Measuring Time…Mar. 8th

When we talk in terms of ‘time,’ we don’t typically have trouble keeping track of seconds, minutes, hours or days. We can measure the hours in a day, the days in a week, the weeks in a month and the months in a year. It’s no trouble to even measure the years in a decade, century or millennium. You might say we’ve gotten pretty good at measuring time.

Then again, maybe we’ve out smarted ourselves. Perhaps the measure of time we’ve packed into a 12-month calendar has made our life over simplified. Don’t misunderstand, I have a calendar that is synchronized with my Google calendar (I know, two calendars is an accident waiting to happen, and sooner or later I’ll be double booked). But if we’re honest with ourselves, we all are trying to measure time. Peter wrote (2nd Peter 3:8) the following regarding God’s measurement of time, “…do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day.” So would you be willing to give over such a critical part of your life? Do you understand and appreciate Who holds your daily, weekly, monthly, and annual calendar? Perhaps we need a reminder concerning the One who truly understands…”Measuring Time.”

“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15

Sunday morning, Mar. 8, 2015

The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“We Bow Down” – 577

What words describe your posture when it comes to worship? Are you ‘sitting alone at eve,’ or do you ‘stand in awe?’ Perhaps you are more humble in the presence of the Father. Would that we all say…‘we bow down and worship You Lord.’

“As the Life of a Flower” – no book

Written over a hundred years ago, this spiritual song has been sung at numerous funerals. That’s understandable, especially as we conclude the chorus, ‘…so the years glide away, and alas, we must die.’ But don’t miss the message of time from this old ‘psalm.’ Referencing the 15th verse of 103rd Psalm notice the parallel, “As for a man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. When the wind has passed over it, it is no more…” “As the life of a flower, as a breath or a sigh, so the years that we live as a dream haste by; true, today we are here, but tomorrow may see just a grave in the vale, and a memory of me.” We must never forget that it is God who measures our time.

“The Love of God” – 133

Only singing the first verse, notice the vast depth of God’s love. As we sing, notice the description of how difficult it is to comprehend the love of God; “The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen could ever tell. It goes beyond the highest star and reaches to the lowest hell…O love of God, how rich and pure, how measureless and strong!”

“A Hill Called Mount Calvary” – 373

Made famous by the Gaither family, this song turns our hearts to the cross as we remember the Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. We believe “…in a hill called Mount Calvary. (We) I’ll believe whatever the cost; and when time has surrendered and earth is no more, (we’ll) I’ll still cling to the old rugged cross.” Did you notice that last line, ‘and when time has surrendered…’ We have no measurement of time, and no one knows when it will come to an end. We can only know/control this one thing, that ‘when time has surrendered, and earth is no more’ we will either be clinging to the old rugged cross…or we won’t. The choice is yours.

“Be Still and Know” – 31

“Be still and know that I am God!” A direct quote from Psalm chapter 46, verse 10 as the Psalmist wrote, “Cease striving (let go, relax…be still) and know that I am God.” Perhaps we shouldn’t worry so much about measuring this life (or our own) and leave that detail up to God.

“Heaven Came Down” – 517

Do you remember the day you were baptized? Do you remember how old you were? My ‘day of salvation’ came on a Tuesday night in 1976. We worshiped at the 1st Street church of Christ in Dumas, Texas where we held one of our annual gospel meetings. To quote the song, “My sins were washed away, and my night was turned to day…Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!” Today, we will appropriately conclude with the third verse, “Now I’ve a hope that will surely endure after the passing of time…” Thanks be to God, He is measuring my time.

“In the Land of Fadeless Day” – 890

We are singing lots of scripture when we sing this psalm. Notice the reference to the city four-square, the gates of pearl and the streets of gold. Even the reminder that ‘the Lamb is all the light.’ As we sing the chorus we find comfort in knowing that, ‘God shall wipe away all tears.‘ But pay special attention to the final statement in this old psalm, “And they count not time by years…”. We know, we sing and remember who is in control, and who is “measuring time.”

“Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand” – 613

Time on this earth is moving and changing (it’s filled with swift transition), and nothing here will remain (naught of earth unmoved can stand)! Knowing that God is the One who measures our time, it ‘behooves’ us to hold on to His timeless, unchanging hand.

1, February 28, 2015

The Incubator…March 1st

As a young boy growing up on a West Texas farm, I remember well the days we would raise little baby chicks. From hatchlings we would nurture them with heat lamps, clean water, the appropriate feed, warm straw and a secure chicken coop. Though I don’t recall if we ever ‘incubating’ the eggs, they were our responsibility from the very beginning.

