Category: Believe

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The Waterview Legacy…Feb. 1st

This coming Sunday morning, Waterview church of Christ will walk with Robert Oglesby as he comes to Waterview logothe end of a fifty-two year journey. Every Sunday, Robert has stepped into the Waterview pulpit to break the bread of life to the congregation. He and his wife, Willora, have walked this Robert Oglesbypath with love, loyalty and faithfulness. An example of a Christian life that has set a legacy for the Waterview family.

 

This Sunday as we recognize Robert for his years of service, we’ll be reminded of our responsibility in our Christian walk. Just as the Israelite nation was admonished to, ‘Take this book of the law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, that it may remain there as a witness against you.’ (Deut. 31:26) And though a new minister has yet to step forward, we have assurance of the future of Waterview church of Christ. We will continue to teach Jesus Christ and Him crucified. He will be the focus of our lives and we will daily honor our God! We will never forget the Waterview Legacy!

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

Sunday morning, Feb. 1, 2015

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

“I Know that My Redeemer Lives” – 528

We sing with confidence this 98 year old spiritual song. If we know that our Redeemer lives, how proud are we of that fact? Do we share His love with others or do we just keep it to ourselves. If we truly ‘know’ that He lives and gives eternal life, let us show it through our lives, through our legacy.

“It Is Well with My Soul” – 490

Before we pass the ‘collection plate’ we sing this familiar spiritual song to set our minds on His sacrifice. Notice the 2nd verse which in some of our hymnals has been edited out; “Tho Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blessed assurance control. That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate and hath shed His own blood for my soul.” Indeed, God’s people should say, “It is well with my soul!”

“I Gave My Life for Thee” – 354

Before the Lord’s supper we will sing a reminder of His sacrifice as we sing what Christ would say, “I gave My life for thee, My precious blood I shed, that thou might’st ransomed be, and quickened (make alive) from the dead.” We sing what Jesus might be saying to us, but don’t forget, each verse ends with a question we must all answer. What have you given, have you left all, what have you borne (endured) and what have you brought? Honestly, do you have an answer for those questions?

“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” – 276

A simple chorus to a beautiful song. People will look at our legacy when this life is over, what will they see? Perhaps when they look at us, they’ll be turning their eyes upon Jesus.

 

“Remind Me, Dear Lord” – 606

Everything we have is a gift from God. Do you hold this life so dear that you’re missing the big picture? Our legacy is to honor God and show others His mercy. We can do that when we remember…“Nothing good have I done to deserve God’s own Son, I’m not worthy of the scars in His hands. Yet He chose the road to Calvary to die in my stead; Why He loved me, I can’t understand. Roll back the curtain of memory now and then; show me where You brought me from and where I should have been. Remember, I’m human, and humans forget. So remind me, remind me, dear Lord.”

“Ancient Words” – no book

As Moses encouraged God’s people to remember the law, we sing about those ancient words. Are we heeding the ancient words of life? These holy words have been long preserved, let’s follow them, share them and live our lives by them.

“Jesus Calls Us” – 399Jesus calls us

Our invitation song this Sunday morning is a reminder that Jesus is calling for us to follow Him and love Him more than the world. You’ll notice the poetry of the last verse as we ask Him to “make us hear” His call. We know we’re free agents, but what a thought that we would ask for God to make us do something. But that control only comes when we “give our hearts” to His obedience. Then, we’ll serve and love Him more, ‘best,’ of all.

“Footsteps of Jesus” – 416

We just sang an invitation that says, “Jesus calls us…,” then transition to “Sweetly, Lord, have we heard Thee calling, ‘Come follow Me!’.” He calls us, but we still must determine whether or not we’ll answer. But more importantly…will we follow? Singing from our hearts we’ll close this song with the affirmation, “we will follow the steps of Jesus, where ‘er they go.”

“God Bless You, Go with God” – 752

To provide the Oglesby family time to go to our congregation-wide luncheon, we’ll sing one more spiritual song that calls for us to hold fast to our legacy. May we always hold on to the fact that, ‘Christ is the only hope for all the world.’ As we go through this world let’s continually pray that we will ‘go with God’ and follow the Waterview legacy.

