concluded with sharing the story of the prodigal son. Disciple continued with their best song of the night; Whatever Reason. 3 songs later they were done and it was 8:05. They started off slow but finished with a strong performance. As they walked off the stage and they took down the set, the crowd chanted "one more song! One more song!" Obviously, 9 songs were not enough for this crowd.

Kevin returned and audience went wild. He began to preach. Probably the best preacher I have ever seen or heard. He had the crowd's attention and continued until 8:20.

Intermission

20 minutes later the lights dimmed the crowd went insane as Kutless entered the stage under blue lights and some piano. They appropriately opened with To Know That You're Alive. Unfortunately, the bass was too loud; Jon Micah adjusts his headset because he can't hear himself. As they continue, the speakers are still too loud and it sounds like the sub is broken. Kutless rocks on and the combination of the band and the crowd’s loudness creates the big screen monitors to shake. The picture now looks fuzzy. The church is booming! Kutless performed So Contagious, but it's too bad you can't hear the words. It's a good thing the hometown crowd knows all the words, if this is your first time, you might be leaving by now. I wish the sound wasn't distorted! Yay! Hearts of the Innocent. You can actually understand the words as they're sung. Jon then introduced the band as they played their solos. Finally some worship with two songs from Strong Tower, and even though these songs are low key, the sound quality is no longer bearable so we leave early unfortunately.

•

We own all the Kutless albums, as well as Disciple’s prior two albums, so we took up Esterlyn's offer and got their 12 song LP, 5 song acoustic EP, their poster, and a green t-shirt (for my fiancé) with the words LOVE NEVER FAILS in white with Esterlyn on the bottom. This deal was definitely worth $30.

It was so nice to finally attend a Christian Rock concert. I'm glad they had it in a church and made reference to our King, Lord, God, and Jesus Christ. I'm thankful for the tickets from ReThink Monthly Magazine. Be sure to check them out online at RethinkMonthly.com

Be sure to check out the bands;

Kutless
Disciple
Esterlyn

Thank You!

What is a label?

2009-02-20T22:29:00.000-08:00

Chris Treborn can be labeled a lot of things.

~CHRIS TREBORN~

2 Corinthians 5:17 (New International Version); "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

~SURGEON FOR CHRIST~

Chris Treborn's musical style is a combination of Rhythm and Poetry & Hip-Hop blended together allow the message to penetrate your heart like a Surgeon as he uses his tools. Look at it like this.... Christian is the Surgeon and his Lyrics are his instruments or his tools to accomplish the procedure. His Music is the anesthesia to subdue the patients so he can heal them through medical treatment. Have you scheduled your appointment yet?

~G-RATED ENTERTAINMENT~

He has had the nickname of "G-Rated" since 2001. Originally coined by Eric Martinez, this label was turned into a style, mission, and much more than just music. G-Rated ENT. was created to educate the listeners with Conscious Rap and positive lyrics. We aim to inspire those to better themselves and their walks of life. By being an example, we can show our listeners how to be G-Rated and still love life, with passion and commitment.

~CHRISTIAN MUSIC REBORN~

Like Chris Treborn, this label derives from 2 Corinthians 5:17 and further personifies our music and style all around. More than just G-Rated ENT., Christian Music Reborn is created not to amp up or hype up the listener, but to encourage fellow believers in GOD and those with faith. The lyrics are a little different than Contemporary Christian Music, and the music is a little different than Holy Hip Hop.

~FAMILY FRIENDLY HIP-HOP~

This is pretty straight forward. Chris Treborn presents Truth in the form of Hip-Hop. Not just Spiritual or Christian Rap. This is a poetic form of the Gospel of Christ presented in a family friendly atmosphere. We strive to generate lyrics which are understandable and acceptable by all ages. Our fans range from 3 - 65+. We have had concerts containing all aged listeners - from toddlers to grand parents. Our oldest fan is one of our biggest supporters and always confesses he doesn't normally listen to Hip-Hop, but loves the style because of the words and the way they are presented. Why rap fast? We display stories and images through our poetry. We have to be heard and understood - clearly!

~POETRIC MINISTRY~

Our music is one of our ministries to help share the gospel and biblical truths. We use poetry and add music to it so we can sow seeds into the hearts of our listeners. Poetry can come in many forms. Ours happens to be considered RAP.

~RHYTHM AND POETRY~

Last but not least is R.A.P. Yes, Rhythm And Poetry is where the term rap came from. This is the best label to use when referring to our music as well as our style. Rhythm is the music we use, whether it is a digital composition, or a hip-hop beat produced by a Motif 8 or Korg Triton. Depending on our tools for production, our background music and sound will be a little different. We enjoy being diverse and not sounding cookie cutter - in any way, shape, or form. So if you take our Rhythm And Poetry and the poems are straight gospel, you can definitely call it Poetic Ministry. This is who, and what we are!

