Hobson’s Choice?…August 25th

How much do you really want what’s being offered? Are there times when you feel the ‘gift’ just isn’t worth it? A father offers his son an old, beat up car as a graduation gift; but the boy was wanting something newer and with more appeal. Dad’s response; ‘Well son, this is what you’ve got. You can take it or leave it.’

But is it really a choice? If you reject what’s offered you’re left with nothing, but if you take what you don’t really want, how can that be ‘my choice?’ Thomas Hobson lived in the late 1500’s and he owned a horse-rental business in England. This idea provides the back drop for Sunday morning’s lesson. Can a Christian find Biblical application in “Hobson’s Choice?”

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

Sunday morning, August 25, 2013

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

“The Steadfast Love of the Lord” -123

Taken from Lamentation 3:22-24, our opening song this morning is a Psalm since we will be singing scripture. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.” Of course! If His love is steadfast…it never would cease. We believe and know that His mercies never come to an end either. But the question today, do you hope in Him?

“Lord, Take Control” – 790

We’ve set the contribution early this morning, and as we prepare to give back a portion which is rightful His. We’ll sing about giving our hearts, minds, bodies and souls to God. But most are more comfortable with just giving to God our financial means, our money. But are you really prepared to say, “Lord, take control” of my life? It’s more than just a song, it’s a commitment.

“We Bow Down” – 577

A contemporary song with a basic message, “You are Lord of creation and Lord of my life, Lord of the land and the sea. You were Lord of the heavens before there was time, and Lord of all lord’s You will be.” Some will, in their hearts and lives, bow down and worship while others will just sit by and sing. What are you willing to do?

“The Lord’s Supper” – no book

Tillit S. Teddlie wrote a vast number of songs to focus the Christian and glorify God. This spiritual song is used primarily around the Lord’s table as we remember Christ death. Notice the scripture reference as we conclude each verse; “While we feast Christ gentle whispers, ‘Do this in My memory.’” At Waterview this Sunday morning we’ll read I Corinthians 11:23, 24 then sing this song to focus more on His memorial.

“By Christ Redeemed” – 366

Similar to Teddlie’s song which sites I Corinthians 11: 24, this song by George Rawson also alludes to Paul’s words in I Corinthians. Notice the words from this old song; “By Christ redeemed, in Christ restored, we keep the Supper of the Word, and show the death of our dear Lord, until He come.” Each line of this song ends the same way, ‘…until He come.’ Paul wrote in vs 26, “…for as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”

“O Happy Day” – 494

I remember very well the night my grandparents were baptized. The congregation that gathered together sang this song after their baptism. We’ll sing it again Sunday morning as we conclude the Lord’s Supper and remember the hope we have because of the sacrifice He gave. Christians appreciate the last verse, “Tis done; the great transaction’s done; I am my Lord’s and He is mine! He drew me, and I followed on, charmed to confess the voice divine…” Each time we take of the Lord’s Supper, we confess His matchless love.

“We’re Marching to Zion” – 869

A great song before our lesson…Christians are marching to Zion (heaven) and we should be proudly proclaiming that fact. Or are you more like verse 2, refusing to sing? Maybe for those who have never heard would refuse to open their voices and hearts, but how can a child of God keep quiet when we join together to praise Him? You might stop and think about that next time you don’t want to sing…

“I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say” – 389

Perhaps not a typical invitation song, but the message here is clear. Each line begins with “I heard the voice of Jesus say…” Reading your Bible and you’ll hear Him say ‘Come unto me…I am the living water…I am the light of the world’. Jesus calls us to come follow Him. Reading your Bible you can hear the voice of Jesus. Maybe this is more of an invitation song they we’ve previously thought?

“Home of the Soul” – 875

By request we’ll sing this old spiritual song of heaven. Christians strive for that home above, we hope for a ‘sweet rest’ and we look forward to the bright homeland, but we first need to endure the storms of life. Maybe we should ask ourselves how much we long for Him? Are the storms worth fighting? Are we laboring for the Master and leaning on Him, or are we just biding our time here on earth? If you are one of the ‘ransomed’ you’re looking forward to that beautiful home of the soul…And, if the truth be known, you have a “Hobson’s Choice”.

1, August 6, 20131, August 1, 2013

Do We Want More? (part 3)

Whether it’s Oliver Twist asking for more gruel in the orphanage, or a young boy asking about ‘mo’ -lasses for his hotcakes; we all are looking for more of something. As we conclude this three part study asking if ‘we want more’, we will examine the last verse of Phillip Bliss’ old hymn, “More Holiness Give Me.”

