What We See…Feb. 23rd

One of the associate ministers at Waterview church of Christ, Robert Taylor, will bring the Sunday morning lesson as he combines the Word of God with a report of his latest mission trip to Nicaragua.

As a disciple of Christ, we are called to take the gospel to the world, whether that ‘world’ is across the alley or across the equator. Giving a quarter on Sunday morning (during our ‘quarterly’ quarter collection) will help feed hungry children in the breakfast program that we support in Nicaragua. So as I give a quarter, or give my time, to show someone Christ I must first be willing to open my eyes to a lost and dying world. Then we must be prepared for what we will see.

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

Sunday morning, February 23, 2014

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

“To God Be the Glory” 4

“Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord! Let the earth hear His voice…” A beautiful song (hymn) of praise. But ask yourself, ‘how great is YOUR rejoicing?’ We conclude the third verse with the assurance that when this life is over and when we see Jesus, our joy (our rejoicing) will be, ‘purer and higher and greater.’

“Thomas’ Song” – 269

A moving, spiritual song that takes the account of John chapter 20 and recalls what Thomas might have said/thought during the days after Christ’s death. Remembering the death of my parents, I would often think how comforting it would be to see them again. To reach out and touch their hands and talk to them again. Perhaps Thomas had the same thoughts as we sing, ‘…if I could only hold Your hand…’

“I Love to Tell the Story” – 659

Just singing the third verse of this old hymn we’ll be thinking about giving to help the work in Nicaragua. We love to tell the story, but why? This verse makes it clear, ‘…for some have never heard.’

“He Is Able” – 213

New to some, this song accentuates the message from the scripture reading this morning, Ephesians 3:20, 21. “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think…” Our God is able to take these few small quarters and change the lives of so many lost ones. Robert will report that at least two have been baptized into Christ through this breakfast program. He is able, more than able…

“Open Our Eyes” – 766

Open our eyes that we may see and open our ears that we may hear…a message many of us should do more than just sing. But what am I looking for? What should I be listening to? The simple, short answer: Jesus

“There is a Redeemer” – 287

Before our lesson this morning we’ll echo the praise from this contemporary song. The soprano and tenor voices lead us through the verses, but we all join together in the chorus as we proclaim, “Thank You, oh my Father, for giving us Your Son, and leaving Your Spirit till the work on earth is done!”

“None of Self and All of Thee” – 695

Not under compulsion, but willingly do we sing this commitment. Notice the building of our ‘faith’ (and volume) as we go from all of self to none of Thee, to some of self and some of Thee, to less of self and more of Thee. But without this final verse the whole song is empty. Our voices ring as we praise our God with a commitment to Him; “Higher than the highest heavens, deeper than the deepest sea, Lord, Thy love at last has conquered, “None of self and all of Thee!”

“The Lily of the Valley” – 548

As we pass the collection plate on Sunday morning we sing a ‘love song’ finding it’s root in Song of Solomon. Perhaps the most stiring of the words within this song come in the second verse. We sing of how He has taken all our griefs and our sorrows to bear for us. And when we’re tempted, He’s our strength. But when you sing the next line notice your resolve, “I have all for Him forsaken and all my idols torn from my heart…” Will you, have you, torn the world out of your life, or does it still hold on?

“Let the Lower Lights Be Burning” – 642

We’ll conclude our time together with a song that encourages us to keep shining our lights to a dark and desperate world. We are the lower lights that direct lost souls to the Lighthouse. The question you have to ask is whether or not you’re keeping the watch for some poor fainting, struggling seaman. Trim your feeble lamp, my brother!