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Preaching-Before, During and After…Jan. 25th

The scripture, through Paul’s inspired pen, gives this firm proclamation, “I solemnly charge you in the preach the wordpresence of God and Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with great patience and instruction.” (II Timothy 4: 1, 2) Preach the word! We’ve known this command and for years many of us have listened to the preacher ‘preach the word.’ But from the audience’s point of view, as ‘spectators,’ what goes into ‘preaching?’

This coming Sunday morning Christians across our nation (the globe actually) will attend worship services to hear the gospel preached. They will walk into the auditorium, find their seat, and worship together. But what will happen after the preaching? How will each member sitting in the crowd react to the message? Some, undoubtedly will listen intently, then walk out unaffected by the message. Others, content with their presence, will sit quietly, and not listen to the message at all. And still others will hear the message and be moved to respond. But what about those who listen to the message, are moved to respond, but never do. Their hearts have been pricked, like those in Acts 2, but the step forward never comes. They have done everything necessary before and during the preaching but the final step. What comes after the preaching is left in the pew. Join us Sunday morning as we consider preaching…before, during and after!

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

Sunday morning, January 25, 2015

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

“Our God, He Is Alive” – 23

Remember when this was found on page 728B? Few may still have this song book, but most of us will never forget this ‘church of Christ Anthem.’ The men lead the chorus as we proclaim, “There is a God, He is alive, in Him we live and we survive…”

“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” – 315

Taking this old spiritual song/hymn from Isaac Watts, we sing the poetry of Christ’s death. When I survey the cross, I see His head, His hands and His feet. One of the ‘lost’ verses we’ll be singing on Sunday includes these words; “His dying crimson, like a robe, spreads o’er His body on the tree. Then am I dead to all the globe, and all the globe is dead to me.” This morning we’ll sing verse 1-3 before the bread, verse 4 before the fruit of the vine and verse 5 before the contribution. Notice the message with each verse and you’ll see how well they fit together.

“Christ Above Me” – no book

During the passing of the collection plate we’ll sing this new, contemporary song about the all encompassing role Christ plays in our life. “Christ above me, Christ beside me, Christ within me, ever guiding. Christ behind me (not subordinate but rather supportive), Christ before, Christ my love, my life, my Lord.”

“Sing to Me of Heaven” – 716

Our song before the lesson is one that dates back 100 years. But the timeless message of this spiritual song calls us to encourage one anotherafter the preaching with songs of heaven. Notice each verse is a reminder of how and when we sing of heaven. How, “…tenderly and low, till the shadows over me rise and swiftly go…” And when, “…as I walk alone, dreaming of the comrades (a fellow soldier of Christ who has gone on to his reward) that so long have gone.” These songs of heaven are ‘songs of peace’ that will release us from the toils (a net to trap something) that bind us. Let’s sing of heaven!

“Almost Persuaded” – no book

Our invitation song is one we don’t sing often, but some find it’s basis in Acts 26 when Paul asked, “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do.” Reading verse 28 in the King James Version we find our theme for this morning’s lesson, “Almost persuaded, now to believe. Almost persuaded, Christ to receive…” . Robert’s ‘preaching’ this morning will include a before, during and after. What are you doing before he preaches, while (during) he’s preaching and after he preaches? When the invitation is offered, will you almost be persuaded?

“Let Me Live Close to Thee” – 831

This is one of my favorite proclamations of how I want to live my life! Perhaps it’s the second verse that strikes me so clearly as we consider it’s correlation to Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men…” Notice the words from verse 2; “Not the crown nor renown that the world might see, I would work, never shirk, blessed Lord, for Thee. But to know where I go that my soul is free, let me live close to Thee each day.”

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In the Waiting Room…Dec. 21st

For many of us, the image is clear in our minds. Daddy is nervously pacing (or sitting) in the waiting room while the doctor and nurses tend to the Waiting Roomexpecting mother. At the same time, others can be found in this same room waiting ‘on pins and needles’ for the news that their loved one made it through. Most of us have been in the waiting room anticipating the ‘good news.’ But as we look deeper into our own lives, we find we are spending our life waiting for more than just the doctor.