As you may recall, this hymn contains the word more a surprising twenty-four (24) times in only three short verses. Let’s conclude our study as we dive into verse three to examine Phillip Bliss’ inspiration of wanting more.

In verse three we sing about wanting (needing); more purity, more strength, more freedom and more longing. A desire to be more fit, more useful, more blessed & holy and more like the Savior. In the third part of this three part study we’ll consider one by one the ‘mores’ we’re seeking:

1) More purity give me…Purity is an interesting word. To be pure, by definition, is to be ‘unmixed.’ When we strive to have more purity, we are asking (praying) for God to keep us clean. Romans 3:23 reminds us that we “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”, we’re all dirty. Its our decision is to seek salvation or remain in sin. God’s children belong to Him, therefore we shouldn’t be mixed with the world. Living in a sinful world, we need more purity.

2) More strength to o’er come (overcome)…When faced with an obstacle we’ll either walk away from it, or work to ‘over-come it.’ But what does that mean? Bliss states it clearly, if we are to over come our struggles (obstacles), we need strength. Strength that we currently do not have. We might consider ourselves strong and capable to ‘overcome’, but that’s exactly where the devil wants us. Comfortable and over confident. To stand for Christ we need His strength if we are to ever overcome.

3) More freedom from earth-stains…Remember the need for purity? When we’re ‘mixed up’ in the world we become stained, soiled, dirty. To be free from stains we need a cleansing agent. Tide* might get the stain out of our clothes, but only Christ can remove ‘earth-stains’. Do you want more freedom?

4) More longings for home. Perhaps we have to be away from home for a while to realize how much we long for home. But then again you have to ask yourself…where is home? You’ve heard the saying, “Home is where is your heart is.” OK, then where is your heart? If our heart belongs to God, then heaven is our home. Are you longing to go home or have you given your heart to someone else?

5) More fit for His kingdom. Take a square peg and try to ‘fit’ it into a round hole; you know it doesn’t belong there. It doesn’t fit. To make that square peg do it’s job, you’ll need to shave off the corners. Round the peg off and smooth it to the same size as the hole. Then it will fit and be ready to use…you could say it will be ‘more fit’ than it was previously.

6) More useful…The idea of being useful and fit go hand in hand. Once the corners of the peg are carved off, smoothed down and shaped to fill the hole, it will be useful. But how can it be ‘more’ useful? We all have a responsibility in some form or fashion. Consider how well do you do your job? We work for a reason, to get the job done. We want to be useful in our daily task. But you need to ask yourself; “In God’s kingdom, am I being as ‘useful’ as I could be?”

7) More blessed and holy…8) More, Savior, like Thee. These last two are joined together for a reason. As we strive to be more like Christ in our life, we will be focused on living a holy life. In turn, we’ll be more blessed and ultimately we’ll be more like our Savior. Make no mistake, this song is a prayer. And in our prayers we ask God to give us good health, peace of mind, and patience. But be honest, do you want to be more holy and more like Jesus? That’s a prayer we should all be praying

This 140 year old hymn serves as a full, 24-point sermon on seeking more, but not what the world seeks. The world is focused on self, and it wrestles for more status and position. The child of God is focused on heaven and their desires more Christ centered. We have sung about being more godly…now we need to live ‘more, Savior, like Thee!

1, August 2, 20131, August 1, 2013

A Theology Written in Blood…August 4th

Christian’s understand and believe that faith is based on an eternal promise, an everlasting covenant. And as we consider a covenant, it’s logical to conclude that it should be confirmed in writing. But one written, confirmed, with blood? Obviously a holy promise, a divine theology, that is written in blood must be of the highest importance. Since blood is essential to life, it’s no surprise that this covenant is indispensable for our eternal survival as well. Simply stated, without blood…we die!

Remember Romans 3; “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood – to be received by faith.” Thanks be to God for this theology, written in blood!

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

Sunday morning, August 4, 2013

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

“Nothing But the Blood” -902

‘What can wash away my sins?’ A question many have sung for years, and we know the answer, ‘…nothing, but the blood of Jesus.’ When we sing the third verse take note of the second line in the verse, ‘naught of good that I have done…’ Translated; of all the good things I have done in this life, ZERO of that can atone for my sin. Nothing can bring us to God except the blood of Jesus.