1, February 18, 20141, March 10, 2014

Convicted

“…know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ-this Jesus whom you crucified.” Acts 2:36 Arguably one of the strongest invitations ever given, but notice the reaction by the men and women who heard Peter’s message on the Day of Pentecost. “Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart…” Pierced to the heart would mean they were touched to the core. They felt grief and strong emotion. Read again the message in Acts 2:14-42 concerning Christ’s death, burial and resurrection (the good news). The gospel message so impacted the listener that they were pierced, cut, pricked, stung in their hearts to make a change. However you translate it, in the early hours of the morning on this day of Pentecost, the people in Jerusalem were convicted in their hearts.

But consider another sermon from the book of Acts that was convicting to the listeners. Peter and the apostles were before the Council and giving their ‘defense’ when they stated, “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins…” Acts 5:30, 31 In similar wording, Peter offers yet another stirring ‘invitation’ and again the listeners are ‘convicted’ in their hearts. In scripture we read that, “…when they heard this, they were cut to the quick…” No emotional pull from the listener here. There is no grief for a wrong done, but instead, there is an anger swelling up in these ‘convicted hearts.’

In Acts 2:37, when the people in Jerusalem heard Peter’s message and were ‘pierced to the heart’, they came back with the question, “Brethren, what shall we do?” In Acts 5:33 when the Council heard these similar words, “…they intended to kill them (the apostles).” How can two sets of people hear the same message of salvation, feel a strong conviction and yet respond with entirely opposite views? Clearly one was convicted to accept a change while the other was convicted to reject change. For those who know a wrong exists in their lives, God provides an avenue. Peter’s response,“Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…” (vs. 38). However, as he stood before the Council, when their hearts were ‘cut’, they sought to eliminate the source of their conviction.

Perhaps Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth helps us understand how some might be convicted to change while others are convicted to rebel against God’s message. I Corinthians 1:23 read, “…but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are called (to those who are asking ‘what must I do to be saved’), both Jews and Greeks, Christ (is) the power of God and the wisdom of God.” So perhaps the question for you and me is simply, when we are convicted of a wrong, when our heart is pierced or pricked, how will we respond?

1, January 31, 20141, January 31, 2014

The Road To…? Feb. 2nd

If there’s one thing you can be sure of, when you’re traveling down a road, you’ll always get to the end. Though the road may not end where you want it to, it will eventually stop. While we’re traveling on the road (and we are all traveling), the question we must answer is simple; “Where are you going?”

Ira Stanphill once penned these words, “I travel down a lonely road…”. The road of life, at times, can seem pretty lonely. But if the truth be known, many are walking down a road that is anything but lonely. With numberless travelers and wide lanes it doesn’t seem logical anyone could be lonely. However, there is another road which is narrow and supports only a few. Which road are you traveling on? Is it congested and bustling, or is it somewhat lonely. If you can answer that question, you might know where your road is headed. You might be on, The Road To …

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

Sunday morning, February 2, 2014

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

“Praise Him! Praise Him!” – 300

With energy and a lift in your voice, this song of praise provides the singer an opportunity to ‘…tell of His excellent greatness.’ Join in the welcome Sunday morning as we sing of our Blessed Redeemer!

“Holy Ground” – 100 & 101

This contemporary medley is about 35 years old ( written in 1982 to be exact) and yet reflects the words found in Exodus and Joshua. In both accounts the ‘angel of the Lord’ (Exodus) and ‘the captain of the Lord’s host’ (Joshua) appeared to Moses and Joshua respectfully, and gave the command, “…the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” Moses explained this idea more clearly as he spoke to his brother Aaron, “It is what the Lord spoke, saying, ‘By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, and before all the people I will be honored.’” Leviticus 10:3. This morning, as we come before Him, notice…we are standing on holy ground.

“O Listen to the Wondrous Story” – 496

Taking the refrain of this song we’ll use it to prepare ourselves for the Lord’s Supper. Notice what the ladies will be singing; “Who saved us from eternal loss! What did He do? Where is He now?” The beauty of this chorus comes as the men respond to each question; (Ladies) “Who saved us (not a question, but an exclamation)…(Men) Who (else) but God’s Son upon the cross? (Ladies) What did He do? (Men) He died for you? (Ladies) Where is He now? (Men) Believe it thou (translated; you’d better believe it) (all voices) In heaven interceding.’

