Category: A Biblical example

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Mary Did You Know?

jesus mary josephFew Christmas songs have been written in the last decade that compare with this stirring, poetic masterpiece from the pen of Mark Lowry.  Written as though interviewing Mary, the mother of Jesus, Mark took a very unique perspective in creating this popular Christmas song.  As if he were the reporter writing a story on Jesus, our author explores a new direction to a timeless question.  What do you think your son will be when he grows up?  A unique perspective of a reporter looking at the Savior and seeking to know more about the Messiah from his mother’s viewpoint.

Mary and Jesus...2

The birth of a baby is miraculous in and of itself.  The struggle and pain that accompanies the delivery makes one understand and appreciate the mother.  But Mark Lowry provides a glimpse into the salvation of all mankind as he interviews Mary and reminds her that ‘this child that you delivered will soon deliver you.’  Lowry went on to explain, “When I wrote this thing about Mary, I began thinking I was interviewing her on her thoughts of being a mother to Jesus.  A couple of the lines I wrote really stood out, like ‘when you kiss your little baby, you’ve kissed the face of God.’ I just thought this needed to be in a song.”

Enjoy this acapella version of a most popular Christmas song. As the days roll through December remember to come back and learn something more about our songs of the season.  This “Christmas Song of the Day”…Mary Did You Know?.

Mary, did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know, that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know, that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby, you’ve kissed the face of God.

The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.

Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know, that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect lamb?
This sleeping child you’re holding, is the great I AM.

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Angels We Have Heard on High

In 1855 the French carol, Les Anges dan Nos Campagnes, was first published.  The tune, which tells of the angelic announcement of Christ’s birth, was later translated gloria in excelsis deoand published into English.  This refrain of the classic song takes the text from Luke 2:14 and provides the message the shepherds heard more than 2000 years ago; “Glory to God in the highest…”  Singing in Latin, we hear the angel’s song translated, “Gloria, in excelsis Deo!”

Each of the four verses build upon the shepherds experience and what they might have said following the angelic appearance.  “We have heard angels on high sweetly singing across the plain…” Perhaps as they ‘went back glorifying and praising God…’ they were asked “Shepherds, why are you so excited (jubilant)?  What good news (glad tidings) do you have?”  Perhaps they would have responded (and we sing), ‘Come to Bethlehem and see…’

But perhaps the most interesting part of this carol is to WHOM the angels first appeared.  Not the priest in shepherds-watched-their-flocksJerusalem, nor the scribes and scholars.  They didn’t even appear before the high ranking Jew’s leaders, the ones who were studied and anticipating the Messiah.  Instead, the angels appeared to the lowly shepherds.  Some have even concluded that perhaps these men tending their flocks were the same men who annually supplied lambs for the Passover sacrifices.  Just think, they left the lambs for God to meet the Lamb of God.

If we can better understand some of these songs of the season I believe we’ll be better equipped to not only sing them, but appreciate them.  Our “Christmas Song of the Day”…
.Angels We Have Heard on High.

 

Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o’er the plains
And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains

CHORUS:

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heavenly song?
Come to Bethlehem and see Him Whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
See Him in a manger laid Jesus Lord of heaven and earth;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, While our hearts in love we raise.
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Breath of Heaven

God’s word is complete and gives us all we need for salvation in Christ Jesus.  We know the scripture is ‘God breathed’ and we are secure in following His word.  Still there are some things within its pages that we don’t know.  Questions like, what was Jesus like as a child?  And, question markwhatever happened to Joseph (Jesus’ earthly father)?  Or, how did Mary cope with the news of her first pregnancy?  We only know what we read in the scripture, but many have tried to fill in the blanks to these questions.

In 1993 Ken Young penned the words to a song we have sung hundreds of times before the Lord’s Supper, Thomas’ Song.  Written from the view point of the apostle Thomas (doubting Thomas) we get a man’s interpretation as to what Thomas may have been feeling after learning of Christ’s resurrection. John 20:25-28 gives us the exact account, but we often like to imagine what Thomas might have said, “Jesus, You were all to me, why did You die on Calvary?  O Lamb of God I fail to see how this could be part of the plan.  If I could only hold your hand…”

