darkness, we take confidence in knowing that ‘…He is the true Light, the Kingdom of day!’Is God’s Love Conditional?
One of Jesus’ disciples, John, wrote in 1st John, chapter 3; “See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.”
When was the last time you stopped to consider how much love God has for you? Do you take time in the hustle and bustle of your life to stop and see ‘how great a love the Father has bestowed 
(presented as a gift) upon us?’ We often consider how much love we’re given by how much love we give. And too many times in this life, that’s not much. But the scripture is clear in Romans chapter 5, verse 8; “But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us…” Why would He do that? What motivation does God have to love the sinful? And is His love conditional? Will He take His love away?
This same question is asked in a song by the McCoy Family Singers, “As If.” Many wonder how a pure, holy and divine God could possibly love a sinful, unholy mortal man. The words, as sung by the McCoy Family Singers are simple…
“There is a question now and then, that comes into my mind again…
Will Jesus someday cease to love me because I’m weak and full of sin?
I know the answer, Yes I do. I know His promises are true;
But still the question comes to taunt me, will His love fail to see me through?
As if the moon would fall down from the sky,
As if the pretty birds would cease to fly
As if the waves would stop their tossing on the sea
As if my sweet Lord would stop loving me.
As if the moon would fall down from the sky,
As if the pretty birds would cease to fly
As if the waves would stop their tossing on the sea
Oh No, my sweet Lord won’t stop loving me.”
Is God’s love for His children conditional? The answer in the Bible is “NO,” but don’t think He won’t hold His children accountable for their actions. Any parent who understands love, understands discipline. We love our children unconditionally, but we also expect our children to obey. Why should we think our heavenly Father would be any different. Will God ‘cease to love us?’ No! Will He hold us accountable for our actions? Without a doubt!
Vacation Bible School…Part 3
How quickly the summer seems to fly by. And whether you’re feeling the heat of the summer months, or enjoying some unseasonably mild temperatures, at the Waterview church of Christ, we’re in high gear preparing for and planning our annual Vacation Bible School. This article concludes a three-part series looking at VBS songs that motivate and encourage the young and the young at heart.
We’ve reminisced on the words of “Joy, Joy, Joy”, “Daniel and Ruth”, “The Wise Man”, “The Lord’s Army” and “Roll the Gospel Chariot.” Though so many more could be explored, we’ll wrap up with these three oldies; “His Banner Over Us is Love”, “My God is So BIG” and “Wrapped Up, Tied Up, Tangled Up in God.” For many of us, we may not realize the scripture that serves as the foundation of this first ‘VBS’ song. Read Song of Solomon chapter 2 verse 4…then let’s sing!
Share these words and you will be a “Booster” for your Vacation Bible School…
Read the text and remember this classic:
“He invites us into to His banquet table…
and His banner over us is love. (repeat 2 times)
His banner, over us, is love!”
“He is mine and I am His…
and His banner over us is love. (repeat 2 times)
His banner, over us, is love!”
“The one way to peace, is the power of the cross…
His banner over us is love. (repeat 2 times)
His banner, over us, is love!”
And this favorite among the little ones…
“My God is so BIG, so strong and so mighty
There’s nothing my God can not do! (repeat 1 time)
The mountains are His,
the valleys are His,
the trees are His handiwork too.
“My God is so BIG, so strong and so mighty
There’s nothing my God can not do!”
A warning to the adults…
don’t pull a muscle on these hand motions!
“I’m all wrapped up, I’m all tied up, I’m all tangled up in Jesus.
I’m all wrapped up, I’m all tied up, I’m all tangled up in God.
I’m all wrapped up, I’m all tied up, I’m all tangled up in Jesus.
I’m all wrapped up, tied up, tangled up in God…Oh Yeah.”
For centuries, songs have been used to pass down lessons from generation to generation. Think about when you first learned the books of the Bible (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Acts and the letters to the Romans…), or the names of the 12 apostles (Jesus called them one by one, Peter, Andrew James and John…). History is told in verse and many young minds have come to better understand the message by listening, memorizing and singing songs.
