Sermons from an Empty Pew…July 28th

You might be familiar with the adage, “Actions speak louder than words.” A smile might tell you someone is happy while a frown expresses disappointment or frustration. But honestly, what sermon could we possible hear from an empty seat? Is anything to be learned when someone is missing from church services. Is it that big of a deal when someone is ‘MIA’ from the assembly?

Each Sunday morning God’s people come together to worship, edify, study and commemorate Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary. But what are the consequences when a Christian doesn’t come? What is the lesson we can learn from ‘an empty pew?’

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

Sunday morning, July 28, 2013

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

“O Worship the King” -144

A great song of praise and that many are familiar with. But with familiarity comes an opportunity for laziness. We know some songs so well we sing them without given them much thought, a dangerous maneuver. For example; we sing the third verse with energy, “O worship the King, all glorious above, And gratefully sing His wonderful love; (no problem so far, we understand what we’re saying) Our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days, pavilion-ed in splendor and girded with praise.” When you sing this song recognize that as God is covered with brilliancy (magnificence), He is also surrounded (enthroned) with praise!”

“I’m Not Ashamed to Own My Lord” – 609

Are there things you are ashamed of? Things you’d rather not have ‘in the open?’ Is your faith in Jesus one of those things? Without hesitation we would say “NO”, but how many of your peers on the job or in your circle of influence know how important Jesus is to you? Some might say they are not ashamed of Christ, but the question comes in the next line…will you defend His cause?

“Til My Faith Becomes Sight” – 836

“Tho they slay me, tho I fall; in darkness You are light, Jesus. I will keep my eyes on You till my faith becomes sight.” Dennis Jernigan writes this song and some may wonder, who would slay me; I know there’s times I fall, but how can I keep my eyes on Jesus when it’s dark? Remember the battle and keep in mind, our falling and the darkness of this world is not physical, but spiritual. Keep your eyes on Christ as your faith is strengthened in Him.

“Take Time to Be Holy” – 731

The message of this song is simple, but extremely thorough. Notice what happens when we take the time to be holy. We will speak often with our Lord. We will feed on His word (read the Bible). We’ll make friends of God’s children, the family of God, and we’ll help those who are weak. Then above everything else (in all that we do), we will seek His blessings. And to think, that’s just the first verse!

“We Gather Together” – no book

Some might remember this old hymn (spiritual song) as one we sang in November, around Thanksgiving time. It does lean toward being thankful for all God has given us, but my intention is for us to consider this first line; “We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing…” As a congregation of God’s people we need to be ready, willing and eager to gather together.

“How Firm a Foundation” – 457

Ask any engineer and you’ll hear that your structure is only a solid as the foundation it’s built upon. In Christ we have a firm foundation, one that won’t crack, shift or crumble throughout the years. A foundation with a guarantee, a seal as Paul says when writing to Timothy, “…the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.’ “ So, how is your foundation? Or maybe you should ask, how’s your seal?

“Great Are You, Lord” – no book

Before our lesson this morning we’ll praise God with this hymn of praise. ‘Holy Lord, most holy Lord! You alone are worth of our praise!’ He is great and He is worthy. Lift up your voice and give God the praise. This morning, tomorrow morning, every morning we should be ready to proclaim, “GREAT ARE YOU LORD!”

“I Am Resolved” – 948

Every January 1st you find people making their ‘new year’s resolutions.’ A time when you say you fix your mind toward accomplishing your goals. A time when you promise yourself personal achievement. A new year, a new start, a new goal. But this invitation song is more than just a first of the year promise. As we sing, we sing to confirm a promise. We are resolved no longer to linger, to go to the Savior, to follow the Savior, and ultimately, to enter the kingdom. In your resolution do you hasten to Him or just take your time?

“Will Jesus Find Us Watching” – no book

When Jesus comes back to receive His own where will you be? What will you be doing? This spiritual song is one I remember from my child-hood. Standing in the auditorium at 1st Street church of Christ in Dumas, Texas I remember standing beside my brother and singing the chorus of this song, “O can we say we are ready, brother? Ready for the souls bright home? Say, will He find you and me still watching, waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?” So…how about it; are you ready, are you watching?

