Category: A Biblical example

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The Awesome Positive Power of Fellowship…Aug. 3rd

What’s the purpose of fellowship, and what does it offer me? I am very busy with my day to day activities, and there’s more to get done than I have time for. Perhaps the idea of fellowship is just another way of coercing people into ‘getting together.’ Some might say that fellowship is just an unnecessary, waste of my valuable time.welcome

Attitudes like this may not be verbally spoken, but the actions of some tend to reject the power of Christian fellowship. Paul referenced ‘the right hand of fellowship’ in writing about Peter, James (the brother of Jesus) and John in Galatians 2. To ‘extend’ the right hand meant to offer yourself as a friend. John adds to the idea of fellowship as he penned I John, chapter 1; “…if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another.” There is power, a positive power in Christian fellowship, and each of us have the choice of either being a friend or not. We can offer the right hand or keep it in our pocket. Do you want to know the awesome positive power of fellowship?

 

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

Sunday morning, August 3, 2014

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

“Awesome God” – 38

A strong, contemporary song of praise to God! We’ll sing it, but when we clearly understand it, our vocabulary might be changed. “Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above…” Then again, you might have said, ‘that was an awesome game last night.’ Is my definition of ‘awesome’ different in these two situations, or am I just using terminology without thinking about the meaning? What IS awesome to you?

“Leaning on the Everlasting Arm” – 589

“What a fellowship! What a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arm.” My security in Christ is shared with all those who have obeyed His word. And still we lean on Christ for our strength and support. We share in fellowship with one another as we fellowship with Christ. Or as John said, “…if we walk in the Light…”

“Take My Life, and Let It Be” – 664

Several songs share this title, but within the arrangement we’ll sing this morning let’s focus our minds on giving. Notice the 4th verse;  “Take my silver and my gold: not a mite would I withhold…” By definition a mite is ‘any small amount.’ And likely you’re familiar with ‘the widow’s mite’ Jesus mentioned in Mark 12. So as we sing ‘not a mite would I withhold’ we are singing that we will give to God everything. Not ‘withholding’ even the smallest amount.

“More Precious Than Silver” – 273

If you had the choice of a vault full of silver, gold and diamonds, or an eternity in your Lord’s presence, which would you choose. The Christian says, ‘Sure, I would rather be with Jesus.’ But does your life reflect that statement? Is He more precious than silver to you? Do you Mary Gardenconsider Jesus to be more valuable (costly) than gold? Is He more beautiful in your eyes than diamonds?  If I prioritize my life so that I live for Him, then ‘…nothing I desire compares with You.’

“I Come to the Garden Alone” – 595

Singing this song we’re reminded of how Mary might have felt as she stood by the tomb on the first day of the week. “I come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses. And the voice I hear falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses…” In this scenario the voice she heard would have said, “Mary!” (John 20:16).

“We Saw Thee Not” – 342

We can read the impact of the scripture as we sing the 2nd and 3rd verse of this song; “We saw Thee not when lifted high…nor heard we that imploring cry, ‘Forgive, they know not what they do!'” and in verse 3, “We gazed not in the open tomb…but we believe that angels said, ‘Why seek the living with the dead?'” Luke 23:34, Luke 24:5 respectively.

“Fellowship Medley” – 703-705

A medley before our lesson of three songs that speak directly of our fellowship. “I love you with the love of the Lord.” Followed by “Bind us together, Lord with chains that cannot be broken.” And then concluding with “A common love for each other.” If we have fellowship with one another we will love one another. John continues in verse 10 of chapter 2, “The one who loves his brother abides in the Light…” and remember, if we walk in the Light we have fellowship with one another. Maybe this one is easier to read than to practice.

“How Sweet, How Heavenly” – 709

Words that were penned almost 225 years ago still remind us of the fellowship we share in Christ. When our brother is hurting, we hurt. But we find this unity, the awesome positive power of fellowship only after we are free from envy and pride. We’ll over look the failings of one another and share in ‘union sweet’ when we show a brother’s love.

“Blest Be the Tie that Binds” – 711

Our closing song is another one that dates back over 225 years. With a ‘fellowship of kindred minds’ we understand and feel the tie that binds. Would that we pour out prayers, express our fears and hopes to each other so we can better understand the power of fellowship.

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Heavenward ‘Applause’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday morning, July 20, 2014

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

“I Know That My Redeemer Lives” – 528

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

“Higher Ground” – no bookhigher plain

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

“Night with Ebon Pinion” – no book

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

“How Great Thou Art” – 76

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

“Soldier’s of Christ, Arise” – 647

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

“Trust and Obey” – 915

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

“We Give Thee But Thine Own” – 663Purchase this image at http://www.stocksy.com:/116978

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

“When We All Get to Heaven” – 853

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

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Bible Study Flashbacks…July 13th

flashback“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” – 318crown of thorns

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.’Gordon's Calvary

“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.

