but for the next few minutes consider the words of John as he records a vision from Revelation chapter 7.Bible Study Flashbacks…July 13th
“A memory revisited” is one of the definitions given for a flashback. And most likely you’ve experienced such an event. Remembering something back in time, a flashback to the past. But what kinds of ‘flashbacks’ do I have with Bible study? Are there examples of such things found within scripture?
Look no further than Luke chapter 1, as ‘the angel’ spoke to Zacharias about his soon to be born son; “…you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth….and he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children,’ (Malachi 4:6) and the disobedient to the attitude of righteousness, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” A flashback in Bible study to be sure, but join us Sunday as we consider more…
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, July 13, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“O Worship the King” – 144
Joining together we’ll sing; “O worship the King, all glorious above, and gratefully sing His wonderful love…” But take a moment to consider the words of the second verse; “Thy bountiful care, what tongue can recite? It (His bountiful care) breathes in the air, it shines in the light; It (His care) streams from the hills, it descends to the plain, and sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.” God’s abundant care is every where! It’s in the air we breath and the sun that shines, the rain that falls and even in the early morning dew. Before you sing this song, remember He is your King; but He is also your Maker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend.
“Worthy Art Thou” – 230
Another hymn we sing to Him as we lift up the voice in praise and devotion… “Worthy art Thou!” Will you come before Him with singing?
“O Sacred Head” – 318
The words and music of this classic old hymn date back to the mid-1600’s. But for a moment, look at these words from a different angle; “…Now scornfully surrounded with thorns, Thine only crown; How art Thou pale with anguish, with sore abuse and scorn…” The word ‘pale’ can mean ‘light in color,’ and may very well mean that here. But perhaps the author chose an alternate meaning to the word pale, ‘to be enclosed or surrounded.’ Like the crown of thorns on His head, isn’t it clear that He was encircled by anguish, abuse and scorn?
“The Lord is in His Holy Temple” – 108
A simple message and a song you’ve sung countless times before, and we find it’s basis in the book of Habakkuk. The context of the passage enlightens us to understand that man-made gods, idols of wood and stone, are unable to rise up, speak out or communicate with people. They are silent. But people of the world are to be silent before the Living God. Read Habakkuk 2:18-20 and see the inspiration for this old ‘psalm.’
“He Paid a Debt” – 376
A contemporary song, written in the mid-1970’s, serves us well as we conclude the Lord’s Supper…‘He paid that debt at Calvary (Latin for ‘the Skull’), He cleansed my soul and set me free…!’ This picture, taken in the mid-1930’s, shows a hill outside Jerusalem that may very well have been ‘the Skull.’
“Faith of Our Fathers” – 754
Singing this spiritual song isn’t a praise to our heritage. We don’t sing to honor our forefathers, but we sing of the living faith of those who have gone before. Faithful men who stood for Christ and His church. Men who were thrown in dungeons, suffered death by the sword, and died in the flame. Men chained in prisons, but free in Christ. In the chorus we sing, “…we will be true to Thee (God) till death!” But will we, in spite of our trials, still remain faithful? “How sweet would be their children’s fate, if they (us), like them (our fore fathers), could die for Thee (our God)!”
“Ancient Words” – no book
‘Ancient words, ever true, changing me and changing you!’ Perhaps the next line of this contemporary song is the challenge for you and I today. Can we honestly sing what comes next? Have you come with an open heart? Are you ready for the word of God to be imparted to you? If so, when this lesson is concluded and ‘He gently knocks,’ will you be ready to keep the door open for Him. What a blessing that these “Holy words” have been long preserved so we can see and experience first hand…a Bible Study Flashback.
“Behold a Stranger at the Door” – 919
Considering your response to the lesson, does Jesus live in you or is He still outside your heart (your life)? Christ’s own words in Revelation 3:20 serve as the foundation for this invitation song, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” We sing knowing that He doesn’t demand that we open the door, nor does He beg for our affection. Jesus ‘gently knocks and has waited long’ for those who hear the gospel to open the door of their heart and let Him in!
