Category: Death

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Lessons from a Pulpit

Pedestal PulpitFor those ‘church going’ folks, you know what the pulpit is.  You’ve seen one almost every Sunday morning, and you know the preacher (most of the time) stands behind it to deliver a message for the word of God.

But sadly enough there are times when the message (the sermon) fails to live up to the position the pulpit represents.   There are some who preach without the strength of understand and the conviction of word.  Too many ‘softballs’ are lobbed out to the congregation making them feel secure, pacified and justified in their day-to-day activities.  (Waterview church of Christ is the exception; Robert Oglesby’s Bible strong lessons challenge the status quo.)  Still ask yourself, are the sermons you hear each week solid or soft.  Will you hear a forward condemnation toward drunkenness, or quiet acceptance to social drinking?  Do the sermons admonish the ladies to practice modesty, or are we fine with short skirts and tight tops?  Are we concerned about the activities that accompany Prom Night?  Or is that just ‘a right of passage’ for our young men and women?  Are these activities (and others like them) discouraged from the pulpit?

Maybe, if we could have ‘seen’ the sermon 2000 years ago that held a crowd spell-bound for more than 6-hours we would understand what’s important in the walk with Christ.  (Mark 15:25 we read, “It was about the third hour (9:00AM) when they crucified Him.”  Then again in Luke 23:44-46 we notice, “It was about the sixth hour (noon), and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour (3:00PM), because the sun was obscured; and the crucifixion of Jesusveil of the temple was torn in two.  And Jesus, crying out in a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.”  Having said this, He breathed His last.”)

For six hours (9:00 in the morning till 3:00 in the afternoon) people stood and watched the Savior die.  Some passed by shaking their heads (Mark 15:29) while others, rulers and soldiers included, stood looking and listen to the lesson from our Lord.  We remember the short statements He made while on the cross; “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”, “Woman, behold your son.”, “I thirst.” , “It is finished!” and several other short proclamations.  But what lesson was taught on this dark day in Jerusalem over 2000 years ago?  What life altering lesson can I learn from this sermon of all sermons?

The group Acapella recorded a song entitle, There Never was a Pulpit Like the Cross.  As you listen to this song consider the message that came on Calvary.  What was the crowd hearing on that dread day as Jesus was crucified for the sins of all mankind?  If it’s been a while since you’ve read the account of Christ death, burial and resurrection I encourage you to read it again.  Listen to the sermon that Jesus preaches as He hangs on the cross for man’s redemption.

1) Jesus climbed the hill of Calvary
And they nailed Him on a cross
Though He had no sin my friend, like me and you
He submitted like a gentle lamb and let them nail Him there
And prayed “Forgive them, for they know not what they do”
Chorus:
Oh, there never was a pulpit like the old rugged cross
And there never was such a meeting place as Calvary
There never was a greater lesson preached on love by mortal man
And there never was a pulpit like the cross

2) What a crowd was gathered on the hill of Calvary that day
Not long before Christ’s victory was won
As His own mother watched and wept beside a friend whom Jesus loved
Christ said, “Dear mother, when I’m gone, he’ll be your son”
Chorus

3) A guilty man was hanging on another cross that daytheif on the cross
Convicted of some thievery, his sin
And suff’ring Jesus saw some good in him and he forgave that man
And said, “Today, into My Heaven enter in”
Chorus

4) As you sit and pray in comfort, and in finery adorned
Without a thought of shame, regret, or loss
Just think of Jesus on that hill in pain, to awful to be born
And remember that old pulpit called the cross
Chorus

No, there never was a pulpit like the cross

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I Knew You’d Come…May 26th

Moore tornadoMonday afternoon, May 20th, a tornado of unprecedented strength, swept through an urban neighborhood of Moore, Oklahoma.  With a mere 16-min. warning, businesses, schools and families desperately fled for shelter.

This month alone, we have seen devastation from storms in the Texas towns of Granbury and Cleburne, as well as in the community in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

How do we hold up in the face of such destruction and death?  What sense can we make in this manifested display of God’s power?  This morning Robert Oglesby will direct our hearts and minds as we come to better understand the comfort offered in Christ during these difficult times.  Just as the rescue workers came into Moore, Oklahoma to add those in despair, Jesus also comes to our rescue as we face the storms of life.  The following song selection is designed to focus our minds on Christ’s comfort in times of trials.