For hundreds of years the Jewish nation was waiting and longing for the coming of the Messiah. And now, some two thousand years later, we find ourselves waiting and longing for His return! During the Christmas season, our world remembers Christ’s arrival on this earth, and welcomes the newborn baby…the Messiah. But after the tree is taken down and the Christmas music stops, will this world anticipate His return? David wrote in the 25th Psalm, “…You are the God of my salvation; For You I will wait all the day.” Yet today many of us don’t want to wait. We fail to see that, like it or not, we are still waiting. Not for the newborn baby, but for our Savior’s return. Perhaps you could say we’re still…”In the Waiting Room.”

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

Sunday morning, Dec. 21, 2014joy to the world

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

“Joy to the World” – 1018

Not to be reserved for December alone … this song of ‘welcome’ is one we’ll sing to open our assembly this morning. Written in the late 1700’s, this spiritual song was not intended as a Christmas hymn. Instead, Isaac Watts penned these words as a reminder of Christ’s birth. Look back at last December to read more about the joy that came into this world. (click on…December, 2013)

“Savior, Thy Dying Love” – 667

Before we open our wallets and give back as God has given to us, consider the three lines of each verse in this song, “…Something for Thee.” And each of these verses reflect on what we will give to Him; some offering…some song…some wanderer won…my soul in eternity. When we reflect on His giving to us, His dying love, what is it that we are willing to give back to Him? While you’re waiting, consider what you’re giving.

“Restore My Soul” – no book

And now consider the state of your soul; how are you doing spiritually? This song calls for God to restore my spirit, revive the fire in my soul, and renew my courage. At times we all become weary and feel ‘burned out,’ but this is when we need God’s guiding hand all the more to have the courage to stand up and replace our doubts with a stronger, bolder faith in His return. Renew your love for Him, rebuild your faith in Him and seek to have Him restore your soul!

“One Day!” – 353

Before we partake in the Lord’s supper we’ll sing only the first two verses of this hundred year old spiritual song. One day the angels sang of Christ’s birth as Jesus was born into this world. But just as we are born and die, so Christ was born and died. One day they led Him up Calvary’s mountain to nail Him on the tree, bearing our sins. And yet we find hope in knowing He didn’t stay in the tomb. Unlike this earthly body, Jesus was raised from the dead. So we sing, “Rising, He justified (freed us from sin) freely forever…” And then, wait for it, we sing “…One day He’s coming! Oh glorious day!”

“Bethlehem…Galilee…Gethsemane” – 357

“Bethlehem, Christ was born there. I believe, I believe! Galilee, He walked there. I believe, I believe! Gethsemane, my Savior prayed there. On Calvary, He died alone. But the tomb, He left there. I believe, I believe!” Believing is important and obeying is vital, but how many of us are willing to go each day, faithfully waiting for our Savior? We do when we confess that, “…Now He lives and reigns forever. I believe, I believe!”

“Blessed Assurance” – 480

What’s your story? Do you tell a story of assurance in Christ through the life you live? Will your song declare that you are an heir of salvation, and that you’ve been purchased by God? If so, and if you’ve read this far I believe you are, then you can’t help but sing praises to our Savior in song…all day long! What better thing to do while you’re waiting then to sing praises!Blessed Assurance

“When Jesus Comes” – no book

Our invitation song is one from years gone by. As a matter of fact it’s no longer in the book, Faith & Praise. But it’s message is one confirming our resolve as we wait for Christ’s return. Perhaps the chorus says it best, “O can we say we are ready, brother? Ready for the soul’s bright home? Say, will He find you and me still watching, waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?“

“When He Comes in Glory By and By” – 854

As we are waiting, we are longing for His return. And you and I know, “How sweet it will be…when He comes in the sky!” So be patient, don’t loss faith and always remember the goal is heaven. “When He comes in glory by and by…” it will be sweet, for those who are in the waiting room!