“There is Power in the Blood” – 903

As part of this short medley we’ll continue our thought about the blood of Jesus and His saving power. We continue with another question. Not what can wash away my sin, but a question of do you want your sins to be washed away? ‘Would you be free from the burden of sin?’ Is so, the blood of Jesus can cleanse you.

“In Christ Alone” – no book

A song of admonition that we’ll sing as we prepare our minds to partake of the Lord’s supper. A memorial of His death, burial and resurrection. As verse one consist of recognizing our Cornerstone, solid ground and Comforter, verse two takes us from His birth to His crucifixion. Those who know this song cherish the third verse. As we begin singing softly of His burial, our voices ‘burst forth’ as we sing of His resurrection. The final verse gives us assurance in Christ as we sing, ‘No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand…’ This video features one man’s voice, harmonizing together to the glory of God.

“Nearer Still Nearer” – 478

Following the Lord’s supper we’ll sing this hymn expressing a strong desire to stay ‘close to (His) Thy heart…’ Listen to the words you’re singing and you’ll notice that the nearer we draw to God, the further we draw away from sin and its folly (foolishness). Would that we willingly resign, give up, all of life’s pleasures, pomp and pride so that we draw nearer…still nearer to our God.

“There is a Redeemer” – 287

We sing the affirmation of this contemporary hymn/spiritual song as we proclaim, “There is a Redeemer, Jesus, God’s own Son…” Melody Green wrote, and we sing, a song of thanks to God. “Thank You, O my Father, for giving us Your Son and leaving with us the gift of Your Holy Spirit…until (the work) our work on earth is done.” Maybe we should be asking ourselves, ‘How am I doing with my work?’

“There’s a Royal Banner” – 627

Before we listen to the lesson Robert has prepared for us, we’ll sing about our mission as Christians. The purpose of this ‘song before the lesson’ is found in the second verse. ‘Over land and sea, wherever man may dwell, make the glorious tidings known; of the CRIMSON BANNER now the story tell, while the Lord shall claim His own…’ In Exodus 17, after the Amalekites are defeated, we read, “Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner…” The banner is a symbol from the battlefield. As soldier’s of Christ we too have a symbolic banner; one that’s crimson, blood red. Do you fly this banner in your life?

“There’s a Fountain Free” – 909

Perhaps one of my favorite invitation songs has the chorus ask the question, “Will you come to the fountain free?” When we consider the words of Jeremiah the prophet we better understand the fountain; “O Lord, the hope of Israel, All who forsake You will be put to shame. Those who turn away on earth will be written down, Because they have forsaken the fountain of living water, even the Lord.” (Jeremiah 17:13) It’s interesting to me that 3 times the author writes ‘hasten’ (come quickly) to the fountain. Yet sadly, in this ‘fast-paced world’, the ‘living stream’ is the one place many are slow to approach.

“There is a Habitation” – 860

Leaving this morning we’ll encourage each other with these simple words; ‘…I long to see heaven!’ How ready are you for the Lord’s return? Is the abode you seek eternal? The heavenly city we seek has a foundation that’s firm and eternal. One we can anticipate because of the atonement we have through the blood of Christ.

1, July 15, 20131, June 19, 2013

Shaky Hands

Donna Holloway has penned a few articles for this website. Late last year (December, 2012) she shared this experience with me as she joined her aging parents for Sunday worship. The names of the men serving are her relatives and immediate family members. Thanks for the reminder of how fragile life can be.

This past Sunday afternoon I was touched by several things I observed while attending the worship service my Dad holds at Sand Plum Assisted Living Center in Bixby, Oklahoma. The services are held in a small room off to the side of the common living area. My dad reserves this room from 4:00 – 5:00 on Sunday afternoons so the residents can attend worship services. Generally one of the men from the Bixby congregation comes to help him oversee the service; but this past Sunday he called on Richard for the lesson, Phillip to lead the singing, Paul & Brent to coordinate Lord’s Supper and then my Dad led a prayer.

First off, Mom & Dad set up the room and prepared the bread and the fruit of the vine into the trays. Mom seemed to remember what to do and enjoyed helping Dad set up. She even went to get me a cup of water on her own, and didn’t seem confused about where to go. Several residents, mostly ladies along with one tall gentleman came for the service. Some left their walkers in the hall; others needed them to get to their seat or to sit upon. The lady that sat by me was pleasant and participated in every way; she turned to the scripture readings, sang from her hymnal and partook of the Lord’s Supper. Although Dad and Mom still have a car and go to worship in Bixby, many of these folks aren’t able to get out.

