Comments on: Mercy’s Mark, RIP?

By: stan

stan — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:40:23 +0000

The list of gospel greats that smoked is as long as my ARM and I have a 37 sleeve and the names would stun you . Smoking is only now condemned in this modern age because we now know it is a cancer causing agent. Years ago this was not know now it is. Paul instructed Timothy to take wine for his stomach and his often infirmities and the lord Jesus drank wine at the last supper and how do we justify any judgement .I am sinful are you God will read of my sins at the judgement and yours too. Is book any group that smoked or chewed tobacco its not like they are flicking ashes or spitting on stage.I could give you another list as long as my other ARM of current artist that smoke or chew also. I know my blog is late but I didn’t want to leave it alone I have been singing for 34 yrs. And have seen a lot of things and have sang with many greats .Life is what it is life.

By: TLW

TLW — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 22:11:48 +0000

Glad to see that this topic finally ended. Hope everyone is enjoying a Peaceful Christmas time.

By: TLW

TLW — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 20:12:15 +0000

I think this little debate maybe needs to be taken somewhere else more private and you guys can work it all out in some other sand box. None of are perfect yet. It’s a shame to pick each other apart like this. My weakness may not be someone elses but mine may not be one you could outwardly see, but a weakness that keeps me from growing spiritually none the less. Aren’t we suppose to bear each other’s burdens in love? Bashing each othe does nothing to edify each other. And does this make us different from the unsaved we are suppose to be ministering too? As I said before this whole discussion is truly sad. Maybe it would be a good idea for it to end here. Let’s pray for one another. Life takes a lot of Grace to live day by day. I know I need that Grace and forgiveness each day. I know I need the caring support of my friends, family, and the spiritual leaders that I am submitted to, to make it through.
God Bless, And Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

By: Mark Crary

Mark Crary — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 04:45:03 +0000

Ok Pianoman, If you did’nt have any malicious intent towards Garry when you confessed his smoking to the world be a man and put your name behind what you say. This is truly sad. I hope the secular world does’nt read this. When MM really needed our support, we are nit-picking about this.To Pianoman and those who know Garry personaly, have you done anything this past week to encourage Garry? Talk is cheap. The original MM was the greatest quartet I have ever heard.

P.S. Pianoman-This is from Mark Crary

By: TLW

TLW — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 22:35:58 +0000

This whole discussion is truly sad.

By: dkd

dkd — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 21:05:12 +0000

Leave “Piano Man Alone”..he is entitled to his opinions and yes, GJ does smoke. I know GJ personally and the smoking can be a problem as sometimes you can smell it on his clothes. This is not to say that he is not a man of his convictions because I believe that he is. I see where the “Piano Man is coming from” I don’t think he is casting any aspersions towards Garry Jones personally.

By: Pianoman4JC

Pianoman4JC — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 08:16:59 +0000

Just didn’t want to overlook thanking PastorJohn (#28) for explaining it better and more concisely than I did.

And…thanks, KermitTheHermit (#50) for understanding my intent and helping to clarify things here.

By: KermitTheHermit

KermitTheHermit — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 02:49:47 +0000

I don’t think we need to jump to a conclusion that the Pianoman has any “underlying personal issue.” He made a statement. He apologized for saying anything offensive and clarified what he meant. I can now UNDERSTAND why he said what he said.
Any statement toward Jones or Pianoman or EACH OTHER should not be malicious and all therein are “un called for.”

back to the cave… i’ve got to pluck the feathers from my turkey.

By: FANOFSG

FANOFSG — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:36:16 +0000

to pianoman4jc: regardless of all your back stepping, your attack WAS malicious and un called for… and no, we are not a bunch of first graders… it’s obvious most comments were left by very intelligent individuals and you seem to be the only one who is NOT getting it. i know you must be disappointed you didn’t get the response you were hoping for. who are you to question Garry’s faith? have you walked a day in his shoes? regardless of what you say now, it was a very, very unGodly way to satisfy some underlying personal issues you have with Garry Jones..

By: Lynn

Lynn — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:25:27 +0000

Pianoman4JC…(#47)… “I personally don’t base MY decision to book or not to book based on the smoking issue.” Hum, are you a promoter or booking agent? What motive could you possibly have for starting this mess in the first place? Kind of makes you wonder doesn’t it?