Next time you hear about Vacation Bible School being hosted by your congregation, or the next time a sister congregation announces plans for VBS, make every effort to join them. We do more than just ‘boost our Bible School’ when we attend these summer activities. We model an excitement to spreading the study of God’s word. You can show young children that God’s ‘banner over us is love,’ and that your ‘God is So Big’ when you make Him your priority at VBS. So this year get ‘all wrapped up, tied up, tangled up in God’ at Vacation Bible School!
The Mystery of Forgiveness…July 6th
According to the scriptures, if someone sins against me I should forgive him 490 times! At least as a kid that’s what I thought when I read the words of Jesus in Matthew chapter 18. Peter asked Him, “…how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to 
seven times? But Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but up to seventy times seven (70×7=490).”
Maybe we need to consider our motivation when it comes to forgiveness. In the Bible we recognize the number 7 as a ‘perfect’ number, so is Jesus trying to say perfection is found in forgiveness? Join us Sunday morning as we consider, “the Mystery of Forgiveness.”
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, July 6, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Let God Arise” – 471
Taken from the words of King David (Psalm 68), we sing the text; “Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered, and let those who hate Him flee before Him.” Our God is mighty to save and this song is a great way to sing that reminder of His power and strength. Interestingly enough our second verse, “Our God arose and His enemies were scattered…” gets it’s basis from the 76th Psalm, “…the earth feared and was still when God arose to judgment…”
“Faith is the Victory” – 469
One of my favorite spiritual songs that is more of a call to battle then we might think. Notice verse one; “…ye Christian soldiers, rise, and press the battle…against the foe…let all our strength be hurled…” And then verse two; “…our sword the Word of God…” Verse three; “To him that overcomes the foe…we’ll vanquish all the host of night…” But this extra, less known verse; “On every hand the foe we find drawn up in dread array. Let tents of ease be left behind and onward to the fray. Salvation’s helmet on each head with truth all girt about, the earth shall tremble ‘neath our tread and echo with our shout…Faith is the Victory!” God’s people realize this is a battle against the forces of darkness. So the question comes, are you ready and willing to fight?
“If I Have Wounded Any Soul Today” – no book
This old hymn (it is indeed a prayer) dates back to the turn of the century and fits well with our lesson this morning, ‘forgiveness.’ How often do we live each day in ‘our own willful way’ not concerned about the needs of others. Perhaps the third verse strikes me the hardest; “If I have been perverse, or hard or cold, if I have longed for shelter in Thy fold, when Thou hast given me some fort to hold, Dear Lord, forgive.” It’s not just intentional sins that we need to seek His forgiveness, but also the thoughtless, careless sin in our lives.
“In Loving-Kindness” – 504
The second verse of this song captures our thoughts for the Lord’s Supper; “His brow was pierced with many a thorn, His hands by cruel nails were torn, when from my guilt and grief, forlorn (my feeling of desperation), in love He lifted me…” Let’s take this opportunity as we remember His sacrifice. Singing this verse, we will do just that.
“Nearer, My God to Thee” – 684
(The first video is a traditional arrangement, the second is from Vocal Point, both are great!) Sung between the Lord’s Supper and the Contribution, this hymn/psalm retells the story of Jacob as he flees from the wrath of his brother Esau. Using a pillow for a stone (Genesis 28:11) and dreaming of ‘a ladder reaching to heaven,’ we translate that Old Testament account to present day. (Verse two; “Tho like a wanderer, the sun gone down, darkness be over me, my rest a stone; Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer my God, to Thee…”
“Did You Think to Pray?” – 848
‘Before you left your room this morning, ‘Did you think to pray?’ It’s a simple question…As you started the morning, was God included in your waking hours? Drawing from the third verse we’ll bear in mind our theme for this morning’s lesson; “When your heart is filled with anger, did you think to pray? Did you plead for grace, my brother, that you might forgive another who has crossed your way?” Prayer…don’t leave home without it!
“Jesus Is Coming Soon” – 712
In the quiet morning hours of December 7th, 1941 thousands of lives were shattered as Pearl Harbor was bombed, and America stood at the threshold of war. It’s no wonder that within a matter of months R.E. Winsett penned the words, “Troublesome times are here, filling men’s hearts with fear, freedom we all hold dear now is at stake…” Christians, we must ‘awake,’ stand against the spiritual onslaught of the devil and humble our hearts to God. Why…because Jesus has said, “Behold! I am coming quickly…” (Revelation 22:12)
“I Need Thee Every Hour” – 837
Not your typical invitation song, but one that we must use to come to understand how helpless we are with out God. In life we strive to prove that we are self-sufficient, ‘I don’t need anything.’ Or do we? As we sing the third verse we proclaim, ‘come quickly and abide, or life is vain…‘ We do need Him if we are to make it through life, but the questions is…are we willing to go to the Savior? “O bless me now, my Savior; I come to Thee!”