As I watched and participated in this afternoon service, I was particular fascinated as these older folks took the Lord’s Supper. Their devotion to this memorial touched me deeply. With confident, yet shaky hands, they reached in with some difficulty to pick up a small piece of the bread. As the men began to serve the juice Dad quietly told them to please hand each one a cup, and so they did. With outstretched hands, still shaking, each resident was able to drink from their cup and then place it back into the tray. I guess the shaking hands are what made me realize how important this worship is to these aging Christians. It means a great deal to them as I imagine it will to me one day when I’m in a similar situation.

I’m not surprised my Dad has taken this on and I’m so proud he’s doing it. He has always been one to quietly notice what needs to be done and doesn’t shy away from serving.

It was good to see Mom helping him set up and feeling confident in what she was doing. Being in the early stages of dementia, she stays confused most any other time.

At the end of the service, one 98 year old lady, quickly left saying the service ran a little long this week. Others were friendly to visit and showed their thankfulness to the men who led the service.

Until we had participated with the singing at Dayspring Assisted Living Center in Plano, Texas I had very little experience around older people. I am thankful for the opportunity Waterview church of Christ provided during those few precious years for us to sing for the residents at Dayspring. It was good for me to learn how to be around the sweet, aging folks.

Perhaps you’ve been encouraged and have enjoyed reading about my experience in Bixby. Due to my Dad’s job of moving every few years and living so much of my childhood overseas, I had only a few years to spend time with grandparents, and most of those visits were short in time. Perhaps you’d say I have been a ‘late’ learner about the blessing of older people. So if you have a love the older, aging folks, I encourage you to demonstrate your love and compassion to them by giving of your most cherished possession…your time. Just remember…each day God gives us on this earth we ourselves are growing closer to having ‘shaky hands!’

This world is not my home, but while I’m here it makes sense to be a support and encouragement to God’s family. Thanks Donna for your encouragement.

1, July 6, 20131, July 6, 2013

What Will We See in Heaven?…July 7th

Many think of heaven in terms as they remember from the book of Revelation, specifically chapter 21. Images come to mind such as, ‘the pearly gates, streets of gold and the endless day.’ The scriptures do read, “The material of the wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold…the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl.” It’s true that we visualize heaven in terms as John described it.

But Sunday morning, July 7th, we’ll consider what we will see based on heavenly IDEALS such as ‘no mourning, or crying, or pain.’ After all, it was God who told John (Revelation 21:5), “Behold, I am making all things new.” Join us as we look through ‘the pearly gates.’

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

Sunday morning, July 7, 2013

The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Awesome God” -38

Do we truly hold God as an awesome God? Can we say we are honestly ‘in awe of Him?’ Be careful not to dilute the word ‘awesome’ by describing a movie or even an experience as awesome. Our God is an awesome God; Deuteronomy 10:17 and Nehemiah 1:5 are two great examples of who is awesome.

“You Are the Song that I Sing” – 238

As part of this morning’s ‘medley’ we’ll transition from singing that “…our God is an awesome God!” to praising Him as ‘the song that I sing…” Later this week, when you’re singing in the car, will you be singing about God, or are you singing world’s tunes. Perhaps we should be giving back to God our voice, our song, the very reason of our hope to Him who gave us a song to sing.

“When All of God’s Singer’s Get Home” – 859

Have you ever walked into your home after Sunday morning services and immediately caught the whiff of a roast cooking? The aroma wafts through the air and we realize there is something wonderful waiting for us. But, as we sing, ‘…the joy can’t compare with the glory up there…’ our songs of praise and encouragement should be a sweet reminder of how beautiful heaven must be. “What a song of delight in that city so bright will be wafted ‘neath heaven’s fair dome…” Like the lingering smell of roast as it drifts through the air, so is the heart-felt singing of praise to our God. “When all of God’s children get home…”; coming in the pearly gates we can anticipate, hear and almost smell what’s been cooking and what is waiting for us!

“Worthy is the Lamb” – no book

The tune from the song “Just As I Am” is used with the words to this hymn taken from the book of Revelation.
“O Holy Lamb, Thou Son of God most Holy Lord, most worthy Lord. Standing in the center of God’s throne. Oh worthy is the Lamb, the Lamb.” It’s interesting that these ‘recent’ words, taken from Revelation and written/arranged by Jeff Nelson are blended with the music of William Bradbury written long ago. Nelson penned the words 150 years after Bradbury penned the music. But John recorded the image of ‘the Lamb’ over 2000 years ago. And the singer (sinner) still bows in response…“O Lamb of God, I come!”

