Elton John, A Christian
Don Grim
with such feeling! There are many inspiring words for a Christian like
"Where is death's sting" and "Hold Thou thy cross"!
I read that Elton recorded this song in April 1997 when he had turned age 50
the month before. He was asked to sing a song for children or a song that
inspired him as a child. If Elton is not a Christian yet, and he may be, he
has heard the word and allowed himself to meditate on it. We all make
mistakes and sin but we can all ask Jesus as our Savior to forgive our past
and future mistakes. Christians sin like everyone else. They are just
forgiven!
Elton was brought up with a Christian upbringing and hymns. The Bible says
to bring up a child in the way he should go and when he is older, he will
not depart from it. So, it is no surprise that Elton has not forgotten the
Christian words and hymns from his childhood!
Abide With Me is an old hymn but Elton makes it sound new!
Hear are the words from the hymn:
Abide With Me
Written by William Monk and H.F. Lyte
Available on the album Carnival
Abide with me, fast forth the eventide
The darkness deepens, Lord abide with me
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless, O abide with me
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless
Ills have no weight and tears no bitterness
Where is death's sting, where, grave, that victory
I triumph still if Thou abide with me
Hold Thou thy cross before my closen eyes
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee
In life, in death, O Lord abide with me
In life, in death, O Lord abide with me
Ejfan1973
a personal chioce and I hope Elton keeps it that way.
NUMBER1EJFAN
Watford soccer matches. Not sure if they do before all games, but that's what
he said on the video "An Audience With Elton John" right before he sang it. We
all know how much he loves football, I don't think it's so much the religious
part. But that's none of my business anyway.
JackHandy
hymns as a child when he was learning how to play the piano because his
father wouldn't allow rock n roll in the house. Someone also mentioned it's
stated on the video the song comes from that it's sang before the football
games when Watford plays. The kind of fervor you mention is probably
something personal for you and not Elton. Elton sings every song he does
with *feeling*. For instance, the song "Man" from Made In England is a very
gospel sounding song that Elton sings with deep feeling but has nothing at
all to do with religion.
JackHandy
"Don Grim" <grim...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:tbbvipb...@corp.supernews.com...
Rayder1979
-- Ian
Harmony
(can't get away from the subject can we!?;-)
Well, I can't let it slip by without making a few comments here:-)
"Don Grim" <grim...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:tbbvipb...@corp.supernews.com...
> I was listening to Elton John's recording of Abide With Me. He sings it
> with such feeling! There are many inspiring words for a Christian like
> "Where is death's sting" and "Hold Thou thy cross"!
**Yes, it's a powerful and beautiful song of faith, for all Believers.
> I read that Elton recorded this song in April 1997 when he had turned age
50
> the month before. He was asked to sing a song for children or a song that
> inspired him as a child. If Elton is not a Christian yet, and he may be,
he has heard the word and allowed himself to meditate on it.
**
Yes, Elton certainly does know many hymns from his childhood.
In England we were all brought up in the State Church (of England), which is
headed by the Queen, and had Assembly every morning before classes. We all
learned the most popular hymns (and there are hundreds!) so Elton would not only
know that hymn, but most of the Bible also.
Plus, I heard recently that he even went to Sunday school! Something few of our
generation did!
(Also, You should see the cross on the spire at his church in Pinner! It's
huge!!!!!! Can see it for miles! The tallest Cross I've ever seen on any
church, in the world!)
We all make
> mistakes and sin but we can all ask Jesus as our Savior to forgive our
past and future mistakes. Christians sin like everyone else. They are just
> forgiven!
**
Yes, but they are not expected to continue in that sin! After being forgiven by
Jesus we are told to, "Go and sin no more" Carnal Christians are not living by
the Spirit of the Lord, but by the "flesh"
It's not just a matter of believing in Christ, (since the devil also believes /
knows he's God's son) but as Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments"
Elton may know all *about* Jesus, but not actually have come to know Him
personally.
