How Can I Promote the Brand of NT Christianity?
Those who have lived or worked on a ranch know the job is long and hard. Branding cattle is 
more than just rope ’em, hold ’em, brand ’em, but it’s part of the process every rancher takes if he wants to maintain his herd. And the distinguishing ‘mark’ serves to show that there is an owner. Simply put, this animal belongs to someone.
But what could the idea of ‘a brand’ have on New Testament Christianity? As children of God, we belong to Him, we have been bought by the blood of Jesus Christ (I Peter 1:18-19). But if we belong to Him, if we have His ‘brand,’ does the world know it? When world looks at Christians…what do they see? If you aren’t wearing the brand of Christ, you’re wearing the brand of the world. But if you are proclaiming Chrisitianity there are a couple of questions you need to ask yourself; 1) does the world know Who you belong to and, 2) ‘How can I promote the “brand” of New Testament Christianity?’
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
He Walked Like a Man
“Do you fear the force of the wind, the slash of the rain? Go face them and fight them, be 
savage again. Go hungry and cold like the wolf, go wade like the crane. The palms of your hand will thicken, the skin of your cheek will tan. You’ll grow ragged and weary and swarthy…but you’ll walk like a man.” Hamlin Garland
This poem was introduced to me early in my adult life by a good man who I’m honored to call my father-in-law, James Knight. He was a man who loved God, served the family and truly understood how to walk like a man. But Jim was more than just a swarthy man. He didn’t fear the wind and rain, but accepted them as God’s creation. And though he knew what it was like to wade like a crane, he was more interested in walking with God. And…I will never forget the strength in his hands. Even as the last years of his life was crippled by Parkinson’s, he maintained a strong grip on life.
Born and raised in Colorado, Jim taught me more about understanding and appreciating God’s creation than I would have ever imagined. His love for God’s handiwork was manifested throughout his life. From hunting the Colorado Rockies to driving the golf range, Jim loved the great outdoors. But the true joy of his life, next to his love for his family, was living and serving his heavenly Father. God was the source of his life. Jim made heaven his priority for each and every step of his life. His priority, even when his steps failed him, was to walk like a man of God.
And as a faithful man of God, Jim served more than 25 years as an elder in the Lord’s church. He would lead the congregation with his teaching and when necessary, preaching or song leading. Walking like a man in the Kingdom of God, perhaps one of the things I will miss most is his strong bass voice. He loved to sing praises to God, and he used that deep voice God gave him to praise and admonish the Lord’s church. I can still hear his voice thunder through the chorus as we sang; “There is a God…He is alive…In Him we live…and we survive.”
On Saturday night, July 18th at 8:30 MST, surrounded by his wife and children, his last steps led him home. He never faltered in his faith, and he always stood strong in his devotion to God. We will miss him in this family, but the legacy he gave us will provide a direction that follows faithfully the word of God. And it is from God’s word that he often recited the words found in 3rd John 1:4… “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.” Jim, thank you for walking like a man, your children will follow your lead.
How Can I Be a Christian in a Corrupt Society…July 19th
What does it mean to say that something is corrupt? A warning on your computer screen that reads, “Corrupted File” will no doubt put a damper on your day. If something has been 
corrupted, the original has been compromised, damaged or destroyed. By definition, to be corrupt, there has been a negative impact that causes someone, or something, to be ‘dishonest, immoral or impure.’
But aren’t we as Christians called to be lights in darkness? How can I be a light in a dark place and not be subject to corruption? Wouldn’t it be best if I just kept to myself and left ‘well enough alone?’ The task is unmistakable. Christ called us to ‘go into all the world.’ Therefore we have an obligation to shine our light, but to keep ourselves ‘unstained by the world.’ (James 1:27) So how can a Christian keep from being corrupted? Join us on Sunday morning as we example our responsibility as Christians.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, July 12, 2015
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“All Things Praise Thee” – 43
“All things praise Thee – Lord, may we!” Written not as a question, ‘May we praise you Lord?’, but as an exclamation, ‘May we praise God like the things that we sing about in this song. The earth, sea and sky. The silent night, the sun by day, those in ‘heaven’s high shrine,’ seraph and arch angel. We, too, are God’s creation…may we ever be praising Him!