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O Come, All Ye Faithful

“For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:19, 20

The hope of all humanity comes in the form of a newborn baby as Jesus was born into this world O Come..some 2000 years ago. Not knowing the date, we have settled on December for a number of reasons. But why focus on the birth when the death of Christ, the shedding of His blood, is what brings us salvation? Perhaps it’s the warmth and nostalgia of a newborn baby, instead of the cold-hearted, beating found in a crucifixion. Whatever the reason, it is the birth of Christ that draws this country closer together more than any other time.

And hymns like this one call each of us to Christ as we… behold Him, worship Him and adore Him. Sometimes called by its Latin name, Adeste Fideles, this song is credited to John Francis Wade in 1751. His song of praise invites all of heaven and earth to greet the newborn king. “O come all ye faithful,” is a call for those here on earth who believe and are faithful to God’s word to worship Him. “Sing choirs of angels,” is a call for the heavenly beings to join in the praise.

But will we adore Him and worship Him only for a season? Would that our lives reflect this worship all year long. “O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant. O come, ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, born the King of angels; O come let us adore Him…Christ the Lord!”

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You Can’t Fool Me…Dec. 7th

Perhaps you’ve heard the saying; “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” Where it originated isn’t known, but the sentiment is clear, ‘I might be tricked once, but it won’t happen again.’ At the same time there are those who say, ‘You can’t fool me…I know better.’ But some believe a truth not knowing they’ve been fooled. What kind of scoundrel would play such a dirty trick? No wonder we say, “…shame on you.”

But could we be guilty of fooling others as well as fooling ourselves? We look in the mirror and man in the mirrorsee what we want to see, not what is really there. We talk ourselves into something that’s not. Could it be that we tell ourselves “I’m OK,” when deep down we know we’re not? Are we doing the very thing we consider a ‘dirty trick?’ This Sunday morning might be a good time to consider your stance if you’re one to say, “You Can’t Fool Me!”

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

Sunday morning, December 7, 2014

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

“Living By Faith” – 560

Written almost 100 years ago, this spiritual song reiterates the message found in Hebrews chapter 11, “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance…” (NIV) In our own Christian walk, how are we doing? Do we live by faith, or do we want substantiated confirmation? And yet that’s exactly how the Hebrew writer began this chapter, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Concerned about being fooled? God will never fail us, never deceive us and never fool us. Therefore we can say, “I care not today what the morrow may bring, if shadow or sunshine or rain. (why…because) The Lord I know ruleth over everything, and all of my worry is vain. I’m Living by faith in Jesus above…”

“Sweet Hour of Prayer” – 827

How do you deal with ‘seasons of distress and grief?’ Do you have a burning desire for Christ to return? Do you ‘hasten’ to God in prayer? W. W. Walford wrote about the power of prayer, and this morning we’ll sing about it. What a great escape from the ‘tempter’s snare,’ and those who believe in Him will ‘cast on Him their every care, and wait for Him…sweet hour of prayer.’ How foolish would we be to reject this hour of prayer.

“A Hill Called Mount Calvary” – 373

This song is new to some, but it has been around for almost 50 years. Made famous by the Gaither family, the message is one we should believe in. Some might say you are being fooled if you believe in a resurrection. And though I might be fooled by a lot of things, there is one thing I know and I believe with all my heart. “I believe in a hill called Mount Calvary. I’ll believe whatever the cost; and when time has surrender and earth is no more, I’ll still cling to the old rugged cross.” The video begins with the 3rd verse…you’ll want to listen to this one!

“Father, I Adore You” – 53

A simple hymn that is sung to our God and Father. As we sing, notice the unified message.  “Father, we adore You, lay our lives before You, How we love You.” It’s easy to sing as a group, but will you, can you, sing it in the first person? “Father, I adore You, lay my life before You, How I love You!”

“Open Our Eyes, Lord” – 766

While the collection plate is being passed we’ll ask our Father for a blessing. In this simple hymn we sing, “Open our eyes, Lord we want to see Jesus, to reach out and touch Him, and say that we love Him. Open our ears, Lord and help us to listen…” Don’t be fooled into thinking God isn’t involved in your life. He’s alive and well and listening to your pleas!

