Is There Life After Life?…Mar. 16th

From generation to generation this question has been asked in some form or fashion, by young and old alike; what happens after this life? Will we live again? Even looking into the book of Job we read this question being asked by a man of God who suffered through the trials of life. In extreme pain he waits for death and is found wondering…what’s next?

In the 14th chapter of Job we read the words of a man who is in anguish. A man saddened by tragedy and tormented by the great deceiver himself (chapter 1). As Job wrestles with issues about life and death, and as he considers his pain and loss he looks toward life’s end and asks, “If a man dies, will he live again?” An honest question, but notice the next sentence to come from his mouth, “All the days of my struggle I will wait until my change comes.” There is a change coming, and as we hear the question echo through the ages we have confidence knowing…there will be life after life!

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

Sunday morning, March 16, 2014

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

“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” – 749

“In heavenly armor we’ll enter the land, the battle belongs to the Lord…” A rousing song of victory to start off our morning of worship and praise together. You have to put yourself into the mind of a soldier as we consider weapons, powers of darkness, standard (banners), an enemy and ultimately courage. So let’s sing, “…Glory, Honor, Power and Strength to the Lord!”

“It Is Well with My Soul” – 490

We’ll use the first three verses of this song to set the mind for partaking of the Lord’s Supper. Notice this ‘lost’ verse 2, “Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blessed assurance control. That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate and hath shed His own blood for my soul…” Be ready, we’ll bring verse four in after we remember the Lord’s death. “And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight. The sky be rolled back as a scroll, the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend, even so it is well with my soul.

“I Love the Lord” – 359

Not usually sung alone, we’ll take the chorus and sing immediately after the chorus of “It is Well With My Soul.” It should go something like this…“It is well, it is well with my soul.” “I love the Lord, He has been so good to me, He gave His life, from sin to set me free; No greater love than His could ever be, I love the Lord, because He first loved me.” But don’t miss the power of remembering Christ death that we find in the first verse. “I love the Lord, for He died my soul to save, on Calvary His dear life He freely gave…” Thanks be to God for the sacrifice of His Son and His great love for us!

“The Greatest Commands” – 448

Each verse adds another singing part in this contemporary song of praise. We’ll sing for harmony, but be careful not to miss the scripture that is woven throughout this psalm. Altos begin singing I John 4:7, 8, following in the second verse the bass echos I Corinthians 13:7. The tenor repeats “God is love” from I John 4, but the sopranos join in with the concluding verse as they reference Luke 10:27. Now, take your Bible and ‘sing’ for yourself.

“In Heavenly Love Abiding” – 139

Following the reading of Job 14, we’ll sing the first verse of this song. In scripture we’ll read, “…If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my struggle I will wait until my change comes.” Follow the thought…“In Heavenly love abiding no change my heart shall fear; and safe is such confiding, for nothing changes here. The storm may roar without me, my heart may low be laid, but God is round about me, and can I be dismayed?”

“Hilltops of Glory” – no book

As if answering the question left by the previous song, “…can I be dismayed?”, we open up with the next song… “Onward rejoicing I tread life’s way, higher I’m climbing each passing day; Hilltops of glory now rise in view, where all shall be made new…”

“I Am Coming, Lord” – 923

The question is asked and an answer is requested. If you believe there is more to this life than just death, what will you do? What is the path you’ll take as you draw closer to the end of this life? This invitation song gives us the answer, our next step, throughout life, is to draw closer to God. Would that we say, “I am coming, Lord!” Because if the truth be known, when life is over…we’ll be going somewhere. I want to say, I’m going to be with God.

“There is a Habitation” – 860

Where is home? Not your physical address, but your ‘life after life’ home? We take comfort in knowing ‘there is a habitation’ for those who trust the Lord, obey His word and live for Him. This home we look forward to is a city with foundations that will never be shaken by wars or desolation. There is no trace of sorrow, death or decay in this home. We call this home Zion, the city of God. This is the place we should all prepare for…in life after life.

1, January 31, 20141, January 31, 2014

The Road To…? Feb. 2nd

If there’s one thing you can be sure of, when you’re traveling down a road, you’ll always get to the end. Though the road may not end where you want it to, it will eventually stop. While we’re traveling on the road (and we are all traveling), the question we must answer is simple; “Where are you going?”

