The Great Search Remastered - Progressive Rock Opera 1:43:22
An intellectual man sets out to seek for something more than what life has offered him. In Part One, the world, the devil and even a prosperity preacher offer their substitutes for temporal happiness. Download .mp3
www.dropbox.com/s/p3i83efuqoczbi2/The%20Great%20Search%20Pt.%201%20Remastered.mp3?dl=0 Part 1 35:40
I) The Seeker's Nagging Conscience I always like to view myself a smart and thinking man, and look at things from every side, so I can understand. There’s more than just one shade of gray and more than give and take. I try to be objective in decisions that I make. I’ve confidence in all I do. I live with no regrets. I’m comfortable in knowing I can get what I can get. I just don’t understand why everybody’s not like me. If they had my perspective, they could be all they could be. I fought my way to great success no matter what it took. I learned the rules of being nice, then threw away the book. It really doesn’t matter much what others might believe. We all know our reality is what we can perceive. But there are rare occasions when I wonder and I muse why everything is as it is, but then I get confused. And I don’t like that feeling when those thoughts are in my mind. They make me feel accountable for something I should find. With all I have, with all I’ve done, there must be something more. I trust my intellect will know what I am searching for. I guess I’ll take a little time to conquer this terrain. I always like a challenge. It stimulates my brain. So, let’s see what the world’s to give in knowledge from the wise. The answer must be most profound to open up my eyes. II) The Psychologist Come on in, and lay right down, and tell me what you need. We have all kinds of therapies that may, in time, succeed. You know that you can trust us when you see all our degrees. No matter what our school of thought, we always aim to please. And even though we can’t read minds, we’re trained to do our best. So don’t put faith in more than just an educated guess. We have no power to heal you or offer any cure. We think we’re making progress, but we never can be sure. __________________________________ Were you a happy child? You carry secret fears. You’re acting out so much ‘cause of those chaotic years. Dysfunction rules your life. You never learned to cope. We’ll teach the skills you need, so we can give you hope! Or we might tell you that your past has no effect. Within you lies the power to accept what you reject. Choose Rogers, Freud or Jung or a hundred other ways. You’re bound to reach the end if you’re rich enough to pay. III) The Scientist We live our lives outside the box. Logic and theory make a good pair. Ever searching the key that unlocks the how, the why, the when and the where. Every question leads to another. Gaining reward from trying to prove our theories that will gain recognition and prove to the world that science is truth. Formulating, ever testing, hoping to stumble across that Big One: how everything came into existence. A scientist’s work is never done. ___________________________________ IV) The Great Deceiver a) Angel of Light? (A Talk with the Devil) 1 I am the one who’s given all you have. I am your savior at your command. I’ll give you anything your heart desires, for it’s been refined by the heat of my fire. So many think that I don’t exist, but just look around you, and see what they’ve missed. Take a look back, and you just can’t ignore I am the god you’ve been searching for. So many times, you have called on my power, and one of my angels was with you that hour. There’s so much you don’t know I can do. I bless those who are faithful and true. This world’s reached the point of no return, so many souls are bound to crash and burn. I can’t force anyone to follow me, but it’s funny what passes as morality. ___________________________________ b) Pleasureland Entertain me. Make me smile. Steal my troubles for a while. Show me needless sex and violence. Throw the Christians to the lions - Anything you can conjure up to occupy my mind, ‘cause life is kind of boring when it’s loving, chaste and kind. Give me pleasure. Make me feel good – so much better than we all should. Trick my heart, so I feel guiltless. Take away my moral compass. Sorry that you think the way we live is an affront, but there’s no cause to change ourselves. We all live only once. ___________________________________ c) Angel of Light? (A Talk with the Devil) 2 I inspire philosophers with endless thought, so I can make disciples of the fish they’ve caught . Karma is so overblown. We rarely reap what we have sown. And don’t let conscience rear its head. You won’t like where you’re being led. And overlook my bounded hands, ‘cause I’m a god, and you’re a man. ___________________________________ V) The Atheist I feel sorry for the fools living by their sacred rules from a book that claims to be the answer for humanity. You don’t want to hear their speech, “cause they don’t practice what they preach. They offend the rest of us who don’t believe “In God We Trust”. I have hope that we’ll survive, as long as logic