“A Mansion, Robe and Crown” – no book
“I’m gonna trade my earthly home for a better one bright and fair. Christ left to prepare a mansion for His children in the air…” One of our contemporary songs that references the promise made by Jesus in John chapter 14. Don’t let the newness of this hymn discourage you from finding the joy in a promise of eternal life with our Heavenly Father.
Die Empty…May 4th
What a helpless feeling as your car sputters to a stop, leaving you to look down and see the gas gauge on EMPTY. With nothing left, your gas tank is 
dried up. It’s one thing to accidentally ‘run out of gas,’ but it is something entirely different to purposely drain your tank. So the question is, who would do such a thing? Why would you empty your tank? Could this be something we aspire for…to die on empty?
Robert Taylor, associate minister with Waterview church of Christ, will bring our Sunday morning lesson. Let’s join him as we look at Christ’s life (and death) to see if we can understand why Jesus, would ’empty Himself.’ Philippians 2:5-8
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”
I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, May 4, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“I Stand in Awe” 96
“You are beautiful beyond description. Too marvelous for words. Too wonderful for comprehension, like nothing ever seen or heard. Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom, who can 
fathom the depth of Your love? You are beautiful beyond description, majesty enthroned above…And I stand in awe of You!” A beautiful, contemporary song (hymn) of praise. But I encourage you to do more than physically stand in awe of Him. In your life live so that others know He is awesome in power and might. Live so that nothing else compares to His majesty. Sing this song to God, but honor Him with your life.
“I Am Thine, O Lord” – 666
This hymn (we sing to the Lord) is one that dates back to 1875 as Fanny J. Crosby penned these timeless words. Notice the last phrase in the second verse; “…Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope, and my will be lost in Thine.” How blessed would we be if our will was one with God’s will? The Christian knows it should be, but is it? Let Him ‘draw you nearer’ to His precious bleeding side…
“Beneath the Cross of Jesus” – 314
As we prepare our minds for this moment of remembering the Lord’s death, burial and resurrection let’s poetically (and gladly) take our stand beneath His cross. Notice the third verse, ‘Upon that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see the very dying form of One who suffered there for me…’ As you look upon the cross, through tears of the heart, realize His death was for you. Now, will you confess His glorious love, and your own worthlessness? You can see more clearly from beneath the cross of Jesus.
“I Gave My Life for Thee” – 354
As we give back during the time of collection let’s sing about how He gave to us first. Each verse focuses on what Christ did for us. He gave His life; He left heaven’s glory; He suffered agony and He brings us the free gift of eternal life. What have you given for the cause of Christ? What have you abandoned to follow Him? Do you suffer for His name? Will you bring any gift to Christ? Just remember…He gave His life for thee!
“Poured Out Like Wine” – 655
Paul wrote to the church in Philippi and said, “…even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.” Philippians 2:17 This gives us the basis for this spiritual song. Paul was willing to be poured out (emptied). Will we do the same?
“Our God, He Is Alive” – 23
Before our lesson this morning we’ll sing an old favorite. But don’t be drawn into singing it by rote. This spiritual song calls us to praise our God with every voice. The men take the lead in the refrain while the ladies echo. Notice what the ladies sing “…From dust, our God created man…” God created Adam from dust, but the woman from Adam’s side. She sings about the man’s creation. Nice poetic touch. He is indeed, “the Great I Am!”