“Doxology” – 6
Immediately after we sing, ‘Ever praising – Lord, may we!,’ our hearts continue the song of praise. “Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.” For more than 300 years these words have stood the test of time, and for more than 450 years this tune has been resonating in our ears. Careful not to just sing the tune, but speak the words with understanding.
“I Come to the Garden Alone” – 595
A quiet song of reflection as we consider our prayer to God. Consider this song as if written from the view point of Mary Magedalene during the early morning hours, John 20:1. Following Christ resurrection, she stands in the garden and we sing, “I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses…” Notice verse 3, ‘but He bids me go…His voice to me is calling.’ John 20:17 “Jesus said to her, ‘Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren…’“
“In Christ Alone” – no book
In order to keep ourselves free from corruption while living in this world, we must fully rely on Christ, and on Him alone. For it is in Christ alone, in Him, that we find our hope!
“I Am a Sheep” – 533
Perhaps one way we can stay free from corruption in this dark world of sin and death is to remember the words of this spiritual song. As we sing the chorus we’re reminded, “And when the wind blows He is my shelter! When I’m lost and alone He rescues me! And when the Lion comes (Christ’s return) He is my victory! Constantly watching over me.” That is how you keep from being corrupted by sin…stay in Christ!
“I Know that My Redeemer Lives” – 528
It’s one thing to say, “I know,” but what do you do when the world says, “no one can know”? As a believer we have faith, and in our faith…we know! So we sing a song of affirmation, echoing through the ages, “I know, I know that my Redeemer lives, I know, I know eternal life He gives. I know, I know that my Redeemer lives.’ How to keep yourself from a corrupt and perverse generation? Believe, obey, follow and KNOW the Redeemer.
“Purer in Heart, O God” – 671
This is the perfect invitation song as we consider how to keep ourselves from a corrupt society. We must have a purer heart! But will we ‘devote’ our lives completely to Him? Are we willing to confess our ‘secret sin,’ and ask Him to reign in our lives? When we do, if we will, then we’ll be avoiding the corruption of the world.
“How Shall the Young Secure Their Hearts” – 432
“How shall the young secure their hearts and guard their lives from sin?” We sing the question and we might as well read the title of today’s lesson, “How can I be a Christian in a corrupt society?” The answer is right in front of you, God’s word will guide our youth (all of us) and support us throughout our days. We can still be God’s children in this corrupt world, as long as we don’t let the world corrupt us.
God Still Reigns…July 12th
An angry young man storms into the shop, slams his fist against the counter and shouts at the employee, ‘Who is in charge around here?’ With just a few words you know there is unrest and frustration. Someone has been offended and is looking for answers. To get ‘satisfaction,’ we need to know who is calling the shots. In 1952, while speaking to 
the National War College, President Truman referenced a sign he had on his desk which read, ‘The buck stops here!’ A statement reassuring the nation, “I’m in charge.”
But when the ‘law of the land’ clashes with ‘God’s perfect law of liberty’ (James 2:25), we are left with angry men shouting, ‘Who is in charge?’ In 1974, Leonard Smith penned the words to a song that gives us the answer to our question. “How lovely on the mountains are the feet of Him who brings good news. Announcing peace, proclaiming news of happiness, Our God reigns, our God reigns!” If you are wondering who is in charge of this life, and if you want to know Who has the answer to your questions, join us Sunday morning as we remember…God Still Reigns!
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, July 12, 2015
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Come Thou, Almighty King” – 19
“Come Thou, Almighty King, help us Thy name to sing, help us to praise! Father all glorious, over all victorious, come and REIGN over us, Ancient of Days!” Do you see God as the One who reigns in your life? Can you trust that, ‘the buck stops’ with Him? When you do, then you’ll understand why His children long to see His sovereign majesty in glory. Where we will, for eternity, love and adore Him. (Which musically leads us to our next song…)
“O Come Let Us Adore Him” – 264
Many recognize this as the chorus to one of our ‘Christmas’ hymns. But today let me encourage you to sing it with ‘more understanding.’ This is a simple repeat of the cause for which we live, “O come let us adore Him…Christ the Lord!” Sometimes we can find a hymn of praise in the most basic of places.
