Which Song Should We Sing…
Often our repertoire for singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs is nothing short of limited. We sing on Sunday morning, maybe Sunday night and the 
for the ‘faithful’ we’ll sing on Wednesday night. But if you were to really push yourself, how many songs (from the hymnal) do you know? Song leaders, honestly, how many options do you have at the ready when Sunday morning comes? If you were to list out 5 or 6 “Communion” songs…which ones would you write down? Right now, as you read this, can you list out 8 or 9 songs that would be good to lead before a prayer?
We have our favorite hymns, but do we know which ones should be placed where in our ‘order of worship?’ What would top your list? Would you include; “How Deep the Father’s Love,” “Ivory Palaces” and “It Is Well with My Soul?” Certainly you would have some of the all-time favorites such as; “How Great Thou Art,” “Amazing Grace” and 728b, “Our God, He is Alive.”
Let’s try this short exercise to see how you would pull together an order of worship for Sunday morning…which of the following would be good for opening worship:
“Be Still and Know,” “Faithful Love” or “O Worship the King” (Why do you choose that song?)
How about the song before the Lord’s Supper:
“How Deep the Father’s Love,” “Bind Us Together” or “Break Thou the Bread of Life” (AGAIN…WHY?)
What about the song before the lesson, a sermon entitled “Heaven is My Home,” would 
you lead before the lesson;
“My Jesus, I Love Thee,” “Sing to Me of Heaven” or “This Is My Father’s World” (CONSIDER THE QUESTION…WHY DO YOU PICK THE SONG YOU PICK?)
So many options are available, but perhaps with this exercise you can see that just because you like a song or you think it’s a good one, you need to ask why you’re picking each specific song. Realize you have the responsibility to ‘set the mood’ for the moment of worship, then your song selection becomes more focused. And keep in mind, if your repertoire of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs is limited you won’t be able to grow in your worship and leadership as you lead the congregation in singing.
Let me encourage you to wear out your hymnal. Spend long hours reading the words and come to a better understanding of what you’re singing. Then you’ll see what Paul was talking about when he wrote I Corinthians 14:15, “I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with understanding (the mind).”
A Life-Changing Morning in West Texas…Sept. 23
It’s a joy to be in Knott, Texas this week for their annual Gospel Meeting. This year, Mike Vestal from Midland, Texas will be the speaker for the week. As we come together for worship this morning, our lesson will focus on the first of “Six Life-Changing Words.” We’ll begin with the name above all names, the name that means “God is with us,” the life-changing name of Jesus.
Below is a list of the eight songs we’ll be singing this morning as we consider Jesus as the beginning of the change in our life. Join the Lord’s church this morning as He calls us to not only live differently, but to worship in spirit and in truth!
“We Praise Thee, O God for the Son of Thy love. For Jesus who died and is now gone above…Hallelujah! Thine the glory!”
“Praise God from whom all blessing flow! Praise Him all creatures here below…Praise Him above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!”
“Jesus, name above all names. Beautiful Savior, glorious Lord. Emmanuel, God is with us. Blessed Redeemer, Living Word.”
“Man of Sorrow! What a name for the Son of God who came. Ruined sinners to reclaim…Hallelujah! What a Savior!”
“My Jesus I love Thee, I know Thou art mine. For Thee all the follies of sin I resign. My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou. If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus is now…”
“Jesus is ALL the world to me, my life, my joy, my all! He is my strength from day to day without Him I would fall. When I am sad to Him I go, no other one can cheer me so, when I am sad, He makes me glad…He’s my friend.”
“Have you heart that’s weary, tending a load of care? Have 
you a soul seeking rest from the burden you bear? Do you know my Jesus? Do you know my Friend? Have you heard He loves you and that He will abide till the end?”
“There’s within my heart a melody, Jesus whispers sweet and low, ‘Fear not I am with thee, peace be still, in all of life’s ebb and flow.’ Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! Sweetest name I know. Feels my every longing, keeps me singing while I go.”
Worship this morning in spirit and in truth and you’ll find how Jesus can change your life and ‘keep you singing.’
