Category: Praise

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Joy to the World

joy to the worldTwo brilliant song writers, separated by almost a century of time and half a world apart, created of one of the most recognizable ‘Christmas hymns’ ever sung.  Issac Watts and Lowell Mason were musical icons who blazed new trails for spiritual renewal.  Their work has touched the hearts of God-fearing men, women and children for generations.  Yet as they penned the words and drafted the scales of this classic favorite, they never realized how much they were blessing the world with this cherished ‘Christmas anthem.’

Isaac WattsPsalm 98 provides the message that Issac Watts needed for the hymn we know as ‘Joy to the World.’  Reading the words penned by the Psalmist in verses 4, 7 & 8 we see the inspiration; “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song…let the sea resound…the world, and all who live in it…let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord…”  The strength of this song comes was we consider the words of the angel in Luke chapter 2, “…I bring you great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord…’ (Additionally, this work from Issac Watts was set in common meter, and ‘Joy to the World’ was originally sung to the tune of ‘Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.’

lowell mason

Born in 1792, Lowell Mason grew up in the early years of American history.  A native of New Jersey, he was raised with a love for spiritual hymns.  His ability to compose music for worship was highlighted in the early 1800’s as he taught Sunday school in Georgia.  His musical popularity escalated in the late 1820’s when 50,000 copies of his self-published song book were ordered by Handel & Haydn Society of Massachusetts.  But one of his great accomplishments came in 1836 when Mason composed a new melody inspired by Handel’s Messiah.  The completed melody was an exuberant ode called ‘Antioch.’  It’s name inspired by the Syrian city were followers of Christ were first called ‘Christians.’  But this new master piece lacked the proper message to fit the melody…until he found Watt’s ‘Joy to the World.’

As December continues to roll along we’ll continue to explore and learn more about some of the songs of the season.  This “Christmas Song of the Day”…Joy to the World.

 

Joy to the world! The Lord is come let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing and heaven, and heaven and nature sing

Joy to the world! the Savior reigns let men their songs employ
While fields and floods rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy repeat, repeat the sounding joy

No more let sin and sorrow grow nor thorns infest the ground
He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found
Far as the curse is found far as, far as the curse is found

He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness and wonders of his love
And wonders of his love and wonders and wonders of his love

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A Servant is Not Above His Master…Dec. 15th

Every respectful employee understands the expectations of working for his employer.  My boss tells me what do to, and I do it (as the scripture says without grumbling honoror complaining, Phil. 2:14).  Yet in a culture that questions authority, this concept is becoming a rare commodity.  How do we revive the principle of respect and honor when it comes to the master/servant relationship?

Reading Matthew chapter 10, you’ll see Jesus sending his disciples to ‘…go to the lost sheep of Israel.’  Through His various instructions we read the proclamation, “A servant is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.” (verse 24)  Is this a difficult statement?  Do we value ourselves above others to the point that we refuse to serve one another?  A child of God never forgets who he serves and he understand why the servant is never above his Master.

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

Sunday morning, December 15, 2013

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

“Come, Let Us All Unite to Sing” -121

As our country struggled in the early years before the Civil War, a song of unification was penned.  That same spiritual song will serve as our opening song of encouragement this Sunday morning.  “Come, let us all unite to sing…God is love!”  The call is for every soul to wake up from the sleep of death (sin), and make sweet music in his heart…for Jesus’ sake.  Why?  Simply because God is love!

“Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” -202meadow and mountains

Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” serves as the musical foundation for this hymn of praise.  Each verse calls the singer, and the whole of God’s creation, to worship Him.  Note verse two; “All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays, stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise; Field and forest, vale (valley) and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing (surprising) sea, chanting birds and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee.”  All of God’s creation praises Him.  Will we?

“I Am Thine, O Lord” -666

Before the Lord’s Supper we’ll sing about our devotion to God.  The servant-Master relationship is implied as we seek to be ‘consecrated’ (set apart as holy) in His service.  The chorus echoes with the desire we have to be drawn nearer to His side.  May we turn our hearts and minds back ‘to the cross where Thou hast died.’ Truly, God’s children understand that He is the Master and we say, “I am Yours, O Lord.”