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Without the Words…?

As a teenager I can remember each summer going to church camp in the New Mexico mountains at Camp Blue Haven. Just outside Las Vegas, New Mexico, wehiking to Hermit's Peak usually attended one of the two-week sessions which meant lots of daily Bible classes, nightly singing and devotionals and a day long hike up Hermit’s Peak on Saturday. But the extra week also gave us more opportunities for other daily activities; Sadie Hawkins Day, Hawaiian Day, Twins Day and in the middle of the summer, Christmas in July.

That last activity (Christmas in July) was the inspiration for me to share this YouTube link in the middle of our summer. Perhaps you have heard it before but I assure you, it’s worth listening to again…
The Christmas Scale

Considering the message from this short 3-minute video, most likely you will recognize the song by the fourth note. And to be honest you recognize it by the music itself. But what makes this scale ‘the best news’ will never be found in the music alone. What makes it the best (good) news in the world is found in the words SUNG by these eight, short notes.

Perhaps this is why when we sing to God, we sing A Capella (only our voices.) Rather than using the guitar, the drums, the piano or organ we sing with our voices to establish a message as well as an emotion. Paul understood that when he said, “…I will sing with the spirit (worship in spirit and in truth) and I will sing with the mind also (thinking, understanding what I sing).” The notes will certainly help us recognize a song and give emotion for our message, but playing music without the words leaves you lacking a message. Unfortunately it seems today we focus more on the emotion rather than the message.

The simple 8-note scale (which you no doubt recognize) does provide a wonderful message, but understand that without the words…it’s just a series of notes on a scale.
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Fixing the Pharisees…June 29th

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

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

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

Sunday morning, June 29, 2014

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

“To God Be the Glory” – 2

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

“God Has Smiled on Me” – 118

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

“Great is Thy Faithfulness” – 57

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

“Tis Set the Feast Divine” – no bookLord's Supper

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

“Til My Faith Becomes Sight” – 836

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

“When This Passing World is Done” – 259

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

“More About Jesus” – 678

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

“Purer in Heart, O God” – 671

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

“Light the Fire” – no book

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

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Spiritual Understanding in a Material World

faithA recent email from one of our ministers at Waterview church of Christ caught my eye and I felt it appropriate to share it with you. Consider your ‘faith in Christ,’ what exactly does that mean? Is your faith something you can hold on to? By definition, the word faith means; “Belief that does not rest on logical truth or material evidence.”  But look at Paul’s words to the church in Corinth as he talked about living a temporal (tangible) life in anticipation of an eternal (intangible) life; “…be always of good courage, and know that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord-for we walk by faith, not by sight…” Remember, our faith is essential to our salvation, Ephesians 2:8 “…you have been saved by grace through faith…” “Even so faith, if it (faith) has no works, is dead, being by itself.” James 2:17

So what about ‘my faith’ in Christ Jesus?
How do I better understand it’s implications for my daily walk of faith?

Ephesians 6:16 “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;”

The shield of faith extinguishes not some of the darts, but ALL of them! So, take up your shield faith shieldof faith today, and don’t give the evil one an opportunity to burn you with one of his darts.

1 John 5:4-5 “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

Through faith, we have victory! It is our greatest defense and our greatest offense simultaneously! Faith will extinguish the enemy’s weapons and, at the same time, it will conquer our enemy. Take courage and have faith in Jesus, the Son of God.

Dustin Jones
Minister of Family Development
Waterview church of Christ

P.S. Now, please turn in your song books to “Faith is the Victory” while we stand and sing…

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The Adopted…June 22nd

During the early 70’s, my mom and dad served the West Texas region as ‘foster parents’ for children who were waiting adoption. In some situations we received new born babies so early, we were given the responsibility of adoption-babygiving them their name. A huge obligation, but though we ‘fostered’ these young children for months, we never took the step to adopt them.

Perhaps it was because my folks were already feeding 4 boys, and they weren’t sure about feeding five? But the adoption process is more than just signing some papers and putting food on the table. The responsibilities and obligations of adopting a child includes offering security, ensuring stability and providing an inheritance in the family’s estate. As a ‘child of God,’ we go through an adoption process to be in God’s family. Christians understand there is security and stability in Christ, but more importantly the adoption process ensures that we are heirs in our Father’s kingdom. Ask yourself, have I been adopted? Join us Sunday morning as we consider adoption and…”The Adopted.”

