Do these people realize that these alleged "quotes" were written long after his death by people who were not present when the "quotes" were originally made? I'll wager that they have no idea of this fact.

Peter,

If I'm not mistaken, Mathew and John were disciples of Jesus and actually walked with him.  True, they didn't write their gospels until 60 to 80 years after Jesus died.  Mark and Luke were both close to Paul (another disciple) and their information I suppose would be considered second hand.  That doesn't trouble me as I accept on faith that what they've written is inspired by God.

I know I've taken some light hearted shots for listening to the 'urgings of God' but I really do feel that he speaks to me in subtle ways.  I recall back in '98 when I'd been away from the church for a few years and I'd been feeling the want to go back.  It was a Saturday night and I went to bed with the idea that I'd get up and go riding in the morning before work.  I had a dream that night that I was in the home of a friend from back in my school days.  John and I were at his kitchen table, talking, just like we used too when we were in high school.  Anyway, in real life I hadn't seen John nor even thought much about him in over ten years as we no longer stayed in touch.  That morning I got up and decided that instead of riding I'd get my butt to the new church about a mile from my home.  I was overdue I felt and it just didn't seem right to be indulging in something so selfish when I needed to give some of my time to God.

I walked into the church and found a seat about a third of the way in toward the left.  I was one of about 800 people there that morning.  I sat there and read the bulletin and just sort of kept to myself feeling a little insecure about being someone new.  The service started and the pastor welcomed us and asked us to stand up and shake hands with those around us.  No problem...I greeted a couple people to my side and behind me...then I turned to my right and the dream I had forgotten about from the night before came flooding back to me as there was my friend, John, sitting five seats away.  I was surprised and very preoccupied with the last night's dream.  We greeted each other and I went and sat next to him. 

The service began and the first song we sang was a beautiful hymn, All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name, which has always been my favorite.  I knew then that I was where I was supposed to be and I've been going there ever since.  I didn't realize it at the time but Hosanna doesn't typically sing traditional hymns as we usually stay with more contemporary music.  So, for them to play that song was very unusual indeed.  I don't think they've sung it since.

Hosanna is an incredible church and unlike any I've ever attended.  I don't go around hitting people over the head with the name of Jesus but I don't hesitate to tell them about Hosanna and let the church work it's wonders in their lives.

Kevin g