1, June 21, 20131, June 20, 2013

Show & Tell Time…June 23rd

Ask any grade school child and they can tell you all about ‘Show & Tell.’ This is the time to share with your friends something you cherish and hold as very dear. It’s an exciting time because it’s about something you know very well. Something that is close to you and personally dear.

‘Show and Tell,’ however is not just a child’s activity. The child of God is also called to participate in this activity. What will you show and how much are you willing to tell about your Savior? Is your life as a Christian something you cherish and hold dear? If we’re truly excited about our walk with Christ we will ‘love to tell story’, and we’ll show Him to the world.

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

Sunday morning, June 23, 2013

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

“Blessed Be the Lord God Almighty” – 72

A beautiful hymn that is clearly directed to our God. We begin with the phrase, “Father in Heaven, how we love You…” Almost as if we’re saying a prayer this song begins our worship as we SING a prayer. Consider how we sing scripture in the last part of this song, “…the Lord God almighty, who was and is and is to come…” the words of our Lord and Savior from Revelation chapter 1, verse 8.

“We Praise Thee, O God” – 2

“Hallelujah” is derived from the Hebrew as two words; “halla”, praise and “Yah”, God. We know that but it’s good to revisit what we’re singing. Translated the chorus would read like this…”Praise God! The glory belongs to Him, Praise God! Amen…”

“There is a Sea” – 556

If you’ve never followed the message of this song read on. There is poetry within these three short verses and with a rather difficult harmony, we often skip over this old, spiritual song. In the first verse we sing about a sea that is surrounded with an abundance of natural resources and coastal nourishment; the Sea of Galilee. From it flows the Jordan river down toward the Dead Sea where the second verse of our song continues. Unlike the Galilean sea, the Dead Sea is filled with salt and, ‘lies heavy as molten lead.’ Singing the third verse we can see the application and the question is asked, “What will it be for you and me…?” Will we be like the Sea of Galilee and give out the good we have been given, or will we remain stagnate in our life and refuse to share the God-given gifts we have in life?

“Holy Bible, Book Divine” – no book

This is an old spiritual songs with the tune (meter) of another, more familiar song. We’ll replace the music William B. Bradbury gave this song in 1858 to a musical arrangement provided by J. H. Fillmore in 1877. You’ll recognize “Savior, Grant Me Rest and Peace”, but you’ll be singing, “Holy Bible, Book Divine.” This is a great opportunity to learn a new song with an old melody!

“I Love to Tell the Story” – 659

We talk about all the things we love in life, but before our lesson we’ll sing about ‘loving to tell’ the story of Jesus Christ. Do you enjoy (love) to tell about Jesus? Each of these verses are filled with the reason we should not only sing about our Savior, but look forward to telling others about Him too. Why sing about the story, because “I know ’tis (it is) true”, and because “…it means so much to me.” How can we sing this song without putting a smile on our faces?

“Lord Speak to Me” – 771

Not a typical invitation song, but when we consider showing and telling this world about Jesus Christ I couldn’t help but think of this last verse; “O fill me with Thy fulness, Lord. Until my very heart o’re (over) flow; In kindling tho’t (as an ember begins to burn and glow in our thoughts) and glowing word, Thy love to TELL, Thy praise to SHOW.” People need a Savior, let’s take Jesus for OUR show and tell!

“Thomas’ Song” – 269

An adaptation of Thomas and how he might have reacted in John 20. Notice especially verse 3 of this song. Perhaps in the upper room, when Thomas see’s Jesus for the first time since His resurrection, the poet Ken Young, writes; “Holy presence, holy face; a vision filling time and space. Your nearness makes my spirit race, could this be part of the plan?” When we are moved and emotional invested in something we have the sensation that our heart is racing. Maybe, just maybe, Thomas’ spirit was racing when he saw Jesus. Does Jesus cause your heart (spirit) to race? Though this song is man’s idea of what John might have said, felt or even thought, the text is clear as we read his final admonition, “You are my Lord and my God.” John 20:28

“Lead Me To Calvary” – 332

Between the Bread and the Fruit of the Vine we’ll sing verse 2 of this solemn reminder of Christ crucifixion. “Show me the tomb where Thou wast (was) laid…” , where angels robed in light guarded Christ ‘while He slept.’ In our minds eye we should use this time to reflect on Calvary…lest we forget.