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

All Things Praise Thee – 43

Coming off the reading of Psalm 84:4, “How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You.” we sing the verse verse of this old hymn; “All things praise Thee, Lord most high…”  What a beautiful message as we sing this hymn of praise.  Concluding each verse we echo the plea, “…all things praise Thee – Lord, may we!”  Notice, this isn’t a question but an acclamation.  Would that we all give God our praise!

Great Are You, Lord – no book

As we sing this contemporary song of praise we’ll begin with just the men sing, “Holy Lord, most holy Lord.  You alone are worthy of our praise…”  The chorus breaks forth with every voice giving glory to God.  JESUS CAMEUnderstanding this hymn to our Father we sing, “Great are You, Lord!”

In Loving-Kindness Jesus Came – 504

Though not found in the ‘Savior’s Sacrifice’ section, this spiritual song reminds us of the death Christ suffered on the cross.  Understanding the grace of God we sing, “In loving-kindness Jesus came…” to reclaim my sinful soul.  Notice verse 3, “His brow was pierced with many a thorn, His hands by cruel nails were torn…”  Thus we find the focus for the Lord’s Supper.  But read verse 3 with a clearer understanding; “Now on a higher plane I dwell, and with my soul I know ’tis (it is) well; Yet how or why, I cannot tell, He should have lifted me…”  Don’t misunderstand the message here.  We are not singing “He should have lifted me”; we’re singing “I don’t know why He lifted me…but He did!”

I Gave My Life for Thee – 354

We sing as if we’re saying the words of Christ.  Poetically Jesus reminds us; 1) I gave My life for you, 2) I left it all for you, 3) I’ve borne it all for you, and 4) I bring rich gifts (salvation, love and pardon) to you.  Then we’re left with the question…What have you given, left, borne and brought to Jesus?

Whispering Hope – 497

“Soft as the voice of an angel…”  The author of this old spiritual song encourages us to hold fast to the hope which we find in Christ, even as the ‘night is upon us.’  Consider the third verse and the poetry found in this line, “Hope, as an anchor so steadfast rends (completely shreds) the dark veil for the soul whither (Where) the Master has entered, robbing the grave of its goal.  Come then, O come, glad fruition (realization), come to my sad weary heart. Come, O Thou blest hope of glory never, O never depart…”  Where is YOUR hope in stormy weather?

‘Til the Storm Passes By – 546

Have you ever felt struggles to the point of despair?  Does it seem Satan is tearing you down?  “Many times Satan whispers, ‘There is no need to try.  For there’s no end to sorrow, there’s no hope by and by…”  Really?  Don’t forget those are the words of the great deceiver.  Jesus is the hope of all the world, Matthew 12:21.

Standing on the Promises – 452

Where are you standing, “when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail…?”  Before our lesson we’ll repeat this confirmation, ‘we are standing on the promises of God’, sixteen times.  It’s common for people to call on God during the storms, but as we sing, ‘through eternal ages let His praises ring…’ and continue to stand on the promises God has given you.

I Need Thee Every Hour – 837

Written by Annie Hawks in 1837, a Brooklyn housewife wrote this poem in a hour of joy, not pain.  However, God is our helpduring the next several years many found comfort from these words.  We’ll sing this as our invitation song, and as the call goes forth let us realize just how much we need Him…every hour!

O God, Our Help in Ages Past – 522

God has been our help in ages past, and as we consider the message from this lesson, He will be our hope for years to come!  We know God has sent His Son to rescue us, and my prayer is that we will all be eager to retreat to His shelter during the storm.  Though the world stands in fear of the stormy blast, God reaches down and we say…I knew He’d come!

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Come into the House of the Lord and Worship

King David mourning“So David arose from the ground, washed, anointed himself and changed his clothes; and he came into the house of the Lord and worshiped.” II Samuel 12:20

A complete review of this passage finds no songs of praise, no musical attributes and no reference to singing.  But let the focus from this passage be the simple statement of what David did, “…he came into the house of the Lord and worshiped.”  To understand the importance of this passage look at the context of the chapter.