stays alive. We are all there is. Wars and famines and disease – answer this one question please – Do you think He’ll save your souls when He seems to lack control? I know what is wrong and right. I don’t need a guiding light. We’re no more than what we choose. Play it smart, and you can’t lose. I’m still waiting for a sign. If not, then I’ll still be fine. I just ask for proof. ___________________________________ VI) The New Ager I'm centered by my yoga and aroma therapy so my biorhythms are in sync as perfect as they'll be. My guru says I need to breath in universal vibes. I never thought that I could learn the wisdom money buys. My rune stones give me healing strength. I meditate for hours. Between the "ommm"s and mantras I derive an awesome power. My beta waves, they bring me rest and calm in troubled times. My crystal ball and Ouija board alert me to the signs. So why am I so dead inside? This chasm's deep as it is wide I haven’t yet identified the way to lasting peace. Welcome to the New Age where everything's sublime. Just choose from many options, and convince yourself you're fine. Welcome to Utopia. We've everything you need to make your Heaven here on earth and set your conscience free. My angel's working overtime to keep me from despair, and I consult my horoscope so I'm always aware. My magnet bracelet balances the body and the soul I’m doing everything I can to fill this empty hole. I try to gain a knowledge through Tarot and I Ching when others seem to be so blind to such important things. And under self hypnosis I find out who I should be. And then my inner child goes out and hugs a tree. So, why am I so dead inside? It isn't like I haven't tried to climb the next plateau in life without the help of God. Welcome to the New Age where everything's sublime. Just choose from many options, and convince yourself you're fine. Welcome to Utopia. We've everything you need to make your Heaven here on earth and set your conscience free. I might have been a bit remiss in never trying Christ. Of all the things I practice, I was never that enticed. But now I see I need to put Him in His rightful place with Buddha, Dalai Lama and the others just in case. So why am I so dead inside? This chasm's deep as it is wide I haven’t yet identified the way to lasting truth. VII) Tickler of the Ears Welcome to our church. We’re glad to see you here! The things you’ve heard about us are bound to cause you fear. But you can take our word when we say you’ve been misled. We’ve overhauled our message ‘cause the old religion’s dead. So, you can rest assured everything we speak will be a revelation for the answers that you seek. No power of conviction will ever pass our lips: just blessings and good feelings are at your fingertips. See our lovely sanctuary. Gaze upon the crowd. We spared no expense to make our faithful members proud. Hear the reverend preach his sermon. God wants us to have anything our hearts desire. We just have to ask. But, of course, you have to give in order to receive. So empty out your pockets and you’ll prove that you believe. We don’t like to preach much else, or we might rock the boat. So tear away the pages from the Word that make you choke. We can’t believe God could allow a soul to Hell. Just do good works, and try to love, and you’ll do very well. Remember, we’re the only ones who accept you, as we must. We’ll never call a sin a sin, unless it’s against us. Reprises of Previous Sections Epilogue Seeker There’s so many paths to take, but none of them seem right. I’ve only touched the surface, but I have this urge to fight for something that is not from me or from the minds of men. I’ve gone too far to turn back now. This question has to end! Part Two (In 5 Pieces) 1:07:44 A true Christian witness explains the four divine characteristics of God Who offers eternal happiness. I) The Planted Seed 8:18 Download .mp3 www.dropbox.com/s/yx4g5p1ys1mi4ww/Part%20Two%20A%20EQd.mp3?dl=0 So you say you're curious;
receptive, but let down. You’ve tried with no success to reach the road to higher ground. You’ve learned that nothing in this world can bring you lasting joy. Your challenges are boring. You’re tired of your toys. You’ve lived life in denial. You’ve hidden from your doubts. But God’s the One who put in you the need to seek Him out. For such a clever man you’d think you’d solved the case by now. You want to know why you exist. I’ll tell you why and how. You’ve loved the world’s distractions. You’re tangled in its web. It’s been so hard to reach you with its logic in your head. It’s sad to know you could have had your answer all along. For deep inside you’ve always known what’s right and what is wrong. God’s given you free will to chose the path that you will take, but be prepared to answer to those choices that you make. Does it not make sense to you if you’re not satisfied with all the arguments you’ve heard, you have to search inside? You need to think outside the box and view reality as something new and different from what you want to see. I know that what I’m asking is difficult to chew. You’ve come this far, so don’t turn back. He has big plans for