Because He Dropped His Seed...

Because He Dropped His Seed…

By Charles H. Perkins

I recently had a conversation with a group of men who were very angry and bitter toward their fathers. They were trying to overcome “daddy issues as a result of having absentee fathers. When they heard that my father was not in my life, they were surprised to learn that I did not share their sense of anger, bitterness, hatred and abandonment. I wasn’t carrying a load of “daddy issues” around inside me. Over almost seven decades of life, I’ve made many life choices. Some good…some not so good. But, they were my choices. They were choices that I would not have had the chance to make, life I would not have had the chance to live had my father not dropped his seed.

Because he dropped his seed, I got to know my extraordinary mother.

Because he dropped his seed, I had the opportunity to play music and entertain people half way around the world a few times.

Because he dropped his seed, I met and married the love of my life.

Because he dropped his seed, I have a son, a daughter and a grand-daughter that I truly love and all of whom love me.

I have some great relationships with friends and relatives. I have met, shared with and learned from some most interesting people over the years all because he dropped his seed.

Because he dropped his seed, I am able to experience God’s tremendous love for me.

Because he dropped his seed, I have shared the gospel of Jesus Christ here in this country and through my websites, on every continent except Antarctica.

Most importantly, because he dropped his seed, I have eternal life in Jesus Christ.

How could I possibly be angry and bitter toward him? Without him, I would not have had this life that I have enjoyed so much. Do I wish we could have known each other and spent time doing the father/son thing? Of course I do. I would love to have known my father. When I heard that he had died, it was very painful. It didn’t hurt because of the loss of a father who had never been involved in my life. It hurt because of the loss of the opportunity for him to ever be in my life. Once he died, any chance to get to know him was gone. That hurt. There was disappointment. But, anger…bitterness? No. He did not give me time, or involvement, but, he did give me the most important thing. He gave me life. HE GAVE ME LIFE!!! And for that, I will always love him and be grateful to him because I have had a great life to date. …All because he dropped his seed. Thank you, Pops.

Words Of Love

After being beaten, spat upon, having His beard ripped out, insulted and many other forms of torture, Jesus was nailed to a cross and crucified. There, hanging on the cross, in the hours leading up to His death, Jesus spoke words of love.

From deep within a sense of pain, isolation and anxiety such as no human had ever experienced before and no one has experienced since, Jesus cried out, “My god, My God…Why have You forsaken Me?” At that moment, Jesus took the sin of the world, our sin, upon Himself because He loved us. At that moment, Jesus began to pay the price for our sin, a price that we could not pay…Because He loved us. At that moment, Jesus subjected Himself to momentary separation from the Father because the Father will not look upon sin…Because He loved us. He cried out to God, “Why have You forsaken Me?” so that we would never have to cry it out…Because He loved us…Words of love.

As the people gather around the cross to watch Him die, as they continued to ridicule Him, He said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do?” Through His great love and compassion, He called for forgiveness even though through ignorance, the people didn’t even know they needed to be forgiven. They had been convinced that they were doing right. That’s the way sin often is, deceptive. Jesus loves us enough to forgive us even when we are too blinded by the lure of sin to know we are lost. He loves even when, through our pride, we refuse to acknowledge our need for forgiveness. He forgives us when even through our self- righteousness, we refuse to accept His forgiveness. “Father, forgive them…” Words of love.

As He hung on the cross in the heat of the day, “I thirst” were the words He was heard to say. When He expressed His thirst, He was giving us an example. This thirst was not just for water. It was a thirst for righteousness; a thirst for God; a thirst for right relationship with the Father; a thirst for the Word of God; a thirst for eternal life. These are just some of the things He was encouraging us to thirst for. It is a thirst that only God’s love can quench…Words of love.

Two thieves were crucified with Jesus. One ridiculed Him and the other asked for forgiveness and to be remembered by Him. Jesus said to him, “This day, you shall be with me in paradise.” By these words, Jesus let us know that as long as we have breath, it is never too late to seek God’s love and forgiveness. While hanging on a cross, a life-long criminal received eternal life through Jesus Christ. He let us know that hope is always there. We can always turn around. We can always run to the shelter of His love. He died to pay the price of our sin. It is up to us to accept the gift of the price that He paid: Eternal Life. The thief did…Word of love.

He looked down from the cross and saw His mother, Mary, among those gathered around. He also saw one of His disciples, one that He loved. He said to her, “Woman, behold your son.” And to the disciple He said, “Son, behold your mother.” The Word tells us that from that day on, the disciple looked after Mary as his own mother. With these words, Jesus is encouraging us to look out for one another, to help and encourage one another. Comfort and love one another. Forgive one another. Meet one another’s needs…Words of love.