“Ring Out the Message” – 622

“Tell the world of saving grace, make it known in every place…” The local ‘town crier’ was responsible to getting the message out to the community. They had the job to ‘ring the message out.’ Today, all Christians have the task to take the message to a lost community. We believe there is a message that’s true and makes the weary glad, but more importantly…it’s a message for the sinful and for the sad. We don’t have to stand on a street corner and cry out the message, but we need to be ready when it’s time for “Show & Tell”.

1, June 11, 20131, June 12, 2013

Do We Want More? (part 1)

A young, southern boy was sitting down to the breakfast table with his older brothers and sisters, ready to feast on momma’s pancakes. As the youngest in this family finally gets his plate of hotcakes, his momma asked if he’s ready for some molasses. With all the southern slang the little boy had grown up with, he innocently replies; “How can I have mo’ lasses when I hasn’t had any yet?”

A comical story about a little boy’s understanding of ‘more,’ but an idea I’d like for us to follow for while. As we consider wanting/needing ‘more’ of something perhaps we should ask the obvious, more of what? On a tangible level, we might want more money, more help, or more vacation time. But in reality we might say we want more strength, more understanding, or more time. But either way we tend to want ‘more.’

The hymn we will be examining is focused on our lives and the holiness we aspire to. Written and composed by Philip Bliss in 1873, this song repeats the word ‘more’ twenty-four (24) times. With just three short verses what could we possible be praying for more of? Look deeper at how much ‘more’ we should be aspiring for.

In verse one alone we seek (sing); more holiness, more striving, more patience and more sorrow. More faith, more sense, more joy and more purpose. One by one let’s consider what are we asking God to give us ‘more’ of:
1) More holiness give me… Holiness, by definition, is the state of being set apart. We are asking to be set apart for God’s service. Read Titus 2:11-14, through Christ we are redeemed to God, “…a people for His own possession.” We are called to be holy. Deuteronomy 7:6, “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God…”

2) More striving within… why would we pray for striving? It indicates we are looking for an inter-struggle. A fight against our human nature of worldliness. Paul explained it when he wrote, “…I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. For that which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate…” Romans 7:14-15. Consider how many times you’ve said, ‘I wish I hadn’t done that.’ In short, we need ‘more striving within.’

3) More patience in suffering. Again, read the text in James 1:1-2, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” Not something we want or look forward to, but something we know we need, patience.

4) More sorrow for sin. This alone should make us stop and think about our life. Do we feel regret, guilt or sorrow when we sin? Not when we’re CAUGHT in sin, but for our sinful acts. We sing (and pray) that we’d be more sorrowful for our sin. Philip Bliss would agree, more conscience of our sin.

5) More faith in my Savior. What does it take for us to strengthen our faith? Perhaps we find the same sentiments from the father of a young boy in Mark 9. You’ll remember the discussion Jesus had with the man until the boy’s father in desperation cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief.” In other words, I need more faith in my Savior.

6) More sense of His care. How much does God care about you? Do you understand (can you sense) how much you matter to God? “For God so loved the world…” We do have some realization of His care. But do you care enough to concern yourself with Him? If we had the sense to realize His gift (Christ on the cross) we’d do all we can to give Him our all.

7) More joy in His service. Many of us equate serving to working. Who finds joy in their work? Paul states it best in Colossians 3:24, “…do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men…” When our heart is right with God, then we’ll service (work) with joy.

8) More purpose in prayer. Why do you pray? Do you have an objective when you bow in prayer or is it just a routine, something you’re supposed to do? What is your purpose? We pray for the sick, for those who are traveling, for those who are hurting…we have a purpose, don’t we? I Corinthians 14:14, 15 (one of my favorite passages), “For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. What is the outcome then? I shall pray with the spirit and I shall pray with the mind also…” In other words, be purposeful in prayer.