“Earth Holds No Treasure” – 884

Where do you put your treasures? Maybe you should ask yourself; ‘what are my treasures?’ What do you value most in this life? The most important things in our life are kept in a safe and secure location. But is this world really secure? How ‘safe’ can a safety deposit box really be? Time and storms will ravage our homes and the field can be easily flooded beyond recognition. Is this earth where we hold our treasures? Maybe we are holding on to something that’s not worth our grip? Tillet S. Teddlie says it best in the third verse of this song; “Why should I long for this world and it’s sorrows…?” Good question.

“Sweet By and By” – 878

In the sweet by and by (heaven) we trust there’s a land that is fairer than anything we’ve ever experienced. Do we know that for sure? Has anyone been there and returned with pictures of the beautiful shore? John gives us our best glimpse into that realm as we read the book of Revelation. No one has seen heaven, “but by faith we can see it afar.”

“Where the Gates Swing Outward Never” – 864

Before our lesson we’ll sing this old spiritual song about gates that don’t ‘swing outward.’ What an image that the gates of heaven (Revelation 21:25) will never close! Humbled we should considered that in ‘a few more days’ or ‘a few more years’ we’ll ‘wake to see Him for whom my (our) heart is burning…’ How many of us can honestly say we have a heart that is burning to see the Savior, a heart that is yearning to go home?

“In the Land of Fadeless Day” – 890

The chorus of this song has always brought encouragement to me; “God shall wipe away all tears…” . It echoes the words of Revelation 21:4, but continues on into the 16th verse and provides the title for this spiritual song. “The city is laid out as a square, and its length is as great as the width…” (four square) Perhaps not a traditional invitation song, but what a great reminder that the gates of heaven (vs. 3) never close.

“Just Over in the Glory-Land” – no book

“What a joyful thought that my Lord I’ll see, just over in the glory-land; and with kindred saved there forever be, just over in the glory-land!” Kindred saved…what (who) is kindred? We don’t use that term much today, ‘kinfolk,’ but that is a term used to identify family. We are the family of God so it makes since to say we’ll go home to be with our kin when this life is over. Where is home? Just over the way…in glory-land!

1, June 19, 20131, June 18, 2013

Hymnology…A Look at the 1700’s

Richard Dent’s research and writing will again grace this website as we look at Hymnology in some general terms.

Have you ever thought that there are ‘rules’ for congregational singing? In this report we’ll look at some ideas from Wesley, Watts and Newton. Let’s consider how we can benefit from knowing more about the history of singing within Christiandom and the Lord’s church.

The mid 1700’s was a time of revival – a great awakening in the colonies as well as England. Charles Wesley picked up where Isaac Watts had left off. He, Wesley, wrote thousands of hymns; some scholars say almost 9,000. Some of his works are in our hymnal, Faith & Praise: “Love Divine” (page #140, written in 1747); “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” (page #233, written in 1739); “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” (page #345, written in 1739) and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (page #1001, written in 1739).

In one of his books, Charles Wesley listed seven rules for congregational singing:

1) Learn selected tunes before learning others.
2) Sing them exactly as they were printed.
3) Sing all (all people). See that you join the congregation as frequently as you can.
4) Sing lustily (powerful, with vigor) and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead or asleep.
5) Sing modestly. Do not bawl so as to be heard above the rest of the congregation so as to destroy the harmony of the group.
6) Sing in time. Do not run ahead nor stay behind.
7) Above all, sing spiritually. Have an eye for God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing Him more than yourself.

(We’ll come back and visit these ideas next week…)

In the wake of the Watts and the Wesleys, whole generations of hymnists rose up and produced some of the grandest music in the church. Some of these hymns are “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” (page 844) by William Williams in 1745. He was known as the Watts of Wales.