“He Paid a Debt” -376

‘He paid a debt He did not owe…’  On the face of it we sing this song from rote and can sing it with our eyes closed.  We know the words, but do we listen to the message.  As a servant to his Master we must never forget who paid the debt for us.  It’s not about what I have done, but what Jesus did!  He paid that debt on Calvary… Amazing Grace!

“On Bended Knee“ -791

A beautiful song of prayer where we come ‘bowing down’ to our King.  Understanding this to be a figure of speech, it still behooves us to ask the question, ‘are we willing to bend our knee before the throne?’  Without a humble or broken heart we’ll never truly bow to Him…figuratively.  However, remember the scripture is clear, “…that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth…” Philippians 2:10.  So literally we will all one day be ‘on bended knee.’

“More About Jesus” -678

Some people think they can never have enough.  Never satisfied with what they have, but always looking for more.  As servants of the King, we should be looking for more too.  We should be striving to know more about Jesus, to learn more about Him and His saving fullness.  This old spiritual song uses the word ‘more’ ten times in the first verse alone.  As you strive for ‘more’, make Jesus your first and only objective.

“Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” -679

Serving as our invitation song this morning, we sing a strong affirmation of our trust in Jesus.  He is our Master and we trust His judgement.  But notice the third verse, ‘…Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus, just from sin and self to cease…”  As we follow the Master we cease living in sin, we start serving the Master and stop serving ourselves.  We come to better understand that the servant is not above his Master.

“Make Me a Servant” -694

How appropriate we conclude this morning’s song service with this simple contemporary hymn to God.  As you think about what you’re singing you will better understand what you are asking for.  “Make me a servant…do what You must do to make me a servant…”  Are you really ready for that, for God to do what He must do?  If you are truly ready for God to work in you, then you know that a servant can never be above his Master.     

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Sound the Battle Cry

civil war soldiersWars are fought and won by soldiers!  We’ve honored our veterans this month and each day we should express our ‘thanks’ for their sacrifice.  But we must never forget that soldiers fight for a cause.  They strap on their gear (armor) and charge into the fray for a common cause, to defeat the foe.  And though our methods of battle are much more ‘sophisticated’ today, we still are engaged in wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6).

Since the day God delivered His people from the Egyptians (Exodus 14), armies have sung songs to rally the troops and encourage the victor.  Songs like Moses and the sons of Israel sang in Exodus 15; “I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has hurled into the sea…”   Following the example from those men of old, we have continued to sing in triumph on the battle field.

The Civil War holds some strong examples of battle songs as we recall some familiar tunes from the 1860’s; “When Johnny Comes Marching Home”, “Dixie Land” and “Rally Round the Flag Boys”.  Like the Civil War, both World Wars and other battles fought over the years, songs of encouragement were sung to inspire the troops.

In the battle for right vs. wrong, God’s children find themselves fighting as soldier’s of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3).  We recognize this and even teach the idea to our children at the youngest ages.  Who hasn’t attended a Vacation Bible School and not sung, “I’m in the Lord’s Army”?  But do the ‘battle songs’ end with children?  Obviously not when we consider; “Soldier’s of Christ, Arise” or “The Battle Belongs to the Lord” or “Victory in Jesus”.  Let’s look at one particular battle song that the Christian has sung since the days of the Civil War.  A song by William F. Sherwin sherwin...1869entitled “Sound the Battle Cry”.  Notice the call for soldiers to be aware of the impending battle (the foe is nigh) and the call from Ephesians 6 to ‘put on the armor of God’.  The second verse encourages the soldier to realize and see the importance of never quitting (marching on in the strength of God).  And the final verse is a plea to the ‘Captain’ to continue with us, support us and reward us at the close of the war.