“Be Still and Know” – 31

As we wait for the contribution plates to pass around the auditorium, we’ll fill our thoughts with scripture as we sing Psalm 46:10 “Cease striving (be still) and know that I am God.”

“Follow Me” – 395

As noted in the opening paragraph, this spiritual song reminds us of the road we’re called to walk, a ‘lonely road.’ But it will take some interruption on your part as you sing. Notice verse three; “O Jesus if I die upon a foreign field some day, ‘twould be (it would be) no more than love demands, no less could I repay, ‘no greater love hath mortal man than for a friend to die,’ (John 15:13) These are the words He gently spoke to me, ‘if just a cup of water I place within your hand then just a cup of water is all that I demand,’ (what ever I can give is all I’m asking for in return) But if by death to living they can Thy glory see (would that some live for Christ in my physical death…per the first line), I’ll take my cross (my mission to serve) and follow close to Thee.”

“Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” – 648

Before our lesson we’ll sing this stirring song of encouragement from the pre-Civil War era. Interestingly enough, this song of soldier’s was penned just three years before our country’s deadliest war. But the call is clear, not for Union soldiers or soldiers from the Confederate ranks. Instead, soldier’s of the cross… stand up for Jesus!

“What Will You Do with Jesus?” – 926

Our invitation song is a reflection of the last hours of Christ as He stood on trial before Pilate. Pilate asked the question to the Jewish leaders 2000 years ago, and yet it still echoes in our minds. “Then what shall I do with Him…?” (Mark 15:12). How you answer the question will determine where your road is taking you…

“Jesus Paid It All” – 316

The child of God understands this song and can sing with full voice; “Gone is all my debt of sin, a great change is brought within, and to live I now begin, risen from the fall…” But notice the last part of the second verse, our focus for the morning. “Making His the debt I owed, Freedom true He has bestowed; so I’m singing on the road to my home above…” Take a minute to consider your traveling and look at your path, The Road To … !

1, January 24, 2014

Will You Join Me for Supper?…Jan. 26th

Every Sunday morning we meet together to worship God, sing songs of praise and edification and study from His holy word. But above all, we come as a collected body of His people to commemorate our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. And we do so, as He commanded, by taking the bread, His body, and the cup, His blood in remembrance of Him.

This Sunday morning we’ll focus our time together, in the corporate worship, solely around the Lord’s Supper. Our songs will be interspersed with the message of Christ’s sacrifice. Often we come together, and often we sing and prayer, but our prayer is that we will keep in memory all the things Jesus said. Sunday morning would be a good time to, “join me for supper.”

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

Sunday morning, January 26, 2014

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!

“He Has Made Me Glad” -103

Taken from the Psalms (100th chapter) this contemporary ‘psalm’ expresses our wish to come before the Lord with singing. We sing about thankfully entering through His gates and praising Him in His courts. Today is the day the Lord has made…how will you react to it? If He has made you glad, REJOICE!

“Jesus, Rose of Sharon” -568

A song from years gone by and one that is not often sung amidst all our contemporary options. But what a power message that references the Old Testament. The Rose of Sharon (Song of Solomon) is used poetically and expresses the beauty of the one who is loved. Do you see Jesus as beautiful in His sacrifice and love for you? There is so much more to this rose which grew in Sharon’s plain (Isaiah 35) besides it’s beauty. It possessed qualities for healing and health as noted in the third verse; “Jesus, Rose of Sharon, balm for every ill, may Thy tender mercy’s healing power distil for afflicted souls of weary burdened men, giving needy mortals health and hope again…”

“Oft We Come Together” -no book

Written and composed by Tillit S. Teddlie, this song focuses on the Lord’s Supper and fits well with our message this morning. Would that we truly worship as we eat the bread and drink the cup. But not only should we have a worshipful heart, we should be together as one (in one accord) without decisions or division. “Help us Lord, Thy love to see…”

“Til My Faith Becomes Sight“ -836

A beautiful song of prayer as we identify six specific names for Jesus, the Christ. 1) Bread of Life 2) pure Living Water 3) Lover of my soul 4) Lamb of God 5) Savior 6) Lord & King…Don’t fear the world, it may ‘slay’ you, but He is the light darkness. Keep your eyes on Him til your faith becomes sight.