“Sing to Me of Heaven” – 716
This popular spiritual song, written 100 years ago, is a call for Christians to encourage one another with the promise of heaven. As we forgive one another, we share a commonality with our Savior. “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32). Singing to each other about heaven will help lift the ‘burdens…that are pressing so…‘. The mystery of forgiveness is great, and reflects the glory of our Father in heaven.
Fixing the Pharisees…June 29th
Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” But the reverse could be true; if it is broken, it needs to be fixed. Your car doesn’t start so you find out what’s wrong with it and fix it. Your computer is running slow, so do some checking and 
then get it fixed. Evaluate what you are having problems with, and then see what needs to be done to fix it.
The Pharisees in Jesus’ day had their idea of how best to ‘worship’ God. But a quick study of the text shows they were missing the mark. Their practices were selfish and based on political partiality. In short, the religious leaders during Christ’s time were broken and needed to be fixed. But how about you and your worship to God? Are you ‘doing it right?’ Join us on Sunday morning as we consider, ‘fixing the Pharisees.’
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, June 29, 2014
You’ll notice the following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“To God Be the Glory” – 2
“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the earth hear His voice…” What a great song of praise as we open our worship time together.
“God Has Smiled on Me” – 118
A song typically sung slowly to emphasize the blessings we have as God ‘smiles’ us. But this morning we’ll sing this song with a faster tempo to match the level of energy with the previous song. Notice the connection: “…O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son, and give Him the glory great things He hath done.” “God has smiled on me, He has set me free…” Praise the Lord!
“Great is Thy Faithfulness” – 57
Written in the early 1900’s, this hymn of praise echoes our thankfulness to God for His faithfulness. How do we know God is faithful; “…morning by morning new mercies I see…” Verse two gives even more for the Christian to hold on to; “Summer and winter and spring time and harvest, sun, moon and stars in their courses above join with all nature in manifold (multiple) witness to Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.”
“Tis Set the Feast Divine” – no book
“It is set, the feast divine..” We come together on the first day of the week to commemorate our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. We do that when we partake of the Lord’s Supper, the ‘feast divine.’ But what is being served for this feast? We sing what we read from the scripture, “the bread and the fruit of the vine.”
“Til My Faith Becomes Sight” – 836
A song which I would call a contemporary hymn, written just 23 years ago, provides us with six names for our Lord, Jesus Christ; 1) Bread of Life (John 6:35), 2) Living Water (John 4:10), 3) Lover of my soul (Romans 8:39), 4) Lamb of God (John 1:36), 5) Hope of Glory (Colossians 1:27), 6) Savior crucified (Acts 2:36).
“When This Passing World is Done” – 259
Do you understand all that Jesus has done for you? Can you comprehend the vastness of His compassion on His people? This hymn (prayer) sung to God has been around for more than 150 years, and yet it still holds a true message for us today. When this life is over, when I stand before judgment, when I hear the thunderous praise of heaven…then I’ll know how much I owe for the gift of my salvation. But notice the scripture reference in verse 4; “…for now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face, for I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” (I Cor. 13:12). So we sing, “E’en on earth as through a glass, darkly let Thy glory pass.” Don’t wait until you stand before the throne of God, consider all that God has done for you, even while you are here on earth…
“More About Jesus” – 678
Before our lesson we sing this spiritual song about desiring to know ‘more about Jesus.’ If we think we have it ‘all figured out,’ and if we think we’re NOT broken, we run the risk of being Pharisaical…never thinking we need to be fixed.