(deep on the inside)
> Elton was brought up with a Christian upbringing and hymns. The Bible
says
> to bring up a child in the way he should go and when he is older, he will
> not depart from it. So, it is no surprise that Elton has not forgotten
the Christian words and hymns from his childhood!
**That's true. He also probably suffers from feelings of guilt for the sins he
still commits.
(unless his heart is hardened to it and he's deceived by humanistic thoughts and
feelings)
> Abide With Me is an old hymn but Elton makes it sound new!
**Yes, he sings it beautifully. You should see him sing it on the Audience with
Elton John video! It's inspiring!
Also, Elton often says "God bless you" at the end of a concert, so I too believe
Elton knows and believes in God, but he just doesn't believe all of the Bible is
inspired by Him, or is interpreted correctly, I guess. (as many modern people
don't, these days)
If Elton is one of God's chosen (elect) then I'm sure the Shepherd will guide
him back on the right path, eventually, when Elton will not only walk with the
Lord, (in spirit and truth) but encourage others to also.
Elton said on an American interview last year, that he is also moved by Psalm
23 ('The Lord is my Shepherd') and doesn't know how anyone can read it without
being moved to tears. (as he is)
"Yea tho I walk through death's dark vale, yet will I fear no ill,
for thou art with me, and thy rod and staff they comfort still"
That's faith!!:-)
JackHandy wrote:
> Naaaa... it's just a song. You're reading too much into it. Elton played
> hymns as a child when he was learning how to play the piano because his
> father wouldn't allow rock n roll in the house.
**
I'm sure Elton didn't play hymns because he wasn't allowed to play any other
music. We do have a vast variety of wholesome tunes that Elton could have
played, instead. My grandmother was a pianist and a very "respectable" Edwardian
lady, but she played loads of tunes that were wholesome and cheerful. (and even
some more naughty ones, such as those they'd play in music halls)
Nah. Elton says he cries during some of these hymns, so it's much more than
just playing them for lack of anything else to play!! He is "moved" by
spirituals!!! Just like Elvis was.
> Someone also mentioned it's
> stated on the video the song comes from that it's sang before the football
> games when Watford plays. The kind of fervor you mention is probably
> something personal for you and not Elton. Elton sings every song he does
> with *feeling*. For instance, the song "Man" from Made In England is a very
> gospel sounding song that Elton sings with deep feeling but has nothing at
> all to do with religion.
>
> JackHandy
**
I disagree. The hymn "Abide with me" was played at some football games, but that
isn't why Elton cries when it's played. He's moved by the message, of course!!
Like thousands of other people are too.
"Deep calls to deep". "My sheep hear my voice" (and all that)
Elton has also said he loves churches, psalms and other spiritual music, so it's
goes deeper than that.
I leave it there.
In Christian Love,
Brenda
>
> "Don Grim" <grim...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:tbbvipb...@corp.supernews.com...
> >
> > Hear are the words from the hymn:
**(Which I've altered, a little, since a few of the words are wrong;-)
>
> > Abide With Me
> >
> > Written by William Monk and H.F. Lyte
> > Available on the album Carnival
> >
> > Abide with me, fast falls the eventide
> > The darkness deepens, Lord with me abide.
> > When other helpers fail and comforts flee
> > Helper of the helpless, O abide with me
> >
> > I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless
> > Ills have no weight and tears no bitterness
> > Where is death's sting, where, grave, thy victory
> > I triumph still if Thou abide with me
> >
> > Hold Thou thy cross before my closen eyes
> > Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies
> > Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee
> > In life, in death, O Lord abide with me
> > In life, in death, O Lord abide with me
AMEN!!! :-)
--
"We all shine on like the Moon & Stars & Sun" ~ Lennon
"All this talk of Jesus coming back to see us.." ~ Elton John/B.Taupin
http://www.angelfire.com/in2/harmony
An unusual journey. "From the end of the world, to your town" EJ/BT
Don Grim
Yes, but remember that ALL Christians still sin. We don't want
NonChristians to think they have to be perfect to be a Christian. With the
inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Christians sin less and are forgiven. Once
we ask Jesus as Savior, we should want to do things out of love more than
duty. God gives us the love and inspiration for what to do right. God, in
his word, wants us to be cheerful givers. Nothing lasts with duty. Look at
the Berlin Wall. It was not put up with love. Bernie Taupin's words put it
well: "I believe in Love, It's all we got. Everything crumbles sooner or
later but Love, I believe in Love." And, of course, God, in his word, is
Love!