But without the incubation process, the hatching of the baby chick will never happen. Of course, eggs aren’t the only things that need an incubator. The premature baby, the ‘new endeavor,’ even a virus may have an incubation period. And this morning as we recognize those babies born in 2014, Robert Taylor will share some ideas about how we can prepare our children for life in this world. Not just any life, but a life focused on God and His will. Parents, we have an obligation to care for our children, prepare our children, and ‘bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.’ (Ephesians 6:4) And if you think about it, it all begins in…”The Incubator.”

“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15

Sunday morning, March 1, 2015

The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Wonderful Words of Life” – 543

“Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life…” what a joy to sing about our salvation! Consider your life in Christ, your salvation in His name…beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life. It’s encouraging to me to read/sing the words of the 2nd verse; these words are ‘all so freely given,’ and for the one who is listening and open to the message, these words are ‘wooing us to heaven.’ Wonderful words of life!

“How Beautiful” – 365

Preparing ourselves for the Lord’s Supper we’ll sing a spiritual song that was written less than 25 years ago. A song that speaks to the beautiful hands that serve, the washing feet beautiful, radiant bride (the church of Christ), and the beautiful feet that walk. This song, however, does more than just talk about Christ physical body, but alludes to the church as the body of Christ. Notice verse one as we sing about the hands of Christ as He served His disciples the ‘last supper.’ And visualize His feet as walked the dusty road to the cross. But then continue on to verse three as we transition to the feet that spread the good news (the gospel), and the hands that serve the Lord’s Supper today. How beautiful…in deed!

“Lord, We Come Before Thee Now” – 797

Following the Lord’s Supper many have a sense of quiet stillness. It’s fitting to come before our God with awe and reverence and so we sing, “Lord, we come before Thee now, at Thy feet we humbly bow…” setting the stage of a lowly servant approaching the king we see how we might say our souls depend on Thee. But the contrast comes in the third verse; our God, unlike an earthly king, allows us to come and stay with Him. To dwell with Him and seek His blessing.

“Can You Count the Stars” – 992

A simple song that asks a simple question; “Can you count the stars of evening…can you count the clouds…can you count the birds or the fish…can you count the little children?” If God knows their number and shows them His care, surely we can rest assured knowing that, “He has not forgotten thee.” Maybe we could say, each day in we are in God’s care, we are growing in His incubator.

“I Love to Tell the Story” – 659

Before the lesson we’ll sing a spiritual song that provides us with a clear understanding of the incubator. We sing, “I love to tell the story, it is pleasant to repeat, what seems each time I tell it more wonderfully sweet; I love to tell the story (ready for this) for some have never heard…” For some have never heard…how important for us to share the message of salvation to a lost and dying world.

“Softly and Tenderly” – 934 E08M74_PosterJesusLovesMe.qxd

One might wonder how ‘come home…’ could be attributed to the incubation process. Then again, when we consider this life as just the nurturing and preparation stage for a new life, we might just all being in the incubator. It would explain why Jesus is calling us ‘softly and tenderly.’

“Jesus Loves Me” – 1014

Even the littlest child is likely to know this simple song. What better way to bring our children through the incubation process then to train them up and remind them daily that Jesus loves them. Parents, this should resonate in our hearts…‘this I know, for the Bible tells me so!”

“There is a Habitation” – 860

The beauty of this song comes in knowing that heaven is a perfect place. It’s a place where there is no war, no sorrow, no death, and no tomorrow. A place with no desolation, no night and no decay, And though this song doesn’t say it, no incubator. For within the gates of heaven we’ll be singing eternal praises to our King. Would that we instill a desire within our children to say, “I am ready to go to heaven!” When this life is over, when we leave the incubator, let’s be ready for the city built by the living God.

1, January 16, 20151, January 17, 2015

Redeeming God’s Time…Jan. 18th

Redemption is an interesting word. By definition it means the “deliverance or rescue” of something. But what is worthy of redeeming? We sing ‘redeemed how I love to proclaim it,’ ‘let the redeemed of the Lord say so,’ and ‘…for on the holy cross hast Thou the world from sin redeemed.’ We know, in Christ, we have been redeemed, but what else can we redeem? Welcoming Chris McCurley to Waterview’s pulpit this coming Sunday morning we look forward to hearing his thoughts on redeeming time.

It makes me think about the old hymn ‘Softly and Tenderly’ as we sing the third verse (though we won’t be singing it this week), “Time is now fleeting the moments are passing…” With time ‘fleeting,’ lasting for a very short time, how can we redeem it. Perhaps, more importantly, we should ask ourselves, who owns our time? Join us as we consider redeeming GOD’S time.