“It is finished” is what He said. The price was paid. The final sacrifice for our sin was made. He paid the price that we could not pay…Words of love.

“Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” His last Words on the cross shows us that the door to eternal life with the Father has been opened. He is the door. We go in through Him…Words of love.

On The One...

I was talking to a young brother the other day and he asked me about my influences in music. We also talked about how I felt about going on stage, how I prepared and so on. I hadn’t thought about these things in quite a while. As we talked, I compared what I did as a musician to what I do as a minister.

My musical influences were varied. At 4 years of age, I saw Sammy Davis, Jr. and from that point on, I wanted to be an entertainer. Around 7 or 8, I heard Albert Ammons play “Swannie River Boogie” and Erskin Hawkins play “After Hours” and I wanted to play piano so that I could play those songs. I learned how to play piano, but, never really learned to play those songs. From watching Little Richard and Victor Borge, I saw that it was possible to be entertaining and funny while playing piano. Listening to Ramsey Lewis taught me how to arrange for small groups and to make them sound larger and fuller as well as how to get the most out of each instrument in the group. I learned chording from Horace Silver. Though he wasn’t a piano player, Mongo Santamaria was a tremendous influence as I picked up on his conga rhythms and translated them to piano. From Ray Charles and Nina Simone, I learned how to go beyond just playing a song or reading a poem. I learned to tell the story in the music and poetry.

These influences added to my own thoughts on music, entertainment and leading bands produced Charles Perkins the musician and entertainer. I practiced to improve my craft. As often as I practiced, I don’t ever remember practicing one time to be bad or lousy on stage. I always practiced to give a good performance, so I always went on stage assuming that most of the audience would enjoy the show. After all, that’s what I practiced for. I was never intimidated by who went on before me or after me. I knew that there were pianists who were better than me and groups that were better than mine, but, when I went on stage, none of that mattered. When I went on stage, the stage was mine. I always figured that if I did the work at practice, I would get the reward of a good show on stage. That’s why I never needed drugs to play. Playing WAS my high. I had fun on stage. My band had fun playing with me. The audience had fun being a part of what we experienced together.

When I performed, it was all about my preparation, my skills, my performance, my confidence in my abilities. I knew that if I brought it to the stage like I was supposed to, everybody would go home happy. When I became a minister, it was no longer about me and my talent. When I go to preach, or teach a Bible study, I still prepare as much or more than I did playing music. But now, it’s not about my preparation. It’s not about my ability to preach or teach. I don’t have to “win” an audience over or come up with a “hook”. I don’t even have to convince anyone that what I am saying is true. In fact, there is absolutely no pressure on me at all. When I share God’s Word, IT’S GOD’S WORD!!! It’s not my word. I did not write the Bible. He did through His chosen prophets. All I have to do is correctly deliver it and He does the rest. Preaching and teaching God’s Word is the easiest thing I have ever done.

First of all, I have total confidence in God and His Word. It’s no longer about self-confidence. I believe His Word to be true, so, I not under pressure to prove it. He does the convincing by His Spirit not by my delivery. Like in music, I don’t get intimidated by who goes on before or after me. It doesn’t matter if it is bishop so and so, pastor whoever, reverend righteous or the pope. I am not in competing with them. When it is my turn to speak, I have to say what God has given me to say. Besides, I figure if we are all ministers, then we are all supposed to be about the same purpose: Bringing people closer to God. I loved music and I loved playing it. I love God’s Word and sharing it more. Being an entertainer fulfilled a desire. Being a minister fulfills a purpose. In sharing God’s Word, I still get to use the music and poetry in me. I am more creative now than I have ever been. As an entertainer, I always tried to do my thing. As a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I always try to do His will.

Just as I had many influences in entertainment, I have many influences in the Bible. I read how people like Joseph, Job, Ruth, Daniel and others continued to grow in their faith through their trials. I read how Paul, John, Peter and others continued to spread the gospel in spite of the obstacles and persecutions that came their way. So, I will continue to share God’s Word, continue to grow in my faith in and love for the Lord. As an entertainer, I tried to make sure that when I came off the stage, I had given my all. When it comes to God and His Word, when all is said and done, I do hope that I will have given my all.

My Music, His Ministry

I was talking to a young brother the other day and he asked me about my influences in music. We also talked about how I felt about going on stage, how I prepared and so on. I hadn’t thought about these things in quite a while. As we talked, I compared what I did as a musician to what I do as a minister.