With the sound of distant cannons echoing in his mind, Sherwin pens the chorus as if singing the Civil War tune, ‘rally around the flag boys’; “Rouse then soldier’s (of the cross), rally round the banner…” , but who is the banner?  Notice Isaiah 11, “In that day the Root of Jesse (David’s father) will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to Him, and His resting place will be glorious.”   Who is the “Root of Jesse”?  Look to John as he wrote in Revelation 5, “…behold the Root of David (son of Jesse)…a Lamb, standing, as if slain…”.  When we sing about ‘the banner’, we’re singing about the Christ.  When we “rally ’round the banner,” we are rallying around our Savior.

Sound the battle cry! See, the foe is nigh;
Raise the standard high for the Lord;
Gird your armor on, stand firm every one;
Rest your cause upon His holy Word.
Strong to meet the foe, marching on we go,
While our cause we know, must prevail;
Shield and banner bright, gleaming in the light,
Battling for the right we ne’er can fail.
O Thou God of all, hear us when we call,
Help us one and all by Thy grace;
When the battle’s done, and the victory won,
May we wear the crown before Thy face.
Refrain:
Rouse then, soldiers, rally round the banner,
Ready, steady, pass the word along;
Onward, forward, shout aloud, “Hosannah!”
Christ is Captain of the mighty throng.
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All Things According to the Pattern…Nov. 24th

A pattern is necessary if you want to duplicate the original.  If I want to ‘make it right,’ I have to follow the pattern.  But just because I have a pattern doesn’t mean I automatically have a duplicate.  Without following the directions, the pattern will be flawed and far from effective.

patternAny seamstress knows the importance of following the pattern.  And yet many who ‘fear God’ often fail to remember that basic principle when it comes to living Christian lives.  Many will say they want to follow God’s teaching (the Word), but don’t want to be ‘bound’ by a pattern.  Free will and exploring God on my own might be the ‘new way’, but even Moses was instructed, “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”  Hebrews 8:5 


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

Sunday morning, November 24, 2013

The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“In Moments Like These” 239

If we are honest with ourselves, there are times when we feel closer to God than other times.  What causes this feeling of joy and fulfillment?  What gives us that emotional lift as opposed to the times when we’re feeling down?  Circumstances can change in life, but our God never changes.  When you do find yourself feeling God’s love and strength, sing a song of praise.  But when you’re not…sing these words; “In moments like these, I lift up my voice; singing I love you, Lord.”

“Is It For Me?” – 483

An old hymn that asks a simple question, “Is it for me…?”  The peace and rest of heave, the welcome to ‘enter in’ heaven’s glory.  We sing this question, but let the message of the refrain echo in your heart as we praise the Father and the Son, “O Savior, my Redeemer, what can I but adore (what else is worthy of praise), and magnify (glorify) and praise Thee and love Thee…forever more?”  Never forget that the glory and rest of heaven is for all those who die to Christ…and yes, it is for me!

“How Deep the Father’s Love” – no book

A contemporary song that isn’t really asking the question, ‘How deep is the Father’s love’, but one that is sung to how-deep-the-fathers-love-for-usconfirm what we already believe and know.  God’s love for us is so deep and vast we can’t begin to measure it. How great the pain must have been for both the Father and the Son, but the objective was clear, to ‘bring many sons to glory.’  We continue this song as we ‘behold the man upon the cross’ and clearly recognize our sins.  Think in your mind back to the mocking voices (Luke 23:25-38) as they stood at the foot of the cross.  Why should I gain from His sacrifice?  I don’t know the answer to that question.  “But this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom.’

“Abide with Me” – 808

A song that is popular during the closing hours of one’s life.  A hymn pleading for God to abide with us during these dark, lonely hours.  We’ll sing this song following the Lord’s Supper, but we’ll focus on the fourth verse as we sing; “Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies; heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee: in life and in death, O Lord, abide with me.”

“Restore My Soul” – no book

A strong, upbeat song that asked God to restore our spirit, revive the fire of our souls and renew our courage to live for the Savior.  “Renew my love, rebuild my faith and restore my soul.”  Perhaps some will find it repetitive, but what a message to ask for strength as we express our “desire to work in His fold…”

“Sing to Me of Heaven” – 716

Almost 100 years old, this spiritual song is sung encouraging the Christian to remember the joy of heaven.  The traps (toils) that bind us on this earth will be loosened as we encourage each other to keep looking to the pattern and the hope of eternal life with Christ!