Ira Stanphill once penned these words, “I travel down a lonely road…”. The road of life, at times, can seem pretty lonely. But if the truth be known, many are walking down a road that is anything but lonely. With numberless travelers and wide lanes it doesn’t seem logical anyone could be lonely. However, there is another road which is narrow and supports only a few. Which road are you traveling on? Is it congested and bustling, or is it somewhat lonely. If you can answer that question, you might know where your road is headed. You might be on, The Road To …

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

Sunday morning, February 2, 2014

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

“Praise Him! Praise Him!” – 300

With energy and a lift in your voice, this song of praise provides the singer an opportunity to ‘…tell of His excellent greatness.’ Join in the welcome Sunday morning as we sing of our Blessed Redeemer!

“Holy Ground” – 100 & 101

This contemporary medley is about 35 years old ( written in 1982 to be exact) and yet reflects the words found in Exodus and Joshua. In both accounts the ‘angel of the Lord’ (Exodus) and ‘the captain of the Lord’s host’ (Joshua) appeared to Moses and Joshua respectfully, and gave the command, “…the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” Moses explained this idea more clearly as he spoke to his brother Aaron, “It is what the Lord spoke, saying, ‘By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, and before all the people I will be honored.’” Leviticus 10:3. This morning, as we come before Him, notice…we are standing on holy ground.

“O Listen to the Wondrous Story” – 496

Taking the refrain of this song we’ll use it to prepare ourselves for the Lord’s Supper. Notice what the ladies will be singing; “Who saved us from eternal loss! What did He do? Where is He now?” The beauty of this chorus comes as the men respond to each question; (Ladies) “Who saved us (not a question, but an exclamation)…(Men) Who (else) but God’s Son upon the cross? (Ladies) What did He do? (Men) He died for you? (Ladies) Where is He now? (Men) Believe it thou (translated; you’d better believe it) (all voices) In heaven interceding.’

“Be Still and Know” – 31

As we wait for the contribution plates to pass around the auditorium, we’ll fill our thoughts with scripture as we sing Psalm 46:10 “Cease striving (be still) and know that I am God.”

“Follow Me” – 395

As noted in the opening paragraph, this spiritual song reminds us of the road we’re called to walk, a ‘lonely road.’ But it will take some interruption on your part as you sing. Notice verse three; “O Jesus if I die upon a foreign field some day, ‘twould be (it would be) no more than love demands, no less could I repay, ‘no greater love hath mortal man than for a friend to die,’ (John 15:13) These are the words He gently spoke to me, ‘if just a cup of water I place within your hand then just a cup of water is all that I demand,’ (what ever I can give is all I’m asking for in return) But if by death to living they can Thy glory see (would that some live for Christ in my physical death…per the first line), I’ll take my cross (my mission to serve) and follow close to Thee.”

“Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” – 648

Before our lesson we’ll sing this stirring song of encouragement from the pre-Civil War era. Interestingly enough, this song of soldier’s was penned just three years before our country’s deadliest war. But the call is clear, not for Union soldiers or soldiers from the Confederate ranks. Instead, soldier’s of the cross… stand up for Jesus!

“What Will You Do with Jesus?” – 926

Our invitation song is a reflection of the last hours of Christ as He stood on trial before Pilate. Pilate asked the question to the Jewish leaders 2000 years ago, and yet it still echoes in our minds. “Then what shall I do with Him…?” (Mark 15:12). How you answer the question will determine where your road is taking you…

“Jesus Paid It All” – 316

The child of God understands this song and can sing with full voice; “Gone is all my debt of sin, a great change is brought within, and to live I now begin, risen from the fall…” But notice the last part of the second verse, our focus for the morning. “Making His the debt I owed, Freedom true He has bestowed; so I’m singing on the road to my home above…” Take a minute to consider your traveling and look at your path, The Road To … !