“Purer in Heart, O God” – 671
Oh to be like Christ (that’s what Christian means), “…we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And 
everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” We sing this song as our invitation song, calling for us to have pure hearts. How can that be? We sing, “May I devote my life wholly to Thee…”
“Light the Fire” – no book
A contemporary song that calls us to be ‘on fire’ for God. We are all broken and need to be fixed, and one way we can do that is to stand and praise our God. Understanding my position, I should fall to my knees in humility. And so we sing, “…Lord, You know where I’ve been (I’m broken), so light the fire in my heart again (fix me).” Jesus tried to ‘fix’ the Pharisees in their stubborn, broken state, but they resisted. So what about you, will you let Him fix you?
The Adopted…June 22nd
During the early 70’s, my mom and dad served the West Texas region as ‘foster parents’ for children who were waiting adoption. In some situations we received new born babies so early, we were given the responsibility of 
giving them their name. A huge obligation, but though we ‘fostered’ these young children for months, we never took the step to adopt them.
Perhaps it was because my folks were already feeding 4 boys, and they weren’t sure about feeding five? But the adoption process is more than just signing some papers and putting food on the table. The responsibilities and obligations of adopting a child includes offering security, ensuring stability and providing an inheritance in the family’s estate. As a ‘child of God,’ we go through an adoption process to be in God’s family. Christians understand there is security and stability in Christ, but more importantly the adoption process ensures that we are heirs in our Father’s kingdom. Ask yourself, have I been adopted? Join us Sunday morning as we consider adoption and…”The Adopted.”
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, June 22, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Praise Him! Praise Him!” – 300
What a beautiful call to worship as we join our voices in praise to our Father; “Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus our blessed Redeemer…” If the truth be known we’re actually sing as edification to one another at the same time we’re singing praise to our God. Are you praising Him today? On Sunday morning will you lift your voice and ‘tell of His excellent greatness?’
“May I Call You Father” – 769
This song fits perfectly with the message of today’s lesson; as adopted children into the family of God we come before Him seeking to call Him our Father. But notice the words we sing; “…I’ve hurt You, Jesus, I’ve hurt You with my sin.” So the question is sincere, with the pain I have caused I humbly ask, can I call God my Father? Within the adoption process the answer is clear…YES!
“Come Share the Lord” – 364
Another great support to this lesson as we sing to remember the Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. “We are now a family of which the Lord is head. Though unseen He meets us here in the breaking of the bread.” Though the blood of Jesus, and because of God’s redeeming grace, we are a family. Come share the Lord and recognize the Father of our heavenly family.
“The Love of God” – 133
Written almost 100 years ago, this spiritual song shares a great message of God’s love. Singing we try to put into perspective the vastness of His love. “Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made; Were every stalk on earth a quill and every man a scribe by trade; To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry, nor could the scroll contain the whole though stretched from sky to sky…” Now consider the words of John; “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written.” John 21:25
“Redeemed” – 514
How many of us love to proclaim our salvation? Do we show just how happy we are in Jesus? Some would rather not repeat a phrase over and over again while singing, but perhaps this time it’s justified. “Redeemed, redeemed, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Redeemed, redeemed, redeemed, redeemed…His child (through adoption) and forever I am!” Don’t be afraid to proclaim your membership in the family of God.
“Jesus Paid It All” – 922
How much would an adopted child owe for his membership into someone’s family? On the contrary, the adopting parents must ‘pay the price’ for their child. The child isn’t free and yet that little one isn’t charged membership into the family. The same is true in God’s Family; Jesus paid the cost for our adoption process. Who do you owe to be able to ‘stand before the throne of God?’ Jesus paid it ALL…all to Him I owe!
“God’s Family” – 744
In a family there are times when we laugh together, and there are times when we cry together (either out of frustration or sadness). The same is said for the family of God! We sing this song realizing we are adopted into God’s family when we are baptized into His death. Accept His salvation (the adoption) and be part of the family…‘that’s been born again.’
God, Just or Unjust?…June 1st
With all the sincerity of a 5 year old, I remember our youngest looking up and pleading his case, “But it’s not fair! Why does he get to stay up and I have to go to bed?” In the parent-child relationship we understand how some things are ‘just that way.’ Our decisions, as we see it, are justifiable.
We understand that decisions and actions will often be driven by motivations. But what about the day by day events that unfold around us?
As we consider our lives and the path we find ourselves walking, is it fair that some seem to have been ‘dealt a hard hand’ while others live a life of ease? Does God make life easier for some but not for others? Join us Sunday morning as we consider; is God just?