“By Christ Redeemed” – 366
Breaking this hymn into two parts, we’ll sing verses 1-2 before the Lord’s Supper, then following the fruit of the vine we’ll close with verse 3. And yet for years I have sung this 3rd verse without knowing what I was singing. The message…“And thus that dark betrayal night with the last advent we unite, by one bright chain of loving rite, until He come.” We recognize ‘until He come’ from the words of Paul in I Corinthians 11:26, but what is the ‘last advent’ or the ‘loving rite?’ Understanding that an ‘advent’ is defined as ‘a coming’ and a rite is an act done continually, let’s try it again…”And because of that dark, betrayal night we are united knowing that He will come again (with the last advent). And as we continually, ritually (rite), keep the Lord’s Supper (the one bright chain of love), we keep it…until He come.”
“Sweet Adoration” – 253
Sung during the passing of the collection plate, this contemporary song reminds us that God reigns in our hearts. How often, how clearly does our adoration flow to the throne of God? Are we, as His children, constantly giving Him our praise? We would do well to remember that He is the Divine One who still reigns!
“Surely the Presence of the Lord is in This Place” – 398
Following the prayer, we’ll transition to this reminder that God is with us. Our God STILL REIGNS is in this place!
“The Love of God” – 122
A 100 year old song that resonates in our hearts, especially as we consider the chorus; “…the soul will glow like Jesus in His tender mercy, if the heart is made His dwelling place.” God isn’t looking to sit on an earthly throne. He is not running for office or looking to hold a seat in the senate. Our God doesn’t make His dwelling place Washington, D.C. But never forget that God Still Reigns. He reigns in heaven, and wants us to let Him reign in our lives.
“Kneel at the Cross” – 945
With God as our King, He welcomes all who will come to Him. But before be can bow before the throne of God, we must first kneel at the cross. Through an acceptance of His death, burial and resurrection, we too die to ourselves and give Him reign over our lives.
“This World is Not My Home” – 957
Many value this world as home, and for the one who has nothing but this world… that would be a sad state. Yet for the child of God, we will live eternally, not in this world, but ‘up in glory land.’ If this world is what you desire, you’ll never know the glory of Christ in your heart. But when you seek ‘heaven’s door,’ and Christ lives in your heart, then you’ll know…God still reigns!
The Shadow that Never Fades Away…May 10th
When someone has successfully served in a position for years as a teacher, a coach, a 
preacher or politician, you might hear the phrase, ‘it will be hard to fill their shoes.’ Still others might say that they, ‘cast a long shadow.’ For either phrase the interpretation is the same, they will be hard to replace. But as time passes by, and the dust of time begins to settle, the world begins to forget who was wearing what shoes and who is casting the shadows.
And as you think about it, shoes eventually wear out and shadows soon fade away. Some serve for years sacrificing and giving their all, only to be forgotten. Could there possibly be someone whose shoes can’t be filled? Can we look long enough and far enough to find a shadow that is seen for generations yet to come? Join us Sunday morning as we consider the shadow a mother casts. Could this be ‘the shadow that never fades away?’
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, May 10, 2015
You’ll notice the following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah!” – 3
Few of our songs (psalms) are so true to the text as this one written in the late 1800’s. Taken from the 148th Psalm, ‘Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah,’ is a beautiful, musical arrangement of scripture. And as you sing about ‘dragons’ in the third verse, you’ll recall the 7th verse, “Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps.” (KJV) Interestingly enough, other versions refer to the ‘dragons’ as sea monsters or sea creatures. Either way…EVERYTHING will praise it’s creator!
“Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross” – 383
Before the Lord’s Supper, we’ll sing about the cross. Staying near the cross of Christ we remember His cruel death. Would that we all strive to be near the cross throughout our lives. Unfortunately, some only draw near to the cross when it’s convenient. But if we’re true to our Lord, we’ll watch and wait until this life ends. Or as Fanny Crosby wrote, “…till I reach the golden strand, just beyond the river.” Faithful moms teach their children the importance of staying near the cross.