you! God has rewards beyond your dreams and power from on High He so much wants to give you if you’ll only let Him try. You’ll need to give up many things, but, oh, what all you’ll gain! There is no greater gift to give than when His Truth’s made plain. Made so plain. For you could be the richest man that ever walked the earth. And you could bask in pleasures that would smother you in mirth. You could live the lustful life that others wouldn’t dare and get your fill of everything and never be aware the greatest love to humankind is well within your grasp. And nothing else can take His place. You only have to ask. For God will do all that He can to draw you to Himself. He knows we’re only human, so He’s always there to help. Strip away the clutter of your ego’s selfish greed, and set your sites beyond this life. He’ll give you what you need. He could have left you on your own; left sin to take its toll. But He’s a God of mercy, and He wants to save your soul. He wants to be your Father, and you to be His son, adopted in his family of the faithful, righteous ones. Do you find it baffling, and do you find it odd – a personal relationship with your Almighty God? He longs for you to love Him. He sacrificed His Son so anyone could come to Him no matter what they’ve done. But if you think that Jesus was just a mortal man, Then disregard the prophecies before Christ’s life began. The only way to free the world was blood upon that cross. I pray you’ll see the consequence of ever being lost. So, as a humble servant I am here to lead the way. And then I leave it up to God Here’s what we have to say.. God is an awesome God. He reigns from Heaven above with wisdom, power and love. My God is an awesome God! (Variations on intro theme based on "Awesome God". Music by Rich Mullins 1988.) II) God Is Omniscient 15:55 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the grave, you are there. Psalm 139:1-8 “And He Himself existed before all things, and in Him all things are held together.” Colossians 1:17 Download .mp3 www.dropbox.com/s/ramh4akxv8e13ab/Omniscient%20EQd.mp3?dl=0 a) Divine Knowledge
Oh, the depths of wisdom and the knowledge of our Lord! His logic is unsearchable and cannot be ignored. He knows the number of the stars and calls them by their names. He counts the sparrow as it falls; aware of souls in pain. He hears our words and whispers. Our minds are open books. It’s not like we can fool Him with the way we act or look. His eyes are on the wicked. His eyes are on the good. He sees what we are doing wrong and what we know we should. God deals with us from where we are – our divine Confidant. He knows exactly what we need and sees just what we want. He gives us all according to His knowledge and desire. He knows what’s good or bad for us. His patience never tires. So when our hearts condemn us, it gives us hope to sing that God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything. __________________________________ He hears the prayers of searching souls and answers in His time. If they’re according to His will, all things will work out fine. He knows of our temptations, all our trials and our tears. He feels our love and anger, our emotions and our fears. He lets the devil scheme his schemes and knows how we’ll react. And if we fall into a hole, He’ll try to pull us back. He knows the hearts of those who’s works are only saving face, but sees ahead unto the time they’ll call upon His grace. He’s full aware of those who claim the savior as their Christ, but in the end will fall away, rejecting Jesus twice. To those who do not know Him, there’s nowhere they can hide. And God could not reward or judge until He saw what they decide. For even though He knows it all, He had to wait until He saw the lives of everyone to satisfy His will. b) The Eternal Plan The present, past and future is all the same to Him, but now until eternity He works with us within the boundaries of how we base our time upon the skies. Perception is the truth of the beholder’s eyes. God is. God ever was. And always shall God be the alpha and omega beyond our A to Z. A maker needs no maker. A spark of life; no spark. He’s always been the source of light in contrast to the dark. When God breathed into Adam the spirit of his being, He also breathed a consciousness that bore morality. And ever since that moment, God introduced the chance of humans disobeying His laws made in advance. Did God know what would happen? The answer’s in His Word. He foreordained the blood of Christ before He made the earth. He’s always shared His knowledge of what will be before. Prophecy, sweet prophecy is proof He is the Lord. __________________________________ So many want to doubt His Word – Don’t even take the time to look. And in their ignorance they say, “It’s just another storybook”. But scientific evidence is shedding more light all the time. The scripture vindicates itself. Its history can’t be denied. Then there are those familiar with the Bible and they feel it’s real, but still walk in the shadows so their sinful ways won’t be revealed. It doesn’t matter if our faith is living fire or stone cold