“When I See the Blood” -no book

Perhaps not familiar to most, this song was written in 1892 and uses the exact wording found in Exodus 12:13, “And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.” As the children of Israel prepared to leave Egypt by the delivering hand of God, they are given some specific instructions. We too are delivered (blessed) by ‘the blood.’ But for us it’s not lamb’s blood, but the blood of THE LAMB.

“There is Power in the Blood” -903

Question…‘would you be whiter, much whiter than snow? There’s power in the blood.” Focusing on the Supper we have taken the bread and now we’ll take of the cup. The cup that represents His blood. The power of life eternal comes from the blood of the Savior. There is power!

“Hallelujah! What a Savior” -337

Isaiah prophesied of a Messiah who would be a ‘man of sorrows’ (Isaiah 53:3). We’ll sing of the Son of God who came for the sinner. A Savior who bore our shame and was condemned for our pardon. We are guilty and vile (full of wickedness) and He is a spotless Lamb of God. He was lifted up to die, but now exalted on high…how can we not sing, “Hallelujah! What a Savior.”

1, January 21, 2014

When Do You Pray?

What comes to mind when you hear the word “Jonah?” A man who ran from God? Or perhaps you envision a giant fish (a whale) that swallowed and sustained him for 3 days and 3 nights (Jonah 1:17). Or maybe you’ll remember a city destined for destruction, only to be spared because of this reluctant preacher. Some may even conjure up the image of a wonderful vine that grew within a matter of hours and then withered just as quickly (Jonah 4:10). Whatever you think about when you hear about this reluctant, soaked to the bone, disgruntled (yet effective) preacher there is an image that we must consider and hold in our hearts.

In the 2nd chapter of the book of Jonah, as he sits in the clammy, dark stomach of this monstrous sea creature (without a match) Jonah does something we all seem to do when we’re in trouble. Verse one states, “Then Jonah prayed to the Lord…” This prophet of God prayed a prayer of repentance. In complete and utter darkness he saw the err of his ways and knew the only hope of salvation would come from the God he so desperately tried to hid from. We when are faced with death, we eagerly pray for God’s help. As terror strikes at the heart, we cry out for God’s comforting hand. Like Jonah, when the world swallows us, we turn to God and ask for His deliverance.

There will be times in life when you feel ‘tossed over-board’ and swallowed by the storms of life. Is that when you pray? I realize we need to bow before God’s throne when we make mistakes (miss the mark…SIN) and when life is crushing in, but don’t let that be the only time you pray. Jonah’s problem seemed to come in his failure to totally comprehend God’s providence and saving power. Look again at the book of Jonah and then ask yourself…”when DO I pray?”

Mary Kidder penned the words to an old spiritual song that, in essence, asks this same question; “Ere (Before) you left your room this morning, did you think to pray? In the name of Christ our Savior, did you sue (request/plea) for loving favor, as a shield today? O how praying rest the weary! Prayer will change the night to day; so when life seems dark and dreary, don’t forget to pray.”

1, January 17, 20141, January 17, 2014

The Mystery of Marriage…Jan 19th

Why is it some marriages last for decades while others wither months after the honeymoon? Is there a secret formula that provides longevity to the marriage covenant? Maybe there’s a mysterious formula only the ‘lucky’ have discovered? We can better understand how marriages find success when we understand the phrase “I DO”…

The man and woman face each other and the preacher asks the long awaited question, “Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?” Without hesitation the bride’s response is clear, “I do!” At the same time the penitent one stands before the Lord and is asked a similar question, “Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God?” That response echoes the bride…”I DO!” A wedding and a baptism, is there a connection? Join us as we look at the mystery of marriage.