“Christ Above Me” – no book
During the passing of the collection plate we’ll sing this ‘contemporary song’ about the all encompassing role Christ plays in our life. “Christ above me, Christ beside me, Christ within me, ever guiding. Christ behind me (not in a subordinate manner, but as my daily supportive), Christ before, Christ my love, my life, my Lord.”
“Holy, Holy, Holy” – 47
How beautifully this hymn combines all four voices (parts) as we focus on the holiness of our God. Perhaps the best message from this old hymn (because we are singing to HIM), comes in the third verse. “Holy, holy, holy, though the darkness hide Thee (even though the sin of this life), though the eye of sinful man Thy glory can not see. (God sees everything, but the eyes of men who refuse to see God, won’t. Even still…) Only Thou art holy, there is none beside Thee, perfect in power, in love and purity.” Amen!
“Living By Faith” – 560
Do you really believe the message you sing in the first verse of this song? Read it before you sing it, “I care not today what the morrow may bring, (it doesn’t matter to me what will happen tomorrow) if shadow, sunshine or rain…” Will you, do you live by faith? If you have a mother who taught you to live a faithful life following God’s word, be thankful. You have a mother who casts a long shadow.
“Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen in Me” – 722
Serving as our invitation song, we’ll proffer yet another opportunity to draw closer to God. We should daily draw near to Him, but it seems we do so more often when life is difficult. With that in mind, consider the third verse. “When your burden is heavy and hard to bear, when your neighbors refuse all your load to share. When you’re feeling so blue, don’t know just what to do, (that’s when you) let the beauty of Jesus be seen in you.” And surely a godly mother knows the importance of letting the beauty of Jesus been in her life.
“Faithful Love” – no book
God’s love is faithful, and has been manifested in Christ on Calvary. “Faithful love flowing down from the thorn-covered crown…” When you see a mother who brings her children to love, honor and serve God, you still see faithful love. “Faithful love from above came to earth to show the Father’s love.”
Hands Full of Clay…May 3rd
Have you ever watched a child with a fresh ball of Play-Doh? They’ll squish it in their fingers, roll it into logs and pat it into pancakes. For hours they’ll create shapes and mold images from 
their imagination. Perhaps it’s no wonder that we are creative from such an early age since we’ve been molded by our Creator. Shaped and made in His image (Genesis 1:26).
And for the believer, it’s not hard to see that we are nothing more than clay. Isaiah helps us see that clearly as we read from the 64th chapter; “But now, O Lord, You are our Father, we are the clay, and You are our potter; and all of us are the work of Your hand.” Still, we must realize the difference between a child and our God. Our heavenly Father isn’t just playing with Play-Doh! Though He has molded His creation in His own image, we will ultimately choose our own shape. God is the Potter, but we are the ones who have “hands full of clay.”
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, May 3, 2015
You’ll notice the following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Higher Ground” – no book
We recognize this old favorite, but there’s another way of singing the same words and the same notes. If you’ve never heard Ken Young’s version of this old time favorite, I hope you’ll enjoy it. Waterview, let’s begin our worship service with this hymn, singing with full volume! Together, we sing (and pray), “Lord lift me up and let me stand, by faith, on heaven’s tableland.”
“Have Thine Own Way Lord” – 552
An old spiritual song that speaks the message of this morning’s lesson…“Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Thou art (YOU are) the Potter, I am the clay…” But how receptive will we be to the molding process? We might continue to sing, but will we continue to do? “Mold me and make me after Thy will, while I am waiting, yielded and still.” We must be willing and we must be still if we are to be molded like the Lord desires.
“How Deep the Father’s Love” – no book
A contemporary song that poetically walks us through the hours of Christ crucifixion. From the time ‘the Father turns His face away’ (Matt. 27:46), to the final words of Jesus, ‘I know that it is finished.’ (John 19:30) Would that we find the power of the message as we sing the truth…‘His wounds have paid my ransom.’
“Nearer My God to Thee” – 684
Just singing the first verse after the Lord’s Supper we remember ‘His will’ is found in Him. “Nearer my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! E’en tho it be a cross (trials) that raiseth me…(Translated: Even though I will go through difficult times…) Still all my song shall be, Nearer my God to Thee. Nearer my God to Thee, nearer to Thee.” (…I still want to be near God) And the nearer we are to God, the easier it’ll be to mold the clay.