You Said, “I Do”…but Do You?
As the groom stand before his friends and family, he is asked one of the most important questions of his life,
“Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?” 
His confession of love is captured in two little words, “I do!”
A confession that promises devotion. A promise to give his life to this one woman forever. A proclamation that is more than just an “I love you.” This is a confession that says I am yours.
Several months ago a sermon looked at a similar confession between the believer and his God. Before family and friends the question is asked, “Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God?” Prior to the baptism that great confession is taken. The believer’s “I do” proclaims more than just a passing love for Christ. It’s a commitment. Every day we should examine our hearts and look closely at our lives to see if that proclamation, that “I do” is still our living promise.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Song options for a Sunday morning sermon on commitment…
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“To God Be the Glory” (page 4) Take a look at verse two, “…The vilest offenders who TRULY obey, that moment may enter the heavenly way.” How do we know if someone ‘truly obeys?’ We only trust and hope, but know that God knows our hearts. He knows if we are committed!
“Faithful Love” (page 18) Our perfect example of love is found in Jesus. When we consider His faithful love, it changes our way of thinking. At least it will if we are doing more than just saying, “I do.”
“Dear Lord and Father of Mankind” (page 770) This hymn (prayer) to God is a great voice of how much we are dedicating our lives to Him. Especially as we strive to focus on Him rather than the ‘strain and stress’ of life. Our life will show how much we ‘confess’ our Lord and Father.
“The Old Rugged Cross” (page 313) If you have said “I do” and stepped into the watery grave of baptism making Jesus your Lord and Savior, have you laid down your trophies? Hmmm…if we don’t lay the world down, how will we ever be committed to serving Him?
“I’m Not Ashamed to Own My Lord” (page 609) This has always been a favorite of mine, but especially when we think about that vow we make to commit to Christ. Not only am I saying “Yes,” but I’m not ashamed either!
“Our God, He is Alive” (page 23) We sing this so often it’s easy to miss what we’re saying. Verse two, “He is the God that we should know…” Meaning we should know Him (we’d better know Him) and/or meaning (we ought to know Him.) Just don’t forget, it’s in Him (God) that we not only live, but in Him we survive!
“I DO,” the two words that launch a husband and wife into a life together are the same words that launch the believer into eternity with his God.
Why Not…Admonish One Another? Part 3
As this series is coming to a close, my prayer is that you have come to appreciate and understand the importance of admonishing the lost. Encouragement is such a vital part of the Christian’s life that we must never take it for granted or abuse it’s potential. May our work be always towards the building up of one another…the day will be here before we know it.
As the third verse of this song admonishes the hearer, we reflect on a term from yester-year. The Old English word “aught” has been lost to our everyday vocabulary. But when we understand its meaning we can sing with the mind (I Cor. 14:15)…“In this world you’ve failed to find aught of (any form of) peace for (a) troubled mind.” We must urge all who will hear, that this world will disappoint. Hurricanes will ravage our coast taking property and lives. Those who anxiously search this world for peace will be left suffering with a ‘troubled mind.’ Therefore we must continue this research and examine the closing verse; “Come to Christ, confession make, come to Christ and pardon take. Trust in Him from day to day, He will keep you all the way.” Two issues arise from this final plea that keeps the lost…lost. First, we aren’t in the habit of confessing our sins, our mistakes, to anyone. Remember, “I’m OK, You’re OK!” If you know about my faults, my sins, then there is an indication that I am weak. And a sign of weakness is a sign of failure. Our society wants everyone to be a winner. No weaknesses, no failures, everyone gets a trophy! We are all winners, and as long as we hold on to that mind set, we won’t see a need to trust in anyone. And therein lays one more issue with this verse. Why should I ‘trust in Him from day to day,’ when I really only need to trust…in me? Never stop sharing Christ, and never forget to admonish (warn and/or encourage) those who are lost and struggling. One day, it may very well be you who is in need of admonition.