David has been informed by Nathan the prophet that his son, by Bathsheba, would die.  Any parent would recognize this to be heart-wrenching, devastating news.  The death of a loved one hurts and leaves a void in our hearts, but the death of child has no comparison.  In this passage, David pleads for the life of his child, and according to the scriptures he “…fasted and went and lay all night on the ground.”  During this first (and only) week of the child’s life David pleads to God for mercy and refuses any comfort from the elders of his household.  His hope is that God will renew the child’s health and let him live.  But when the child dies, because of the extreme grief shown by David, the servants are afraid to tell him the painful news.

It’s interesting that though David isn’t informed of his sons death, he, “…perceived that the child was dead…”. Seeing the actions of his servants told him all he needed to know.  But why did David’s demeanor change after his son died?  Why wouldn’t he have mourned all the more?  Most of us experience the depth of sorrow after our loved one’s death.  But instead, David goes into the house of the Lord to worship.  (Note: Most likely this was a demonstration of his acceptance to God’s disciplinary action for the death of his sin…the child born of Bathsheba was illegitimate.  Nathan prophesied the child’s death.)funeral

When we face the death of a loved one, we don’t see this as punishment or retribution from God’s hand.   We see it for what it is, a loss.  Whether anticipated at the end of a long life or unexpected in the earliest days of life, death is bitter for those left behind.  When death comes, we feel its sting (I Corinthians 15:55).  Perhaps that is one of the reasons why we mourn at a loved one’s death.  But for the Christian, when he dies, we might consider the approach that David took in 2 Samuel 12.  The Christian can worship when facing death, because of the hope we have in Christ.  The loss we feel in death is temporary for the child of God because we know, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones.” Psalm 116:15

Recently we have experienced several deaths at our home congregation.  Some are extended family members who had been struggling with health issues and some were older, faithful servants who had lived a long life for God.  But recently a young family lost their baby 8 days before she was due.  Such a loss is heart wrenching and leaves us at a loss for words.  How do you comfort a young couple who was excited to begin their family?  What can be said to console a young lady who had hoped to celebrate Mother’s Day with her baby girl?  My only consultation is to remember the words and actions of a man ‘…after (God’s) own heart…’ Acts 13:22.  David said in 2 Samuel 12:23, “But now he has died; why should I fast?  Can I bring him back again?  I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” 

cloudsThe faithful child of God realizes that this life is temporary.  We grieve when we loss a family member, but we also understand that ‘this world is not my home.’  If you are a child of God and death knocks at your door, your loved ones will have the blessed assurance of your victory.  They’ll see death for what it is; precious in the sight of the Lord.  Painful?  For us, yes.  Filled with sorrow at the loss?  Certainly, but also a time for all believers to ‘come into the house of the Lord and worship.’

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A Roller Coaster Ride!

Personally, the best description for the last few days of March, 2013 would be a roller-coaster ride!roller coaster

Emotions were flowing as we learned of my daddy’s passing on Saturday afternoon, March 23rd.  Then within forty-eight hours, we spent sixteen hours traveling to Kansas and back for his graveside service.  Though visiting with family was a blessing, laying the patriarch of our family to rest was difficult at best.  The next forty-eight hours brought us to the annual LTC convention in Dallas (Leadership Training for Christ).  An exciting, busy but certainly focused weekend for more than 1,000 saints in down-town Dallas.  But the month of March was still not over; our youngest son decided he was ready to put Christ on in baptism…at 10:30 PM Saturday night, March 30th!  An exhilarating lift as we continued to ride ‘the roller coaster.’  Oh wait, the next afternoon following morning services, my oldest drove back to Tennessee to resume the last two months of his freshman year.  His first time to drive 9 hours…alone.  If you could see the calendar of events and feel the emotional twisting and turning, you’d know these past few weeks have been a roller coaster ride.

So how does one put this in to prospective?  Any time we lose a family member, we hurt; and anytime a lost sheep is found, we rejoice.  When you feel those two strong emotions within a matter of days you realize priorities have to be set.  What is most important and where do I put my focus?