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

Sunday morning, January 19, 2014

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

“You Are the Song that I Sing” – 238

What do we sing on Sunday morning? Is it a song to praise and glorify God? The Psalmist gives us a good starting point when it comes to singing, look to God first and foremost. “You (God) are the words and the music. You (God) are the song that I sing. You (God) are the harmony, You (God) are the melody, praise to Your name (God) I will sing…”

“Let Me Live Close to Thee” – 831

This chorus has a strong alto lead and an incredible message. Giving this hymn it’s title we sing together the chorus; “Let me live close to Thee, take my hand, dear Lord, and guide me all along the rugged way; O let me live close to Thee, let me walk and talk with Thee, dear Lord, each day.” Do you want to live close to Him? Does a husband want to be with his wife or a wife with her husband? They should, and so should the Christian long to be with his Savior.

“In Memory of the Savior’s Love” – 335

Our reading before the Lord’s Supper is I Corinthians 11:23, 24 when Paul reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice and His words. “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” We’ll sing together, and remember our Savior’s love. Let’s ‘keep the sacred feast’ and be sure we come with humble, contrite (repenting) hearts.

“By Christ Redeemed” – 366

Notice the last three words in each verse of this song conclude with the same words Paul wrote in I Corinthians 11:26. Remembering Christ’s death, burial and resurrection we partake of the Lord’s Supper; “…proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”

“Sweet Adoration“ – 253

A beautiful contemporary song we’ll sing following the Lord’s Supper expressing our ‘adoration’ to God. But ask yourself, will I honor Him with my words (my lips) and yet keep my heart far from Him (Matthew 15:8)? Understand we should give God, “…glory and honor and praise…a part of our constant devotion.” Husbands and wives, loving your spouse goes beyond just saying “I love you.”

“Wonderful Words of Life” – 543

How many times have you heard the message of salvation? For some it would be many, many times. But still our hearts would say, “Tell me the story of Christ’s love…again.” Sunday morning, before our lesson, we’ll ask each other to “Sing it over again to me, wonderful words of Life…words of Life and beauty (that) teach me faith and duty…”

“Trust and Obey” – 915

Marriages succeed when the husband and wife trust each other. As their marriage grows with the years, so their relationship becomes stronger and happier. If they walk with each other, share each others burdens and trust and obey God’s word they find comfort. In like manner, when we trust in God’s guiding hand, what should be our concern? When we obey His holy word, what is there for us to fear? We sing, “never fear, only trust and obey!”

“Light the Fire” – no book

The contribution plate will be passed after the lesson this morning, but as we give back what already belongs to God, we’ll sing a song of restoration. Asking, as it is, for God to light the fire in our hearts that we would serve and honor Him more.

“How Sweet, How Heavenly” – 709

Closing our worship time together we’ll sing this traditional spiritual song (220 years old) encouraging each other to ‘feel each others sigh’, to cry with each other (‘sorrow flows from eye to eye’) and to overlook each others faults (‘each can his brother’s failings hide’). As a husband and wife do we feel each others sigh? Husband’s, do you cry with your wife? Wives, are you able to over look your husband’s faults? There are some clear similarities with the marriage relationship and the Christian walk. The mystery to marriage might well be found in the walk with Christ.

1, January 11, 20141, July 22, 2014

What Will You Will?…Jan 12th

As a young boy I was blessed with a grandmother who showered me with gifts, money and meals. Two hundred pounds later I can say it was much more than I ever needed or deserved. She didn’t do it out of compulsion or guilt, she gave because she wanted to. She ‘willed’ that I would be comfortable with earthly gifts, but she (and my parents) knew life was more than things.