1, December 23, 2013

I’m Dreaming of…

In January, 1940, Irving Berlin penned the words to a song we have heard and sung during Christmas for years. The words are simple and the message couldn’t be clearer; “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know. Where the tree tops glisten and children listen to hear sleigh bells in the snow…” The song was recorded and topped the charts in the winter of 1942 (the year following the attack on Pearl Harbor). In a few short years, 1954, Bing Crosby made this a classic, all-time favorite in the movie “White Christmas.” Perhaps the mix of melancholy – “just like the ones I used to know” – with comforting images of home – “where the treetops glisten” – gives an understanding of missing home. It’s easy to see how this song could resonated so strongly with listeners during World War II. You understand when you remember that during this time thousands of young men were scattered across the world, far from home, fighting for our freedom. The sentiment expressed in the song propelled it’s success.

For all practical purposes, the words are saying, “I’m dreaming of being home.” Ask most any college student and he or she will tell you how good it is to be home after months away. Even when we grow older and have families of our own, there is something about ‘going home’ that swells within our hearts. But what about that feeling of longing to be ‘home’ with Christ? Do we think about/Do we long to be home with Him? Paul sums it up best in the first chapter in the book of Philippians; “…I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better;” (NAS) Paul is talking about dying (though not suicidal) and going ‘home’ to heaven, as opposed to living on in this life and serving in the kingdom of God. He understood that when this life is over (when the battle is won), God has reserved a place for His children.

As we enjoy this Christmas season and sing songs of peace and home, remember the home that is waiting for the children of God. Would that we all be dreaming of that home! Enjoy this song of the season and let it warm your heart. Our “Christmas Song of the Day”…I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.

1, November 25, 2013

Sound the Battle Cry

Wars are fought and won by soldiers! We’ve honored our veterans this month and each day we should express our ‘thanks’ for their sacrifice. But we must never forget that soldiers fight for a cause. They strap on their gear (armor) and charge into the fray for a common cause, to defeat the foe. And though our methods of battle are much more ‘sophisticated’ today, we still are engaged in wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6).

Since the day God delivered His people from the Egyptians (Exodus 14), armies have sung songs to rally the troops and encourage the victor. Songs like Moses and the sons of Israel sang in Exodus 15; “I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has hurled into the sea…” Following the example from those men of old, we have continued to sing in triumph on the battle field.

The Civil War holds some strong examples of battle songs as we recall some familiar tunes from the 1860’s; “When Johnny Comes Marching Home”, “Dixie Land” and “Rally Round the Flag Boys”. Like the Civil War, both World Wars and other battles fought over the years, songs of encouragement were sung to inspire the troops.

In the battle for right vs. wrong, God’s children find themselves fighting as soldier’s of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3). We recognize this and even teach the idea to our children at the youngest ages. Who hasn’t attended a Vacation Bible School and not sung, “I’m in the Lord’s Army”? But do the ‘battle songs’ end with children? Obviously not when we consider; “Soldier’s of Christ, Arise” or “The Battle Belongs to the Lord” or “Victory in Jesus”. Let’s look at one particular battle song that the Christian has sung since the days of the Civil War. A song by William F. Sherwin entitled “Sound the Battle Cry”. Notice the call for soldiers to be aware of the impending battle (the foe is nigh) and the call from Ephesians 6 to ‘put on the armor of God’. The second verse encourages the soldier to realize and see the importance of never quitting (marching on in the strength of God). And the final verse is a plea to the ‘Captain’ to continue with us, support us and reward us at the close of the war.

With the sound of distant cannons echoing in his mind, Sherwin pens the chorus as if singing the Civil War tune, ‘rally around the flag boys’; “Rouse then soldier’s (of the cross), rally round the banner…” , but who is the banner? Notice Isaiah 11, “In that day the Root of Jesse (David’s father) will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to Him, and His resting place will be glorious.” Who is the “Root of Jesse”? Look to John as he wrote in Revelation 5, “…behold the Root of David (son of Jesse)…a Lamb, standing, as if slain…”. When we sing about ‘the banner’, we’re singing about the Christ. When we “rally ’round the banner,” we are rallying around our Savior.

Sound the battle cry! See, the foe is nigh;
Raise the standard high for the Lord;
Gird your armor on, stand firm every one;
Rest your cause upon His holy Word.

Strong to meet the foe, marching on we go,

While our cause we know, must prevail;

Shield and banner bright, gleaming in the light,

Battling for the right we ne’er can fail.

O Thou God of all, hear us when we call,

Help us one and all by Thy grace;

When the battle’s done, and the victory won,

May we wear the crown before Thy face.