The chorus of this great, old spiritual song is a simple repeat of 6 short words. “Why not now…come to Jesus” In its 
entirety we sing, “Why not now? Why not now? Why not come to Jesus now?” The call is certain and the encouragement is clear; we all have a ‘deep need,’ we have all wandered from Christ, and we all need peace in this troubling world. The admonition and encouragement from this old invitation song echoes the Hebrew writer’s continued thoughts from chapter 10, verse 25 “…but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Why not come to Jesus now, the day is drawing near.
Thanks to those who have followed this series for the past three months. As God’s children we have a beautiful opportunity to share the joy of Christian living. There are SO MANY who don’t know that ‘salvation belongs to our God,’ and we have an obligation to share that good news. Would that we daily admonish, encourage and build up the body of Christ. And ask the question to those who know Him but have yet to accept Him, “Why not…why not come to Jesus now?”
9-1-1 or 4-1-1?
Almost 35 years ago, a comedy hit the silver screen with the tag line, “Who 
ya gonna call?” Most know the response as the title of the movie…”Ghostbusters!” If you have ghosts, call for help. But away from Hollywood, some 25 years earlier, the ‘Universal Emergency Number’ was established. You know that number as 9-1-1. A home invasion, a car accident, an injury or a threat on your life, any type of emergency would justify a call to 9-1-1. But when was the last time you picked up the phone and dialed 4-1-1? Do you know what you’d hear if you pushed those three numbers? This short, three digit number was established as directory assistance.
Whether you have ‘ghost,’ real-time emergencies or just need help finding some one’s number, we have an answer for that. But how often do we ignore the one who has all the answers and can assist us in any emergency. Do we take time to “call” the one who knows our needs even before we do? When life hits you with emergencies, and when you need ‘assistance,’ Who ya gonna call?’ Join us on Sunday morning as we ‘pick up the phone’ and make a call…though it might not be to 9-1-1 or 4-1-1.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, August 20, 2017
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Come Thou Almighty King” – 19
One of my favorite ‘Call to Worship’ songs is this plea we offer for God to come; help us, reign over us, bless us and descend upon us. Before we sing this last verse, notice what we’re saying…our highest praise we offer is to God, not just now, but forever (“Hence ever more…”). And as this verse concludes we ask one more request, “may we see His majesty in glory (heaven), and love Him and adore Him throughout all eternity.” You know…we’re opening our song service with a prayer.
“I Will Pray” – 840
When do you pray; at supper, in the morning, before you go to bed? Though we don’t sing this one very often, it is all encompassing hymn we sing to our Father. “Father, in the morning, at the noon and in the evening…I will pray!” Interestingly, the last verse proclaims we the idea that will pray from the beginning (birth) to the end (death).
“My Eyes Are Dry” – 792
What does it mean to have ‘dry eyes?’ We’re not singing about a medical condition, unless you talk about a hard heart. “My eyes are dry, my faith is old, my heart is hard, my prayers are cold…” Those are symptoms of a life that has forgotten who God is. But we sing this as a reminder that we don’t have to live with ‘dry eyes.’
“When My Loves for Christ Grows Weak” – 350
Follow the progression through this song. We’ve discussed it before (DATE), but let’s review. When my love for Christ is suffer, remember the garden where Christ prayed before His arrest. And as you recall that night, figuratively, ‘walk amid the shades’ and you’ll see that ‘suffering, friendless One weeping (Hebrews 5:7) and praying alone.’ But, when you ‘see’ a man distraught, but it doesn’t faze you (“When my love for man grows weak…”), then go to the cross, the Hill of Calvary. There, you will see the agony of the cross and the faith and love of Christ.
“Before the Throne of God” – No Book
During the passing of the collection plate, we’ll come “Before the Throne of God above…” We’ll sing it, but we’ll also talk about during this morning lesson’s. I wonder, would this song be a 9-1-1 or a 4-1-1?
“I Will Call Upon the Lord” – 63
For the song before the lesson (9-1-1…), it’s fitting that we ‘call’ upon the Lord. Why? Because, “He is worthy to be praised…” Psalm 18:3
“Lord We Come Before Thee Now” – 797
Though not a typical ‘invitation song,’ we’ll follow the message of this morning as we sing/pray, “Lord, we come before Thee now…” We’ll sing verse 1, 3 & 4, but let’s save the second verse as the closing. Notice the wording, “Lord, on Thee our souls depend: in compassion now descend; fill our hearts with Thy rich grace and tune our lips to sing Thy praise.”
