Category: Cross

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From the Beginning to the End…April 6th

There’s a simple little pamphlet that provides ‘expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, and (the) historical background’ of many literary works. This study guide, CliffsNotes, has provided students with the opportunity to learn about a specific book. cliffsnotesA useful means by which some find an amazing summary of some great works of literature.

In similar form, the book of Revelation sketches the entire sweep of humanity. The church Christ died for and her epic struggle to remain faithful to Him. The spiritual war between God and Satan, and a figurative look at that final battle. But these ‘notes’ are more than just a summary. And Sunday morning’s lesson will be more than just CliffsNotes; in a few short minutes we’ll go from…the beginning to the end!

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

Sunday morning, April 6, 2014

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

“Great Are You Lord” – no book

Opening our hearts and voices we’ll sing the praise of God in this short, contemporary hymn. ‘Holy Lord, Most Holy Lord! You alone are worthy of my praise…’ Join us in singing a song of praise unto the Lord Most High!

“How Great Thou Art” – 76

Transitioning from this recently written song of praise (Great Are You Lord), we’ll continue the thought of praise with a hynm that was penned 65 years previously. But don’t think this song has it’s origin in the mid-1900’s. It’s inspiration comes from a poem written by Carl Boberg in the late 1880’s. Seeing the majesty and power of a thunderstorm reminded him of the power and majesty of our God. He was moved to pen the thoughts that we sing today. “…I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed. Then sings my soul…How great Thou art!”

Christ on the cross“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” – 315

Taking all five verses of this song we’ll sing before, during and after the Lord’s Supper. Before the partaking of the bread we’ll sing a verse not found in many of our hymnals, “His dying crimson like a robe, spreads o’er His body on the tree. Then I am dead to all the globe and all the globe is dead to me.” Notice the reference to his blood-soaked body and the message of Paul to the church in Colossae; “Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules?” (NIV) Colossians 2:20. During this time of meditation, let me encourage you to focus on the Savior and ‘survey’ the cross.

“I Come to the Garden Alone” – 595

Written from the perspective of Mary Magdalen as she came to the tomb of Christ we sing; “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…” Perhaps after reading John 20:15, we can better understand the ‘voice I hear.’ “Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’” Understanding the context of the songs we sing will strengthen our songs of praise and edification.

“Doxology” – 66

Have you ever considered what this word means? Doxology comes from two Greek words, δόξα, (doxa) meaning “glory” and –λογία, (-logia) meaning “saying.” So translated, when we sing “Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!” We are actually…”Saying Glory!” A simple hymn with an obscure title giving us a noble message.

“Step by Step” – 15

“O God, You are my God and I will ever praise You!” Ask yourself, do you seek Him in the morning, and do you honestly strive to walk in His way? We sing the song and many will see our walk, but only you know whether or not you are seeking Him at the dawning of every day. It’s a walk that takes one step at a time…step by step He WILL lead me.

“Just As I Am” – 924

A beautiful invitation song we have sung since the mid-1800’s. Singing this song of encouragement (though it is actually a song we sing to HIM) we proclaim that we will indeed come to God, to the Lamb of God who shed His blood!

“When We All Get to Heaven” – 853

When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory.” WOW…consider that message we’ll sing as our closing song on Sunday morning. Are we ready to see Jesus? Are you ready to ‘shout the victory?’ Only if we come to him and walk with Him (step by step) will we ‘get to heaven.’ We can learn about our Savior and come to know and love Him as we study from ‘the beginning to the end.’

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From New Life to Eternal Life…March 2nd

Once a year we take some time to recognize and encourage our families with Baby picturenew born babies. This Sunday we’ll honor six of our young families and their new additions. But what possibly could we gain from focusing on this ‘new life?’