“Softly and Tenderly” – 934

An ‘invitation song’ that has been around since the late-1800’s calls the wandering sinner to turn back to God. Visions of the stubborn child who has run away from home are seen as we plead for those who are weary to come back and rest.  To emphasize the message, there is a sense of urgency in the third verse; don’t you realize time is now fleeting and the moments are passing…? Come on, come home!

“True Hearted, Whole Hearted” – 629town crier

“Peal out the watch word!”  Almost like the town crier who is standing on the street corner announcing the ‘good news’, so we too should be true to our devotion to God and share His message.  Or more likely, we should be shouting out the song of our spirits if we are truly rejoicing and free.  This is truly a song of victory if we are true to His Word and follow the pattern given to us in the scripture.

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The Battle Belongs to the Lord…Nov. 10th

“Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in!  Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle…He is the King of glory.”
Psalm 24:7, 8, 9  David penned this psalm thousands of years ago, and yet the soldier still today finds comfort in knowing who is mighty in battle.

As soldier’s of the cross we must hold fast to the knowledge that the war has soldier prayingbeen won.  Though skirmishes come into our lives constantly, and daily battles must be fought as we stand for truth, we know Jesus is Lord.  Join us Sunday morning as we honor our veterans and admonish all of the soldiers in the Lord’s army!

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

Sunday morning, November 10, 2013

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

“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” 560

We begin our worship services this morning as we encourage each other to give glory and honor to the King.  It’s interesting to consider the first verse; how are we entering the land (this world)?  Are we equipped for battle or do we ‘just throw something on?’  A football player would be clobbered if he walked onto the gridiron minus his shoulder pad or helmet.  And yet how often does the Christian walk into the world without His armor?

soldiers marching“Am I a Soldier of the Cross?” – no book

This old song has several different arrangements, but we’ll sing this one to the tune of “The Gospel is for All.”  Simply enough we sing (ask) the question, “Am I a soldier of the cross; a follower of the Lamb…?”  Today we should be asking ourselves, am I afraid to stand up for Him…or am I embarrassed to be known as a soldier of Christ?  This world opposes God…are you willing to be a soldier in His army?

 

“Come Share the Lord” – 364

As we turn our minds toward the Lord’s Supper, we commemorate our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection.  We join each other in breaking the bread, drinking the fruit of the vine and sharing (communing) with our Lord.  Each Christian understands the importance of this memorial and that’s why we anticipate the feast each Sunday morning.  That’s why ‘we gather here in Jesus’ name…’ and that’s why ‘…His love is burning in our hearts like living flame…’

“Why Did My Savior Come to Earth” – 382

An other simple question which all honest believers have asked…’why?’  Why did my Savior come to earth and go to the humble (lowly)…?  The answer is heard as the little children sing “Jesus loves me, this I know.”  Why did He drink the bitter cup (death) and endure sorrow, pain and woe…?”  He did it, because He love me so!

“It Is Finished” – 369It-is-finished

A majestic song of Christ’s resurrection and our victory in Him.  The first three verses are sung together while we consider the old rugged cross as it stands on a line drawn through the ages.  The forces of evil have been amassed on one side and the angels of glory on the other.  The earth shakes with the force of the conflict, even noting that the sun refuses to shine (Luke 23:44).  But then, as Christ breathes His last, a cry echoes across all time…“It is finished!”  Though we may still struggle with our won individual battles we can praise His name knowing that there will be no more war…it is finished and Jesus is Lord!

“Soldier’s of Christ, Arise” – 647

Before our lesson this morning it seems only fitting to sing about being a soldier of Christ.  It has always struck me with fascination as we implore the soldier’s of Christ to ARISE (get up)!  Notice the call to put on your armor (helmet, shoes, breastplate, sword, belt) and be ready to fight a foe who opposes God.  Reading Ephesians 6 you’ll get a clearer understanding of what the ‘panoply of God’ really is.  Just be sure that you, leave no place unguarded, and that there be no weakness in your soul.  Take virtue and grace and fortify (secure) the whole of your responsibility in serving Christ.