“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15

Sunday morning, January 18, 2015

The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Holy Ground Medley” – 100 &101

A strong, spiritual medley that turns us toward the holiness of God. Be careful this Sunday morning as you come together to worship God as a collective body of believers. Two young men came to worship God (they were actually leading the worship) and give Him a sacrifice that wasn’t pleasing (acceptable) to God, and immediately suffered the consequences. To know why, one need only read the words of the boy’s uncle found in Leviticus 10:3, “It is what the Lord spoke, saying, ‘By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy…” As we come to worship this morning remember, we’ll be standing in His holy presence, on Holy Ground.

“Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed?” – 324

One of the most pointed lyrics from the pen of Isaac Watts, this spiritual song reminds us that we have a Savior who bled and died and devoted Himself, His ‘sacred head for such a worm as I.’ But is that the way we sing it? Do we call ourselves ‘worms?’ The Psalmist (David) once wrote in Psalm chapter 22, verse 6, “But I am a worm and not a man.” Job, in his despair, made the same acclamation (Job 25:6). Understanding the meaning of this humble statement, we see the reference to our feeble and despised condition. Without God, we are but worms. We’ve changed the wording to ease our minds and satisfy our self esteem. But I can’t miss the message…my Savior bled and died for me.

“Take Time to Be Holy” – 731

In a fast paced world we rarely slow down long enough to ‘smell the roses.’ Not to mention, taking time to be holy. But what does that mean? How can I ‘take time’ to be holy? Consider the words of the poet W.D. Longstaff; …1) speak often with your Lord, 2) abide in Him always and 3) feed on His word (read the Bible.) 4) Make friends of God’s people, 5) help those who are weak and 6) never forgetting to seek His blessings. In addition we should 7) be calm in our souls, 8) letting each thought and each motive be in His control. (That’s a hard one when you think about it!) But, when we do these things we’ll be led by His Spirit and better fitted for His service. Perhaps that’s how we ‘take time to be Holy.’

“Sing On, Ye Joyful Pilgrims” – 747

Fanny J. Crosby added a great thought in the chorus of this song, “…my heart is filled with rapture (joy), my soul is lost in praise.’ How often do we get ‘lost in thought’ during the course of the day? But what a concept that our souls would be ‘lost in praise.’ Translated, nothing else matters except praising our God.

“Higher Ground” – no book

A spiritual song we know well, but one we sing with a renewed twist. Men echo throughout the verses and chorus as we encourage each other to press on toward heaven.

“Savior Lead Me” – 409

A call to repentance as we sing this hymn for our Savior to lead us. But notice where we’re asking Him to lead us. Certainly heavenward and away from the stormy billows, but as I sing the chorus I’m asking for Him to lead me, “gently down the stream of time…” He is our refuge and we will be ‘safe when by His side,’ but as He leads us, will we follow Him? Are we willing, and honestly ready to obey Him and follow where my Savior leads me?

“Hold To God’s Unchanging Hand” – 613

“Time is filled with swift transition, naught of earth unmoved can stand…” But what does that mean, “naught of earth unmoved can stand.”? Naught means nothing, so we build upon this principle as we consider the poetry. Nothing on earth will continue without being changed/moved. In short, everything is changing here on earth. However, as we hold to God, His unchanging hand (referencing Jesus in Hebrews 13:8), we know we can build upon Him. Building our hopes on things eternal and looking to redeem God’s time as we hold to His hand.

1, July 28, 2014

Heavenward ‘Applause’

For a moment, think about how we train our young people. Those in our children’s Bible classes and up through the teen years.

So often we talk about teaching our young men to lead, but stop short of providing them with the opportunity. We provide summer trips, monthly activities and weekly Bible studies, we even practice song leading and preaching (with Leadership Training for Christ, Lads to Leaders, Timothy classes, etc.) But how much of the teaching and training of our young people is focused on actually leading as opposed to entertaining. Young men prepare talks, practice singing and then stand up before the congregation to lead. But rather than accept their work, honor their contribution and receive edification from their message, we smile and applaud. In like manner a young person makes the great confession, is baptized into Christ and the first thing they hear coming up from the watery grave is the sound of clapping. What message are we hoping to give when we clap for their service? Are we saying, “good job,” or “congratulations,” or “we approve?”