Parents and grandparents give to their children much more than meets the eye. But all too often we focus on the tangible, the here and now. What did you get me for Christmas? How long until I get to trade in for a new phone? How much allowance will I get this year? Is this the extent of what we will leave for our children? Is our ‘will’ of monetary value only, or is there something more we’ll give them. Christ left for us an inheritance far more valuable then silver or gold. Join us Sunday morning when we’ll hear a stirring lesson about…our wills.

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

Sunday morning, January 12, 2014

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

“Higher Ground” no book

A great traditional hymn with a newer twist. We’ve sung this great song for years, but in recent years we’ve learned a new version (listen to it below). But as always, don’t miss the message. We have trials in this life that get us down and depress our spirits. This morning we’ll open this time of worship with a hymn of encouragement. “I’m pressing on the upward way, new heights I’m gaining every day; still praying as I onward bound, ‘Lord plant my feet on higher ground…”

“Breathe on Me, Breath of God” – 418

This hymn has a contemporary feel, but it was penned more than 130 years ago. A call for God to ‘breathe’ upon His children with a blessing! Notice the second verse, “Breathe on me, breath of God, until my heart is pure, until my will is one with Thine, to do and to endure.”

“The Old Rugged Cross” – 313

We’ll take this old spiritual song and break it up into three parts. Verse one will be sung before the bread, verse two before the fruit of the vine and the third verse after the cup. You’ll want to remember this second verse, “O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, has a wondrous attraction for me; For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above to bear it to dark Calvary…’ How much do you cherish the cross of Christ? Where would we be without it?

“God Give Us Christian Homes” – 843

As we think about new resolutions for the year how many of us will make a priority of making our “…homes where the Bible is loved and taught?” Let this song be a reminder that everyone has a responsibility in a Christian home. Fathers are to be true and strong, mothers strive to show others God’s way is best and children are led. Are our children willing to be led? We need to make sure that in our homes ‘the Master’s will is sought.’ Parents, we need to be sure we prepare to leave a heavenly legacy for our families.

“My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” – 538

Where is your hope? In what do you trust? David wrote in Psalm 20:7, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” This song before our lesson is a great reminder of what is most important. What should we pass on to our children? Nothing less than a hope that is built on Jesus’ blood. We shouldn’t trust in the ‘sweetest frame’ (our physical well-being), but in the name above all other names…Jesus!

“My Jesus As Thou Wilt” – 698

Words that date back 310 years (1704) but resonate with Christ’s own words in the garden, “Not My will but Thine.” Considering what we ‘will’, it only makes sense that this song serve as our invitation song. “O may Thy will be mine.”

“A Wonderful Savior” – 503

What a song of rejoicing as we sing to encourage each other that God is in control. He takes care of us, comforts us and hides us. Interesting to think that God hides us in His hand, but considering the trials of this world we do fine peace in knowing that God covers His people. This old spiritual song reflects Exodus 33:22 as God spoke to Moses. “and it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand…” Indeed, a wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord.

1, December 29, 20131, December 30, 2013

I Believe, I Believe

Bending down to pick up the bell that had fallen from the reigns of the sleigh, the young boy holds it to his ear and gently shakes it. No sound can be heard, the bell is silent, just a faint whisper of doubt. But the boy knows better, others have heard it clearly ringing and the evidence is before him. This bell should be ringing but he hears nothing…why? Carefully he holds the bell in his hands and, closing his eyes, he whispers, “I believe, I believe, I believe!” Slowly he again, brings the bell to his ear and gently shakes it. A crisp, clear tone resonates from the bell. It rings! An old, white-bearded man approaches the boy and asks, “What was that you said?” The answer is as natural as the sound that rings from the bell, “I believe!”