As a child Timothy was raised by his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5). So strong was the influence of these women that Paul mentions Timothy’s ‘sincere faith’ which ‘first dwelt in his (your) grandmother Lois and his (your) mother Eunice.’ A parent who passes down the importance of godly living is worthy of honor. As we recognize ‘new life’ in these families we’ll be encouraging them to teach the importance of seeking ‘eternal life’ with God.

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

Sunday morning, March 2, 2014

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

“Blue Skies and Rainbows” -no book

To begin our worship time together we’ll sing a song that was popular around the campfire during the 1970’s. A ‘devo’ song that has all the elements of praise. From the sunbeams of heaven, to the green grass and flowers, to the tall mountains and green valleys, we sing each verse recognizing our creator and praising Him for His mighty works. ‘Jesus is well and alive today…’ Amen!Rainbow over Mt Alice

“You Are My All in All” -484

Though some may find repetition in this hymn, the message is worth repeating, “Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is Your name!” But have you thought about the message in the second verse? Consider; “Seeking You as a precious jewel, Lord, to give up (seeking you) I’d be a fool…” How foolish we sometimes act as we turn to follow our own desires. Remember, worshiping God is not for the weak minded. Think about what you’re singing…

“I Will Sing of My Redeemer” -513

Before the Lord’s Supper we’ll sing this non-typical communion song. But notice the message; “I will sing of my Redeemer, and His wondrous love for me; on the cruel cross He suffered, from the curse to set me free. Sing, O sing of my Redeemer! With His blood He purchased me; on the cross He sealed my pardon, paid the debt and made me free.” Turn your heart and your mind to the cross, the cruel cross, and remember you’ve been pardoned.

“We Saw Thee Not” -342

Between the bread and the fruit of the vine we’ll sing the 2nd and 3rd verses, respectively. Having lived over 2,000 years ago we were never privileged to see our Savior face to face, so we sing; “We saw Thee not when lifted high…we gazed not in the open tomb and we never met Thee on the open road…But we believe!”

“On Bended Knee” -791

How do you approach God? What is your posture and your position when you come to worship Him? Though we might not physically be bowing to the ground, where is your heart in relationship to His power and authority? Would that we come to Him with humble hearts, with broken hearts, on bended knees…pledging our love a new.

“I Know That My Redeemer Lives” -528

Musically this is an energetic spiritual song. One that admonishes the hearer with a bombardment of confirmation…hear it again; “I know that my Redeemer lives…I know eternal life He gives…I know His saving grace is nigh (near)…I know that He will come again…I know that a home stands ‘over yonder’…I know, I know, I know, I know…that my Redeemer lives.”

“Kneel at the Cross” -945

If we are to give our life to Christ, to be baptized into His death, to ‘begin life anew,’ we must first come to the cross. Kneel at the cross, but be ready to give your idols up. Many will say they are ‘coming to Jesus,’ but they hold on to the world. We can ‘meet Jesus there’ but we must be ready to stay with Him. Don’t look back to the world, ‘to life’s sparkling cup’ but trust in Him!

“How Beautiful Heaven Must Be” -885

As we close on Sunday morning we’ll sing of heaven, and how appropriate that we do. With ‘new life’ we anticipate our eternal life in heaven. Though we might not be able to fathom the beauty of heaven, we can know from His word that it will be for the ‘pure and the free.’ We trust that there will be ‘no drooping or pining’ (no feeling of despair or grief), and that God’s light will be our illumination. “How beautiful heaven must be…”       

“Beyond This Land of Parting” -870

To provide a little more time for the families with ‘new babies’ to get to the church-wide potluck, we’ll add one more closing song. It will segue nicely with the previous song as we go from “how beautiful heaven must be…” to “Beyond this land of parting losing and leaving…” Summer land…a new life, an eternal life, a place of bliss. We’re thankful that God has given this congregation several loving families with new life. But families must bring these babies to God and prepare them for eternal life.

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The Road To…? Feb. 2nd

If there’s one thing you can be sure of, when you’re traveling down a road, road to ...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!

jesus before pilate“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 … !