In a society that is devoid of hard work, the sound of applause is heard at the accomplishment of a task. A beautiful, musical score played or sung by a talented musician is means for applause. The athlete hitting a deep drive into the gap, or making a catch or scoring the winning run is honored with a standing ovation. But when he’s training and practicing for the performance, where is the clapping? Yes, we want to recognize the accomplishment, but why clap for one who is training to lead and teach? Too often we honor the servant when we should be glorifying the Master. In John chapter 13, verse 16, just hours before His arrest and crucifixion he said, “…truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him.”

A congregation in Nashville, Tennessee (Woodson Chapel church of Christ) participates in the Lads to Leaders program. During an extended training opportunity for their boys who have been trained, one young, 3 year old boy asks if he can lead a song. Not being old enough to participant in the ‘official training,’ this little man stepped up to lead the congregation. Listen and watch him as he ‘directs’ the saints in the song, “Blue Skies and Rainbows.” But more importantly listen to the lesson this body of believers teaches him AFTER the song has been sung.

You’ve heard it said, “Actions speak louder than words.” Our children will learn from what we do as well as what we say. If we truly want to glorify God, we’ll consider carefully how much ‘glory’ we give each other. We must train our young people to ‘…honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God and honor the king.’ I Peter 3:17. Honoring all people and the king doesn’t mean to applaud their service. Loving the brotherhood doesn’t refer to clapping at their new birth, but fearing God does mean…‘By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, And before all the people I will be honored.’ Leviticus 3:10 Remember the preacher and the song leader are nothing more than servants, and each of us should concern ourselves with who we honor and how we honor them. Perhaps we should focus more of our ‘applause’ heavenward.

1, July 25, 20141, July 25, 2014

Add, Take Away & Turning…July 27th

In a society that depends upon rules and laws, how are we doing when it comes to obeying the ‘laws of the land?’ Most will say that’s not an issue, we obey and do what is expected. But consider our driving habits. We have a posted speed limit, but do we follow it or just consider it a recommendation? Some laws are steadfast and we obey without a second thought. But how often do we tend to add an opinion, take some liberties or simply turn away from the law?

Some may ignore the posted law and risk the consequences. But when it comes to God’s word, His laws, are we guilty of adding our opinions, taking liberties or turning away? When we depart from what God expects of us, we will suffer the penalty. The consequences of adding to God’s word, ignoring His laws or turning away from Him will mean more than just paying a fine. Every day we should ask ourselves, am I guilty of violating God’s laws?

“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15

Sunday morning, July 27, 2014

The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Surround Us, Lord” – no book

Though the city of Jerusalem is not encircled by a ring of peaks, the ancient writers considered this whole region to be ‘mountainous.’ And it would not be surprising to say, Jerusalem is in the midst of the mountains. So the Psalmist (Psalm 125:2) makes a point to say this great city is ‘surrounded’ by mountains, just like God’s people are surrounded by His presence. comforting those who grieve

“Tell Me the Story of Jesus” – 387

In three short verses this spiritual song covers Christ birth, ministry, death and resurrection. But perhaps the most telling portion of this song comes from the last part of the third verse, “Love in that story so tender, clearer than ever I see; stay, let me weep while you whisper, ‘Love paid the ransom for me.’…” Notice I’m speaking to the one who is telling me the story of Jesus. Saying to them; ‘don’t leave, stay here with me, and softly tell me how you were saved (ransomed) by the love of Jesus.’ The question for you and I…do we weep when we consider the story of Jesus?

“O Thou Fount of Every Blessing” – 226

Almost a direct quote from I Samuel, chapter 7 verse 12 (KJV), “Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Hitherto, hath the Lord helped us.’ “ We sing, ‘Here I raise my Ebenezer (my stone of help), hither by Thy help I’ve come…‘ And verse three reminds us that we are all prone to wander (turn away) from God. Would that chains (fetters) bind our heart to Him, but it comes down to this simple fact; we have the choice of obeying or not. Speeding or driving the speed limit; adding to, taking away, or turning…

“I’ll Never Forsake My Lord” – 688

Not an overly familiar song, but one that exemplifies our lesson today. What causes us to stumble on life’s highway; temptations, distractions, sin, sickness, weakness, overall difficulties in life? Most would say ‘yes’ to all of the above; but this song gives us encouragement that regardless of the onslaught of the world, I’ll never add to, take away or turn to the right or to the left. I’ll never forsake my Lord…

“A Charge to Keep I Have” – 58

We all have a responsibility in this life. Whether we want to admit it or not, from the day we are born we were given a charge and, according to this spiritual song, the responsibility Christians have is two-fold; to glorify God and bring the lost to Jesus. But I wonder if we really believe the third verse…“Help me to watch and pray, and on THYSELF (not myself) rely. Assured if I MY (not Thy) trust (charge/responsibility) betray, I shall forever die.” There is a consequence if we add to, take away or turn from our responsibility.