My musical influences were varied. At 4 years of age, I saw Sammy Davis, Jr. and from that point on, I wanted to be an entertainer. Around 7 or 8, I heard Albert Ammons play “Swannie River Boogie” and Erskin Hawkins play “After Hours” and I wanted to play piano so that I could play those songs. I learned how to play piano, but, never really learned to play those songs. From watching Little Richard and Victor Borge, I saw that it was possible to be entertaining and funny while playing piano. Listening to Ramsey Lewis taught me how to arrange for small groups and to make them sound larger and fuller as well as how to get the most out of each instrument in the group. I learned chording from Horace Silver. Though he wasn’t a piano player, Mongo Santamaria was a tremendous influence as I picked up on his conga rhythms and translated them to piano. From Ray Charles and Nina Simone, I learned how to go beyond just playing a song or reading a poem. I learned to tell the story in the music and poetry.

These influences added to my own thoughts on music, entertainment and leading bands produced Charles Perkins the musician and entertainer. I practiced to improve my craft. As often as I practiced, I don’t ever remember practicing one time to be bad or lousy on stage. I always practiced to give a good performance, so I always went on stage assuming that most of the audience would enjoy the show. After all, that’s what I practiced for. I was never intimidated by who went on before me or after me. I knew that there were pianists who were better than me and groups that were better than mine, but, when I went on stage, none of that mattered. When I went on stage, the stage was mine. I always figured that if I did the work at practice, I would get the reward of a good show on stage. That’s why I never needed drugs to play. Playing WAS my high. I had fun on stage. My band had fun playing with me. The audience had fun being a part of what we experienced together.

When I performed, it was all about my preparation, my skills, my performance, my confidence in my abilities. I knew that if I brought it to the stage like I was supposed to, everybody would go home happy. When I became a minister, it was no longer about me and my talent. When I go to preach, or teach a Bible study, I still prepare as much or more than I did playing music. But now, it’s not about my preparation. It’s not about my ability to preach or teach. I don’t have to “win” an audience over or come up with a “hook”. I don’t even have to convince anyone that what I am saying is true. In fact, there is absolutely no pressure on me at all. When I share God’s Word, IT’S GOD’S WORD!!! It’s not my word. I did not write the Bible. He did through His chosen prophets. All I have to do is correctly deliver it and He does the rest. Preaching and teaching God’s Word is the easiest thing I have ever done.

First of all, I have total confidence in God and His Word. It’s no longer about self-confidence. I believe His Word to be true, so, I not under pressure to prove it. He does the convincing by His Spirit not by my delivery. Like in music, I don’t get intimidated by who goes on before or after me. It doesn’t matter if it is bishop so and so, pastor whoever, reverend righteous or the pope. I am not in competing with them. When it is my turn to speak, I have to say what God has given me to say. Besides, I figure if we are all ministers, then we are all supposed to be about the same purpose: Bringing people closer to God. I loved music and I loved playing it. I love God’s Word and sharing it more. Being an entertainer fulfilled a desire. Being a minister fulfills a purpose. In sharing God’s Word, I still get to use the music and poetry in me. I am more creative now than I have ever been. As an entertainer, I always tried to do my thing. As a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I always try to do His will.

Just as I had many influences in entertainment, I have many influences in the Bible. I read how people like Joseph, Job, Ruth, Daniel and others continued to grow in their faith through their trials. I read how Paul, John, Peter and others continued to spread the gospel in spite of the obstacles and persecutions that came their way. So, I will continue to share God’s Word, continue to grow in my faith in and love for the Lord. As an entertainer, I tried to make sure that when I came off the stage, I had given my all. When it comes to God and His Word, when all is said and done, I do hope that I will have given my all.

Reflections Of An Old Preacher

Occasionally, some young people will comment that I don’t look my age. They say that I look younger than I am or, that I have a somewhat youthful appearance for someone my age. What they see in me is not a “youthful” appearance. I don’t look “young” for my age. Personally, I haven’t used the words “youth” or “young” in reference to me in many years. I think I remember being around when dirt was named. No, “young” is definitely not what they see in me. What they mistake for “youth” is actually joy. The joy that I have in my love for the Lord and His love for me totally lights up my life. The joy I have in loving my wife continually grows. The joy that comes from the love of my children and my grandchild is unsurpassed. I have no desire to be young again. The joy that I have supersedes anything that youth has to offer. Youth understands happiness. Youth doesn’t understand this type of joy. Happiness is circumstantial and temporary. Joy rises above circumstances and reaches into the eternal. Romans 8:35-39 tells me that nothing can separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. The longer I live, the more I learn to love and the more joy I have. Youth was cool, but, this is better.