“He Leadeth Me” – 410

If you’re concerned about being fooled, your best bet is to take a look at who is leading you. What are they telling you and where are they going? For that matter…what are you telling yourself? Before Sunday morning’s lesson we’ll sing about the One who leads us, it is ‘God’s hand that leadeth me.’ But before you think that’s all there is to it, finish the chorus. “His faithful follower I would be…” He’ll never fool you if you’ll follow Him.Unconditional-Surrender-Maxwell-JM
“All to Jesus I Surrender” – 662

Question; how much is all? We sing a beautiful song of surrender, but will you give up everything for Him? Think about what you’ll be singing, “All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give. I will ever love and trust Him in His presence daily live…” If we sing all three verses and the chorus with each verse, you’ll be saying “ALL” seventeen times (23 if you count the echo). Will do, do you, surrender your all to Him…or are you just fooling yourself into thinking you do?

“A Common Love” – 705

This ‘youth song’ is taken from the book of John as Jesus spoke to His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another…” Take note of the emphasis in this spiritual song, “A common love…a common gift…a common bond…a common strength…a common hope…a common joy.” Don’t be deceived, without the truth of God’s Word, we’ll never begin to find strength or hope in this sinful world.

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The Christian’s Bumper Sticker…Nov. 30th

Have you ever driven up behind someone, noticed they have a bumper sticker only you’re not quite able to read it? We squint and strain to see if there is some nugget of value. Or maybe that car in front of you doesn’t have ‘a’ bumper sticker, they’ve got dozens. We get an idea of Bumper-Stickersthe person driving the car by the message or the image on the sticker. But if the Christian were to have a ‘bumper sticker,’ what would it look like, what would it say? Would those who come up to you have to squint to read it or would our non-verbals speak loud and clear? And then…what message would we be sending?

If we’re honest, we know there are some bumper stickers that can give us a laugh, but at the same time, there are some that are worthless. Their message is not worthy of repeating. But as children of God, what would our bumper sticker say? Would it bring a smile to the reader’s face or cause him to shake his head? Would anyone be able to read it? This Sunday morning we’re on the rebound from being stuffed from Thanksgiving. So as you get back into the regular routine, join us as we look at “the Christian’s Bumper Sticker.”


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

Sunday morning, November 30, 2014

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

“Redeemed” – 458

This is one of our spiritual songs that carries a lot of energy. Each statement is repeated as we sing of our redemption. “Sweet is the song I’m singing today, I’m redeemed! I’m redeemed!” Not to be mistaken with the hymn by Fanny J. Crosby, this song was penned almost 100 years ago, almost 35 years after Crosby’s “Redeemed.” Maybe as Christians this could be one of our bumper stickers. Letting the world know we’re REDEEMED!redeemed

“Higher Ground” – no book

What a grand message we send when we sing, “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.’..” People will ‘read’ your life and know if you’re comfortable here in this life or if you’re looking for something better. Let your message (your bumper sticker) speak loud and clear,“My heart has no desire to stay…”

“Worthy is the Lamb” – no book

Taken from the book of Revelation and blended with the tune from “Just as I am,” we come away with a moving hymn we’ll sing before the Lord’s Supper. ‘You alone are worthy to open its seals, because You were slain and gave Your blood. You purchased every man for God. Oh, worthy is the Lamb, the Lamb…’ and then we read the text. “You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.” Revelation 5:9

“When Peace Like a River” – 490

The tragic drowning of Horatio Spafford’s daughters motivated him to write this spiritual song of encouragement and strength. Whether or not our life is peaceful like a calm river, or turbulent like the waves of the sea, God’s children can say with confidence, “it’s OK, I have peace in Christ.” But many have missed this verse that is omitted from so many hymnals. Notice the striking message which would make for a great Christian bumper sticker,“Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blessed assurance control. That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate and has shed His own blood for my soul.” Maybe we should have bumper stickers that say, “It is well with my soul.”