In similar fashion, Amy Grant and Chris Eaton teamed up produce a song mirroring the possible thoughts and prayingfeelings of Mary, the mother of Jesus.  How did she feel carrying the Son of God?  Was she confused and scared, or was she excited and confident?  We only know what we read in the scriptures (Luke 1:26-38).  There we read, “Mary was greatly troubled…” (vs. 29) and her questioning, “How will this be…?” (vs. 34) as well as her humble acknowledgment, “I am the Lord’s servant…”.  And yet, as we continue in this passage, we read she had more to say.  She said,“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant.  From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is His name.” (vs. 46-49)

Was she uncertain? Perhaps. Was she grateful? Certainly.  But would that we all draw some encouragement as Mary might well have silently prayed that God would be with her.  This ‘Christmas hymn’ recognizes that God’s breath gives life (Genesis 1) and as the resurrected Messiah ‘breathed on His disciples’ (John 20:22), so Mary may have longed for God to give her the breath of heaven.

Enjoy this acapella version of a relatively new, popular Christmas song. Remember to check back later this month as we explore more ‘seasonal’ favorites.  This “Christmas Song of the Day”…Mary’s Song (Breath of Heaven).


I have traveled many moonless nights Cold and weary with a babe inside
And I wonder what I’ve done Holy Father you have come
And chosen me now To carry your son

I am waiting in a silent prayer I am frightened by the load I bear
In a world as cold as stone Must I walk this path alone

Be with me now Be with me now[Chorus:]
Breath of heaven Hold me together
Be forever near me Breath of heaven
Breath of heaven Lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness For you are holy Breath of heaven Do you wonder as you watch my face If a wiser one should have had my place
But I offer all I am For the mercy of your plan
Help me be strong Help me be Help me
[Chorus:]
Breath of heaven Hold me together
Be forever near me Breath of heaven
Breath of heaven Lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness For you are holy Breath of heaven
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A Servant is Not Above His Master…Dec. 15th

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

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

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

Sunday morning, December 15, 2013

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

“Come, Let Us All Unite to Sing” -121

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

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

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

“I Am Thine, O Lord” -666

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

“He Paid a Debt” -376

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

“On Bended Knee“ -791

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

“More About Jesus” -678

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

“Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” -679

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

“Make Me a Servant” -694

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

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Thanksgiving…224 years ago

Unless you simply refuse to accept it, our country was founded by God-fearing men.  The first president of our United States understood the importance of honoring and fearing (respecting) our Heavenly Father.  As George Washington penned this proclamation, notice how many times our president gives reference to God, our protector and ‘Author of all that’s good.’

thanksgiving proclamation

“Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor– and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

Note: To 1) acknowledge the providence of God, 2) obey His will, 3) be grateful to Him and 4) humbly ask for His protection…is the duty of all nations!

“Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be– That we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks–for His kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation–for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of His Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war (recognizing God’s role in the Revolutionary War)–for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed–for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted–for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.”

Again note: Our tranquility as a country, the unity we enjoy as a nation, and our extreme ‘plenty’ is surely a blessing from God!  These truths are not from our own making, but from the hand of God.  That was something our first President clearly understood and adamantly promoted.

“…and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions– to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually–to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed–to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord–To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease (increase) of science among them and us–and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.washington praying”

Each November our nation is united around ‘Thanksgiving,’ but how many of us will truly humble ourselves and pray?  Do we see this time as an opportunity to perform our ‘several and relative duties (for each other) properly,’ or are we too busy ‘shopping for the holidays?’  God has so generously blessed us!

“Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

G. Washington”

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Sound the Battle Cry

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

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

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

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

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

Sound the battle cry! See, the foe is nigh;
Raise the standard high for the Lord;
Gird your armor on, stand firm every one;
Rest your cause upon His holy Word.
Strong to meet the foe, marching on we go,
While our cause we know, must prevail;
Shield and banner bright, gleaming in the light,
Battling for the right we ne’er can fail.
O Thou God of all, hear us when we call,
Help us one and all by Thy grace;
When the battle’s done, and the victory won,
May we wear the crown before Thy face.
Refrain:
Rouse then, soldiers, rally round the banner,
Ready, steady, pass the word along;
Onward, forward, shout aloud, “Hosannah!”
Christ is Captain of the mighty throng.
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Learning How to Walk…Nov. 17th

baby stepsMany parents cherish the time when they watch their child take those first steps.  The thrill of knowing their baby is becoming more independent is both a joy as well as an eye-opener. Physical families and church families alike are excited as the ‘babes’ learn to walk.  With the awareness of this new found skill comes the understand that they will eventually be taking on more responsibilities.