“All to Jesus I Surrender” – 662
Not under compulsion, but willingly do we sing this invitation song? “I surrender all!” Really? Can you sing that with a clear conscience? Do you (will you) give everything over to God? Whether this is poetic or if you truly aspire it personally, one day we will all bow at His feet and surrender to Him. Might as well strive for that now. “All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give. I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live…”
“Days of Elijah” – no book
Will you sing, have you sung this contemporary, spiritual song? Notice the Biblical references that are woven throughout; “These are the days of Elijah…” as he stood up for God against the prophets of Baal. The days of Moses striving to restore God’s people to righteousness. The days of Ezekiel as God raised an army from dry bones and David as we rebuild our bodies (temples) to praise God. All the while we see trials, famine, darkness and the ‘sword.’ But take courage, salvation comes through Jesus. We sing Revelation 1:7 as we join in the chorus, “Behold, He is coming with the clouds…”
From the Beginning to the End…April 6th
There’s a simple little pamphlet that provides ‘expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, and (the) historical background’ of many literary works. This study guide, CliffsNotes, has provided students with the opportunity to learn about a specific book. 
A useful means by which some find an amazing summary of some great works of literature.
In similar form, the book of Revelation sketches the entire sweep of humanity. The church Christ died for and her epic struggle to remain faithful to Him. The spiritual war between God and Satan, and a figurative look at that final battle. But these ‘notes’ are more than just a summary. And Sunday morning’s lesson will be more than just CliffsNotes; in a few short minutes we’ll go from…the beginning to the end!
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, April 6, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Great Are You Lord” – no book
Opening our hearts and voices we’ll sing the praise of God in this short, contemporary hymn. ‘Holy Lord, Most Holy Lord! You alone are worthy of my praise…’ Join us in singing a song of praise unto the Lord Most High!
“How Great Thou Art” – 76
Transitioning from this recently written song of praise (Great Are You Lord), we’ll continue the thought of praise with a hynm that was penned 65 years previously. But don’t think this song has it’s origin in the mid-1900’s. It’s inspiration comes from a poem written by Carl Boberg in the late 1880’s. Seeing the majesty and power of a thunderstorm reminded him of the power and majesty of our God. He was moved to pen the thoughts that we sing today. “…I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed. Then sings my soul…How great Thou art!”
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” – 315
Taking all five verses of this song we’ll sing before, during and after the Lord’s Supper. Before the partaking of the bread we’ll sing a verse not found in many of our hymnals, “His dying crimson like a robe, spreads o’er His body on the tree. Then I am dead to all the globe and all the globe is dead to me.” Notice the reference to his blood-soaked body and the message of Paul to the church in Colossae; “Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules?” (NIV) Colossians 2:20. During this time of meditation, let me encourage you to focus on the Savior and ‘survey’ the cross.
“I Come to the Garden Alone” – 595
Written from the perspective of Mary Magdalen as she came to the tomb of Christ we sing; “I come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses…and the voice I hear falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses…” Perhaps after reading John 20:15, we can better understand the ‘voice I hear.’ “Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’” Understanding the context of the songs we sing will strengthen our songs of praise and edification.
“Doxology” – 66
Have you ever considered what this word means? Doxology comes from two Greek words, δόξα, (doxa) meaning “glory” and –λογία, (-logia) meaning “saying.” So translated, when we sing “Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!” We are actually…”Saying Glory!” A simple hymn with an obscure title giving us a noble message.
“Step by Step” – 15
“O God, You are my God and I will ever praise You!” Ask yourself, do you seek Him in the morning, and do you honestly strive to walk in His way? We sing the song and many will see our walk, but only you know whether or not you are seeking Him at the dawning of every day. It’s a walk that takes one step at a time…step by step He WILL lead me.
“Just As I Am” – 924
A beautiful invitation song we have sung since the mid-1800’s. Singing this song of encouragement (though it is actually a song we sing to HIM) we proclaim that we will indeed come to God, to the Lamb of God who shed His blood!
“When We All Get to Heaven” – 853
When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory.” WOW…consider that message we’ll sing as our closing song on Sunday morning. Are we ready to see Jesus? Are you ready to ‘shout the victory?’ Only if we come to him and walk with Him (step by step) will we ‘get to heaven.’ We can learn about our Savior and come to know and love Him as we study from ‘the beginning to the end.’