One of the blessings we experienced at the memorial of my daddy was the assurance of his faith, and gentle hand of sympathy from brothers and sisters in Christ.  Four of his grandson’s lead the singing and read scripture, while several others shared thoughts of encouragement.  But as we closed the service we all joined in singing some songs of praise and inspiration.  We closed the service with the song, “Softly and Tenderly”.  The message was perfect as we sang about ‘coming home’ and in respect to my dad’s passing…I believe he was on his way home.  But then as I considered my son’s baptism I realized that he too began his journey as he decided he was ready to ‘come home’.  Each of these events, though separated by two different extremes, bring my mind toward what’s most important.  Do we listen as Jesus is calling us home?

“Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling for you and for me;
See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching,
Watching for you and for me.”

Refrain:
“Come home, come home,
Ye who are weary, come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!”

This song is a wonderful call for the sinner, the lost lamb, to come back to the fold of God.  And I certainly saw the implications as I realized my son was indeed turning his mind to follow Jesus and come home.  But as we remembered the passing of our daddy, the third verse of this song rings true.  Grim as it may be…it is so true…

“Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
Passing for you and for me;
Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
Coming for you and for me.”Dillons baptism...3.30.13

Roller coasters are certain to come into our lives…whether we want them to or not.  The question we must ask is how will we ride?  Many enjoy the thrill of the lift while others hold on tight.  We know there will be times when we cry out and wish the track would level off.  But the best advise is to find the excitement at every turn and hold on tight!  Know the ride will soon be over and the ups and downs will eventually level off.  Take comfort in remembering Christ is at the controls of life.  He knows your fears and He sees your tears.  And when we come to give Him our lives, even the angels rejoice.  Our Savior is pleading for us all to come home…softly and tenderly.

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We’re Marching and Singing to Zion…Pt 3

As this three part study comes to a close, perhaps the strongest reminder of how we are to sing comes when we consider the words of the author of Hebrews.

When we sing songs of praise we are offering a sacrifice to God.  Hebrews 13:15, ‘…let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.’  Singing songs of praise, ‘the fruit of lips’ is our giving to God a sacrifice of praise. (Hebrews 2:12)  What kind of a sacrifice are you offering?  Before you answer, let me remind you of Leviticus 10:1-3.  During the offering of sacrifices in the Old Testament, Nadab and Abihu offered ‘strange fire’ before the Lord.  These two men, sons of Aaron, violated God’s command for sacrifices and were subsequently struck down.  Notice how Moses responded to this tragedy… “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.”  We must ask ourselves, ‘When I’m singing on Sunday morning, what kind of sacrifice am I offering God?’  Do I sing and listen for my own satisfaction?  Am I honestly thinking about what I’m singing?  My prayer is for God’s people everywhere to stop and think about our singing in worship.  Let’s sing with the Spirit!

Standing with our brothers and sisters in Christ and opening our minds and hearts (not to mention our voices), we might sing another hymn penned more than 300 years ago; “Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above, ye heavenly host.  Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!”  Doxology is a simple song of praise to our God and Father and echoes our soul’s unquestionable need to praise our Creator.  As Christ entered Jerusalem in Luke 19, just days before His arrest, the crowds praised Him saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Hearing this praise, some of the Pharisees, approached Jesus and told Him to reprimand and silence His followers.  But notice His response; “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!”  In short…we were made to give praise to God. If we refuse to, His creation will sing it out.  If you’re not sure about that, read Psalm 148 (or sing “Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah”).  Though many might ignore our God-given need to praise Him, and while many more may offer excuses as to why they’re not singing praises to God, remember Romans 14:11, “…Every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.”Mt. Hayden

As brothers and sisters in Christ we remember that we’re singing and ‘marching to Zion’. Consider the second verse of this spiritual song; “Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God; but children of the heavenly King may speak their joys abroad.” Some don’t know the joy that comes in being a child of God.  Their refusal to sing is out of ignorance.  But those of us who are ‘children of the heavenly King’ must be ready and willing to speak (to sing) our joys abroad.  You and I know as we are marching, we’re also singing along the way to Zion.