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What Will You Will?…Jan 12th

grandma and grandsonAs 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” – 313Old rugged cross

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.

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A Compelled or Committed Disciple?…Dec. 29th

mowing the lawnAs 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

“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.

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An Intimidating Student…October 6th

sunsetSunday morning sermon’s are designed to encourage, inspire and motivate the listener, believer and unbeliever alike, to draw closer to the the Word of God.  The preacher will often put a title on his sermon to pull the audience toward the message with anticipation and interest.  So what can we know from the title of this morning’s lesson, “An Intimidating Student?”

Read Acts chapter 18 beginning in verse 23 as we consider a teacher (one who was ‘fervent in spirit’) being taught ‘more accurately’ the way of God.  Often when the teacher is ‘corrected’ the results can be controversial at best.  But notice the outcome when this teacher turns out to be ‘an intimidating student.’

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

Sunday morning, October 6, 2013

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

“To God Be the Glory” -4

A strong song of praise as the worship services begin.  With passion and conviction the congregation will join in one voice and sing, “To God be the glory, great things He has done..”  We know the greatest of our God and His wonderful love for us as we remember that even, ‘…the vilest offenders who truly obey…’ have the hope of heaven.

“We Have Come Into His House” -296

“We have come into His house, and gathered in His name to worship Him!”  Though the building that sets at 1409 N. Waterview is only a building, we remember David’s words in Psalm 122, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.”  Are we glad to come together and worship God as a united people?  God’s people know the importance of being together…in HIS house.

“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” -315

When was the last time you surveyed the cross?  How do you survey the cross?  We come together and remember our Lord’s death and resurrection every first day of the week.  We turn our minds and hearts to the cross.  We do as Jesus command, ‘…do this…in remembrance of Me.’  Survey, by definition can mean, “to view or examine.”  But it can also mean, “to calculate.”  Have you calculated the cross?  It’s worth more than we will ever know.  It’s worthy of our examination.  Perhaps this Sunday morning you’ll survey the cross more closely than before.

“I Gave My Life to Thee” -354

‘What hast thou brought for Me?’  This song ends each verse with the question, “…what have you give for Me…have you left all for Me…what have you borne for Me?”  Questions, if you will, asked by our Savior.  When we’re baptized into Christ we say we give Him our lives.  But it’s not a one time, I’ve done it, I’m saved.  We are called to give Him our lives, each and every day.  He gave His life for me, am I willing to give Him my life?

“Be with Me, Lord“ -778

A beautiful song of prayer where we ask God’s guidance, direction and protection.  When you’re lonely, where do you turn?  When you feel like crying, whose shoulder do you lean on?  When death is at your door…who will you be with as you depart for ‘worlds unknown?’  My prayer… “Be with me, Lord, I cannot live (or die) without Thee.”

“I Love to Tell the Story” -659

Do you love a good story? Some like to hear ’em and others like to tell ’em.  Would that we all love to tell the story of Jesus because, “…some have never heard the message of salvation from God’s own holy word.”  Are you one who tells the story?

“Will You Not Tell it Today?” -628

Before the lesson we sang of telling the story; as our invitation song we ask the question, “…will you not tell it today?”  It’s interesting to me that we declare, ‘If the name of the Savior is precious to you…’ then why won’t you tell others about Him?  I love Jesus but I don’t talk about Him with my friends makes as much sense as saying we love our spouse, but don’t want to be seen in public with them.  Are we that way with Christ?  If not, ‘…if your faith in the Savior has brought it’s reward…will you not tell it today?”

“Send the Light” -650send the light

What is the call that comes ringing over the restless wave?  It’s a call for salvation from a lost people.  Many are lost and without Christ.  Do we care enough to ‘answer their call?’  Think of the comfort we find in Christ.  We have the Light in a dark world.  Since we have light and can help others find their way, why don’t you share it?  Why don’t we ‘send the light?’