“Take My Life, and Let It Be” – 669

The ‘invitation’ is a simple to call to clarify your present walk in life.  The Christian’s desire should be to draw closer to God each and every day. The non-Christian has a call to come and take Christ on in baptism, that they too may be a child of the King.  After knowing who Jesus is and what He did we should all be saying, “Take my life and let it be consecrate Lord to Thee…”  It’s not what I want, but what God calls me to be.  We sing, “take my life, my hands, my will, my heart, my life, myself…to be honest, that doesn’t leave much behind.  Give to God your all.

“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” 560

We’ll conclude our worship together with the same song that we began with.  But we’ll start this time with the chorus, “And we’ll sing glory, honor, power and strength to the Lord…”  As soldier’s in the Lord’s army, let’s be ready to praise our King and serve Him faithfully.  Never fear the battle, but remember, the Battle Belongs to the Lord!

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More Than a Coincidence

Late Night StudyConcerning a particular situation or a specific set of circumstances some might said, ‘What a coincidence!’  But how do we know if something is coincidental (lucky) or if it’s more likely providential?  Often we look at life and see it as lucky or unlucky, black or white and yet all the while we might be missing the point.  Perhaps we come up short of giving God the credit He deserves for working in our lives.  Perhaps we need to be better about recognizing and seeing that God’s hands are working in ways we can not see.  (Remember the song “God Will Make a Way.”)  After all, don’t we pray for Him to be with us?

 

Consider two Christian song writers from this century; Chisholm and Sanderson.  T.O. Chisholm was a well to chisholmrenowned American song writer during the early 1900’s.  Many of his 1,200 works of Christian poetry have found their way into some of our hymnals.  In 1960, at the age of 94, Chisholm passed from this life.  His works are well documented but we’ll consider one that was born on a lonely, dark night.

Another well noted writer and composer from the same era was L.O. Sanderson.  Sanderson was a preacher of the gospel as well a noted musician.  He is recognized as one who wrote the words and music to many of our gospel songs.  He was born in 1901 and passed lo sandersonaway in 1992, at the age of 91.  Like Chisholm, Sanderson penned the music to one particular song in the dark hours of the night.  Perhaps it’s not surprising that these two men combined their talents to produce some ‘greats songs of the church.’ 

It was recorded that one night around midnight, Sanderson was working alone in his office.  He had been preparing his sermon for the coming Sunday morning, but a new, specific tune kept running through his mind.  To satisfy his musical creativity, he stopped his study and jotted down the musical notes.  In a few short weeks he sent the music to his friend, T.O. Chisholm, and inquired of him if had any poetry to fit the scales.  As Chisholm reviewed the work of his friend, he found the musical bars (the meter, 11.10.11.10) were a perfect fit for the poetry he penned, “Be with me, Lord – I can not live without Thee, I dare not try to take one step alone, I cannot bear the loads of life, unaided, I need Thy strength to lean myself upon…” 

As the two friends compared notes and asked each other questions about this specific work, they found that they both had similar circumstances surrounding their endeavors.  Both were working late one night (after midnight to be precise), and both were preoccupied with some specific words, a specific tune, floating within their mind.  They were struggling to accomplish one task while trying to embrace this new song.  And yet both were unable to be resolution to their struggle until they put their music, poetry, to paper.  The extraordinary piece of this puzzle was that both men were creating this song of praise and affirmation some 1000’s of miles apart.  Could it have been a coincidence or just plain lucky?  Was this just a great accident of hymnology or was our God, the Great Composer, at work in creating a hymn for His people to sing for the ages?

Two men of God, in two separate towns divided by hundreds of miles sitting in their respective offices churning out their own contribution to this hymn of prayer.  Perhaps Chisholm’s inspiration in the third verse explains this more clearly; “…a constant sense of Thy abiding presence, where ‘er I am, to feel that Thou art near.”

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Winning First Place…Oct. 20th

2nd place...How excited is the Olympic athlete when he/she comes in second?  Why are we thrilled to come in first, but fall into the doldrums of depression when we lose?  The athlete prepares themselves to win, and stand on the podium for the gold medal, not the silver.  Even in life we strive for first place…never for second.