“Be With US, Lord” – 778
As we close this morning, we’ll sing a familiar ‘closing song’ but with a twist. Rather than singing in the singular (Be with ME, Lord) we’ll sing it in the plural. “Be with us, Lord we can not live without Thee, we dare not try to take one step alone. We can not bear the loads of life unaided. We need Thy strength to lead ourselves upon.”
A or B: Finding & Following God’s Will…Aug. 2nd
One of my favorite passages is found in Romans chapter 10 as Paul admonishes the church in Rome with a reminder from the book of Joel, “And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be delivered…” Paul wrote in verses 14 & 15… “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will 
they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!’ ” Did you notice the progression; to be delivered (saved), one must believe. In order to believe, you must hear. To hear, you need someone to preach and the ‘preacher’ must be ‘sent.’
For this Sunday’s sermon we know in order to find and follow God, you have to hear the message of salvation. But once you hear it…you have the choice to follow His lead or not? Our songs this coming Sunday will call us to follow. It’s as easy as selecting A or B…once you find God, will you follow Him?
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, August 2, 2017
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“He Leadeth Me” {to the tune of “Our God, He is Alive”} – N/B
Letting go is difficult. We often want to hold on to what we see and can feel and that gives us a sense of control. 
You’ve heard, “Let go and Let God,” but is much easier said than done. And as this song says, He leads us. He will lead us, and we must follow. The Lord is always there, standing at the ready, to guide our thoughts, our steps, our decisions and ultimately our actions…if only we let Him.
“Savior, Lead Me” – 409
When we ask God to lead us, is our intention is to be led down a desired path. But is that path His will, or our desires? Asking for His guidance should truly be a humbling experience that requires a genuine and contrite heart. He’ll lead us where He wants us to go, gently and safely at His side and when the storms come, we’ll feel safe and secure knowing that we are being steadied by the guiding love of our Savior.
“Follow Me” – 395
This world presents many ‘lonely roads.’ We complain and get frustrated at times, but in this song, we’re reminded that Christ, with all His suffering simply calls us to, “go and make disciples…” We’ll sing, in essence, the message He gave to Peter and Andrew (Matt. 4:18-19), “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Following Him down that ‘lonely road’ can be a daunting request. But He wouldn’t ask of us something He didn’t already do. (Thanks, Trey Morgan, for that illustration Wednesday evening.)
“Lead Me to Calvary” – 332
With so many things in our lives demanding our attention, we absentmindedly make the world a priority. It’s a sad thing to think that we so often allow the world to get in the way of focusing on Jesus Christ. Keep Him at the forefront of every thought…every minute of every hour of every day. The devil wants and tries to be ‘king of your life,’ don’t ‘accidentally’ let that happen.
“Jesus, Let Us Come to Know You” – 768
The simple idea of being able to make a petition to God, is altogether astounding and humbling. The thought of being able to see God face to face, the fact that He allows us an avenue of communication to Him, is something we take for granted. And the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Chris, should bring us to our knees. Consider this petition as we sing, “Jesus, let us come to know You, let us see You face to face…” A request that we all long for is perfectly stated in the end of this spiritual song, “Only let us, live in you.”
“Who Will Follow Jesus?” – N/B
A simple and yet to the point question, “who will follow Jesus?” Christ asks for our dedication to follow Him and to serve Him unfailingly. So what’s your answer…A or B? It takes more than just saying, “Yes, I will!” It takes follow through. With a decision to follow either path, we must realize that there WILL be eternal consequences, regardless which path we choose. So will you say, “I am on the Lord’s side.” and be ready to follow Isaiah’s lead as he said, “Here am I, send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)
“Where He Leads Me I Will Follow” – 876
Blindly leading someone is dangerous, so why would you follow someone to a place unknown? In following Christ, you’re not blindly wandering. You know where you are going, it’s just a matter of following where He leads. He has set out the path to follow, and though it may lead you to some unfamiliar and uncomfortable places, the comforting thing is knowing you are not walking it alone.