“I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” – 674

Perhaps not many song leaders would choose this song before the lesson, but I like the message sung at the close of each verse; “no turning back, no turning back.”

“In Heavenly Love Abiding” – 139

Again, perhaps not your most popular invitation song, but the message matches so well with the lesson. Consistency is God’s calling card, “…for nothing changes here.” We find support in staying true to God’s word as we sing the second verse; “Wherever He may guide me, no want shall turn me back; my Shepherd is beside me and nothing can I lack. His wisdom ever waketh (is made known to me), His sight is never dim; He knows the way He taketh, and I will walk with Him.” Will you?

“The Glory Land Way” – 535

Almost 100 years ago James Torbett wrote about heaven to encourage the singer to continue his walk ‘in the glory-land way.’ For those who have added to, taken away or turned aside from God’s Word, he encourages them, the wanderers, to ‘come home’ and ‘hasten to obey.’ Living a life that follows God’s commands WITHOUT EXCEPTION will be a life that is preparing for eternity with God. Never forsake His word, keep the charge you’ve been given and you’ll notice “…heaven is nearer and the way growth clearer…”

1, July 18, 20141, July 18, 2014

Putting the ‘Stew’ back in Stewardship…July 20th

In the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi the prophet addresses sin in the priesthood. In their sacrifices, they were offering up ‘defiled food.’ By law, a pure animal was required, but instead they were giving God the blind, the sick and the lame. Their sacrifices were useless (vs 10). But what about us today? Are we acting as stewards who offer the best…or are we giving God what we reject?

A steward is one who is trusted to complete or over see a specific task. A good steward is one who works to the best of his or her ability. Good employees honor their employer. The life of a good steward is one that honors God. Sunday morning we’ll consider our stewardship and whether we’re honoring God or just offering up some ‘lame’ excuse for work.

“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”
I Corinthians 14:15

Sunday morning, July 20, 2014

The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“I Know That My Redeemer Lives” – 528

We’ve sung this spiritual song for years (over 100 years to be exact), but do you ‘know’ how many times you sing the words, ‘I know…?’ Singing all four verses and the chorus only once you’ll repeat this short, two-word phrase 11 times. If you consider the echo, 16 times. Is that important? Why the repetition? Who cares? Those who believe in Christ and have given their life in His service (stewards), won’t shy away from proclaiming their allegiance. With bold confidence they will repeat, “I know, I know that my Redeemer lives!”

“Higher Ground” – no book higher plain

Where are you heading and how eager are you to get there? This old song was rewritten by Ken Young in the late 80’s and inspires us as we press on to heaven. The men join in on the second verse with a thunderous echo; “Heart has no desire to stay where doubts arise and fears dismay. Tho some may dwell where these abound, my prayer, my aim is higher ground.”

“Night with Ebon Pinion” – no book

A haunting melody comes from this old spiritual psalm as we consider the night Jesus was betrayed. The beauty of the scripture is sung as we open up the 3rd verse. Notice the words of Christ in Mark 14:36, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.” Now consider these words as we sing;“Abba, Father, Father, if indeed it may, let this cup of anguish pass from Me, I pray; but if it must be suffered, by Me, Thine only Son, Abba, Father, Father, let Thy will be done.”

“How Great Thou Art” – 76

The chorus of this great, classic hymn will follow the Lord’s Supper. Then, for emphasis, we’ll sing just the 3rd verse; “And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin…How great Thou art!”

“Soldier’s of Christ, Arise” – 647

A solider is a servant! He is called to be faithful in service to his country and his ‘King.’ But what kind of servant will he be? Will he be one who sits back and waits for battle, or one who is constantly preparing himself for war? As soldier’s (steward’s) of Christ, we must get up and get ready to defend our faith. Only then will we over come through Christ and stand entire (complete) at last.

“Trust and Obey” – 915

How do you know if you are truly being a good steward in the Kingdom? Malachi was chastising the priest in chapter 1 because they were offering defective sacrifices. They were giving God the rejected portions of their flock. When you give to God, what are you willing to sacrifice? Verse three of our invitation song challenges us; “But we never can prove (we will never be) the delights of His love until all on the altar we lay…” So what are you laying on the altar before God?

“We Give Thee But Thine Own” – 663

As the collection plate is being passed consider what you’re putting in. What are you ‘placing on the altar?’ You will hear the words, and hopefully you’ll sing the song, but will you give to God what belongs to Him; “…whatever the gift may be; all that we have is Thine (His) alone, a trust (responsibility) O Lord, from Thee. May we Thy bounties thus as stewards true receive (thankfully accept His blessings), and gladly, as Thou blessed us, to Thee our first fruits give.” Are we honoring God by giving Him our first fruits (best), or are we guilty of giving only what we don’t want?