Refrain:

Rouse then, soldiers, rally round the banner,

Ready, steady, pass the word along;

Onward, forward, shout aloud, “Hosannah!”

Christ is Captain of the mighty throng.

1, November 9, 2013

The Battle Belongs to the Lord…Nov. 10th

“Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in! Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle…He is the King of glory.”
Psalm 24:7, 8, 9 David penned this psalm thousands of years ago, and yet the soldier still today finds comfort in knowing who is mighty in battle.

As soldier’s of the cross we must hold fast to the knowledge that the war has been won. Though skirmishes come into our lives constantly, and daily battles must be fought as we stand for truth, we know Jesus is Lord. Join us Sunday morning as we honor our veterans and admonish all of the soldiers in the Lord’s army!

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

Sunday morning, November 10, 2013

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

“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” 560

We begin our worship services this morning as we encourage each other to give glory and honor to the King. It’s interesting to consider the first verse; how are we entering the land (this world)? Are we equipped for battle or do we ‘just throw something on?’ A football player would be clobbered if he walked onto the gridiron minus his shoulder pad or helmet. And yet how often does the Christian walk into the world without His armor?

“Am I a Soldier of the Cross?” – no book

This old song has several different arrangements, but we’ll sing this one to the tune of “The Gospel is for All.” Simply enough we sing (ask) the question, “Am I a soldier of the cross; a follower of the Lamb…?” Today we should be asking ourselves, am I afraid to stand up for Him…or am I embarrassed to be known as a soldier of Christ? This world opposes God…are you willing to be a soldier in His army?

“Come Share the Lord” – 364

As we turn our minds toward the Lord’s Supper, we commemorate our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. We join each other in breaking the bread, drinking the fruit of the vine and sharing (communing) with our Lord. Each Christian understands the importance of this memorial and that’s why we anticipate the feast each Sunday morning. That’s why ‘we gather here in Jesus’ name…’ and that’s why ‘…His love is burning in our hearts like living flame…’

“Why Did My Savior Come to Earth” – 382

An other simple question which all honest believers have asked…’why?’ Why did my Savior come to earth and go to the humble (lowly)…? The answer is heard as the little children sing “Jesus loves me, this I know.” Why did He drink the bitter cup (death) and endure sorrow, pain and woe…?” He did it, because He love me so!

“It Is Finished” – 369

A majestic song of Christ’s resurrection and our victory in Him. The first three verses are sung together while we consider the old rugged cross as it stands on a line drawn through the ages. The forces of evil have been amassed on one side and the angels of glory on the other. The earth shakes with the force of the conflict, even noting that the sun refuses to shine (Luke 23:44). But then, as Christ breathes His last, a cry echoes across all time…“It is finished!” Though we may still struggle with our won individual battles we can praise His name knowing that there will be no more war…it is finished and Jesus is Lord!

“Soldier’s of Christ, Arise” – 647

Before our lesson this morning it seems only fitting to sing about being a soldier of Christ. It has always struck me with fascination as we implore the soldier’s of Christ to ARISE (get up)! Notice the call to put on your armor (helmet, shoes, breastplate, sword, belt) and be ready to fight a foe who opposes God. Reading Ephesians 6 you’ll get a clearer understanding of what the ‘panoply of God’ really is. Just be sure that you, leave no place unguarded, and that there be no weakness in your soul. Take virtue and grace and fortify (secure) the whole of your responsibility in serving Christ.

“Take My Life, and Let It Be” – 669

The ‘invitation’ is a simple to call to clarify your present walk in life. The Christian’s desire should be to draw closer to God each and every day. The non-Christian has a call to come and take Christ on in baptism, that they too may be a child of the King. After knowing who Jesus is and what He did we should all be saying, “Take my life and let it be consecrate Lord to Thee…” It’s not what I want, but what God calls me to be. We sing, “take my life, my hands, my will, my heart, my life, myself…to be honest, that doesn’t leave much behind. Give to God your all.

“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” 560

We’ll conclude our worship together with the same song that we began with. But we’ll start this time with the chorus, “And we’ll sing glory, honor, power and strength to the Lord…” As soldier’s in the Lord’s army, let’s be ready to praise our King and serve Him faithfully. Never fear the battle, but remember, the Battle Belongs to the Lord!