“A Beautiful Life” – 570

What makes a life ‘beautiful?’ Is it the things we accomplish or the legacy we leave? Could it be the things we do or the things we say? Is a beautiful life “all of the above?” As we sing this song before our lesson, we’re singing about how we treat one another. How we act toward strangers and how, ultimately, we represent God. You might say a beautiful life is reflected in the entirety of our being. We sing about doing a golden deed, and striving to help some troubled soul. We’ll continue our song as we focus on a good and pure life that lends a helping hand. Does your life look beautiful to others or, more importantly, does your life honor God? Or do we just have good bumper stickers?

“I Know Whom I Have Believed” – 524

Not your typical invitation song, but notice the message we sing; “I know not how the Spirit moves, convincing men of sin, revealing Jesus thru the Word, creating faith in Him.” We sing it and we wear it…but do we truly believe it?

“Redeemed” – 514

Perhaps this is the best bumper sticker the Christian could boast “REDEEMED, how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, Redeemed thru His infinite mercy, His child and forever, I am!” Singing we announce that we love to proclaim our redemption. We sing about being ‘happy in Jesus’ and there’s no language to express our excitement. But ask yourself, when you’re alone at work with only your non-believing co-workers around…can they still read your bumper sticker?

 

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The Start of the Great Commission…Nov. 2nd

If you ask a believer where to find ‘the Great Commission’ they would point you to Matthew chapter 28. But in all actuality the words great commission aren’t found in this passage or any other scripture for that matter. So why do we refer to some of Christ’s last words as a commission, and a great one at that? Or maybe we Great-Commissionshould be asking what is a commission and why is this one great?

The words of Christ found in Matthew 28:18-20 are as follow: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age.” The commission from Christ is to GO. The reason this commission is great is because of the mission…making (baptizing) disciples and teaching them about Christ. Sunday morning we’ll look and see how we can be an active part, perhaps even start ‘the Great Commission.’

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

Sunday morning, November 2, 2014

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

“Praise Him! Praise Him!” – 300

Opening our time together we’ll give our praise to God! Fulfilling the commission includes teaching, and in teaching we know we come to praise Him…ever in joyful song!

“Come Share the Lord” – 364

This contemporary song is a reminder of why we come together. “We gather here in Jesus name. His love is burning in our hearts like living flame. The One we love the most, is now our gracious host, come take the bread, come drink the wine (the fruit of the vine), come share the Lord…” Are you sharing your love for God? Will you tell others of His saving grace?

“Let the Lower Lights Be Burning” – 642

This older hymn is a strong example of evangelism. Looking toward the sea (of life), we see thousands adrift, and most don’t even realize their lost state. The Lighthouse (Jesus Christ) shines brightly calling for those who are seeking a refuge. We stand at the foot of the Lighthouse as the ‘lower lights’ direct and guide the weary traveler past the ‘treacherous shoal’ toward the light. Perhaps you need to check your light and see how brightly it’s shining. Remember, this is part of the Great Commission, directing those who are seeking.

“Send the Light” – 650

There is calling for all Christians every where to shine their light…albeit their lower light. As we strive to fulfill the commission Christ gave us more than 2000 years ago we have to ask ourselves if we’re really sending the light or if we’re holding it close. If you’re tired and would just as soon someone else do the work, then maybe you should sing the last verse of this song…“Let us not grow weary in the work of love…let us gather Lord-of-Harvestjewels for a crown above…”

“Far and Near” – 784

Our invitation song is one we don’t sing often, but one that explains more clearly the great commission. It finds root in Christ’s words to His disciples in Luke 10, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of harvest to send out laborers in His harvest. So we sing, “Lord of harvest send forth reapers, hear us Lord to Thee we cry. Send them now the sheaves to gather ‘ere the harvest time pass by.”

“The Gospel is for All” – no book

This is one of my favorites as we proclaim the fact that ALL can come to Christ. The blessed gospel is for all! We’ll sing this as we set aside time to give toward the Great Commission Sunday. Our mission work will be our focus this morning!