If you have seen The Polar Express you’ll remember this scene from the popular Christmas movie. Standing between acceptance and rejection a young boy is magically transported to the North Pole where he meets a train conductor, several new friends and the man dressed in red. But shortly before midnight on Christmas Eve our ‘main character’ still hasn’t decided if he truly believes there is a Santa Claus. Not until he faces the fact he’ll never hear the Christmas bells until he believes…until he believes there is a Santa Claus.

So the question comes to you, do you believe? A question asked not in regard to Santa, but in regard to the Christ. Have you, will you, publicly proclaim that you believe Jesus is the Son of God? That’s important, but don’t stop at believing. The scriptures tell us ‘anyone’ can believe. In James 2:19, regarding belief in God and Jesus as one, James states, “You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.” The demons aren’t shaking a bell, they know who God is. The intimate foes of Jesus Christ believe He is Who He says He is. But they don’t accept Him nor will they ever follow Him. I can say, “I believe, I believe, I believe!”, but what does my life say? How do I live each day?

As this year ends and a new one begins many of us will write down our New Year’s Resolutions. Our resolve to do some things better. We’ll start acting differently, we’ll begin rearranging our priorities. If you have never come to “believe” who Christ is, and what He has done for you, God’s word will give you direction. But if you are already following God’s word, and have obeyed His calling, take a good long look at your life. Remember, it takes more than just saying “I believe!”

1, December 27, 2013

A Compelled or Committed Disciple?…Dec. 29th

As a young boy I remember my parents telling me, “You don’t have to do the chores, you get to.” My opinion was not that I was being honored by the work, but I was being compelled to do it. My dad’s opinion was just the opposite. If I wanted the benefits of eating mom’s cooking and the privilege of sleeping in a warm bed, then I would show my commitment to the family. I would get to do my chores. We often see what lies before us as a ‘have to’ task. But is that our focus in the church?

Matthew, Mark and Luke all record a certain man who helped Jesus carry His cross, Simon of Cyrene. But as you read the passage, he wasn’t a ‘put me in coach, I’m ready to play’ type of guy. He was “…pressed into service to bear the cross.” (Matthew 27:32) Though we don’t know his heart, Simon was compelled to serve. As a disciple of Christ, are you pressed into service or are you doing your task because you’re committed to the family?

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

Sunday morning, December 29, 2013

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

“I Stand in Awe” 96

A song to open our worship to God which calls upon us to proclaim our adoration to Him. To not only say “Holy God”, but to stand in awe of Him. We’ll stand physically, but how is your posture spiritual? When the world sees you outside of Sunday morning, do you stand in awe of Him?

“Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” – 589

This old song will transition us from standing in awe of our Father to the realization that I can’t stand without Him. And I’m not alone. Each of us, when we’re truthful, know we must lean on His arms. When we understand that (when we sing it), we’re in fellowship.

“Holy, Holy, Holy” – 47

This old hymn, sung to Him, echoes the scene from Revelation 4 as we sing around the throne of God. ‘Holy, Holy, Holy!” For our edification we’ll have the soprano sing the first verse and add each part as we sing each verse. not to miss the message notice the third verse, “…tho (even though) the darkness hide Thee, Tho the eye of sinful man Thy glory can not see (even though sinful man can not see Your glory…only You are Holy). Only Thou art holy, there is none beside Thee, perfect in power, in love and purity.”

“Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone” – 319

As we consider the topic for this morning, and as we prepare our minds and hearts for the Lord’s Supper, we sing this about service. Written over 300 years ago, this message calls believers to ‘take up the cross’ (Matt. 16) and serve! Jesus carried the cross so we could see resurrection day. Are we willing to “deny himself (ourselves), take up his (our) cross and follow Me” (Jesus)?

“Beneath the Cross” – 314

“Beneath the Cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand…” Do you know what you’re singing? What did you mean when you said I would “fain” take my stand beneath Jesus’ cross? The poetry is saying, ‘I’m glad to stand up for the death of Jesus.’ What about, “O safe and happy shelter, O refuge tried and sweet, O trysting place where heaven’s love and heaven’s justice meet.” Trysting place…what is that mean? By definition; an agreed upon place where two come together. In this song, heaven’s love and heaven’s justice met at Calvary.