“Where He Leads I’ll Follow” – 417
“Sweet are the promises, kind is the word…Pure was the mind of Christ, He is the great example…” He is who we are called to follow. I will follow where He leads, because He will not falter, He will not lead me astray, and He will fulfill all of His promises. “Where He leads…I will follow.” Will you?
If a Loss of Altitude Occurs…July 30th
“In the event of a loss of cabin pressure…” do you know what will happen, do you know what to
do? With the loss of cabin pressure, there is a loss of oxygen. With the loss of oxygen, comes a loss of consciousness. And while unconscious, with little or no oxygen, suffocation is the result. If you have ever been in a plane that begins to lose altitude, you know the reason for the drill. Secure the oxygen mask on yourself, then help your child or the one who needs your assistance. Why take care of yourself first? Doesn’t that sound a little self-serving? Shouldn’t you help the weak and helpless first?
The practice is obvious when you consider the consequences. If you don’t prepare yourself for the loss of oxygen (difficult times), you’ll never be able to assist those who are ‘suffocating’ and dying? Putting on your oxygen mask first is making sure you are able to help those who need your assistance. In essence, be prepared! Join us on Sunday morning (July 30th) at the Faith Village church of Christ in Wichita Falls as we learn what to do… “When a Loss of Altitude Occurs.”
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, July 30, 2017
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Praise Him! Praise Him!” – 300
Opening our time together praising the Father is the best way to focus our hearts and minds this morning. “Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus our blessed Redeemer…” Let’s strap on our oxygen masks and be ready to praise God and encourage one another.
“He Is My Everything” – no book
Immediately following our first song, we’ll segue into this spiritual song proclaiming, “He is my everything, He is my all...” Have you notice the verse… “Some folks may ask me, some folks may say, ‘Who is the Jesus you talk about 
every day?’.” In other words, why are you so concerned about an oxygen mask?
“I’m Not Ashamed to Own My Lord” – 609
Sing with energy as together we make this strong proclamation; “I’m not ashamed to own my Lord, nor to defend His cause. Maintain the honors of His word, the glory of His cross…” If you fail, can not or will not proclaim your loyalty in this setting (surrounded by the family of God), I’m afraid you’ll be hard pressed to help someone with ‘their oxygen mask.’
“A Hill Called Mount Calvary” – 373
Hope this isn’t one that is too new for us (although it was written in the late 1960’s), but the message and connection it has for the Lord’s Supper is striking. Plus, you’ll see it has a strong tie with the song to follow…we’ll sing, “…And when time has surrendered and earth is no more, I’ll still cling to the old rugged cross.”
The Old Rugged Cross” – 313
Continue singing; “…So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, til my trophies at last I lay down.” The cross is a symbol of the death our Lord and Savior suffered for us. We don’t ‘worship’ the cross, but we do recognize what Paul encouraged the church in Philippi to remember, “…walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk…that are enemies of the cross of Christ.” Let’s not be enemies of the cross, but let us cherish ‘the old rugged cross’ of Christ.
“All to Us” – no book
No one can sing this song and miss the fact they have securely put on their own oxygen mask. “Precious Corner Stone, sure Foundation. You are faithful to the end. We are waiting on You, Jesus. We believe You’re All to us.” Notice that verse…we are waiting on Jesus. With a loss of spirituality in the world (cabin pressure), and with sin suffocating this world, we must secure our oxygen mask. Then, only then, will we be able to help the helpless and show them the Savior.
“Give Me the Bible” – 450
As we need oxygen, more importantly we need God’s word. Would that we understand the importance of this spiritual song and admonish one another to “hold up faith’s lamp to show my Savior near.” Are you able to answer this call for those who are needing help with their oxygen? When I ask, will you give me the Bible?