“When We All Get to Heaven” – 853

Closing our service time together, we sing about heaven. But we must live a life that is ‘…true and faithful, trusting, serving EVERY DAY…’ Being a faithful servant, and demonstrating the traits of a good steward will lead us to the throne of God, where we can sing and shout the victory!

1, June 27, 20141, June 27, 2014

Fixing the Pharisees…June 29th

Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” But the reverse could be true; if it is broken, it needs to be fixed. Your car doesn’t start so you find out what’s wrong with it and fix it. Your computer is running slow, so do some checking and then get it fixed. Evaluate what you are having problems with, and then see what needs to be done to fix it.

The Pharisees in Jesus’ day had their idea of how best to ‘worship’ God. But a quick study of the text shows they were missing the mark. Their practices were selfish and based on political partiality. In short, the religious leaders during Christ’s time were broken and needed to be fixed. But how about you and your worship to God? Are you ‘doing it right?’ Join us on Sunday morning as we consider, ‘fixing the Pharisees.’

“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15

Sunday morning, June 29, 2014

You’ll notice the following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“To God Be the Glory” – 2

“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the earth hear His voice…” What a great song of praise as we open our worship time together.

“God Has Smiled on Me” – 118

A song typically sung slowly to emphasize the blessings we have as God ‘smiles’ us. But this morning we’ll sing this song with a faster tempo to match the level of energy with the previous song. Notice the connection: “…O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son, and give Him the glory great things He hath done.” “God has smiled on me, He has set me free…” Praise the Lord!

“Great is Thy Faithfulness” – 57

Written in the early 1900’s, this hymn of praise echoes our thankfulness to God for His faithfulness. How do we know God is faithful; “…morning by morning new mercies I see…” Verse two gives even more for the Christian to hold on to; “Summer and winter and spring time and harvest, sun, moon and stars in their courses above join with all nature in manifold (multiple) witness to Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.”

“Tis Set the Feast Divine” – no book

“It is set, the feast divine..” We come together on the first day of the week to commemorate our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. We do that when we partake of the Lord’s Supper, the ‘feast divine.’ But what is being served for this feast? We sing what we read from the scripture, “the bread and the fruit of the vine.”

“Til My Faith Becomes Sight” – 836

A song which I would call a contemporary hymn, written just 23 years ago, provides us with six names for our Lord, Jesus Christ; 1) Bread of Life (John 6:35), 2) Living Water (John 4:10), 3) Lover of my soul (Romans 8:39), 4) Lamb of God (John 1:36), 5) Hope of Glory (Colossians 1:27), 6) Savior crucified (Acts 2:36).

“When This Passing World is Done” – 259

Do you understand all that Jesus has done for you? Can you comprehend the vastness of His compassion on His people? This hymn (prayer) sung to God has been around for more than 150 years, and yet it still holds a true message for us today. When this life is over, when I stand before judgment, when I hear the thunderous praise of heaven…then I’ll know how much I owe for the gift of my salvation. But notice the scripture reference in verse 4; “…for now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face, for I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” (I Cor. 13:12). So we sing, “E’en on earth as through a glass, darkly let Thy glory pass.” Don’t wait until you stand before the throne of God, consider all that God has done for you, even while you are here on earth…

“More About Jesus” – 678

Before our lesson we sing this spiritual song about desiring to know ‘more about Jesus.’ If we think we have it ‘all figured out,’ and if we think we’re NOT broken, we run the risk of being Pharisaical…never thinking we need to be fixed.

“Purer in Heart, O God” – 671

Oh to be like Christ (that’s what Christian means), “…we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” We sing this song as our invitation song, calling for us to have pure hearts. How can that be? We sing, “May I devote my life wholly to Thee…”

“Light the Fire” – no book

A contemporary song that calls us to be ‘on fire’ for God. We are all broken and need to be fixed, and one way we can do that is to stand and praise our God. Understanding my position, I should fall to my knees in humility. And so we sing, “…Lord, You know where I’ve been (I’m broken), so light the fire in my heart again (fix me).” Jesus tried to ‘fix’ the Pharisees in their stubborn, broken state, but they resisted. So what about you, will you let Him fix you?