dead. The prophecies that God’s proclaimed will come to pass just as He said. __________________________________ He’s known from the beginning how His perfect plan will end. Before there was an ancient time, He’s seen the where and when. The things that have yet to be done were counseled from the start that all may come unto His Son – the yearning of His heart. He’s given the provision for our sins to be erased when He spied the tragic lie that humankind embraced. He tries to draw us close to Him, but many will not see His hand that reaches out in love for all eternity. So cast away your idols and desires of no worth. Break away the shackles that bind you to this earth. I’ll share my testimony with any who will hear, and let them know He knows them, and still He holds them dear. III) God Is Omnipresent 16:24 ”If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.” Psalm 139:8-10 Download .mp3 www.dropbox.com/s/poceedrmynpoqtq/Omnipresent%20EQd.mp3?dl=0 Some believe there is no God;
that life came from a single cell. But any way you look at it, that point of view needs proof as well. It seems that science wars with God, but quite the opposite is true, for God ever reveals himself. It’s man that needs to find the clues. Our mortal minds can't comprehend the things we cannot touch or see. I understand the problem caused by God’s invisibility. But those who know Him know He’s real at any time in all affairs. He’s always present in their lives. In time and space, you’ll find Him there. God is Spirit. God is divine. Yet if you look, then you will find and realize the wondrous ways He’s in your life from day to day. So come out of your comfort zone and let Him prove we’re not alone. A step of faith is all He needs to let Him help you see what He wants you to see. Throw math out the window. Each part of God is whole. He cannot be divided – can’t disunite their roles. Nor can He be multiplied. The thought would be remiss. You cannot make the infinite greater than it is. He does not fill the universe like water fills a glass. And though He isn’t “in” them, He shapes every blade of grass. You could say His spark of life’s in every living form, but we worship the Creator and not the thing He’s borne. ”I am everywhere - both near and far, in heaven and on earth. There are no secret places where you can hide from me”, says the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:22,23 _________________________________ Our prayers are the lifeline to heaven's holy throne. We can’t perceive the Father by intellect alone. The Spirit hears the Father’s voice and guides us on our way. He keeps us moving forward, as long as we obey. And when He moves and fills us, we know from where it comes. Emotion has its place, but our thoughts will be as one. We learn this through experience, and we don’t have to look for reasons to explain away the marvels of His Book. _________________________________ His body has its members, and each of them their gifts. But if they do not use them, We’ll see His church eclipse. It’s a wonder God can use us with all our human flaws. And it’s only through obedience our effect can prove His cause. His Spirit lives within me, with all my sins and lusts. The paradox is staggering, so I just had to trust. The battle of the natures rages in our hearts and minds. But one by one, God does His best in saving humankind. ___________________________________ He’ll always meet you where you are. It’s up to you how close or far. And when His light starts growing dim, it’s you who’s walked away from Him. He’ll always want what’s best for you. He swears by His own Word that’s true. He want to help your spirit shine to let the world know “You are Mine!” ___________________________________ God’s presence is continuous for any who believe in Him. His promise is a guarantee His Spirit will reside in them. A child hangs on every word their father speaks in great concern. They know they will be comforted, while often falling as they learn. He lifts us up when we repent as though we’d never gone astray, forgiving every single sin and hearing every prayer we pray. Our righteousness was bought with blood. Eternity – a gift of grace. The faithful to the end await the day they’ll see Him face to face. ___________________________________ God is Spirit. God is divine. Yet if you look, then you will find and realize the wondrous ways He’s in your life from day to day. So come out of your comfort zone and let Him prove we’re not alone. A step of faith is all He needs to let Him help you see what He wants you to see. God is Spirit. God is divine. You never know what you will find when you let go and realize that you just thought that you were wise. But so much more’s within your reach - His wisdom that He wants to teach. He deals with each in their own way. I pray He’ll heal your searching soul today! For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8,9 IV God Is Love 10:53 “ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 Download .mp3 www.dropbox.com/s/8o5cvvzn6utsrca/Love.mp3?dl=0 Download .m4a
www.dropbox.com/s/ko2ww6bukj25v4f/Love.m4a?dl=0 His love has bought us freedom.