We could talk more about this but we don't want to get too much off topic.
We and others can always reply more on Christianity by e-mail or at another
newsgroup.
Back to the subject of Elton, you and others have brought up many
interesting points where Elton has been aware of Christianity in different
ways. It will be his decision. I hope, someday, he will annouce his
Christianity like other entertainers, such as Cliff Richards.
JackHandy
somewhere. Why would Elton identify with a religion that rejects the essence
of his being as a "sin"? What you are "hoping" for will never happen.
Sometimes people can't see past the nose on their face, as the saying
goes...
JackHandy
"Don Grim" <grim...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:tc1l5uq...@corp.supernews.com...
Harmony
Don Grim wrote:
Harmony wrote:
> > Yes, but they are not expected to continue in that sin.
>
> Yes, but remember that ALL Christians still sin. We don't want
> NonChristians to think they have to be perfect to be a Christian. With the
> inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Christians sin less and are forgiven. Once
> we ask Jesus as Savior, we should want to do things out of love more than
> duty. God gives us the love and inspiration for what to do right. God, in
> his word, wants us to be cheerful givers. Nothing lasts with duty. Look at
> the Berlin Wall. It was not put up with love. Bernie Taupin's words put it
> well: "I believe in Love, It's all we got. Everything crumbles sooner or
> later but Love, I believe in Love." And, of course, God, in his word, is
> Love!
**Yes, I agree, but we also know that there are different forms of love.
Besides Eros (romantic) and Filial, (family) the real uniting eternal love is
Agape (Godly)
In Corinthians it spells out what real love is. Not a dependent need or lust for
another person. Coveting material things, but a love that is unselflish, humble,
non-jealous and positive. Eternal!
A lot of sins have been committed in the name of "Love" but ultimately
everything is judged by it's fruits.
Of course if one is a Christian, and has been forgiven, past, present and
future, one shouldn't continue in any major sin, such as drug or drink
addictions, adultery, stealing, etc. One will be so convicted by it that they
eventually reject it in their lives.
(or "He whom the Lord loves, he chastises")
As Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments" He doesn't say "you must
keep my commandments in order for me to love you" but that our love for God
should make us want to keep the rules. Elton sings "Abide with me" but Jesus
says, "Abide IN me" To do that, we must obey the spirit of truth and holiness
within, and reject everything that is not of God.
Of course we all start out as sinners, but as we surrender our own personal
wills and desires to God, we do things that are right and "holy". Even if we
are innocently deceived by something, we are shown it by the light, so that all
darkness and deception leaves us.
We are free from condemnation, through faith, and know that "all things work
together for good, for those who love God and are called to His purpose"
>
> We could talk more about this but we don't want to get too much off topic.
> We and others can always reply more on Christianity by e-mail or at another
> newsgroup.
**Yes, we could, but some of it can be discussed here, I think.
It's an important subject. (a matter of life and death to some)
>
> Back to the subject of Elton, you and others have brought up many
> interesting points where Elton has been aware of Christianity in different
> ways. It will be his decision. I hope, someday, he will annouce his
> Christianity like other entertainers, such as Cliff Richards.
**Yes, have Elton "come out of the closet" spiritually;-)
Then perhaps he can have a number one hit at Christmas, like Cliff did last
year!:-)
God bless,
Brenda
Note:
Here's a lesson from Rev.Jack Van Impe, which I think everyone should know:
http://www.angelfire.com/in2/harmony/hope.html