I have been asked many times why I am a Christian and “aren’t all religions the same anyway?” I will start with the second part of that a question. “Aren’t all religions the same?” I guess in some ways, all religions are the same. But, obviously, there are some differences or there would not be so many of them. Basically, the Bible teaches of the creation of mankind by God; the fall of man, leading to a fallen or sin nature and the need of a savior to redeem fallen man, to restore mankind’s right relationship with God in order to spend eternal life with Him. The Old Testament speaks of the creation, the fall and the promise of redemption through a coming Mesiah or anointed one. The New Testament speaks of Jesus as being that One. His plan of redemption was carried out on a cross. He paid the price for our sin by being crucified on a cross. And that is why I am a Christian. The CROSS!!!

If it were possible to earn eternal life by good works or reincarnation as is taught by most religions, then Jesus would not have had to go to the cross. If all it took to get to Heaven was being a good nice person, going to church, paying tithes, singing in the choir or just being a part of any of the world’s great religions, then Jesus would not have had to go to the cross. If there were any other way for salvation to come to mankind, then Jesus would not have had to go to the cross. I can’t get past the cross to any other religion. The cross is what sets Christianity apart from any other religion. If God loved me enough to send His Son to die for me in order to pay a price for my redemption that I could not possibly pay, how can I not love Him in return. No other religion offers that. Every other religion says that I have to work my way into salvation. Jesus did it for me at the cross. I have never heard of any other god saying the phrase “I love you.” I hear “Jesus loves you” all the time. And He demonstrated the ultimate proof of His love for me at the cross. Why would I not be a Christian?

Sometimes I am asked what denomination I am. Whose doctrine do I follow and so on. When I was a child, I heard about God and His love for me and I believed. I didn’t know what to believe, I just believed in God. My mother taught me a little prayer and I said it. No one in my family went to church, so, I asked mom if I could go and she would let me walk to the church around the corner from our home. I don’t know what denomination the church was. I didn’t even know the word “denomination” at that time. I just went. I was about 9 or 10 at the time. Later, at the age of 13, I became Catholic as a result of going to a Catholic school. I grew to love Catholicism and over the next ten years studied as much as I could about it. As a Catholic, I could not relate to Protestants spiritually.

In time, there were some things that lead me away from the Catholic church and away from church all together. For about fifteen years I didn’t go to church at all. I still believed in God. I still believed in Jesus as my Savior, I just didn’t want anything to do with organized religion. So…no church. I started reading the Bible and I came to the conclusion that there was no such thing as a lone ranger Christian. God wants us to fellowship with one another. Since Catholicism was out, I started going to a Protestant church. As a Protestant, I could not relate to Catholics spiritually.

Within Protestantism, there are a number of denominations. They all have doctrines that are a little different from each other, so, if I were to choose one, I couldn’t relate to the others spiritually.

All of this defining and refining of beliefs within Christianity never seemed quite right to me. So, I went to the source: The Bible. As I continued to study the Word, I find things like Jesus saying, “By this will they know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”(John 13:35). There is nothing about being Catholic or Protestant. There is nothing about being Baptist, Methodist or any other denomination or none denomination, for that matter. If you read the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament, you will find that it is only about loving God and each other. Romans 10: 9-10 says, “…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:13 says, “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Again, no mention of being Catholic, Protestant or any other man made distinction.

I don’t have a problem with people being Catholic, Protestant, conservative, liberal, right wing, left wing or no wing. Be where you feel you can best glorify God. What I have found though, is that I can only truly relate to people who look like me. If you love the Lord more than you love your Catholic doctrine, then you look like me. If you love the Lord more than you love your particular Protestant denomination, then you look like me. If you love the Lord more than you love your pastor, your bishop, your pope or any other leader that you might have, then you look like me. If you love the Lord more than you love you race, nationality, culture, political belief or gender, then you look like me. If the Lord Jesus Christ is first in your life far and above all else, then you look like me and we can relate spiritually.

So, what am I? Simply a Christian. The book of Ephesians describes the Christian Church as the “Body of Christ”. The book of Colossians describes Jesus and the Head of the body. The Head doesn’t have multiple bodies. Just as your personal head has only one body (I hope), the Head of the Church only has one “body.” All who have accepted Jesus as Lord of their lives and believe in His resurrection are part of His “body.” I fellowship with a local congregation. I am on the rolls there as a member. While I fellowship at this local congregation, I am truly a member of the world-wide Body of Christ. So, I understand that any Christian anywhere in the world who loves Jesus more than anything else, is my brother, my sister. We are part of the same body. We can get along.

I used to be a young preacher, now I am an old one (well, older, anyway). I am full of the joy of the Lord. I continually renew my mind in His Word. I am blessed to be able to share that joy and Word with others as the Lord gives the opportunity. I have shared with both Catholics and Protestants, conservatives & liberals, right wing and left wing, varied races and political views. So far, it’s been great. I look forward to making many more memories in the Lord. Sometimes, we old preachers reflect over our lives to see how we came to think as we do. This was one of those times for this old preacher.