Other memorable hymns include, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (page #226) was written by Robert Robinson in 1758; “Rock of Ages” (page #454) written by Augustus Toplady in 1776; and “Amazing Grace” (page #129) written by John Newton in 1779. Have you noticed the years these old hymns were penned? Let’s recap the timeline of just these few hymns of prayer and praise:

1739..”Hark! The Herald Angels Sing;
“O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” and
“Christ the Lord is Risen Today”

1745…”Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”

1747…”Love Divine”

1758…”Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”

1776…”Rock of Ages”

1779…”Amazing Grace”

An exceptional collection of hymns that have survived the years. Actually, over 200 years! And we would be amiss to forget the back ground behind Newton’s hymn “Amazing Grace.” Remember that John Newton was a slave trader on the high seas. By his account, an evil and vile man who, following his conversion to Christ became a changed man, and then opposed the slave trading business in the British empire. There is one verse we have nearly forgot, it reads…“The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun forbear to shine. But God, who called me here below, shall be forever mine.”

Understanding the back ground behind what we sing will help us appreciate why we sing. Though hymnology, the study of hymns, may not be exciting for many, I truly believe it is imperative for all. Thanks again to my uncle, Richard Dent, for reminding us of the history of some great songs of faith and praise.

1, June 14, 20131, June 16, 2013

God’s Chosen Fathers…June 16th

On a clear Sunday afternoon in the mid-1990’s our family went to eat lunch after morning services. As we were getting our children out of their car seats and into the restaurant, Logan, then three, asked, “Since we celebrate mommy’s on Mother’s Day and daddy’s on Father’s Day, when do we celebrate ‘Son Day’?” My response; “Every day…is son’s day.”

But if the truth be know, every day we should be recognizing the Son of God and celebrate Him. This past month we took some time to honor our mothers, and this Sunday we’ll take a minute and consider our dads. Father’s Day and Mother’s Day were designed by our country to honor our parents (Ephesians 6:1, 2). But men we must remember our responsibility as dads. Join us as we consider the idea that God has chosen us to be fathers.

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

Sunday morning, June 16, 2013

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

“Restore My Soul” – no book

As we sing this song to God we’re asking Him to restore us, revive us and renew us. The text for this hymn is Psalm 80, “O God, restore us and cause Your face to shine upon us…” Surely we have all felt weary, empty and ‘cold’ in our zeal for God. But this morning as we sing, we’ll be calling on Him to renew our love for Him, rebuild our faith in Him and restore our soul.

“Night with Ebon Pinion” – no book

This is an old spiritual song that dates back to the mid-1800’s, with some very strong Biblical applications. The poetry from this song has caused many to abandon it, but in so doing we lose a beautiful message about the last hours of Christ’s life on earth. Terms like “ebon pinion” and “brooded o’re the vale’ have perplexed many Christians into leaving this hymn behind, but consider what we’re singing. Ebon means ‘black in color’ while pinions are the wings/feathers of a bird. To ‘brood’ is to hover or sit upon, and the ‘vale’ is the valley. Now pull them all together with this translation; The dark night had settled and was hovering over the valley like the wings of bird… We have an obligation to take the time to understand what we’re singing. Maybe that’s why some of our older hymns have been tossed out; we would rather not think about the words.

“God is So Good” – 83

A simple song with a complex message. God is good, He answers prayer and He cares for me. Would that be the reason we sing the final verse, “I love Him so…” or is our faithfulness unconditional? He died for us when we were undeserving. Do you love Him because He’s good and answers your prayers? Simple, but complex…

“Walk with Me” – 394

Less than 50 years old, we sing this hymn asking for God’s guidance and presence in our daily lives. The refrain is a personal plea that I will follow in His footsteps from Galilee to Gethsemane. Fathers, remember our responsibility to lead our families; we’ll do it best when we walk with Jesus.

“Faith of Our Fathers” – 754

Fredrick Faber captured the message here of a godly heritage. When our father’s are faithful and pass that faith down to their children, we are blessed. But fathers, have you ever been confined to the dungeon, or faced the fire and sword? Who of us have been chained in prisons dark? Hebrews 11:32-38 gives us the remembrance of these faithful (fore)fathers as we look at verses 1 & 2, “Now faith, is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval.” “Faith of our fathers! Holy faith! We will be true to Thee (God) till death!”

“Step by Step” – 15

Before our lesson we’ll medley Faith of Our Fathers with Step by Step. Song leaders, since the key signatures are the same and the message is sequential, the flow of these two songs make a beautiful combination. The tradition followed by the contemporary makes for a powerful reminder that our faith in God will seek Him in the daily. Each step toward God shows our families, and this lost world, that we are devoted to walking in His ways.