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A Land that is Fairer Than Day

These past few days, several trips have been made back and forth between the hospital and the house for both my brother and me.

hospital

Not a quick drive across town, but a 50 mile drive (one way) across the Metroplex.  Perhaps for many that’s not a big deal and they do it daily in their commute, but personally I like to stay close to home.  My brother had it even tougher; his drive as 6 hours round trip and he made it several time too.  But for me, big city driving has never been a favorite pastime.  But we all know that ‘you do what have to do’…better yet, we do what needs to be done!  And for me these past few days, making that jaunt needed to be done.

Daddy fell two weeks ago come Monday as he was walking down the hall way in his apartment.  A walk he had taken hundreds of times in the last 7 years, but on March 11th this ‘last’ walk ended with him laying on the floor with a fractured hip.  From there it was a hard road…surgery was 3 days later, and rehab was inevitable.  He seemed to be coming along pretty well on Monday, four days after surgery, but this afternoon it all changed.  Due to complications from his surgery (blood clot most likely), daddy passed away.  From all accounts it happened pretty quickly and he didn’t suffer.  The road ahead was looking to be a long one and the rehabilitation was certain to be difficult for daddy.  But he’s free from that pain now.  His body (more like his soul) is at rest and we will do our best to honor his memory.

As my brother and I stood in the emergency room this afternoon and said our final ‘Good-bye’, Doyle quietly said the following words; “There’s a land that is fairer than day…”  I echoed, “…and by faith we can see it afar.”  Daddy has gone home and this physical life is behind him now.  We rest assured knowing that there is a sweet by and by, and that thought brings us comfort.  Time changes everything and we all realize that death comes in time, but we hold fast to the hope we have in Christ.  As I drove home from the hospital this evening I spent some time singing and talking to God.  My prayer was simple; asking for comfort, safety on the road and understanding…but something more was added to my prayer list.  I thanked God for giving me a daddy who taught me Jesus Christ.  A father who raised me to honor God and always strive to serve Him.  For that blessing I am most thankful!
  1. There’s a land that is fairer than day,
    And by faith we can see it afar;
    For the Father waits over the way
    To prepare us a dwelling place there.

    • Chorus:
      In the sweet by and by,
      We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
      In the sweet by and by,
      We shall meet on that beautiful shore.
  2. We shall sing on that beautiful shore
    The melodious songs of the blessed;
    And our spirits shall sorrow no more,
    Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.
  3. To our bountiful Father above,
    We will offer our tribute of praise
    For the glorious gift of His love
    And the blessings that hallow our days.

    As I conclude this memorial to my daddy, let me take a moment to share a passage from the book which bears his name.  James chapter 5:13 “Is anyone among you suffering?  Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises.”  After 83 years, James Bruce will be missed on this earth.  His last surviving brother and two sisters (not to mention his widow and four sons and their families) will miss him dearly, but we hold to the hope that some day soon… “We shall meet on that beautiful shore.” 
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A Problem on the Way to the Promise Land…Feb. 17th

Sunday morning, February 17th at Waterview church of Christ, our lesson was aimed some of our trials/problems on our way to heaven.  To be specific…complaining!

man silhouette on sunset

As we examined the Israelite nation (post Egyptian captivity), Robert opened the word and we looked at how often the people of God complained about; the water and food (or lack there of) and the leadership coupled with an ‘I can do better’ attitude. The following ‘order of worship’ was designed to focus our minds on this Lord’s day.  Will you think about the songs you sing in praise to God?

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

 

Sunday morning, February 17, 2013

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

 

“Praise the Lord” and “Great Are You, Lord” – 74 & no book

Four songs in this hymnal begin with these three, power words; “Praise the Lord”, but our song this morning was written by J. Kempthorne in 1796.  The words are taken from the 148th Psalm and the chorus resounds with “Hallelujah! Amen” repeated twice for emphasis.  “Holy Lord” (or better known as “Great Are You, Lord”) came on the scene almost 200 years later.  Written by a husband and wife team, Steve & Vikki Cook, this hymn again sings praises to our God.  A wonderful introduction to coming together, with my heart and sing…Great are You Lord!

“Beneath the Cross of Jesus” – 314

We set our minds on the Lord’s Supper as we sang the 1st and 3rd verses of this song.  As we set our minds and hearts at the foot of the cross, in our mind’s eye we can see, “the very dying form of One who suffered there for me.”  But we’ll keep our eyes on the cross as we continue to focus during the Lord’s Supper this morning.