“Let Him Have His Way with Thee” – no book
You and I have a choice as to how we’ll live this life. We can follow God or we can follow the world. So how can we sing this old spiritual song about ‘letting Him have His way?’ If it’s ‘my way or the highway’ what role does God have to play? To start, notice the message of the song is a question, “Would you live for Jesus…would you walk with Him…would you let Him bear your burden…” There are actually 9 questions asked in this short, three verse song. If you answer ‘yes,’ then…”Let Him have His way with Thee.” But why? Because, “His power can make you what you ought (if you’ve been purchased by the blood of Christ, you ought is translated ‘you are obligated’) to be. His blood can cleanse your heart and make you free. His love can fill your soul, and you will see (that) it was best to let Him has His way with thee.”
“Take My Life” – 664
As our invitation song, you’ll find the sacrifice we make hits all levels. Verse one begins with 1) my life and 2) my days (even moments). Verse two includes 3) my hands and 4) my feet. Verse three adds 5) my voice and 6) my lips. If it wasn’t already personal enough, verse four adds 7) my money (silver and my gold) and 8) my intelligence. And to top off this list of what is included from our life…9) my love and 10) myself. Giving those things to God is placing ourselves in the Potter’s hand!
“Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” – 679
Fully trusting in God is sweet! Not like sugar, or the acceptable ‘sweet!’ The proper definition for this is cherished…What a cherished life we live when we trust in Jesus. But to have that ‘sweetness,’ we need to follow verse three; “Yes, it is sweet (cherished) to trust in Jesus, just from sin and self to cease…” That is how we truly give over to the Potter, molding our lives with hands full of clay.
Do You Believe in the Church?…April 26th
Have you heard the phrase, ‘Talk is cheap?’ Simply translated, ‘actions speak louder than words.’ On a personal level, if I tell you to call whenever you need something, but refuse to answer your call when it’s not convenient (like say around 3:00 in the morning) isn’t that just cheap talk? In the same manner, if we proudly claim our church family on Sunday morning, but don’t associate with our brothers and sisters on Friday night, our actions are speaking loud and clear? Or, do we believe enough in the church that we’ll sacrifice our time for them? We might say (and sing) all the right words, but how would our life look if we really ‘believed’ in the church Christ died for?
The true test of how much you believe in something can’t be found in your words alone. What we believe in (value) can be seen in how much time, energy and interest we give to its success. In short, how much you trust in something is determined by how much you are willing to sacrifice for it. How much did God ‘believe’ in the church? Enough to have His Son die for her! Each of us would do well to take a look at how much time and energy (yes, even money) we are willing to give to this same church. Then ask the question, ‘How much do I believe in the church?’
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, April 26, 2015
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“For the Beauty of the Earth” – 67
What a great opening for Sunday morning’s service. As you consider the glory of God, what reasons can you find to praise Him? In 1864, Folliot Pierpoint offered these ideas. For the beauty of the earth, the sky, and each hour of the day or night; for the church that continually ‘lifteth holy hands.’ (See I Timothy 2:8) If for no 
other reason, these things call on us to say, “Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our sacrifice of praise.”
“Doxology” – 66
“Praise God from Whom all blessing flow!” The Old Hundreth dates back to the mid 1500’s with words that were penned in the early 1700’s. How could something so ancient still be sung and recognized here in the 21st Century? Possibly because some things never change. Things like…God will always be praised!
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” – 315
Let’s sing this song before the Lord’s Supper and break it up into three different sections. Verse 1 & 3, verse 2 & 4 and conclude with verse 5. Notice the power of the message. “When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died, my riches gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. See, from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down. Did e’er (ever) such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?” Then verses 2 and 4, “Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ, my Lord. All the vain things that charm me most I sacrifice them to His blood. His dying crimson, like a robe, spreads o’er (over) His body on the tree. Then am I dead to all the globe, and all the globe is dead to me.” Thanks to Isaac Watts we can survey the cross of Christ more vividly as we consider our Savior’s sacrifice for the church.