Even Paul urged us to ‘…Run in such a way that you may win.’  (Obviously he is referring to the ‘imperishable wreath.’)  So shouldn’t we strive for first place?  Perhaps we need to consider what race we’re running?  Maybe we get to focused on running in the wrong race.  Or maybe our competitive nature causes us to ‘run over’ some folks who actually may be needing help running the race.  Or just maybe, we are striving to win in the world rather than looking at heaven’s race.  What ever the case, what is it that we should be running for?  Christ told us in Mark 12…the most important thing, our goal is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.  When we do that, then we’ll be in 1st Place!

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

Sunday morning, October 20, 2013

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

“I Will Call Upon the Lord” – 63

The Lord Lives!  We open our worship time together singing scripture (Psalm 18:3).  David wrote, “I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.”  Perhaps we know this song so well we forget that we have deliverance from those who hate us.  In a world torn by division we should all be seeking pure hearts, loving our God first and calling upon Him often.

pure in heart“Purer in Heart, O God” – 671

How do you devote your life?  Are you concerned about where you’re walking, how you’re living?  We sing this hymn (a song of prayer) asking for God’s guidance and protection.  It’s an encouragement to me as I hear my brothers and sisters in Christ singing and praying for God to ‘help me to be pure in heart, so that one day I may see Your holy face…’  Would that we all long for God to reign within our lives (within our souls).

“One Day!” – 353

The first verse of this song takes us back to the day of Christ’s birth, when He came to earth.  We continue with the second verse looking to ‘Calvary’s mountain’ and His suffering.  The third verse will take us to the tomb where He was laid.  But the chorus is our focus as we sing this song before the Lord’s Supper; “Living, He loved me; Dying, He saved me; Buried, He carried my sins far away; Rising, He justified freely forever…One day He’s coming (back), Oh glorious day!”   Christ gave Himself so we might be ‘justified,’ by definition: “To be declared free of blame.”  Though we are sinful men, if we give our lives to Christ and are baptized into His death, we have been declared free of sin because of His death on Calvary’s mountain.

“Majestic Sweetness” – 530

Notice the title of this song and where ‘majestic sweetness’ is enthroned.  The answer; “…upon the Savior’s brow;” (head)  Now consider the 3rd verse; “He saw me plunged in deep despair and flew to my relief; for me He bore the shameful cross, and carried all my grief.”  Certainly we owe Him our life and breath, and all the joys we have.  It’s no surprise that Samuel Stennett would concluded this hymn with the phrase…“Had I a thousand hearts to give, Lord they should all be Thine…”  

“Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord” – 762

Remember the old adage, ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?’  It’s true for many areas in life, but when it comes to Godliness we better take a look at how teachable we are.  When I’m lost I’m more than eager to have someone ‘show me the way’.  When I am sad of heart or when fears and doubts arise, I’m more receptive to being comforted and consoled.  As we sing about God’s guidance, would that we long to be taught His ways!

“The Greatest Commands” – 448

A great contemporary song that provides each of the four basic parts an opportunity to sing their individual lines, yet all in harmony.  Notice each of these verses come from the scripture; I John 4:7, 8, I Corinthians 13:7 and Christ’s words in Mark as He says, “Love the Lord, thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, all thy strength all thy mind…”; a beautiful soprano line.  But here’s some homework for you; which part (bass, tenor or alto) sings the words from I Corinthians 13:7?

“Let Him Have His Way with Thee” – no book

This old spiritual song will serve as our invitation as we ask the question, “Would you live for Jesus and be always pure and good?”  If you say ‘Yes’, then you will choose to let Him have His way with you.  But what does that mean?  It means that His power, His blood and His love will all be first and foremost in your life.  Then ‘you will see ’twas best for Him to have His way with thee.’