“The Old Rugged Cross” – 313

Perhaps a bit of controversy surrounds this old hymn as some feel we shouldn’t ‘cherish’ the old rugged cross. But to others, this is metaphorically cherishing the death of my Savior, for without that cross, I’m lost.  This morning however, we specifically sang only the 3rd verse following the bread and before the fruit of the vine. Continuing to keep our eyes on Jesus we sang, “In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see; for ’twas (it was) on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, to pardon and sanctify me…”

“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” – 315

Though a very popular ‘communion’ song, again we only sang the third verse of ‘When I Survey.’  My reasoning was simple…keep your eyes on the cross of Jesus.  “See from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flowed mingled down…”  Keeping the volume soft and thoughtful we maintained a solemn focus on the death of our Savior as we partook of the Lord’s Supper.

Eyes To Heaven

“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” – 276

The title of this song comes from the chorus which was made famous by Helen Lemmel in 1922 (how many thought this to be a contemporary song).  Though we rarely sing the first three verses of this song, (verse 1) “O soul are you weary and troubled?”  the power of the chorus helps us keep our eyes on Jesus.  As we conclude the Memorial of our Lord’s death, we continually strive to stay focused on Him.  Would that our mind be so strongly tied to our God that, “…the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

“To Canaan’s Land I’m On My Way” – 867

With the title of our lesson on ‘the promise land’, I thought it appropriate our song before the lesson singing us toward Canaan’s Land (heaven).  Interestedly enough we have lots of sorrows, struggles, tears and pain here on earth, but in heaven…“Dear friends they’ll be no sad farewells.  They’ll be no tear dimmed eyes.”  Why you might ask?  Simply, in Heaven (Canaan’s Land) the soul never dies.

“Bring Christ Your Broken Life” – 911

Though specific for the hymnal Faith and Praise, I think it’s interesting that this invitation song, this call for sinners to ‘bring Christ your broken life’ is found on page 9-1-1.  Notice these words: “Bring Christ your broken life, so marred by sin, He will create a new, make whole again; your empty wasted years He will restore, and your iniquities (sin) remember no more.” (Emphasis added) “Bring Him your every care if great or small – whatever troubles you, O bring it all!  Bring Him the haunting fears, the nameless dread, Thy heart He will relieve, and lift up thy head.”

“A Mansion, Robe and Crown” – no book

Another contemporary song, this one again focuses on heaven.  The third verse grabs my attention when I sing about difficult times; “My head is bowed and bloody now from the work I’ve tried to do…”  Maybe not physically for most of us, for some in the mission field I’m certain this is true.  Needless to say we are all looking forward to a mansion, robe and crown!

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I Don’t Want to Experience That Again…Jan. 27th

The sermon title on Sunday morning (Jan. 27th) at Waterview church of Christ is entitled…“I Don’t Want to Experience That Again”.  Any thoughts on what Robert might have in mind?  Take a minute and look through the songs selection and maybe you can pull together the theme.  As the scripture says, “I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”

 

Sunday morning, January 27, 2013

Robert Oglesby has been the pulpit preacher at Waterview church of Christ since February, 1963.  You’re reading it correctly, Waterview is on the threshold of celebrating 50 years with him as our preacher.  May this congregation of God’s people continue to be strong in the Kingdom of God.  The following is a listing of our order of worship, and all song numbers are from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Awesome God” – 38

Our opening song on Sunday morning could be classified as a contemporary song (properly referred to as a ‘hymn’).  Do we truly realize the fact our God is awesome?  Not like your favorite movie or some famous person…only God should hold the title “Awesome”.

“We Praise Thee, O God” – 2

What reasons can you list as to why YOU praise God?  This old hymn, written during the time of our countries Civil War, provides 4 strong examples of why we should be praising God.  Look at the verses (all five)…is it really 4 reasons we praise God, or actually is there just one?

“In Christ Alone” – no book

Another contemporary song that has captured the hearts (and voices) of young and old alike.  As the song is sung, a story is woven that draws the Christian heart closer to God.  Where do you find your strength…your hope.  We sing with a sincere heart, “In Christ Alone”.  But don’t forget each verse and the power you’ll find as you sing the reassurance, “…til He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.”