1, April 17, 20141, April 18, 2014

The 10th Resurrection…April 20th

When the son of Zarephath and the daughter of Jarius died, they were brought back to life by the power of God. Lazurus, Dorcas and Eutychus each died, but were resurrected at the hand of Jesus, Peter and Paul. Take a quick review of the scriptures and you’ll find these five individuals were not the only ones who died…only to live again. The son of a Shunammite woman, the son of a widow from Nain, an unnamed man whose dead body ‘touched’ Elisha’s bones, and ‘many saints’ (Matt. 27) all experienced death, but found resurrection in this life.

It’s important to note that each of these men and women who died and then were raised to life, eventually faced death again. However, there is one who died, was raised to life and lives still. Never again would our Savior face death. His victory over death opens the way for each of us. Jesus Christ is the 10th Resurrection.

“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15

Sunday morning, April 20, 2014

The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Holy, Holy, Holy!” – 47

A vision around the throne of God reveals the four living creatures saying, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God, the Almighty…” Revelation 4:8. In a similar vision Isaiah saw the Seraphim calling out, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of host…!” Isaiah 6:3. In like manner, this morning, we will join our voices and cry out, “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee…”

“In Christ Alone” – no book

“No power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck me from His hand…” This contemporary song has become a beloved favorite among our spiritual songs. We sing of our hope in Christ. We remember His birth and His death. But more importantly, we sing of His ‘bursting forth…from the grave.’ And as we face the fear of death and feel the guilt in life, as God’s children we know that ‘here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.’

“Low in the Grave He Lay” – 344

Few songs can boast a more melancholy message as we sing, ‘Low in the grave He lay Jesus my Savior…Vainly they seal the dead Jesus, my Lord!’ But the chorus is anything but melancholy. With a shout of joy we sing of Christ’s resurrection, “Up from the grave He arose with a mighty triumph over His foes; He arose a Victor from the dark domain and He lives forever with His saints to reign…He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!”

“Alleluia! Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven” – 146

For those who don’t recognize this title you’ll find the words are set to the tune of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy (better know as the tune to “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee”). Notice the second verse; “Christ is risen, Christ, the first fruits of the holy harvest field…” Paul, in talking about the dead in Christ make this statement, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” I Corinthians 15:20. God’s people can sing…Alleluia! Alleluia!

“Onward Christians Soldiers” – 646

Our scripture reading before this song is Matthew 10:5-8. We’ll stop our reading mid-verse, then pick up the song at the chorus. It will go something like this; “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the leper, cast out demons…” “Onward Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before. At the sign of triumph, Satan’s host doth flee; On, then, Christian soldiers, on to victory; Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise; Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise!”

“There’s a Fountain Free” – 909

Christ offers us salvation through His blood. We can come before the throne of God because of the fountain that flows freely. The words are clear in the first verse, “…let us haste (hurry), O haste (hurry up) to it’s brink (to the edge of the fountain).” The beauty is that Jesus never MAKES people obey. We are all free to come to Him, or to walk away. So we sing, ‘Will you come?’ It’s a simple question, but your answer will bring about enormous ramifications.

“When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” – 852

What will happen when this life is over? When we die…what’s next? For God’s people there will be a resurrection to eternal life. To those who ‘will not come,’ the results, according to Christ, will be ‘…weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ Matthew 8:10-12. But for God’s people, ‘on that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise, and the glory of His resurrection share,’ we’ll be called home. Following, if you will, the example of the 10th Resurrection.

1, April 14, 20141, April 15, 2014

Tax Relief

What a great feeling we have when we finally fulfill our civic duty and file our annual income taxes. Is this a great time of year or what? Maybe not so much, but don’t forget Romans 13:7; “Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.” Even God commanded His people to, “Levy a tax for the Lord from the men of war who went out to battle…” Numbers 31:28 (read that in it’s entirety, you’ll find it interesting.)

So surely each of us have taken care of this little chore and have not put it off until the last minute (which, by the way, is tomorrow, April 15th). But to be honest, this is a tough reality to face. Even as we understand the expectation from God’s word, and even if we anticipate a return, we still have to go through the process of filing our taxes. In the last several years different sources (software) have helped us step through each question. Still we have to pull together the information, log in the data and keep accurate records. Let’s face it; tax season can bring about stress. It would be so much easier to turn that burden over to someone else who has the expertise to answer each question. Someone to worry about the details, the stress of “getting it right.” Just to have someone take the ‘stress’ and sort it all out. What a relief to have that burden, that time intensive focus, taken off our shoulders. To give the trouble of filing taxes to an expert who is qualified and capable of taking care of the future.