“Hear, O Israel” – 446greatest commandment

Theses words are taken straight from the Bible (and sung already this morning).  It is first found in Deuteronomy chapter 6, but is repeated by Christ in the gospels.  This morning, our basis for study will be Mark 12 when Christ is asked, “What commandment is the foremost of all?”  (verse 28)  His reply, as He so powerful demonstrated time and again, was to sight the scripture.  “The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart…soul…mind… and strength.”  Question: How are we doing in life, are we winning first place?

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Are You A Citizen?…October 13th

man without a countryPhilip Nolan was a fictitious Army Lieutenant for the Union during the American Civil War.  Accused of being an accomplice of treason he is put on trial.  During his testimony, in anger, he renounces his country shouting, “I wish I may never hear of the United States again!” Shocked by the outburst of defiance, with cold resolve the judge grants him his wish.  Nolan is sentenced to spend the rest of his life aboard United States Navy warships, in exile, with no right ever again to set foot on U.S. soil.  The final element of punishment is that no one shall ever mention his country to him again.  He becomes, the ‘Man without a Country.’

Citizenship in a country is a sign of belonging.  It establishes your rights and your membership.  If you are not a citizen of a country (or a community), you have no voice or privilege within that country/community.  Our lesson this Sunday asks the question with no clarification, simply…’are you a citizen?’  Join us as we consider our citizenship.   

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

Sunday morning, October 8, 2013

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

“Hallelujah! Praise Jehovah” 3

A beautiful song of praise to our God…read Psalm 148 and you will better understand the power and majesty of this ‘psalm’ of praise.

“Seek Ye First” – 555

A contemporary psalm (song from the scripture) that I remember singing around the campfire.  A ‘teen’ song that inspires the singer/listener to seek God first.  Open your Bible to Matthew 6:33 and sing, “but seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you…”

“Hallelujah, What a Savior” – 337

Another psalm as we consider the words of Isaiah in his 53rd chapter…“He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.”  But consider this verse carefully as you sing…”Guilty, vile and helpless we; (we are not innocent, we are disgusting (vile) and unable to take care of ourselves.  Jesus, however, is the Lamb of God, who is without blemish (spotless).  Is it possible (can it be) therefore, that we can have full atonement (cleansing) from our guilty, vile and helpless situation?  The answer is yes and our response is simple…“Hallelujah!  What a Savior.”

“Sweet Adoration” – 253

“Sweet adoration comes from Your children…”  Do we admire our God and tell Him that in our songs?  More than saying it, do we live it?  Can the world see our glory and honor and praise to God as a part of our constant devotion?
solid rock

“My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” – 538

On Christ…the SOLID Rock I stand!  Where do you stand?

“Jesus, Let Us Come to Know You” – 768

Not your typical invitation song, but this spiritual song calls us to say to our Lord, ‘Jesus, let us come to know You.’  We’ll never know Him, until we give our lives to Him!

“When the Roll is Called Upon Yonder” – 852

The teacher takes roll in class for the simple purpose to find out “who’s there.”  This song was born from the same idea, but looking toward eternity.  When life is over, when the Lord is ‘taking roll’ will our name be called?  When the ‘roll is called’ up yonder…will you be there?

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An Intimidating Student…October 6th

sunsetSunday morning sermon’s are designed to encourage, inspire and motivate the listener, believer and unbeliever alike, to draw closer to the the Word of God.  The preacher will often put a title on his sermon to pull the audience toward the message with anticipation and interest.  So what can we know from the title of this morning’s lesson, “An Intimidating Student?”

Read Acts chapter 18 beginning in verse 23 as we consider a teacher (one who was ‘fervent in spirit’) being taught ‘more accurately’ the way of God.  Often when the teacher is ‘corrected’ the results can be controversial at best.  But notice the outcome when this teacher turns out to be ‘an intimidating student.’

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

Sunday morning, October 6, 2013

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

“To God Be the Glory” -4

A strong song of praise as the worship services begin.  With passion and conviction the congregation will join in one voice and sing, “To God be the glory, great things He has done..”  We know the greatest of our God and His wonderful love for us as we remember that even, ‘…the vilest offenders who truly obey…’ have the hope of heaven.