In closing - we don't try to sound like someone else. We create our own style. It might sound Indie or Underground. But we prefer to be sanctified, in music and in real life. All we have to say at the end of the day is; Christ is King of Kings, and our Father God is Lord. The Spirit is Holy, and we give God all the glory. Praise the Lord for Jesus and his sacrifice as well as his Disciples.

Letter to those in my community

2009-02-20T22:13:00.000-08:00

Whether you have met me personally or if you know nothing about me, I would like to share with you my story and why I feel the need to share the Gospel using the Hip-Hop culture and its style of music as a tool to reach the generations, especially the youth. I go by the name Chris Treborn, and my friends call me Christian. Usually, when people ask who I am or what my name is; I say "Christian". The most common response is; "is that who you are or what you are?" and I say BOTH! I am unashamed to admit I am a follower of Christ Jesus.

It took me a long time to realize I had to die to myself and strip everything of my past including my name. So now when people get to know me they learn about Christ and what I do for Him. Chris Treborn is a name I chose to personify the name of Jesus. This will ensure that God is the only one visible in my lyrics. Even when I speak of myself and my life, it is only what God has blessed me with. It says in Second Corinthians chapter 5 verse 17; "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" This is my declaration to the world. I am Reborn in Christ. I am dead to sin and alive in Christ. By being baptized into Christ, I was also baptized into his death and his resurrection. This is Romans Chapter 6.

I relocated from The San Francisco Bay Area in California because a change in life was important. Instead of just working 40 hours a week and performing and recording Holy Hip Hop between shifts, I decided to flee fortune. Leaving all the material things behind, I knew I needed to pursue God more. I needed to follow Christ more than ever before. I was in desperate need of building a stronger relationship with our Father. The fast pace lifestyle was just too tedious, too trendy, and very much like a slow form of suicide.

Although I haven't always practiced Christian Values, I have struggled and seen both sides of the spectrum from the good, to the bad, to the ugly. I have always felt like I am a messenger of the good word, a positive message. As a sewer of moral fiber, I know I need to stay inspirational and encouraging through my music, and my life. This is my calling. This is the gift God has given me. Now I feel it is my duty to share with the world - Christians and non-believers.

I come to you as a part of the Body of Christ. My goal is not to gain anything of the world, but just play my part and be a strong part. If I can accomplish this I will need your help as I am set to connect with those in the community. I have been planting seeds and I have been attacked as well as blessed for my good doings. This music needs to be heard, not for the musical part but for the lyrical content.

I am influenced to bring you a poetic journey with diversity & metaphors that morph with the instrumentals. I am attempting to bridge the generations with love through music by speaking clearly into your ears and your hearts. This IS NOT about a Religion. This is about a relationship. This is about God's Unconditional Love. This is about sharing community. This is about influencing others with Inspiration and Encouragement regardless of race, taste in music, or age. And with our music we will discipline disciples. This is The Great Commission of Christ!

If you or anyone you know is willing to invite me to any kind of event whether it is something for the entire church or just the youth - please open your arms and embrace what I have to offer. I am grateful for any offer and I do appreciate any donation possible. I also have CDs for sale, which sometimes helps for food or gas expenses. If God plans on blessing me that way, I will allow it. I just want to come out and share my gift and talent with you.

I have performed in front of many of people older than me including Senior Citizens. Many of them have personally come up to me and thanked me for sharing my music with them even though they don't listen to Hip-Hop. The comment I get the most is; "I don't usually listen to rap, but I enjoyed your music because I could hear and understand every word." This is very true, and I am happy to say that I strive to be heard clearly. That is the only way I can be affective. Loud music and muffled lyrics will not reach any listener. And I refuse to turn people away.

When it comes to performing, I have done plenty of shows in all kinds of venues including Lounges, Coffee Houses, Company Picnics, Fund-Raisers, and Family Reunions. I also book other artists and bands to come perform when we plan a full concert. Recently I performed for a community block party known as National Night Out and Relay for Life.

Mostly I have performed in churches since my music is Christian Music. There is a lot to be said to those that don't have salvation, but there is a lot that the Kingdom can learn as well. My music confirms the promises of God and encourages the heart of every listener. My music provides instructions and guidelines for believers to live by. This is why I set the best example I can in real life and in my music. I might talk the talk, but I prefer to walk the walk...and so I face this task daily.

I will not leave you disappointed. The purpose of my music is to give all the glory to God our father in heaven. Let's make it happen. Let's share community and let us grow together in faith. They say the youth is the future, but look where we are going as we take the fast lane into the 21st century. The youth need to know now more than ever before. How will we reach them if we do not speak their language and share their interests? We can't afford to lose them.

The enemy is trying desperately to bring us all down by dividing us and conquering us. What we need is to deliver a T.K.O.! Matthew 5:10 tells us we can accomplish that because The Kingdom's Ours! Let's not let anyone take it from us. In Jesus' precious name I pray we stand and unite. Amen!

Thank you for your time and for the things you do in the community through the church.
I appreciate you.