His love has brought us choice. He could have made us puppets, but instead He hears our voice. He’s patient with rebellious hearts; forgiving of our sins. His pity on our human plight’s drawn hopeless souls to Him. And when we turn our back on Him but faithfully repent, He’ll be there with an outstretched hand as if we’d never left. For God desires none be lost and all may see the light. And that is why He gave His Word- the book of wrong and right. God’s love – is free to all. God loves – those drowned in tears. God loves – the great and small. God loves – those plagued with fears. God loves – the strong and weak God loves - those caught deceived. God loved – would you believe Adam and Eve? When God’s great test of human faith went terribly awry, the garden gates were shut. Re-entry was denied. He gave them all they’d ever want, but still they wanted more. Since then nothing’s changed in what we’re searching for. And even then as mortals, tilling cursed ground, God’s mercy gave them hope salvation could be found. As they learned their lesson and put confidence in Him, we also know He’s there when we confess our sins. ________________________________ God is our Father and knows what is best. To challenge our trust, He puts us through tests. Allowing the tempter to give us a fight and see if we’ll turn to the darkness or light. If ever we leave like the Prodigal’s son, how God must grieve after all He has done. For He cannot help what we bring on ourselves, but It brings Him great joy when we learn when we fail. _______________________________ Victory, sweet victory. You try and hide. He’ll see inside and work upon your heart and mind. Even the blind can truly see. Sweet, sweet victory. _______________________________ You never were that interested in finding inner peace. You’ve lived life on the surface and ignored the chaos underneath. ________________________________ You always tried to tell yourself that life was left to chance. You never thought that He could change the outcome of events. Did everything to force your will to satisfy your lusts. Your hunger became ravenous. Your lips have tasted dust. But when His Holy Spirit moves upon your aimless heart, Then the power of His love gives you a brand new start. ________________________________ You can be freed by the blood of the Lord, and where sin abounds, grace abounds more. But that doesn’t mean you can do as you please, ignoring His voice when your mind disagrees. At times it will seem that He isn’t fair, but in His chastisements, His love is still there. He knows where you’re going if you’ll just let go, returning His love. Let the whole world know! _____________________________ His love brings others comfort. His love can sooth their needs, And that is why I spread the Word and try to plant a seed - that some will come to know Him; that some may finally see that Jesus is the path to Truth wherever they may be. And if they turn their back on me, I walk away and pray that God will still continue to speak another day. Just look back on the chances He’s given you and I, and thank Him for His mercy come through His Son divine. God’s love – is free to all. God loves – those drowned in tears. God loves – the great and small. God loves – those plagued with fears. God loves – the rich and poor. God loves – sinners and saints God loves – the base and the wise. God’s love is Christ. God’s love – is all around. God’s love – it lives within me. God’s love – if I obey God’s love – what has been taught me. God’s love – then all will see God’s love – I am the real thing. God’s love – so He may reap God’s love – the love I’m sowing. V) God Is Omnipotent 16:19 In the Son is the sole expression of the glory of God and the very image of God’s nature, upholding, maintaining, propelling and guiding the universe by His mighty word of power... Hebrews 1:3a Download .mp3 www.dropbox.com/s/vr8qbpj7ocgjw10/Omnipotent%20Remastered.mp3?dl=0 a) God’s Sovereignty and Man’s Free Will