“I Am Coming, Lord” – 923

“I hear Thy welcome voice that calls me, Lord, to Thee…” As our invitation song we open the door, so to speak, for those who are lost or struggling in their faith to come back to God. An invitation song isn’t the only time we seek the lost, but it’s a great opportunity. In our hymnals, Faith & Praise, only the first verse is provided. But this Sunday morning we’ll revisit Louis Hartsough’s original writing; ” ‘Tis (It is) Jesus (who) calls me on to perfect faith and love, to perfect hope and peace and trust, for earth and heav’n above…” To those who are hurting, sad and lost in sin, there is peace in the blood that flowed from Calvary.

“To Christ Be True” – 736

What better way to end the service this morning than to reconfirm our faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We’ll join our voices and sing to encourage each other to be true to Christ. Why, ‘…for He will go with you, and help you’ through all your conflicts. But more importantly, because we have been chosen to lead our children to Him.

1, June 3, 20131, June 2, 2013

Lessons from a Pulpit

For those ‘church going’ folks, you know what the pulpit is. You’ve seen one almost every Sunday morning, and you know the preacher (most of the time) stands behind it to deliver a message for the word of God.

But sadly enough there are times when the message (the sermon) fails to live up to the position the pulpit represents. There are some who preach without the strength of understand and the conviction of word. Too many ‘softballs’ are lobbed out to the congregation making them feel secure, pacified and justified in their day-to-day activities. (Waterview church of Christ is the exception; Robert Oglesby’s Bible strong lessons challenge the status quo.) Still ask yourself, are the sermons you hear each week solid or soft. Will you hear a forward condemnation toward drunkenness, or quiet acceptance to social drinking? Do the sermons admonish the ladies to practice modesty, or are we fine with short skirts and tight tops? Are we concerned about the activities that accompany Prom Night? Or is that just ‘a right of passage’ for our young men and women? Are these activities (and others like them) discouraged from the pulpit?

Maybe, if we could have ‘seen’ the sermon 2000 years ago that held a crowd spell-bound for more than 6-hours we would understand what’s important in the walk with Christ. (Mark 15:25 we read, “It was about the third hour (9:00AM) when they crucified Him.” Then again in Luke 23:44-46 we notice, “It was about the sixth hour (noon), and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour (3:00PM), because the sun was obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And Jesus, crying out in a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last.”)

For six hours (9:00 in the morning till 3:00 in the afternoon) people stood and watched the Savior die. Some passed by shaking their heads (Mark 15:29) while others, rulers and soldiers included, stood looking and listen to the lesson from our Lord. We remember the short statements He made while on the cross; “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”, “Woman, behold your son.”, “I thirst.” , “It is finished!” and several other short proclamations. But what lesson was taught on this dark day in Jerusalem over 2000 years ago? What life altering lesson can I learn from this sermon of all sermons?

The group Acapella recorded a song entitle, There Never was a Pulpit Like the Cross. As you listen to this song consider the message that came on Calvary. What was the crowd hearing on that dread day as Jesus was crucified for the sins of all mankind? If it’s been a while since you’ve read the account of Christ death, burial and resurrection I encourage you to read it again. Listen to the sermon that Jesus preaches as He hangs on the cross for man’s redemption.

1) Jesus climbed the hill of Calvary
And they nailed Him on a cross
Though He had no sin my friend, like me and you
He submitted like a gentle lamb and let them nail Him there
And prayed “Forgive them, for they know not what they do”
Chorus:
Oh, there never was a pulpit like the old rugged cross
And there never was such a meeting place as Calvary
There never was a greater lesson preached on love by mortal man
And there never was a pulpit like the cross

2) What a crowd was gathered on the hill of Calvary that day
Not long before Christ’s victory was won
As His own mother watched and wept beside a friend whom Jesus loved
Christ said, “Dear mother, when I’m gone, he’ll be your son”
Chorus

3) A guilty man was hanging on another cross that day
Convicted of some thievery, his sin
And suff’ring Jesus saw some good in him and he forgave that man
And said, “Today, into My Heaven enter in”
Chorus

4) As you sit and pray in comfort, and in finery adorned
Without a thought of shame, regret, or loss
Just think of Jesus on that hill in pain, to awful to be born
And remember that old pulpit called the cross
Chorus

No, there never was a pulpit like the cross

1, May 14, 20131, May 12, 2013

Come into the House of the Lord and Worship

“So David arose from the ground, washed, anointed himself and changed his clothes; and he came into the house of the Lord and worshiped.” II Samuel 12:20

A complete review of this passage finds no songs of praise, no musical attributes and no reference to singing. But let the focus from this passage be the simple statement of what David did, “…he came into the house of the Lord and worshiped.” To understand the importance of this passage look at the context of the chapter.