My Testimony

2009-02-20T22:10:00.000-08:00

In 1996 my baby sister was born and 87 days later she passed away because of S.I.D.S. (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). I was then inspired to change from writing poetry to writing songs. The best way I could cope besides listening to music was actually write stories or songs myself. So, I decided to write one for my sister explaining to my family why she had to leave. I had little influence from religion or anything (besides doing things in church for Easter and Christmas). This story was rather convincing and sounds fairy-tale but can also be a spiritual truth. To this day I don't know if I wrote it or if God wrote it through me.

It was then I realized I had a talent to give people emotions and feelings through my lyrics. I wanted to teach people my knowledge and vision as well as share the experiences I lived through. Don't get me wrong, living in the SF Bay Area wasn't too hard since I wasn't being raised by the streets. But I did see lots of interesting events that inspired me to live right. When I brought home some bad grades my uncle (a sheriff) took me to the juvenile delinquent facility to show me where bad kids go when they don't succeed and fall into the gang lifestyle or the streets. This scared me to stay out of trouble.

Now, going back to 1996 I was strongly influenced by the music of 2pac and witnessed his death just the month before my baby sister's. This made me question the God which 2pac talked about and made me ask if I was going to heaven. I was scared and shocked at only 14 years old from losing my sister. Her passing although some would think it would lead me to God, it actually lead me to music. And even though you would think 2pac would inspire me to make music, he inspired me to pursue God and see what religion was all about.

After looking for answers about life and death, I found my way to a church one Friday night. I went because of Pizza and Peer Pressure. Ironic. But I left with the knowledge that confessing my sins, and asking forgiveness could lead me to salvation. It wasn't just that but I confessed that I knew with my heart, mind and soul that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead. I had no doubts, no fears, nothing. I was feeling nothing but peace and serenity. I left and was attacked by demons right away to backslide and fall back into the flames I swam in.

That was in 1998. Not until 2002 did I know I was a Christian Rapper. I thought I was just a Christian that rapped about positive things and kept my lyrics what people call "G-Rated". My producer and coworker at the time engaged conversation with me and shared his views. His father is a Pastor and he knew a Child of God when he sees one. He obviously saw that I was of God. With conviction he exclaimed with passion that I wasn't just a west coast underground rapper. But that I was to bring and share the message of God through my music and with my lyrics.

I strongly disagreed. I didn't want a label. I didn't want to be called Christian Rap. I just wanted to be an individual. Unique and true to myself. I couldn't be more selfish. After 6 months I finally saw what God's plan for me was. To make music. To be Christian. And share the goodness and positive energy. This was my purpose all along. This got me to where I needed to start my journey. This was my beginning. I'm a messenger. I am a representation of Christ and God's Love. I am a window for the people of the world to look through and see GOD!

This isn't an easy calling. Trying to live right. Trying to be Christian meant striving for perfection. I later realized I didn't have to be perfect but just be selfless and respect that I am saved by a man who was and is perfect. I've been attacked ever since I picked up a pen and grabbed the mic. I've been all over the spectrum. It's been rough. I had an affect and I have influenced on people. Sometimes in good ways and sometimes in bad ways. But nevertheless I remain a servant of Christ. I still learn daily. I still sin.

It almost feels like my music is most enjoyed and most inspirational to myself. I mean, I have written songs that I didn't quite get the metaphors right away. But years later I have found the Spirit within my songs just waiting for me to find it again and be filled. My songs might not make you dance. But they do make you think. They remind you to consider the possibilities.

As for religion, I don't pursue any religion. I follow the rules of God the best I can. I don't choose to follow a specific religion. I know by definition I am a Christian. And I know that I pursue a healthy and intimate relationship with our Father. Daily.

(written in November 2006)

Social Networking...

2009-02-18T22:17:00.001-08:00

I'm trying to be as open and honest and accessible to all my friends, and fans as possible. This is an easy task as long as you are technologically savvy, which I am not up on my game, like I should be.

Facebook - Check!
Twitter - Check!
Friend Feed - Check!

and now... Blogger - Check!

Thanks to my iTouch, I have upgraded my Social Networking opportunities. MySpace is a dinosaur, or maybe a museum. It is less frequented by my true peers, and there is way to many people to connect with anyone real, or willing.

So here I am, using another tool to connect with people, who probably don't really know me, and could care less about the world I live in. But, for those that care, I am here for you. I am willing to connect and be as personable as I can.

If anyone has any suggestions for me, please feel free to contact me anyway you can. Good luck finding me via internet. HA!

I appreciate each and every one of my fans, friends, and peers. May God bless you and your endeavors. I pray you will be a blessing to those in your surroundings. Take care and stay encouraged.

This has been my confession. Real talk, true thought!

Chris Treborn "They Call Me Christian!"
2 Corinthians 5:17 - "therefore, if anyone is reborn in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone the new has come!"
www.TREBORN.com