“In Memory of the Savior’s Love” – to the tune of “Majestic Sweetness”

Two songs with the same meter…8.6.8.6 (also referred to as Common Meter or CM).  Read the words on page 335, but add the music from page 530.  This is a great way to refresh the message of the song by adding the notes from another.  Keep things fresh and avoid stagnation of the mind.  Singing by rote is a good way to learn, but a poor way to worship (in my opinion).

“Freely, Freely” – 635

What do you think it means to ‘freely give?’  As Christians we have been give so much…more than we could ever repay.  So with the gifts we so richly enjoy, do we think about how freely we are at giving back.  With this song being sung before we pass of the collection plate one would certainly assume we’re talking in monetary terms.  But what about your life?  Do you give not only money, but your actions, and your thoughts, and your words to God?

“My Only Hope is You” – no book

Another contemporary song (hymn) speaking toward the only One who can give us hope in this dark world.  Sin and despair are all around, and to many this life seems to be a hopeless journey.  But God’s people know that from early in the morning and until late at night we have hope…in Jesus!

“A New Creature” – 619

Penned by T.O. Chisholm and musically supported by L.O. Sanderson (members of the Lord’s church) this song clearly explains the new life we can have in Christ.  “Buried with Christ (baptism)…I am dead to the world.”  So examine your life and see if indeed “…Christ lives in me.”

“God Is Calling the Prodigal” -no book

An old invitation song that we no longer find in the hymnal “Song of Faith & Praise”.  But just because an editor doesn’t include a song that is Biblical and scriptural doesn’t mean we toss it out of our repertoire.  We all have wandered away (some intentionally others haphazardly), and all the while God is calling us to return; “…weary prodigal come!”

“The Way of the Cross Leads Home” -616

As we close our worship service on Sunday morning we’ll sing to remind each other and encourage those who are lost to ‘bid farewell’ to the world and seek your home with God.  The way home is easy; follow the cross.

So what’s uncomfortable about all this?  What would you not want to ‘experience again?’  See you Sunday morning!

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Wake Up!

Veiled in the cover of darkness and intent on pure evil, a lone masked gunman interrupted the lives of thousands in Aurora, Colorado.

The setting was a ‘late night movie’, the opening day for a blockbuster release featuring a popular, well loved super-hero…Batman.  Many across this nation joined in this event; at this same time, even in this same town.  But the movie theater known as Century 16 was marked as a target, and 71 individual lives were scarred and/or taken by a senseless, dark, act of evil.

Words fail as we try to wrap our mind around such a senseless tragedy.  TV anchors struggle to think of the right questions and ultimately fall back on, “We’re so sorry for your loss.”  But what else can we say?  Are there any words we can turn to for comfort and direction during these deprived times?  Pictures of weeping family members and friends have been seen holding onto loved ones.  Leaning on the neck of those who care and seeking compassion is what we desire in times of disaster.  We have seen images of friends giving comfort (and a shoulder) in the aftermath of such great pain.

But what about you; do you seek someone to lean on when you can’t stand on our own?   Without a clear understanding of this life we will cry out in pain, and light a candle in memory but then simply move on to tomorrow.  Is that where you are?  Is that what you want?  If you truly seek understanding, and if you honestly want to find peace and comfort…you can.

The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus as to how they could find comfort in a world of sin and darkness.  Ephesians 5:1-20 “Follow God’s example…there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater —has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God…Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them…everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ Be very careful, then, how you live —not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Certainly you know the best time to sleep is during in the dark hours of the night.  Our bodies need to rest and regain strength spent during the ‘working hours’.  But perhaps too many of us are enjoying the night life and sleeping through the day; exchanging day light for darkness.  Look again at what Paul calls ‘partners of darkness’; *sexual immorality, *any kind of impurity, *greed, *obscenity, *foolish talk, *coarse joking, *an immoral person, *an impure person, *a greedy person.  Each of these characteristics belongs to those who do not have an ‘inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.’