David has been informed by Nathan the prophet that his son, by Bathsheba, would die. Any parent would recognize this to be heart-wrenching, devastating news. The death of a loved one hurts and leaves a void in our hearts, but the death of child has no comparison. In this passage, David pleads for the life of his child, and according to the scriptures he “…fasted and went and lay all night on the ground.” During this first (and only) week of the child’s life David pleads to God for mercy and refuses any comfort from the elders of his household. His hope is that God will renew the child’s health and let him live. But when the child dies, because of the extreme grief shown by David, the servants are afraid to tell him the painful news.

It’s interesting that though David isn’t informed of his sons death, he, “…perceived that the child was dead…”. Seeing the actions of his servants told him all he needed to know. But why did David’s demeanor change after his son died? Why wouldn’t he have mourned all the more? Most of us experience the depth of sorrow after our loved one’s death. But instead, David goes into the house of the Lord to worship. (Note: Most likely this was a demonstration of his acceptance to God’s disciplinary action for the death of his sin…the child born of Bathsheba was illegitimate. Nathan prophesied the child’s death.)

When we face the death of a loved one, we don’t see this as punishment or retribution from God’s hand. We see it for what it is, a loss. Whether anticipated at the end of a long life or unexpected in the earliest days of life, death is bitter for those left behind. When death comes, we feel its sting (I Corinthians 15:55). Perhaps that is one of the reasons why we mourn at a loved one’s death. But for the Christian, when he dies, we might consider the approach that David took in 2 Samuel 12. The Christian can worship when facing death, because of the hope we have in Christ. The loss we feel in death is temporary for the child of God because we know, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones.” Psalm 116:15

Recently we have experienced several deaths at our home congregation. Some are extended family members who had been struggling with health issues and some were older, faithful servants who had lived a long life for God. But recently a young family lost their baby 8 days before she was due. Such a loss is heart wrenching and leaves us at a loss for words. How do you comfort a young couple who was excited to begin their family? What can be said to console a young lady who had hoped to celebrate Mother’s Day with her baby girl? My only consultation is to remember the words and actions of a man ‘…after (God’s) own heart…’ Acts 13:22. David said in 2 Samuel 12:23, “But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”

The faithful child of God realizes that this life is temporary. We grieve when we loss a family member, but we also understand that ‘this world is not my home.’ If you are a child of God and death knocks at your door, your loved ones will have the blessed assurance of your victory. They’ll see death for what it is; precious in the sight of the Lord. Painful? For us, yes. Filled with sorrow at the loss? Certainly, but also a time for all believers to ‘come into the house of the Lord and worship.’

1, May 6, 20131, May 6, 2013

The Best Refuge…Ever!

Though this spiritual song was new to me, it was born in the mind of Caroline Sandell Berg in 1858. It’s origin comes from the ‘Song Book for Sunday School’, and as you listen to this choral arrangement, you’ll be able to hear the shades of a lullaby. The YouTube video is from Cal-State University Choir, choral archives, dating back to December, 1962.

“Children of the Heavenly Father
Safely in His bosom gather;
Nestling bird nor star in heaven
Such a refuge e’er was given.

Neither life nor death shall ever
From the Lord His children sever;
Unto them His grace He showeth,
And their sorrows all He knoweth.

Though He giveth or He taketh,
God His children ne’er forsaketh,
His the loving purpose solely
To preserve them pure and holy.

God His own doth tend and nourish;
In His holy courts they flourish,
From all evil things He spares them;
In His mighty arms He bears them.”

Consider that third verse; what exactly IS God’s purpose with us? Are we just an experiment that He started several, thousands of years ago? Or is there something more than life and death we can be looking forward to? Are we any better off than a bird that nestles in the trees or a star that flashes in the night sky? As children of God, we believe that He is in control. And we know that our life is under His rule. He can take away, and He often generously gives, but why are we here, what is His purpose?

We take hope in knowing the God loves us and desires all to come to know Him. We read this promise in 2nd Peter chapter 3, verse 8 and 9…“But 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. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”

Remember verse three…His purpose, His loving purpose, His only loving purpose is for His children to come back to Him. As Caroline penned over 150 years ago, ‘…to preserve them (us) pure and holy.’ Do we desire God as much as He desires us? We flourish because of His grace. We are spared from all evil because of His mighty arm. We are children of the heavenly Father with the best ‘refuge’ ever!