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”
I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, June 1, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Love Lifted Me” – 453
With references to Peter walking to Christ on the Sea of Galilee, we sing the basis of this song “…but the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry, from the water’s lifted me now safe am I.” Read those words again, and then notice the text in Matthew chapter 14, verse 30. As Peter began to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Are you drowning in your sin? The Master can lift you up…what a strong message.
“Redeemed” – 458
Is the song of redemption ‘sweet’ to you? This morning we’ll sing, “I am redeemed by blood divine…Glory! Glory! 
Christ is mine…” But just remember, first you have to ‘resign’ your all to Him.
“We Have Come into His House” – 296
A more tranquil song of worship as we sing of our purpose in coming together, ‘…to forget about ourselves, magnify His name and worship Him.’
“How Deep the Father’s Love” – no book
Can you think of someone in your life you love deeply? How much do you care about them? Would you say it is ‘vast beyond all measure?’ This contemporary song of praise reminds us of the unfathomable love of the Father.
“Jesus, Lover of My Soul” – 807
An old hymn that so effectively fits our message this morning, but notice the four elements of the 3rd verse we must never forget; “Thou, O Christ, art all I want, more than all in Thee I find. 1) Raise the fallen, 2) cheer the faint, 3) heal the sick and 4) lead the blind. Just and holy is Thy name, I am all unrighteousness. Vile and full of sin I am, Thou art full of truth and grace.”
“A Wonderful Savior” – 508
Before our lesson this morning we’ll sing a familiar spiritual song to encourage the hearer and edify the saints. Find your strength in knowing who takes away your burdens and holds you up.
“I Am Resolved” – 948
Just a glimpse out of the corner of your eye can cause you to look away. A flash, a sound, a bleep on the radar can pull our eyes away. But the question is will you linger looking for the passing charms of this world, or will you set your trust in ‘things that are higher, things that are nobler?’ ‘What has ‘allured your sight?’
“To Canaan’s Land I’m On My Way” – 867
As you leave the assembly on Sunday morning, where are you going? I’m not talking about dinner plans, but into eternity, where are you going? Let’s sing about the place where darkness is turned to day and where there will be ‘no parting hand.’ To a place prepared by a just and loving God; To Canaan’s Land!
Jesus Only…May 25th
Some say you do it this way; others say, no, do it like this. How is one to 
know what is right and what’s wrong? Could it be both are OK? Perhaps in some situations it doesn’t matter how the job gets done as long as it gets done. However, can the same be said about my understanding of the Bible? Does it matter how I live or what I believe when it comes to eternity in heaven?
Many have said it doesn’t matter how you come to God, just as long as you come. Is that true? Perhaps we should look at the words of God’s Son as Jesus very clearly said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6. Join us Sunday morning when we’ll look at this idea and consider, Only Jesus!
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, May 25, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“The Steadfast Love of the Lord” – 123
Taken from Lamentations chapter 3 we read, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.” Truly we sing a Psalm as we begin this morning!
“My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” – 538
What do you hope in? Is it the world? Do you find comfort in this life? The Christian knows that hope comes in Jesus Christ and Him alone. ‘On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand…”
“Lamb of God” – 176
“My Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.” The sacrifice for my sin washes away all my iniquities so that I can come into His presence. We’ll remember this sacrifice as we remember His death, burial and resurrection.
“There is a Redeemer” – 287
God’s people singing…”Thank You, O my Father, for giving us Your Son…” We sing of the Redeemer this morning, but don’t let the world persuade you to ‘put Him out of your mind’ the other 6 days of the week. Because one day we will all, ‘stand in glory…?’ Let’s be ready and serve our King forever.
“Only in Thee” – 492
How do you handle troubles when they ‘molest?’ When temptations oppress you and your life seems to be ‘tossed on the sea,’ do you have a guide? Some trust in their power or position or just hope to make it through. We will sing about and look toward that “…sweet pavilion of rest, only, dear Lord, in Thee.”
“Wonderful Words of Life” – 543
As Peter, James and John stood with Jesus and saw Him with Moses and Elijah, they were amazed. Wanting to recognize all three, they were corrected when God said this about Jesus, “…listen to Him!” Notice verse 8 and the words we’ll sing following the reading; “And lifting up their eyes, they (the disciples) saw no one, except Jesus Himself alone.” Verse 2: “Christ, the blessed One gives to all, wonderful words of Life; sinner, list (listen) to the loving call, wonderful words of Life. Verse 3: Jesus, only Savior, sanctify forever…beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of Life.”