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

Sunday morning, June 22, 2014

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

“Praise Him! Praise Him!” – 300

What a beautiful call to worship as we join our voices in praise to our Father; “Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus our blessed Redeemer…” If the truth be known we’re actually sing as edification to one another at the same time we’re singing praise to our God. Are you praising Him today? On Sunday morning will you lift your voice and ‘tell of His excellent greatness?’

“May I Call You Father” – 769God the Father

This song fits perfectly with the message of today’s lesson; as adopted children into the family of God we come before Him seeking to call Him our Father. But notice the words we sing; “…I’ve hurt You, Jesus, I’ve hurt You with my sin.” So the question is sincere, with the pain I have caused I humbly ask, can I call God my Father? Within the adoption process the answer is clear…YES!

“Come Share the Lord” – 364

Another great support to this lesson as we sing to remember the Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. “We are now a family of which the Lord is head. Though unseen He meets us here in the breaking of the bread.” Though the blood of Jesus, and because of God’s redeeming grace, we are a family. Come share the Lord and recognize the Father of our heavenly family.

“The Love of God” – 133

Written almost 100 years ago, this spiritual song shares a great message of God’s love. Singing we try to put into perspective the vastness of His love. “Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made; Were every stalk on earth a quill and every man a scribe by trade; To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry, nor could the scroll contain the whole though stretched from sky to sky…” Now consider the words of John; “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written.” John 21:25

“Redeemed” – 514

How many of us love to proclaim our salvation? Do we show just how happy we are in Jesus? Some would rather not repeat a phrase over and over again while singing, but perhaps this time it’s justified. “Redeemed, redeemed, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Redeemed, redeemed, redeemed, redeemed…His child (through adoption) and forever I am!” Don’t be afraid to proclaim your membership in the family of God.

“Jesus Paid It All” – 922

How much would an adopted child owe for his membership into someone’s family? On the contrary, the adopting parents must ‘pay the price’ for their child. The child isn’t free and yet that little one isn’t charged membership into the family. The same is true in God’s Family; Jesus paid the cost for our adoption process. Who do you owe to be able to ‘stand before the throne of God?’ Jesus paid it ALL…all to Him I owe!

“God’s Family” – 744

In a family there are times when we laugh together, and there are times when we cry together (either out of frustration or sadness). The same is said for the family of God! We sing this song realizing we are adopted into God’s family when we are baptized into His death. Accept His salvation (the adoption) and be part of the family…‘that’s been born again.’

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Vacation Bible School…Pt. 1

VBSFor many of us, summer time brings memories of Vacation Bible School. Whether you rode the Joy Bus, brought cookies or taught a class (or participated in any of the above), VBS was a highlight of the summer months.

So for the next few weeks I’d like to reminisce about the songs we used to sing during Vacation Bible School. Songs like “His Banner Over Us Is Love” or “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”  Perhaps my favorite was the closing song we sang before dismissing for the afternoon (back when VBS was Monday-Friday, 9:00 to noon); I  remember singing, or should I say shouting,“Booster, booster be a booster! Don’t be grouchy like a rooster. Booster, booster be a booster and boost our Bible School!”

This article will be the first in a series of three where we’ll look at some favorite songs from yesteryear and the Vacation Bible Schools we used to participate in. Today consider these two classics:

“I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. (Where?)
Down in my heart…(where?) Down in my heart.
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. (Where?)
Down in my heart to stay.

CHORUS: And I’m so happy, so very happy, I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart, down in my heart.
And I’m so happy, so very happy, I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart.

I’ve got the peace that passes understanding down in my heart. (Where?)
Down in my heart…(where?) Down in my heart.
I’ve got the peace that passes understanding down in my heart. (Where?)
Down in my heart to stay.

CHORUS:

And if the devil doesn’t like it he can sit on a tack. (Ouch!)
Sit on a tack…(ouch!) Sit on a tack.
And if the devil doesn’t like it he can sit on a tack. (Ouch!)
Sit on a tack to stay.

CHORUS:

I’ve got the wonderful love of the blessed Redeemer way down in the depths of my heart. (Where?)
Down in the depths of my heart…(where?) Down in the depths of my heart.
I’ve got the wonderful love of the blessed Redeemer way down in the depths of my heart. (Where?)
Down in the depths of my heart to stay.”

CHORUS:

And how about this one…?excited boy...not wv

(boys sing) “I want to be like Daniel.
(girls sing) I want to be like Ruth.

(boys sing) I want to be like Daniel.
(girls sing) I want to be like Ruth.

(girls) For Ruth was always good and kind,
(boys) and Daniel was a mighty man.