“Into Our Hands” – no book

Life is passing by quickly. Just take a look in the mirror see how many gray hairs are adorning your crown as opposed to 10 years ago. Or look at the pictures of your children you have hanging on the wall…from 20 years ago. “Swiftly we’re turning life’s daily pages…how are we using God’s golden moments, shall we reap glory…shall we reap tears?” We’ll sing this question, and we know what the answer should be, therefore we sing, “…into our hands the gospel is given, into our hands is given the light.” Fulfilling the great commission means we’re willing and ready to take the message from our hands to the hearts of those who are dying. Get ready and prepare yourself to start the great commission.

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Can a Christian Be a Thinking Person?…Oct. 19th

It was written in 1929 by Ernest Hemingway in the novel, A Farewell to Arms. A simple sentence that haunts mankind, “All thinking men are atheists.” The secular world would have you believe that faith in God is weakness and scientific ignorance.  Thinking mind

In a world that speaks with disdain toward God and elation toward self, what is a Christian to do? What can we say that will convince the ‘un-churched’ to reconsider their path of ungodliness? When we profess our belief in “…God created…”, the world dismisses this as ancient myth. But we believe in an intellectually superior God who shaped and formed the earth. Remember what Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus, “They (unbelievers) are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of the hearts.”

Waterview welcomes Dr. Phil Thompson of Harding University on Sunday, October 19th. He will be presenting two classes and two lessons designed to answer the question, “Can thinking people believe?”

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

Sunday morning, Oct. 19, 2014

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

“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” – 162psalm 148

Built into a medley with “Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah,” we’ll begin our worship together with these songs of praise. “All hail the power of Jesus’ name let angels prostrate fall! Bring forth the royal diadem and crown Him Lord of all…” Is Christ the Lord of your life? You make that decision, though your decision has no bearing on His royalty. He reigns! We will either follow Him or we will not. A foolish, deceived world will not, but rest assured, He is Lord of All!

“Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah” – 3

Taken from the 148th Psalm we’ll sing the scripture in this ‘psalm.’ Have you read it lately? If not, after we sing it you really should read it! His divine power is reinforced in His creation, everything praises Him. The question is…will you?

“We Saw Thee Not” – 342

Before the Lord’s Supper we’ll sing the first three verses remembering Christ’s death. Perhaps the power comes in the conclusion of each of these verses as we sing (twice for emphasis), “But we believe…”

“My Faith Has Found a Resting Place” – 582

Not an overly familiar song, but one which we need to understand and daily echo the chorus, “I need no other argument, I need no other plea, it is enough that Jesus died and rose again for me.” Do you have the faith to be able to not only sing these word, but believe them and live your life accordingly?

“O Listen to the Wondrous Story” – 496

Before our lesson we’ll sing this popular spiritual song written more than 100 years ago. The third verse is a great question to the listener as we sing, “Will you surrender to this Savior? To His scepter humbly bow? You, too, shall come to know His favor, He will save you, save you now.” Then the chorus resounds with a question and answer, “Who saved us from eternal loss! Who but God’s Son upon the cross? What did He do? He died for you! Where is He now? Believe it thou, In heaven interceding!”

“Trust and Obey” – 915

“When we walk with the Lord in the light of His world, what a glory He sheds on our way…” You most likely know this song by heart having sung it for years. But often we are familiar with the first, second and last verses and have never fully learned the third verse. But this morning consider a line from this song which has implications on today’s lesson. “But we never can prove the delights of His love until all on the altar we lay; for the favor He shows, and the joy He bestows, are for those who will trust and obey.” So where are you in regard to laying your all on the altar. Or are you still trying to see if you can prove the delights of His love?

“Love Lifted Me” – 453

A rousing song as we part this morning. We will sing over and over the message of the chorus, “Love lifted me…” Do you find that living for Christ lifts your spirits? The child of God understands this ‘lift’ and finds comfort in his belief in a Savior. Though the world may think us to be ignorant or backward, we know where to look when we’re ‘sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore…’ Let’s not keep this story of salvation to ourselves. There is a dying world out there who desperately needs a Savior.