So if this description is me, if these characteristics look like my life, what do I need to do?  How can I find comfort from the darkness?  Paul’s words are pretty clear in verse 14 of Ephesians 5, “Wake up!”  There needs to be a change in our ‘sleeping pattern’.  We need to be making the most of each day, exposing what is evil and shining a light of godliness in a dark and dying world.  That is the ‘shoulder’ a hurting nation is searching for; Christ is the one who provides our strength and comfort.

In 1999 thirteen lives were lost in the tragic “Columbine High School Shooting”.  Incredibly less than 20 miles separated the tragic of Columbine and the loss at Century 16.  But in 1989, ten years before our country wept for Columbine, Ken Young penned a song that we need to learn and sing in our churches today.  With Ephesians 5 as his foundation, Ken wrote the following song of encouragement:

“My God has said His light will shine;
His light will shine in hearts of man.
The fruitless deeds of darkness past:
revealed by Christ with glorious hand.

Chorus:
Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you. (repeat chorus)

The fruits of light His Spirit gives
are goodness, truth and righteousness.
A new day breaks and all is clear;
give thanks to God, in Jesus Christ.

Chorus:
Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you. (repeat chorus)

God’s word is light!  Have you read what He has to tell you?  Let these inspired words from Paul to the church in Rome be a closing reminder of the need we have to ‘wake up’!  Romans 13:11-13… “And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.”

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We Shall Meet…But We Shall Miss Him.

An American Icon has passed away! 

Note: Andy Taylor is the man, the icon, from Mayberry.  Andy Griffith, the man, missed the mark later in life as he embraced, in my opinion, several ‘un-Mayberry’ type policies.

Andy Taylor was a man who served as the fair and just, level headed sheriff of a small town in North Carolina.  He played the role of a young widower who loved his only son, respected his faithful aunt and selflessly served his community.  You never found a more faithful friend and advocate for an over-zealous deputy who tried to keep order (and comedy) for the daily life in the small town of Mayberry.

Born in 1926 in North Carolina, Andy Griffith, the man, lived to the ripe old age of 86.  His popularity is noted as the a fore mentioned sheriff, but he also starred in the 1980’s as the country lawyer from Atlanta, Georgia.  His Southern drawl and unmatched legal abilities set him, Ben Matlock, as the unbeatable attorney.   During the life of these two TV sitcoms it was not uncommon to hear Andy Griffith take up his guitar and sing while he played.  He was a talented singer of gospel hymns, as well as traditional songs from our country’s history.

My first exposure to this talented comedian came from one of his first monologues named, “What it was, was Football”.  Performed in 1953 and eventually sold to Capitol Records, this skit sold nearly 800,000 copies in it’s first couple of years.  This story comes from a county preacher’s perspective as he watches (for the first time) a college football game.  His accidental admission into the game is portrayed in classic Andy Taylor vernacular.  His original climactic description of “the awfullest fight that I have ever seen…in my life!”  continues to ring in my mind and bring a recollection of a simpler, more civil time.

But next to his comedy and fun-loving spirit, I remember enjoying his golden voice and God-given singing ability.  Several times in that small town of Mayberry you would see this community of believers gather on Sunday morning for church services.  The gospel songs and spiritual focus was a calling card to a life portrayed in North Carolina.  It served as the bedrock foundation for a community built to serve God and support each other.  Perhaps you’ll remember the episode when the primary focus of the day was on the church.  It aired in October of 1963 and the show was appropriately entitled, The Sermon for Today.  A strong lesson that, we often take too seriously the busyness of life (and that coming from 1963).

Yet perhaps my all time favorite episode from ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ came a few months later in February of 1964, Hot Rod Otis.  Otis Campbell, the town drunk, takes on a second job to raise money so he can buy a car.  Barney is determined to teach him a few safe driving skills (with two toy cars), but when the sheriff and deputy find Otis passed out on the hood of his car, drunk, they assume the worse and take him to jail.  In short order, the faithful duo come up with a scheme to ‘teach Otis a lesson so he’ll never want to drive again’.  The scene features Andy and Barney singing “The Vacant Chair” (a song from the mid-1800’s often associated with the Civil War).  For me, this song and its chorus echo though my mind as I remember a legend and miss an icon…Andy Griffith.

“We shall meet, but we shall miss him.
There will be one vacant chair.
We shall linger to caress him…
While we breathe our ev’ning prayer.”