By: Pianoman4JC

Pianoman4JC — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 22:50:00 +0000

PLEASE, people!! Some of you STILL don’t get it! Hello???

One more time, friends!!…I tried to FULLY explain again on my recent post (#39) that in my personal experience, sometimes artists or groups are not booked because of any particular reason which a promoter/pastor deems would “turn-off” or offend part of the audience. Personally, I feel that the smoking issue IS between the person who does…and his or her God. I personally don’t base my decision to book or not to book based on the smoking issue. One more time…I was ONLY stating that I know that it DOES matter to some promoters/pastors. Thus (I reiterate), some promoters/pastors WILL pass on certain artists/groups. In the big picture, those artists/groups may have a more difficult time obtaining/retaining bookings, and then the bottom line suffers. I am just stating simple facts here (with absolutely no malicious intent). I am getting the feelind here that I’m trying to explain things to a class of first-graders, and some are just not getting it!!!

Please read my post (#39) again.

P.S. I am extremely amazed at the feeding-frenzy this has caused. I am also amazed that, while I try clearly state my case, that my humble opinions are misconstrued and totally twisted by some. Could someone please pass me the asprin?!! This is getting ALL TOO ridiculous, because a lot of you know me, and KNOW that I’m a gentle, kind and compassionate individual.

Some of you didn’t read (#39). Please do.

I’m tired.

By: sgfan

sgfan — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 19:06:17 +0000

i comend you kermit, your writing abilities are awesome. i think what pianoman4jc needs to realize, when a fellow christian is down.. do we kick him? or as a follower of jesus, do we help him up??.. i really believe alot of people came to Garry’s defense simply because it appear as a vicious attack, which is absolutely unnecessary.. you do not know what Garry Jones and his family are going through… so we are asking that you leave well enough alone!

By: KermitTheHermit

KermitTheHermit — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 18:00:14 +0000

One of my “semi-issues” with the commentary on Avery’s posts always seems to be around the same point that just so happens to be illustrated in the comments preceding this one.

Christianity/SG fans represented by those who comment here have repeatedly said things like: “I guess the question to Pianoman would be when you searched your heart, how many sins did you find? I see you didnt post any so that must mean that you are sinless.” Why exactly does omission lead to us to judge? We have conversations like, “You judged. That’s a sin. I’m glad I am not you, cause you are obviously going to hell now. You make the baby Jesus cry.” Or even things like, “God will TOTALLY not forgive you until you tell everyone everything about your life, sin-history, and secret lustful desires. Oh, and we want your name, address, birth-date, and mother’s maiden name…otherwise you are a coward.”

I believe we need to ask ourselves why we feel the need to state such things. Why do we condemn someone because they themselves condemned someone? I don’t care if Garry Jones smokes. His music is great. MM is gifted. Enough said. Having or not having a nicotine stain on his index finger will NOT keep him from Heaven. Neither will that speeding ticket the lady with Indiana’s IN GOD WE TRUST license plate recently got on Indy’s 465.

My God is bigger than that. I suggest that we enjoy the music and leave Garry and so many others alone. If you have a need to pass judgment, volunteer at the 6th grade science fair and give away NO blue ribbons.

…back to my cave…

By: Lynn

Lynn — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:06:14 +0000

I have been reading this thread with great interest. I recently ran across
a study by Dr. Brian Allison that I feel (in christian love) would be beneficial for Pianoman4JC to read. Here is the link.

http://www.briceandbensa.com/StopJudging.htm

By: J Nelson

J Nelson — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:51:24 +0000

I guess the question to Pianoman would be when you searched your heart, how many sins did you find? I see you didnt post any so that must mean that you are sinless. I hope to meet you some day since I thought Jesus had already ascended. I think I know what Jesus would do…he would say you need to pray for forgiveness for backbitting against one of my children. Anytime we as christians say something negative about one of our own, it gives credence to the enemy. So if that is what you think builds up the kingdom, maybe you need to really take that flashlight and look inside your heart. God is a great big God and sometimes I think He must be so sick of all the petty things that we have against our church family. I am thankful this week that my God is a merciful God and all of us are striving to be more like Him.