“We Have Come Into His House” -296

“We have come into His house, and gathered in His name to worship Him!”  Though the building that sets at 1409 N. Waterview is only a building, we remember David’s words in Psalm 122, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.”  Are we glad to come together and worship God as a united people?  God’s people know the importance of being together…in HIS house.

“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” -315

When was the last time you surveyed the cross?  How do you survey the cross?  We come together and remember our Lord’s death and resurrection every first day of the week.  We turn our minds and hearts to the cross.  We do as Jesus command, ‘…do this…in remembrance of Me.’  Survey, by definition can mean, “to view or examine.”  But it can also mean, “to calculate.”  Have you calculated the cross?  It’s worth more than we will ever know.  It’s worthy of our examination.  Perhaps this Sunday morning you’ll survey the cross more closely than before.

“I Gave My Life to Thee” -354

‘What hast thou brought for Me?’  This song ends each verse with the question, “…what have you give for Me…have you left all for Me…what have you borne for Me?”  Questions, if you will, asked by our Savior.  When we’re baptized into Christ we say we give Him our lives.  But it’s not a one time, I’ve done it, I’m saved.  We are called to give Him our lives, each and every day.  He gave His life for me, am I willing to give Him my life?

“Be with Me, Lord“ -778

A beautiful song of prayer where we ask God’s guidance, direction and protection.  When you’re lonely, where do you turn?  When you feel like crying, whose shoulder do you lean on?  When death is at your door…who will you be with as you depart for ‘worlds unknown?’  My prayer… “Be with me, Lord, I cannot live (or die) without Thee.”

“I Love to Tell the Story” -659

Do you love a good story? Some like to hear ’em and others like to tell ’em.  Would that we all love to tell the story of Jesus because, “…some have never heard the message of salvation from God’s own holy word.”  Are you one who tells the story?

“Will You Not Tell it Today?” -628

Before the lesson we sang of telling the story; as our invitation song we ask the question, “…will you not tell it today?”  It’s interesting to me that we declare, ‘If the name of the Savior is precious to you…’ then why won’t you tell others about Him?  I love Jesus but I don’t talk about Him with my friends makes as much sense as saying we love our spouse, but don’t want to be seen in public with them.  Are we that way with Christ?  If not, ‘…if your faith in the Savior has brought it’s reward…will you not tell it today?”

“Send the Light” -650send the light

What is the call that comes ringing over the restless wave?  It’s a call for salvation from a lost people.  Many are lost and without Christ.  Do we care enough to ‘answer their call?’  Think of the comfort we find in Christ.  We have the Light in a dark world.  Since we have light and can help others find their way, why don’t you share it?  Why don’t we ‘send the light?’   

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Before the Throne of God

william bradbury

William Bradbury lived during the mid-1800’s (1816-1868) and wrote the music for some well known hymns sung by the saints for generations.  Songs like ” ‘Tis Midnight and On Olive’s Brow”, “He Leadeth Me” and “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”.  Other favorites like “Just As I Am” and “Soldier’s of Christ, Arise” are all the musical work of William Bradbury.  Perhaps one of his most noted, recognizable tunes was written in 1862 to support the simple words penned by Anna B. Warner, “Jesus Loves Me”.

 

Some may remember the old hymn from W. W. Walford entitled, “Sweet Hour of Prayer”.  This is another musical arrangement from the hand of William Bradbury.  But there was yet another song (same, long meter) which took the same tune with the following words:
{sing these words to “Sweet Hour of Prayer”}before the throne of god

Before the throne of God above,
I have a strong and perfect plea:
A great High Priest whose name is love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands.
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in heav’n He stands.
No tongue can bid me hence depart.

Though you might not be familiar with these words accompanying “Sweet Hour of Prayer”, you might be familiar with these words as they accompany a tune written by Vikki Cook in 1997.  A songwriter and composer, Vikki Cook and her husband Steve have written numerous contemporary songs.  One of her more popular hymns is known as “Holy Lord” or “Great Are You, Lord”.

Listen to this old hymn (penned in 1863) sung to an arrangement developed over 120 years later.  The words are strong as you translate the Old English poetry, but the musical arrangement brings new life to a beautiful, old message.  Before the throne of God I stand…