“I Want to Be a Worker” – no book

Before our lesson this morning it seems only fitting to sing about being a worker. How we will work is our own, individual decision. The verses give us some suggestions; “I want to be a worker (who will) love and trust His holy word…I want to be a worker every day…I want to be a worker strong and brave.” The chorus is our proclamation, “I will work, I will pray in the vineyard of the Lord!”

“Where He Leads Me I Will Follow” – 876

Not under compulsion, but willingly do we sing this song, “Where He leads me I will follow…” A simple song that indicates my life in Christ, my work in His kingdom, is not compelled but committed.

“To the Work, To the Work” – no book

We’ll conclude our together with a song that encourages us to get out there and get to work. We’re not made to bear His cross and we don’t have to ‘do our chores’, but as ‘servants of God’, disciples of Christ, we must be committed! The chorus is a beautiful echo of unity, “Toiling on, toiling on…let us hope, trust, watch, pray and labor till the Master comes.” Christ will return and we’ll either be serving because we had to, or because we wanted to.

1, December 25, 20131, December 25, 2013

Stille Nacht (Silent Night)

The following account is one man’s record of how we came to know and love “Silent Night.” The accompanying video (YouTube) is sung acapella by St. Thomas Boy’s Choir. They’re singing this song in its original language, German. The story is told…

In 1818, a roving band of actors was performing in towns throughout the Austrian Alps. On December 23rd they arrived in a village near Salzburg, Germany, where they were to re-enact the story of Christ’s birth at a small church. Instead, the actors presented their Christmas drama in a private home. That Christmas presentation of the events in the first chapters of Matthew and Luke placed Josef Mohr, one of the ministers, in a meditative mood. As he left that evening, instead of walking straight home, Mohr took a longer more scenic route. This path took him up over a hill overlooking the small village. From that hilltop, Mohr looked down on the peaceful snow-covered hamlet. Reveling in majestic silence of the wintry night, Mohr gazed down at the glowing scene. His thoughts about the recent Christmas play reminded him of a poem he had written a couple of years before. That poem was about the night when angels announced the birth of the long-awaited Messiah to shepherds on a hillside. Mohr decided those words might make a good ‘carol’ for his congregation the following evening at their Christmas Eve service. The one problem was that he didn’t have any musical composition to which that poem could be sung. The next day Mohr took his poem to Franz Xaver Gruber, a musically talented member of the congregation. Gruber only had a few hours to come up with a melody which could be sung. However, by that evening, Gruber had managed to compose a musical setting for the poem. They now had a Christmas carol ready to be sung by/for the congregation. On Christmas Eve, the little congregation in the village of Oberndorf heard the first singing of the now favorite, “Silent Night.” Weeks later this Christmas poem made its way down the mountainside and into the hearts of hundreds of thousands of God-fearing men and women.

Yet a Biblical message so beautifully compiled couldn’t be contained to the Austrian Alps. In less than 15 years “Silent Night” was sung all across Europe. Then, in 1838 at the Alexander Hamilton Monument, located outside New York City, this melancholy Christmas hymn was sung in the United States, in its original, German language. Then, nearly fifty years after being first sung in the mountains of Austria, “Silent Night” was translated into English. By 1876, eight years later, that English version made its way into print in Charles Hutchins’ Sunday School Hymnal. Today the words of “Silent Night” are sung in more than 300 different languages all around the world.

As the month of December draws to a close, consider this old, ‘Christmas Hymn’ again sung in German. May this old favorites ring through the years and cheer our hearts. The “Christmas Song of the Day”…Silent Night.

Silent night! holy night! All is calm, all is bright,
‘Round yon virgin mother and Child!
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born. Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth. Jesus Lord, at Thy birth.