“I Believe in Jesus” – 356
Do you believe in the church Jesus died for? If you don’t believe His word, you’ll never be able to believe in Him. This spiritual song has one scriptural reference after another. From the day He stilled the storm on the Sea of Galilee to the morning He woke Lazarus from His deathly slumber. Do you believe the blind could see and the deaf could hear? Do you believe He died on Mount Calvary only to leave behind an empty tomb? Do you believe He’s the answer…do you believe in His church?
“The Church’s One Foundation” – no book
Blending the words from Samuel Stone in 1886 with the musically arrangement of George Webb in 1837, we have an all-time favorite when it comes to describing the Bride of Christ, the Lord’s church. “The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord. She (the church) is His new creation, by water (baptism) and the word (the gospel of salvation). From heaven He came and sought her to be His holy bride, with His own blood He bought her and for her life He died.”
“Live for Jesus” – 594
Perhaps this isn’t your typical invitation song, but what a great call for the church to live a life for Christ. To be His disciple and stop wandering in sin. Living for Jesus means following His example and giving Him all you have.
“How Firm a Foundation” – 457
It’s been said if you really mean it, repeat it. And if you really want to get your point across, say it a third time. I’ve heard it said if you want to have someone over for supper and they turn you down, ask them again. If they still say no, ask them a third time. Perhaps three is a charm. Whether or not that was on the mind of the one who penned this hymn, repetition is utilized in the last verse of this song. But have you noticed Who is speaking? “The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose (rest), I will not, I will not desert to his foes. That soul, tho all hell should endeavor (try) to shake, I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.” God believes in the church and He will not turn us out. But what about you, do you believe in the church?
The Family…April 19th
Ask five people to define the word ‘family’ and you’ll most likely get five different answers. 
Some see the family as a father, a mother and children. Others see a family as grandparents, mother, father and children. Still others say the family need only be a mom and dad…with or without kids. Regardless as to how you define ‘family,’ the best definition comes when we examine God’s Word. His design through the Bible, shows us the ultimate family, God is our Father and we are His children.
Sunday morning at Waterview church of Christ, David Friesen will make his annual report concerning the growth of the family of God in Camrose, Alberta, Canada. What a great day to come together and worship with “The Family.”
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, April 19, 2015
You’ll notice the following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“How Sweet, How Heavenly” – 709
“Love is the golden chain that binds our happy souls above. And he’s an heir of heaven who finds his bosom (heart) glow with love.” Some might get hung up on the poetry, ‘how can your heart glow?’, but realizing the symbolism we see past the imagery. Would that we focus on the family! We are heirs of heaven when we are the family of God!
“A Common Love” – 705
Wherever we live. whether we’re in Canada or across the globe, if we are children of God, we are a part of His family. This is our common bond, a common love we share in Christ.
“God’s Family” – 744
When we sing about family, this song rises to the top of the list. Written less than 50 years ago, this spiritual song resonates as we consider all the emotions a family might go through. “Sometimes we laugh together, sometimes we cry; sometimes we share together heartaches and sighs. Sometimes we dream together of how it will be when we all get to heaven…God’s family.”
“Come Share the Lord” – 364
Each Sunday morning we come together for a purpose. We sing, we pray, we study and we give. But ask any brother or sister in Christ why they meet on Sunday morning and they’ll tell you; “We gather here in Jesus name. His love is burning in our hearts like living flame. The one we love the most, is now our gracious host. (We…) Come take the bread, come drink the wine (the fruit of the vine, and we) come…share the Lord.” Are you part of the family of God? The saved know…we are now a family!
“The Greatest Commands” – 448
Already a popular psalm, and a favorite in the brotherhood, we sing the scripture as each of the four parts sing their specific lines. Kind of like a family, we all have a role to play, a job to do, a song to sing. This contemporary psalm finds it’s root in the New Testament, I John 4: 7, 8: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love, does not know God, for God is love.”
“Sing to Me of Heaven” – 716
Before our lesson this morning we’ll sing a rousing song that dates back 100 years. Old by the calendar, but the message is new and fresh in our hearts as we encourage one another in song. “Sing to me of heaven as I walk alone, dreaming of the comrades (family members) that so long have gone; in a fairer region among the angel throng they are happy as they sing that old, sweet song. Sing to me of heaven, let me fondly dream of it’s golden glory of it’s pearly gleam…” Not sure about you, but it makes me cherish the family all the more!