We’ll continue the study of this song in later weeks, but until that time take a look at the other two verses; there are still sixteen more ‘mores’.

1, May 3, 20131, May 3, 2013

Jesus Loves Me…May 5th

With a lesson entitled “Jesus Loves Me”, you might think it’s too under-developed for a Sunday morning sermon in the presence of mature adults. Then again, how much more basic is the message of God…John 3:16!

Often when life is filled with worry and doubt our hearts can become dispirited and distressed. Anxiety and fear can cause not only emotional problems but physical struggles as well. But you know someone cares about you! When you’re happy or sad, there is someone who notices. This morning our scripture reference is Matthew 9:35, 36. Jesus felt compassion when He saw the people who were, “…like sheep without a shepherd.” Singing Jesus Loves Me is more than just singing a child’s song; it’s an encouraging, God-given fact!

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

Sunday morning, May 5, 2013

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

“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” – 749

Written in the 1980’s, this song of victory is the modern version of “Soldier’s of Christ, Arise”. We sing of heavenly armor and the power of darkness, and we know He’s raised up a standard. We can take courage because the battle has already been won. I John 5:4, “…And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.”

“Holy, Holy, Holy” – 47

As this ‘hymn’ echoes from Isaiah 6, we will sing each verse adding separate parts. The soprano voices will sing verse one then we’ll add the altos with verse two, tenors to verse three and finally the bass voice will join in verse four. But apart from the musical emphasis listen to (and read) this message of praise to our God.

“Til My Faith Becomes Sight” – 836

As we read the scriptures we find numerous titles given to our Lord and Savior. This hymn, to God, identifies four ‘titles’ for Jesus…1) Bread of Life, 2) Living Water, 3) Lamb of God and 4) Savior crucified. As we honor our Lord and King we proclaim that we will keep our eyes on Him; though we live or though we die.

“My Jesus I Love Thee” – 701

Written in the late 1800’s by W. R. Featherston, this song (again…a hymn) speaks to Jesus saying, I love You and I know You are mine. The song continues as we proclaim our decision to walk away from our sinful life (“…all the follies of sin I resign.”) The refrain concludes with the simple statement, “If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis (it is) now.”

“Jesus Loves Me” – 1014

A child’s song of praise that has been sung for years by young and old, our sermon bears the title of this song. Anna Warner is credited for penning these simple, yet profound words in 1860; ironically, the year before the start of our Civil War. Perhaps we can understand the meaning behind such a simple tune when we consider the words of Jesus in Matthew 18, “…unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

“He Loves Me” – 386

This morning we’ll use this ‘communion’ song as the song before our lesson. With an upbeat tempo and a message fit for our lesson we’ll turn from singing of Jesus love for us to our love for Him. Why did Jesus leave Heaven and come to earth, where He knew men would reject Him? Why would He endure the garden’s ‘dreadful dross’ and allow wicked men to sentence Him to death? Why suffer death on a cross? Though we sing with simplisty we sing with the scripture… “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” John 3:16 “…Because He loved Me so.”

“Love Lifted Me” – 453

Not a typical invitation song, but the words are indeed a call to repentance. Notice verse 3, “Souls in danger, look above, Jesus completely saves…He your Savior wants to be (translated: He wants to be your Savior) Be saved today.” With shades of Matthew 14 when Peter walked on the water, in this song we sing of the angry waves. Certainly we can understand how Peter might have felt; sinking to rise no more. The question; are you crying for Him to lift you? Remember, He’s the Master of the sea…

“I Love My Savior Too” – 610

Those familiar with this spiritual song will remember the refrain. As the lead voices sing “I love my Savior; He loves me too…” The supporting parts (alto, tenor and bass) echo, “Yes, I truly love my blessed Savior, blessed Savior; and He ever loves me, yes He loves me too…” But as always, don’t get lost in the music…stay focused on the message. Are you honestly trying to do His will always and never complain? My prayer is that you will sincerely strive to, “…seek His grace and favor in everything I (you) do?“