The parallel for Christians is obvious. What would you do to have someone carry the burden of life and sort out all your ‘messy details.’ We all have lives that are fraught (filled) with questions like, “Am I doing it right?” “Did I leave something out?” “I know there are mistakes, but how do I figure this out?” For the child of God we have someone who is capable and qualified to handle our needs. He answers our questions and (if you will) files our taxes. Paying our debts and giving us an unparalleled return. Jesus is our ‘accountant’ who can take the details of life and sort them out. Though we don’t know in life when ‘taxes are due,’ our April 15th will be when Christ returns…judgment day. It can’t be found on any calendar but we know it is near. James 5:8 states, “You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.”We focus our life on being ready to “file,” but it’s refreshing to know that we have someone who can take care of all the paper work. We don’t live under stress or frustration. We follow God’s word and let Christ rule in our hearts. God has given us His only Son to take the burden, and to pay the price. But to understand this, we must live as children of God. Rest assured, He is keeping accurate records of our life and knows what is due. But He also has given us hope so that when “Tax Day” comes, we will be ready to file.

1, April 11, 20141, April 11, 2014

The Second Leg…April 13th

The starting pistol is aimed toward the sky and with a BANG the race is on! While some will run with earnest, there are others who will quit before they get out of the blocks. But if the truth be known, there are some who have been running their race for quite a while. It’s been difficult with hurdles at every turn, but they run on. And then there are some who began their race years ago and can clearly see the finish line up ahead. The Hebrew writer admonishes the reader to “…run with endurance the race that is set before us…” In this race for Christ, where are you?

Sunday morning at Waterview church of Christ we’ll have an opportunity to hear a message from David Friesen, one of our missionaries in Camrose, Alberta, Canada. Consider your race and reach deep for endurance as you strive for the finish line.

“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15

Sunday morning, April 13, 2014

You’ll notice the following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Praise the Lord” – 74

Taken from the 148th Psalm, this psalm is a hymn! From the heavens and it’s angels to the earth and all creation, we come together and sing “Praise the Lord!…” Let’s begin our worship time focused on God and His majesty.

“I Will Sing the Wondrous Story” – 509

A song with strength and energy as we open each verse, but softer and more melancholy as we draw the chorus to a close. But think about it…what is the wondrous story? Why do we sing about it, and how important is it? Maybe you should ask yourself, what it is? Simply stated, the wondrous story is THE HISTORY of the Christ who died for me. It’s the history of how He left heaven’s glory for the cross of Calvary. The wondrous story is the historical fact that I was lost in sin, but Jesus saves me. It’s about how he drew me back into His way. And I will sing this wondrous story until my life is over. Knowing that will you “sing the wondrous story?”

“How Beautiful” – 365

The first verse of this song mentions hands that served and the feet that walked. Reading (singing) you realize we’re remembering Christ. In the next verse we sing about His bride, the church, and how we are to give from a humble heart. But the last verse focuses on our reason for coming together, “How beautiful the feet that bring the sound of good news and the love of the King. How beautiful the hands that serve the wine and the bread and the sons of the earth…” We remember how He ‘laid down His life’ as we partake of the Lord’s Supper. Then notice the reference to Isaiah 52:7, “How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news…” We’ll also hear the word of God proclaimed. Listening and keeping our mind on the race.

“Savior, Thy Dying Love” – 667

“Savior, Thy dying love Thou gavest me…” Consider that alone, we have a gift from Christ so we must ask ourselves, is there some ‘offering’ we should/could give to Him? Is there a song or a prayer we could raise to His name? Perhaps there is some wanderer who is lost and looking for a Savior? Do you have something you will give to the Savior?

“Restore My Soul” – no book

A call from God’s people asking for His restoration, revival and renewal. If you’re feeling weak and need strength from God’s word, seek His restoring power. If your zeal has grown cold, seek to be revived by the fire of His desire. And if you long for faith that is bold, have the courage to seek His renewal. “Renew my love, rebuild my faith, oh restore my soul.”

“Each Step of the Way” – 572

Perhaps this song doesn’t come to mind as an invitation song we would sing, but considering our race and the second leg of that race we must take each step with the Savior. With perseverance and endurance ‘we shall enter the city up there…’ Do you struggle in this race (walk) with Christ? Does it seem like a long road ahead? Don’t dread tomorrow, face it with a trust that He will guide you ‘each step of the way.’

“A Beautiful Life” – 570

“Each day I’ll do a golden deed by helping those who are in need…” Though this song is familiar and easy to sing, don’t forget what you’re saying. Live a life that brings glory to God. A life that will endure through time. A life that includes taking a stand for God. That’s how we should be running the second leg of our race…living a beautiful life.