“No Not One” – 396
No one can compare to Jesus Christ. In His own words He said, “Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and you shall find rest unto your souls.” Can any compare with Christ? “No, Not One!”
“Thou Art the Way” – 280
How do I come to God? Understand Christ’s words in John 14, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life…” So we sing, “Thou are the Way: to Thee Alone we must flee from sin…Thou Art the Truth: Thy Word alone imparts true wisdom… Thou art the Life: the open tomb proclaims You the Victor!” Read the song, sing the words with understanding!
“Have Thine Own Way” – 552
This song finds us calling for Christ to mold me into His will! Knowing that only Jesus is the Way; are you yielding to Him, will you be whiter than snow and give Him “absolute sway?” (complete rule of your life) We’ll sing and He’ll wait for your answer.
“Where the Gates Swing Outward Never” – 864
Just a few more days…a few more years and then we’ll ‘wake to see Him!’ Are you ready? Does your heart burn to be with Him in heaven? Is there a yearning for that day when we’ll never more sigh (or die)? We sing, “I’ll exchange my cross for a starry crown where the gates swing outward never; at His feet I’ll lay every burden down and with Jesus reign forever.” But only if we follow Jesus…Only!
Preacher Training School…May 11th
Training comes in different forms to accomplish different results. But regardless of the method, there will never be success without proper training. A teacher goes through years of education (training) to become a 
professional educator. A skilled carpenter must be trained by a competent mentor. And in like manner, an effective preacher needs years of practice, study and training from a God-centered heart.
We search out the best coaches for our young athletes. We find the strongest examples to prepare us for the job. And schools hire some of the most revered ministers to train our preachers. But where are these schools? Sunday morning’s sermon might surprise you as we consider, Preacher Training Schools.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”
I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, May 11, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“He Has Made Me Glad” – 103
The psalmist penned, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise…”, and this morning we’ll sing these words. “I will enter His courts with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter His courts with praise…” Begin your morning singing this psalm together with the saints as we proclaim, ‘I will rejoice for He has made me glad!’
“Anywhere with Jesus” – 414
Are you concerned about the affairs of the day? Difficulty presses in on every side and the world seems more determined to abandon God’s word. But what about you? Will you stay the course? Are you confident in knowing ‘where you go?’ The Christian can say with confidence, ‘anywhere with Jesus I can safely go, and with confidence…I am not alone.” An important thought to remember and pass on to our children. Don’t leave home without Him.
“Tis Midnight and on Olive’s Brow” – 334
An old spiritual song and, in part, a solid psalm as we read some of the elements surrounding Christ’s final hours in the garden of Gethsemane. Yes there is poetry, but notice the scripture: ‘…the suffering Savior prays alone.’ Matthew 26:44, “e’en (even) that disciple whom He loves (John) heeds not his Master’s grief and tears.’ Mark 14:32-35 and ‘The Man of Sorrows weeps in blood…” Luke 22:44 & Hebrews 5:7 and finally, ‘…unheard by mortals are the strains (the words) that sweetly soothe the Savior’s woe.’ Luke 22:43. Don’t just sing it because you know it, read Biblical detail, remember His death, and tell someone of His love.
“More Precious than Silver” – 273
Solomon writes about wisdom in Proverbs chapter 3, verse 15 “She is more precious than jewels and nothing you desire compares with her.” Maybe this passage is the basis for this song. Also, consider that the psalmist wrote, “How blessed is the man who finds wisdom.” We could conclude that knowing Christ, finding wisdom, is more precious than silver, more costly than gold and more beautiful than diamonds. What do you desire?
“Lord, We Come Before Thee Now” – 797
Open our eyes that we may see and open our ears that we may hear…a message many of us would be better off practicing. But what am I looking for? What should I be listening to? The simple, short answer: Jesus!