(boys sing) I want to be like Daniel.
(girls sing) I want to be like Ruth.”

To engage the kids even more in the singing of this song, we have the boys stand while singing their part and the girls stand while singing their part. The catch, you sit when you’re not singing. It’s an exciting way to get everyone involved, especially when you increase the tempo each time you repeat the song. Of course the older we got, the better we were!

Next time in “Vacation Bible School…Part 2,” we’ll look at “The Wise Man”, “The Gospel Chariot” and “The Lord’s Army.” When you consider your vacation plans this summer, look for a good Bible School and get ready to sing!

 

 

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Why Have Graduations?…June 8th

Many students will ‘walk the stage’ sometime in the next few days and graduating kidsweeks. Whether they are moving from preschool to elementary, high school to college, or college to ‘the real world,’ we see graduations all around.

We understand the importance of milestones in life, and the excitement we feel upon reaching them. Even the ‘celebration’ of graduating from one stage in life to another can be monumental. But do we ‘have’ to have a graduation? Could there be more than just recognizing the individual accomplishment? And who is to say one is more important than another? Actually, how many ‘graduations’ do we have? Join us Sunday morning as we ask the question; “Why Have Graduations?”

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

Sunday morning, June 8, 2014

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

“Blessed Be the Lord God Almighty” – 72

We sing this ‘hymn’ as we sing to our God; “Father in heaven, how we love you.  We lift Your name in all the earth.  May your kingdom be established in our praises as Your people declare Your mighty works.  Blessed be the Lord, God almighty!  Who was, and is, and is to come.”  Reading Revelation 4:8, we hear the praise being offered around the throne of God; ‘Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come.”

“The Lord’s My Shepherd” – 134jesus shepherd

One of the greatest ‘psalms’ that we can sing (almost verbatim) is found in the 23rd Psalm.  You’ll notice the first verse of this hymn recites the 1st & 2nd verses of the Psalm David penned centuries ago.  Open your Old Testament to the book of Psalms, turn to chapter 23 and then sing a ‘psalm’ of praise. “The Lord’s my Shepherd I’ll not want…”

 “I Stand Amazed” – 147

This spiritual song is one that we could use to prepare our minds for the Lord’s Supper.  With both the second and third verses referencing Christ’s crucifixion we are reminded of His ‘sweat drops of blood’ and the burden He bore to Calvary.  So it shouldn’t be a surprise for the redeemed to sing the refrain; “How marvelous! How wonderful…is my Savior’s love for me!”

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

A basic tune and a simple message…but how much do you WANT to know Him? The progression in the first verse tells us there is an order to coming to know Him. We have to let Him first; “Touch us…” then “hold us…” followed by ‘using us…” and finally “molding us…” into the vessel He wants us to be. Could that be part of the ‘graduation’ process?

“When I’ve Gone the Last Mile of the Way” – no book

End of the RoadCompleting the task is reward in and of itself. But how much more is the reward when the task has been a difficult one? Perhaps the runner of a marathon understands that better than most. The last mile of the race can be the most straining, and yet the most rewarding at the same time. Perhaps it’s a bit like graduation…‘for I know there are joys that await me!’

“I’ll Live for Him” – 553

After the Lord’s Supper we’ll softly sing the refrain of this old hymn; “I’ll live for Him who died for me: How happy then my life shall be!…”  Perhaps it’s because of the musical tempo of this song, but many seem to miss the message; if I’m living for Christ each milestone (graduation) in my life should be happy, but is it?

“Living By Faith” – 560

“I care not today what the morrow (tomorrow) may bring, if shadow or sunshine or rain. (why?) The Lord I know rules over everything and all of my worry is vain. (therefore…) I’m living by faith and feel no alarm.” Do you have a heart of patience and contentment that you can say, I don’t care what happens good or bad in my life? We’ll contemplate this as we prepare for the lesson this morning. What a great song of encouragement as we proclaim that we are living by faith!

“Each Step I Take” – 415

Our invitation song is not a typical song sung calling for a response. But as we sing we confirm that we want Christ to lead us. And that we will walk with Him and turn to our Savior throughout this life. “Until some day the last step will be taken (graduation?); each step I take just leads me closer home.”

“Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand” – 613

A song of encouragement that is meant to be sung as reassurance.  Even though our lives are ‘filled with swift transition…’ (lots of changes) and even, ‘if by earthly friends we’re forsaken,’ we find comfort in the consistency of God’s strong hands.  Serving as a theme throughout the song, we encourage each other to Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand.  It seems that we ‘graduate’ from one event to another almost daily, but never lose hold of the Master’s hands.