For the past two years, Patrick & Brandon’a Garcia have been working as Waterview’s missionaries in Cuernavaca, Mexico.  Charged with the task of spreading the gospel in Mexico, this young couple has worked hard to reach, teach and baptize almost 30 souls in the last 24 months.  Sunday morning Patrick will present his ‘report’ and share with us a message of how this young congregation is…’learning how to walk.’

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

Sunday morning, November 17, 2013

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

“Blessed Be the Lord God Almighty” – 72

Our opening song is a ‘hymn’ as we sing these words to God; it’s as if we’re singing a prayer.  Notice the words, “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.”

“Walk with Me” – 394walking together

As we consider ‘walking’ it only seems appropriate to note the words of this hymn (again, sung to HIM).  The prayer is for God to walk with us through this life.  The author offers a two step progression; 1) walk with me, and 2) talk with me.  But we would lose the message if we fail to notice the last line in the chorus.  “Let me follow in Your footsteps that trod the shore of Galilee, let me learn to pray like He did in the Garden of Gethsemane; Take my hand, take my hand, teach me Lord to understand, all my duty, all the beauty of Your love.”

“I Come to the Garden Alone” – 595

A song written by Austin Mile 100 years ago (1912) that recalls Christ in the garden.  But what garden and who is source of these words.  For years we have sung, “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…”  But who is speaking?  Austin Miles wrote this song as if Mary Magdalene were speaking.  As you sing consider the 20th chapter of John while Mary stood outside the tomb weeping.  And remember the chorus as you daily walk with Christ.

“Here I Am to Worship” – no book

A contemporary hymn (song sung to God) that proclaims the reason for our coming together to worship.  Jesus told us that He is the Light of the World (John 8:12).  Knowing who He is and what Has done for us should cause all Christians to humbly bow, and gratefully say, “Here I am to worship…here I am to bow down…here I am to say that You’re my God.  You’re all together lovely, all together worthy, all together wonderful to me!” 

“Where He Leads I’ll Follow” – 417

This old spiritual song (1885) announces our resolve to “…follow Jesus every day.”  If He is my example, and if I listen to His loving words, ‘Coming follow Me…’, you should ask yourself, how will I follow Him?  The only obvious answer is to get up and walk.  We can never follow someone as long as we sit on the sidelines and watch.  Learning how to walk implies that I’m going to be using that skill to go somewhere.  Jesus is leading…are you willing to follow.

“Trust and Obey” – 915

Our invitation song is best summed up in the last line of the chorus, ‘…for there’s no other way…’  Where are you walking today?  How will you face the shadows and burdens of this life?  Whether we’re sitting at His feet listening holding handsand learning, or working in His kingdom (walking beside Him), we must remember to take each step trusting and obeying.

“Just a Closer Walk with Thee” – 406

“I am weak, but Thou art strong.  Jesus, keep me from all wrong.  I’ll be satisfied as long as I walk, dear Lord, close to Thee.”  There are times when we just want to be alone.  No one to hurry us, no one to push us, no one to ‘hold us accountable.’  But as we consider our life in Christ, realize distance from Him makes us weak.  Learning to walk is exciting, but I can’t make it alone.  Reach out and hold His hand.  He will steady you as you’re learning how to walk. 

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The Battle Belongs to the Lord…Nov. 10th

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

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

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

Sunday morning, November 10, 2013

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

“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” 560

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

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

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

 

“Come Share the Lord” – 364

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

“Why Did My Savior Come to Earth” – 382

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

“It Is Finished” – 369It-is-finished

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

“Soldier’s of Christ, Arise” – 647

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

“Take My Life, and Let It Be” – 669

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

“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” 560

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

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This Is Job For…?

With a meteorite heading to earth and no one to help, you might here the phrase, “This is a job for Superman!”  Then ‘faster than a speeding bullet’, and out from behind the clouds comes the DC comic hero to save the day.  But even supermanwithout an asteroid heading our way, we still have troubles to deal with and issues we must face.  Who comes to the rescue then?  Here ‘in the real world’ we have things that need to get done.  We say, this is a job for ____________.  When the job (big or small) needs to be done and the only ‘super man’ around isn’t able to ‘leap tall buildings’…what do you do?