“Why Not Now?” – no book
“Why not now?” What is it that causes some to delay in coming to Christ, hesitant to become a part of the family of God? All too often the answer is found within the lines of our songs. Notice the last verse of this old invitation song; “Come to Christ, confession make, come to Christ and pardon take. (Are you ready, here it is) Trust in Him from day to day, He will keep you all the way.” If it’s not because I don’t want to ‘confess’ my weakness, it’s because I can’t trust anyone but myself. So many do not come because they have decided to continue on their own, risking another day. Turning away from God they are only denying themselves the peace and joy of being part of the the family, the family of God.
“Blest Be the Tie that Binds” – 711
We feel a void when the family has to part. At the end of the vacation when families pile in the car and head home, there is an emptiness left in their wake. But in God’s family, “…we shall still be joined in heart, and hope to meet again.”
Quotes for Life…April 12th
We all have dilemmas in life, and yet we’re unique in every aspect. A struggle or temptation for one might not be a struggle for another. Even as we experience similar difficulties, we often respond differently. Our comfort is knowing that in God’s word each of us can find the answers we need. Perhaps we could say that there are three dilemmas we all face in life. Three struggles that are common to many Christians today. Through inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Luke records three quotes that when heeded, will help provide us with the answers to these dilemmas.
1) When you get discouraged, remember Luke 1:37 – nothing is impossible with God.
2) When you don’t know who to listen to, remember Luke 9:35 – listen to Jesus…and
3) When materialism grabs you, remember Acts 20:35 – it is better to give than receive.
Sunday morning we’ll welcome the president of Oklahoma Christian University, Dr. John deStiguer to Waterview church of Christ as he shares some thoughts from God’s word. Do you struggle with discouragement? Is it difficult at times to know ‘who’ to listen to? Have you ever fought the spiritual vs. material battle? Join us on Sunday as we consider three “Quotes For Life.”
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, April 12, 2015
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Come Thou Almighty King” – 19
Written over 250 years ago, this hymn of praise is a call for the Almighty to ‘come’ and help us sing. To come and help us praise the Father, ‘all glorious.’ A call for ‘Thou Incarnate Word’ (Jesus) to attend to our prayer. May we focus our songs of praise to our Father, through His Son.
“Ten Thousand Angels” – 349
If we were to read the scripture and literally apply the word, this song would have a different name. Matthew 26:53 states, He could have called 12 legions of angels. So perhaps a better title would be “Seventy-two Thousand Angels.” Never forget, Christ was (is) in control and we are all indebted to His sacrifice. They did bind the hands of Jesus and they did lead Him through the streets…but He allowed it. Take some time to remember how they treated the ‘suffering’ Savior…think about Him as you partake of the Lord’s Supper.
“Worthy is the Lamb” – no book
Taken from the musical work of William Bradbury’s “Just As I Am,” this song takes the words of Revelation 5:9…“Worthy are You to take the book and break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” And a fitting conclusion to this song, “May Your kingdom reign on earth with praise. Oh worthy are You Lord, my Lord.”
“Freely, Freely” – 635
While we open our wallets, let’s open our voices and sing about giving freely. Not only do we share our money, we need to be sharing His love with those we meet. And Jesus Himself told the disciples, “Freely you received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8
“He Is Able to Deliver Thee” – no book
It is the best theme (story or topic) ever told…how proud are you to proclaim this story? Three men were not only unashamed of serving their God, they faced certain death by doing so. Knowing they would be ‘tossed in a blazing fire,’ they responded; “…our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.” Daniel 3:17 How willing are you to take such a stand for your faith in God?
“There’s a Fountain Free” – 909
“There’s a fountain free, it is for you and me. Let us haste (hurry), O haste to it’s brink. It is the fount(ain) of love from the Source above, and He bids (calls) us all freely drink.” So…how thirsty are you? If indeed you are thirsty, ‘will you come?’
“I’ll Be Listening” – 988
Where will you be when the Savior calls? Will you have a heart that is right? Let’s keep our ears open to His calling. Keep His will ever in our hearts so when He returns…we’ll be listening for the calling of our name.