“Only a Step” – 940
Putting on your oxygen mask is not that difficult. It literally starts with one step. But we first need to listen and hear the call from our Savior. As we sing we remember His plea, “Come unto Me, I am the way…”
“Rescue the Perishing” – 639
Perhaps this song fits the message from this morning more than we might realize. There are those who are perishing, suffocating for lack of oxygen. They need some help putting on their oxygen mask. IF you have your oxygen secure, you can care for the dying, and lift up the fallen. We must be ready (with our oxygen mask secure) to rescue the perishing…’in the event of the loss of cabin pressure.’
A Cry of Compassion…July 23rd
The sight of an animal being mistreated causes most of us to feel sorrow for the abused. But when you see a lost child waiting for someone to stop and help, it stirs 
the heart to action. Perhaps one of the most valuable traits we can possess in this life is compassion. To be able to not only see when someone is hurting, but to act upon that need…that is compassion.
Our Savior’s compassion was demonstrated over and over again…“Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes…” (Matt. 20), “Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched him..” (Mark 1), “When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her…” (Luke 7). No wonder Paul instructs the follower of Christ to “…put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12) But how far does that compassion care us? Is there a limit to our compassion. Join us on Sunday morning (July 23rd) as we turn our hearts and listen to “A Cry of Compassion.”
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, July 23, 2017
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah” – 3
Beginning the worship together with a song from the scripture is a great way to praise our God and focus on His word. You may want to read over the 148th Psalm…or just sing it while you turn in your Bibles. You’ll notice the chorus (Psalm 148:13) is sung last. It’s a great account from the text to the sheet music.
“Lord, We Come Before Thee Now” – 797
A song, a prayer, setting for us an example of how we should/could come before God’s throne. With a petition (suit) we ask for His mercy, compassion and guidance. Notice verse 2, “Lord, on Thee our souls depend; in compassion now descend; fill our hearts with Thy rich grace, (and) tune our lips to sing Thy praise.”
“Hear Me When I Call” – no book
“Hear me when I call, O God my Righteousness…” Again, a song from God’s word (Psalm 4) as we come bowing in prayer before the throne. This hymn/psalm is a call for God’s compassion, and a stirring line from the 1st and 4th verse never ceases to move me, “…hold my trembling hand, lest helpless I should fall.”
“O Sacred Head” – 318
Some will say this is a difficult song to sing as a congregation, and it does sound of Old English, with a composer from the 1700’s, but the message is unmistakable. Follow the 2nd verse, “What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest friend, for this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end.” Pity can mean ‘shame, or disappointment,’ but in the context of this hymn/spiritual song, pity means compassion. His compassion never ends. As we partake of the Lord’s Supper, and as we see His wounded, sacred head, remember His pity, His compassion, for us.
“If That Isn’t Love” – 379
“God demonstrated His love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us!” Romans 5:8 “If that isn’t love…” than we have no idea of compassion. And so we’ll sing in verse 2, “Even in death He remembered the thief hanging by His side; He spoke with love and compassion, then He took him to Paradise.” Thanks be to God for that kind of compassion…may we live like Christ died!
“O To Be Like Thee” – 429
Brother T.O. Chisholm penned a hymn in the late 1800’s that we’ll sing this morning to encourage us and remind us of the compassion Christ had for His church. Notice verse two…“O to be like Thee, full of compassion; loving forgiving, tender and kind…” But that’s not all that goes into compassion, let’s keep singing. “…Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting, seeking the wandering sinner to find.” Are we compassionate; are we helping those who can not help themselves? Do we encourage those who stumbling? Are we compassionate?
“Does Jesus Care” – 507
How do I know if Jesus cares about me? Is His compassion for everyone but me? If you are still wondering about that, you haven’t heard the message of His compassion. The soul needs only look to His cross to see HIS love and compassion. So what about you…Do you care, do you have a heart of compassion?
“Love Divine” – 140
This closing song seems to sum up our message from today, but look closely at the end of this verse, “Jesus, Thou art all compassion, pure unbounded love Thou art. Visit us with Thy salvation, enter every trembling heart.” Our Savior is all compassion, but will our hearts be ‘trembling’ enough to allow Him to enter in? Will we hear and be moved to action by “A Cry For Compassion?”