Some might say, ‘Anybody can do that, it’s not too hard,’ but when it comes time to do the job we are often looking around for Superman.  Some have been heard to say, “I would but…”  The fact of the matter remains, there is work to be done and a worker needs to do it.  It’s almost as if folks are afraid they’ll be asked to save the planet.  In reality, we just need workers.  Letting the Bible speak (I Cor. 6;9), we can hear God calling us to work “…for we are God’s fellow workers…”.  Also Matthew and Mark both refer to labors in the kingdom (vineyard).  We have work to do, no doubt.  The question remains, who will do the work?

Keith Lancaster’s, Acappella made famous a song that epitomizes many in today’s society.  When a task is to be done you might hear someone say, ‘Anybody could do that…somebody should do that…will anybody do it?’  Unfortunately the response is usually, ‘I would but I’m too busy.’

‘Everybody Said (But Nobody Did)’

CHORUS:
Everybody said that anybody could do The important things somebody should do Everybody knows that anybody could do All the good things that nobody did

1) Well the preacher came to me and said what I ought to do If I wanted to make my religion true He’d do it himself but he really didn’t have the time He said that the duty was mine

 CHORUS:

2) Well the deacon came by and said give me a hand If you want to be going to the promised land Here is something that I don’t have time to do So I better give it to you
CHORUS:

Well I’m too busy so I tell everybody The work’s got to get done by somebody It could be done by anybody But nobody, nobody, nobody didBe Your Best

 

Earth hangs in the balance, between life and death.  There’s no rocket of destruction or asteroid headed our way, but we do hang in the balance between good and evil.  Imagine if Clark Kent had observed the threat and said, “That looks like trouble, maybe somebody should do something.”  You might not be a ‘super man’, but you are somebody who can make a difference.  Besides, it just might be that the next task is a job for you.

 

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A Terrifying Thing!

Some sights and sounds can be frightening when you first see or hear them.  048Perhaps it’s the unknown that gives us a chill, but the cry of a stray cat in the dark of the night, or the wind blowing through the branches of tree on a dark street can be a little spooky this time of year.  The dark, majestic home with turn-of-the-century architecture can be a beautiful sight, but why do we feel anxiety when that same house is shrouded in darkness?  It must be the unseen and lack of knowing that makes things ‘scary.’  But not all terrifying things come from what we can’t see or hear.

Situations like these, the spooky house and cries in the night, pale in comparison to how fearful we should be when we step head long into sin and reject the Word of God.  In the 10th chapter of the book of Hebrews, the Hebrew writer speaks about judgement and says, “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”  Many will live their life unconcerned about eternity.  Though some my think about it, many give no mind to life after death.

Once there were two very affluent men who were challenged with living a righteous life, exercising self-control and accepting the judgement to come.  One man ‘even believed…’, but both were reluctant to accept Christ.  The first man was afraid and told the messenger to, “Go away…” His counterpart, in turn, replied, “Almost you persuade…”  These two Roman leaders (Felix and Agrippa) heard what needed to be done to turn from their lives of sin, but wouldn’t move themselves to action.

How many thousands of people today, hear the word of God, believe the message, and yet fail to do what needs to be done to be right with God?  Situations abound where someone knows what to do, but refuses to take the necessary steps.  ‘It’s not convenient for me…’, ‘I’m comfortable where I am…’ or ‘Just go away…maybe some other time…’  Every excuse is a step farther away from the living God.  Each element within the rejection can mean terrifying results for the one who, ‘falls into the hand of the living God.’  Philip Bliss understood that terror and wrote what might have been Governor Felix’s, or King Agrippa’s response to Paul in Acts chapter 24 and 26.  For years Christian’s have sung this old spiritual song as an invitation to come to God.

 


“Almost persuaded” now to believe; “Almost persuaded” Christ to receive;
Seems now some soul to say, “Go, Spirit, go Thy way,
Some more convenient day On Thee I’ll call.”
“Almost persuaded,” come, come today; “Almost persuaded,” turn not away;
Jesus invites you here, Angels are lingering near
Prayers rise from hearts so dear; O wanderer, come!
“Almost persuaded,” harvest is past! “Almost persuaded,” doom comes at last!
“Almost” cannot avail; “Almost” is but to fail!

034Sad, sad, that bitter wail – “Almost,” but lost!
Spooky old houses and howls in the night may send a chill down your spine.  Scary thoughts waft through the night air as we walk dark lonely streets.  But nothing is as fearful as ‘almost’ confessing Christ; ‘almost’ being baptized into His name and ‘almost’ giving your life over to Him.  Some will say, ‘almost’, while others say ‘go away.’  But what a terrifying thing to reject Him and fall into the hands of the living God!