“A memory revisited” is one of the definitions given for a flashback. And most likely you’ve experienced such an event. Remembering something back in time, a flashback to the past. But what kinds of ‘flashbacks’ do I have with Bible study? Are there examples of such things found within scripture?

Look no further than Luke chapter 1, as ‘the angel’ spoke to Zacharias about his soon to be born son; “…you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth….and he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children,’ (Malachi 4:6) and the disobedient to the attitude of righteousness, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” A flashback in Bible study to be sure, but join us Sunday as we consider more…

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

Sunday morning, July 13, 2014

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

“O Worship the King” – 144

Joining together we’ll sing; “O worship the King, all glorious above, and gratefully sing His wonderful love…”  But take a moment to consider the words of the second verse; “Thy bountiful care, what tongue can recite? It (His bountiful care) breathes in the air, it shines in the light; It (His care) streams from the hills, it descends to the plain, and sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.” God’s abundant care is every where! It’s in the air we breath and the sun that shines, the rain that falls and even in the early morning dew. Before you sing this song, remember He is your King; but He is also your Maker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend.

“Worthy Art Thou” – 230

Another hymn we sing to Him as we lift up the voice in praise and devotion… “Worthy art Thou!” Will you come before Him with singing?

“O Sacred Head” – 318

The words and music of this classic old hymn date back to the mid-1600’s. But for a moment, look at these words from a different angle; “…Now scornfully surrounded with thorns, Thine only crown; How art Thou pale with anguish, with sore abuse and scorn…” The word ‘pale’ can mean ‘light in color,’ and may very well mean that here. But perhaps the author chose an alternate meaning to the word pale, ‘to be enclosed or surrounded.’ Like the crown of thorns on His head, isn’t it clear that He was encircled by anguish, abuse and scorn?

“The Lord is in His Holy Temple” – 108

A simple message and a song you’ve sung countless times before, and we find it’s basis in the book of Habakkuk. The context of the passage enlightens us to understand that man-made gods, idols of wood and stone, are unable to rise up, speak out or communicate with people. They are silent. But people of the world are to be silent before the Living God. Read Habakkuk 2:18-20 and see the inspiration for this old ‘psalm.’

“He Paid a Debt” – 376

A contemporary song, written in the mid-1970’s, serves us well as we conclude the Lord’s Supper…‘He paid that debt at Calvary (Latin for ‘the Skull’), He cleansed my soul and set me free…!’ This picture, taken in the mid-1930’s, shows a hill outside Jerusalem that may very well have been ‘the Skull.’

“Faith of Our Fathers” – 754

Singing this spiritual song isn’t a praise to our heritage. We don’t sing to honor our forefathers, but we sing of the living faith of those who have gone before. Faithful men who stood for Christ and His church. Men who were thrown in dungeons, suffered death by the sword, and died in the flame. Men chained in prisons, but free in Christ. In the chorus we sing, “…we will be true to Thee (God) till death!” But will we, in spite of our trials, still remain faithful? “How sweet would be their children’s fate, if they (us), like them (our fore fathers), could die for Thee (our God)!”

“Ancient Words” – no book

‘Ancient words, ever true, changing me and changing you!’ Perhaps the next line of this contemporary song is the challenge for you and I today. Can we honestly sing what comes next? Have you come with an open heart? Are you ready for the word of God to be imparted to you? If so, when this lesson is concluded and ‘He gently knocks,’ will you be ready to keep the door open for Him. What a blessing that these “Holy words” have been long preserved so we can see and experience first hand…a Bible Study Flashback.

“Behold a Stranger at the Door” – 919

Considering your response to the lesson, does Jesus live in you or is He still outside your heart (your life)? Christ’s own words in Revelation 3:20 serve as the foundation for this invitation song, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears  My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” We sing knowing that He doesn’t demand that we open the door, nor does He beg for our affection. Jesus ‘gently knocks and has waited long’ for those who hear the gospel to open the door of their heart and let Him in!

“A Mansion, Robe and Crown” – no book

“I’m gonna trade my earthly home for a better one bright and fair. Christ left to prepare a mansion for His children in the air…” One of our contemporary songs that references the promise made by Jesus in John chapter 14. Don’t let the newness of this hymn discourage you from finding the joy in a promise of eternal life with our Heavenly Father.