“Bring Them In” – 880, “Jesus Loves the Little Children” – 1015 & “I’m Not Ashamed to Own My Lord” – 609
This medley before our lesson features three songs that build upon each other. “Hark! ‘Tis (it is) the Shepherd’s voice I hear…bring the little ones to Jesus.” Why the urgency? Because…“Jesus loves the little children…” And then we’ll conclude this medley with another familiar spiritual song, “I’m not ashamed to own my Lord…” Preacher Training School’s have a unique responsibility; to train preachers to know how to…’defend His cause’ and ‘maintain the honors of His Word.’
“Swiftly We’re Turning” – no book
Some might not see this as an effective invitation song, but after you hear the lesson you might think otherwise. We have the gospel to share with precious souls that are dying. And the hours are changing to years. How will we use the moments God gives us? Will we pass on the message of salvation, the gospel of Jesus Christ, or keep it to ourselves. “How are we using God’s golden moments?” If we ‘point the way to heaven’ we shall reap glory. If we don’t, if we fail to train our children…we shall reap tears.
“God Give Us Christian Homes” – 843
Our closing song this morning provides a clear view of who is working in the Preacher Training Schools. Our homes are the institution to train up preachers; and fathers and mothers have the responsibility to ‘bring them in.’ Homes (schools) where the Bible is taught. Homes (schools) where the fathers are true and strong. Homes (schools) where mothers honor God and teach the same to their children. And homes (schools) where the children know about the love of Christ. Who will take the responsibility to ‘train our preachers?’
The Life of Moses…LTC Style
L.T.C. (Leadership Training for Christ) has been a focus for members of the Lord’s church for 25 years. A branch off the Lads to Leaders which began in 1968, L.T.C. has been preparing our young 
men to speak, lead singing and read scripture. Our young ladies learn how to lead women’s devotionals, sign for the hearing impaired and teach younger children. (Though the boys can do the signing and teaching challenge as well!) And this doesn’t even include chorus, drama, puppets, service challenge and a myriad of other areas for training.
Perhaps the primary focus for those who find L.T.C. (or Lads) a focal point in their year would be the preparation that goes into Bible Bowl. In this ‘event’ students from 3rd -12th grades study a pre-selected section of scripture, then take an oral test to determine their retention of the material covered. Some who dislike tests avoid this event, but to others it is a challenge to see if they can learn, remember and recall the scriptures.
Below are a few of the test questions from L.T.C. 2014, “Called Out”, as we studied the life of Moses (see Exodus, Numbers and Deuteronomy).
1. Where was the blood of the Passover lamb to be placed? (Ex. 12:22)
a. the door frame b. the roof of the house c. the ground d. on the table
2. As long as Moses’ hands were held up, the Israelite army was _________ the battle. (Ex. 17:11)
a. escaping b. losing c. winning d. surviving
3. How many days did the men, sent by Moses, explore Canaan? (Num. 13:25)
a. 4 days b. 12 days c. 40 days d. 60 days
4. When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, he was not aware that his face was what? (Ex. 34:29)
a. darkened b. radiant c. pale d. saddened
5. Who was asked to put a curse on Israel? (Num. 22:10-11)
a. Balak b. Baal c. Balaam d. Bashan
6. How many men went to battle against the Midianites? (Num. 31:4)
a. all of them b. 10,000 men of war c. only the Levites d. 1,000 from each tribe
7. What did God have Moses write down and teach to the Israelites? (Deut. 31:19)
a. their history b. a song c. the scroll of law d. words from the stone tablet
8. What plague did Pharaoh’s magicians call ‘the finger of God?’ (Ex. 8:16-19)
a. the water to blood b. the gnats c. the frogs d. the locust
9. Manna tasted like something made from _______ ______? (Num. 11:8)
a. unleavened yeast b. wheat flour c. raisins & figs d. olive oil
10. In Moses’s final blessing, which tribe was referred to as a lion’s cub? (Deut. 33:22)
a. Reuben b. Levi c. Dan d. Benjamin
This is just a sampling of the 100 questions the young men and women were given to answer this year at our local L.T.C. convention in Dallas, Texas. Several performed remarkably well and received high marks. And to be honest, others struggled. But knowing the answers to the questions is only half the battle. When we learn from God’s word that we have been ‘called out,’ we’ll know better how to serve our God and King. Leadership Training for Christ is a great experience, but applying the lessons learned from a study of God’s Word is worth it’s weight in gold, silver and bronze.