They say that God’s a tyrant just playing with our minds – No more than sheer amusement. A way to pass His time. They talk about the wars and all the people that have died and wonder how a God of love can sit off to the side. When Lucifer’s rebellion cast him to the ground, God left him with some powers, that none are safe and sound. For ever since the garden, we’ve seen what sin can change what God had first intended. We’ve never been the same. But long before the earth was formed. a plan was set in place to bring salvation to the world, transcending time and space. So any who believe in Him may live eternally. No pain. No tears. No death. No sin – just peace and harmony. _____________________________ The Almighty Creator tied His hands behind His back and gave us all free will, so that we could react. But the law of His nature is the nature of His will, and His will shall be accomplished though our choices are still real. We can love or reject Him - we can do as we please. We can try to ignore Him or get down on our knees. We can postulate theories and argue till we’re blue – Can God create a rock so large He can’t even move? How foolish we all are to think that we can solve and ask such foolish questions where God’s logic is involved. Left to our devices none ever would be saved, but He understands our limits and has offered us His grace. You are the potter Lord, and we are your clay. Shape us any way you like, and lead us on our way. Have mercy on our souls. Help our hearts stay near 'till that glorious day when all answers will be clear. ___________________________________ He has a plan for everyone. He works behind the scenes. His influence is everywhere. He has the ways and means. He opens doors and puts up walls. To some He hints. To some He calls. Sometimes His power’s so evident, it can’t be mere coincidence. If you have ever seen Him heal, you’ve known the heart divine that feels. There’s times He cannot intervene, because our lack of faith is seen. You might cross paths with someone who will have a deep effect on you. Or you may see a tragedy and think, “That just could have been me!” Sometimes we plot our little schemes – “There’s nothing wrong with hopes and dreams.” Then suddenly our course will shift and cause our boat to hit a rift. He’ll use divine persuasion when He wants to bring us back to Him, allowing tribulation when communication’s wearing thin. And if we still refuse to move and prove we’ve walked away from Him, He has an infinite supply of options to restore His plan. He wants to see the outcome of the demonstrations of His love. Will you curse your God above, or will you see His will? He’s watching. Will you see His will? He’s waiting. Will you see His will? b) God’s Judgment God has offered Truth, but, you’ve bought into the lies. You’ve built up your own tower, so your hands can touch the skies. You’ve sensed the rules but broken them. You’ve lived your life your way. But every thought you’ve had will be openly displayed. He gives more chances than the worst of sinners should expect. But even He has limits if you finally reject. There’s no way He can force you to decide to take His path. Believe me, He’s the least of all who wants to show His wrath. So many people in this life don’t get what they deserve. What kind of God would He be if their sentence wasn’t served? He’s patient as you fool yourselves. He does all He can do. So you can trust His judgments will be just and fair and true. I tell you, He’s a God of love, and yet a God who knows no evil heart can enter in the gates of Heaven’s throne. The faithful groan in waiting for all peace to be restored. The remainder will be banished from the presence of the Lord. But He always saves a remnant of those who hear His voice. And every time a soul is saved, the heavens will rejoice. Sometimes He’s had to sacrifice to have His will be done. Yes, even when He had to give His one and only Son. His one and only Son. ___________________________________ Christian Witness So, what do you think? Seeker You are the potter Lord, and I am your clay. Shape me any way you like, and lead me on my way. Have mercy on my soul! Help my heart stay near, for on this glorious day My answer’s been made clear! |