How Can I Know There Is a God? … June 4th
There is a question that has been asked for generations, from young and old, ‘How do you know? You say this is the way it goes, but how
do you know?’ Some will tell you that the answer to the question is this…but how do they know? Even the jury needs to know for sure before coming down with a verdict. As a Christian, you have been told that there is a God. Still some may ask, “How do you know?”
The Christian stands tall on faith that what the Bible says is true. God is alive and Jesus loves me because…‘the Bible tells me so!’ But is there anything concrete I can share with my unbelieving friends? Can I give them something outside of God’s inspired word that confirms my belief that God is real? This coming Sunday morning at Faith Village church of Christ in Wichita Falls, come join us as we look at the question… “How Can I Know There Is a God?”
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, June 4, 2017
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“All the Way My Savior Leads Me” – no book
Where are you going in life? Is there an ‘end game’ to your daily activities? As God’s children we know that He directs our path (Proverbs 3:6) and we follow Him by faith. Thus we sing, “All the way my Savior leads me, O the fullness of His love. Perfect rest to me is promised in my Father’s house above.” Maybe we should all ask ourselves, who is leading me and were exactly am I going?
“Step By Step” – 15
Following our opening song, “Jesus lead me all the way,” we reaffirm that we will follow Him, step by step. But not just follow Him. We will seek Him in the morning and we will learn to walk in His ways…all the way He leads us.
“Redeemed” – 458
When you know that there is a God and you are His child, it’s easy, and sweet, to sing this next song. “I’m redeemed! By love divine, Glory, glory, Christ is mine, Christ is mine.” When we believe, obey and follow God we will have a ‘sweet song’ (verse 1) and experience great joy (verse 2)!
“O Listen to the Wondrous Story” – 496
Though perhaps not known as a ‘song before the Lord’s supper,’ the chorus supports our claim that we can have assurance and know there is a God. With a short Q&A, we ask, “Who saved us from eternal loss?” Answer, “Who (else) but God’s Son upon the cross?” Question, “Why, what did He do?” Answer, “He died for you!” Question, “Where is He now?” Answer, this is good… “Believe it thou (you), in heaven interceding!” (Read Romans 8:34, “Christ Jesus is He who died, yes rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”)
“I Believe in the One They Call Jesus” – 356
How can we say we know for sure that God is real? Perhaps we follow the words from Romans 4:18 as Abraham’s faith was being discussed, “In hope against hope he believed…” That’s why, within this one song, we sing the word ‘believe’ eight times, in verse one alone. And before it’s all said and done, we’ll sing that we believe in Jesus, in His power, His authority, His life and His death a total of 22 times. So then you must decide if you’ll sing the last line of the chorus, “And I believe that He’s the answer for me.”
“Our God, He Is Alive” – 23
Written less than 50 years ago, this spiritual song has become one of the most popular hymns within churches of Christ. And perhaps there is no song more fitting as we consider our lesson today than the song with this title, Our God, He Is Alive! But look closely at verse three. Often skipped over and misunderstood by many, this verse reminds us that God is not only in control, He is in charge. He holds in His hand the secret of life, and though men may search for the answer, they will never find it. Why, because only God understands!
“I Know Whom I Have Believed” – 524
We have lots of questions in life. Even with this invitation song we find 5 questions we might ask. From God’s grace and His love, how the Holy Spirit ‘moves,’ what my future holds and when Christ will return. But even with these ‘queries,’ we sing with confidence…“I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him (my life in Christ) against that day.” (See II Timothy 1:12, “…for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him UNTIL that day.”…I believe that!)
“Blue Skies and Rainbows” – no book
Some say this is a campfire song…maybe, but notice the last two verses and how they support our message today. “Green grass and flowers all blooming in spring time…are works of the Master I live for each day…” and, “Tall mountains, green valleys, the beauty that surrounds me, all of this makes me aware of the One who made it all.” Look around you and you’ll see God’s hand. Then you’ll sing, “I know that Jesus is well and alive today!”