Category: Worship

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Reading Your Own Future…Oct. 26th

What if you could tell the future? To know what’s coming up, would that be a good thing or would you be uncomfortable knowing there might be something not so pleasant just ahead of you? We take each day in stride because we trust in God’s providential power. But what if God Himself were to tell us what was coming? To know the future all we would need to do was read a message from Him. If the finger of God were to write you a note on the wall, would you read it?

Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase, “I can read the writing on the wall.” We use that statement King Belshazzar..to say we can see what’s about to happen. Not in a supernatural way, but that we can ‘read’ the situation. However, there was one man who really did see the hand writing on the wall. But for King Belshazzar, the message wasn’t very good (read Daniel chapter 5). Come worship with us on Sunday morning and we’ll give you a glimpse into ‘reading your own future.’

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

Sunday morning, October 26, 2014

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

“Soldiers of Christ, Arise” – 647

What a great spiritual song of encouragement as we inspire one another to get up and get ready for battle. Not a war between political parties or individual ideologies, but a battle against the spirit of darkness (Ephesians 6). Notice verse 3 in this song and ask yourself, ‘Am I putting on the panoply of God?’ The FULL armor of God, not some of the armor, not most of the armor, but all the armor of God.

“In Moments Like These” – 239

Staying with the same musical key we’ll segue from “…You may overcome through Christ alone and stand entire at last.” …to… “In moments like these, I sing out a song, I sing out a love song to Jesus…” Being soldiers in the Lord’s army should give us excitement beyond compare. Why? Because we have a King who has already won the battle. He has given us a look into our own personal future.

“When My Love to Christ Grows Weak” – 350

How do you cope with struggles in life? When your faith is weak and your love for mankind, and for jesus in the gardenChrist, seems to be wavering where do you turn? This song will remind us of His suffering and will perhaps strengthen our own resolve. “When my love to Christ grows weak, when for deeper faith I seek, then in thought I go to Thee (Jesus, to the…) Garden of Gethsemane!” In the garden, poetically, “I walk amid the shades, while the lingering twilight fades.” If you were there with Him in the garden, you would “see this suffering, friendless One, weeping, praying there alone.” So for those of us who struggle in our love for mankind, and desire a stronger faith, perhaps we should go again (poetically) to the “Hill of Calvary…to the scenes of fear and woe.” Because, “there (we will) behold His agony as He suffered on the bitter tree.” After taking this journey in our mind, we will be ready to turn back again to our lives having learned the worth of pain and the power that comes in a full self-sacrifice.

“Sweet Adoration” – 253

A contemporary song we’ll sing during the passing of the collection plate that speaks of our adoration to God. Sweet adoration, glory, praise and devotion are what we should be giving to our God. During the ‘contribution’ we give our money…but how much of our life are we contributing to God? Let’s give Him our all so we can say, it is ‘the Divine One who reigns in our hearts.’

“My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” – 538

We might not know the future events that will take place, but we do know what the future holds for God’s people. And knowing that we are His and He is victorious we have hope. Knowing that if we keep our hope (trust) in Christ and are ‘dressed in His righteousness alone,’ we’ll stand before His throne…faultless. Thanks be to God, we can read that handwriting on the wall.

“One Step at a Time” – no book

An older hymn written in the late 1800’s, we ask for Christ to walk with us one step at a time. In a world filled with terror and troubles, sickness and sin, we hold closest to the One who holds our future. That’s why we sing for patience in this first verse; “One step at a time, dear Savior: I can not take anymore, the flesh is so weak and hopeless, I know not what is before…” Though we know the outcome of this life, the promise that heaven’s mansions will appear, each day is still lived in uncertainty. Therefore we close our worship services with the following assurance…

“I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” – 463

“I don’t know about tomorrow, I just live from day to day…I don’t worry o’er the future, for I know what Jesus said, (Matthew 6:25-34) and today I’ll walk beside Him, for He knows what is ahead. Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand, but I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.” King Belshazzar was reading his future as the finger of God wrote it out on a plaster wall. And it wasn’t until Daniel told him the meaning that He knew what it said. Today, spend some time…Reading Your Own Future!

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Can a Christian Be a Thinking Person?…Oct. 19th

It was written in 1929 by Ernest Hemingway in the novel, A Farewell to Arms. A simple sentence that haunts mankind, “All thinking men are atheists.” The secular world would have you believe that faith in God is weakness and scientific ignorance.  Thinking mind

In a world that speaks with disdain toward God and elation toward self, what is a Christian to do? What can we say that will convince the ‘un-churched’ to reconsider their path of ungodliness? When we profess our belief in “…God created…”, the world dismisses this as ancient myth. But we believe in an intellectually superior God who shaped and formed the earth. Remember what Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus, “They (unbelievers) are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of the hearts.”

Waterview welcomes Dr. Phil Thompson of Harding University on Sunday, October 19th. He will be presenting two classes and two lessons designed to answer the question, “Can thinking people believe?”

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

Sunday morning, Oct. 19, 2014

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

“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” – 162psalm 148

Built into a medley with “Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah,” we’ll begin our worship together with these songs of praise. “All hail the power of Jesus’ name let angels prostrate fall! Bring forth the royal diadem and crown Him Lord of all…” Is Christ the Lord of your life? You make that decision, though your decision has no bearing on His royalty. He reigns! We will either follow Him or we will not. A foolish, deceived world will not, but rest assured, He is Lord of All!

“Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah” – 3

Taken from the 148th Psalm we’ll sing the scripture in this ‘psalm.’ Have you read it lately? If not, after we sing it you really should read it! His divine power is reinforced in His creation, everything praises Him. The question is…will you?

“We Saw Thee Not” – 342

Before the Lord’s Supper we’ll sing the first three verses remembering Christ’s death. Perhaps the power comes in the conclusion of each of these verses as we sing (twice for emphasis), “But we believe…”

“My Faith Has Found a Resting Place” – 582

Not an overly familiar song, but one which we need to understand and daily echo the chorus, “I need no other argument, I need no other plea, it is enough that Jesus died and rose again for me.” Do you have the faith to be able to not only sing these word, but believe them and live your life accordingly?

“O Listen to the Wondrous Story” – 496

Before our lesson we’ll sing this popular spiritual song written more than 100 years ago. The third verse is a great question to the listener as we sing, “Will you surrender to this Savior? To His scepter humbly bow? You, too, shall come to know His favor, He will save you, save you now.” Then the chorus resounds with a question and answer, “Who saved us from eternal loss! Who but God’s Son upon the cross? What did He do? He died for you! Where is He now? Believe it thou, In heaven interceding!”

“Trust and Obey” – 915

“When we walk with the Lord in the light of His world, what a glory He sheds on our way…” You most likely know this song by heart having sung it for years. But often we are familiar with the first, second and last verses and have never fully learned the third verse. But this morning consider a line from this song which has implications on today’s lesson. “But we never can prove the delights of His love until all on the altar we lay; for the favor He shows, and the joy He bestows, are for those who will trust and obey.” So where are you in regard to laying your all on the altar. Or are you still trying to see if you can prove the delights of His love?

“Love Lifted Me” – 453

A rousing song as we part this morning. We will sing over and over the message of the chorus, “Love lifted me…” Do you find that living for Christ lifts your spirits? The child of God understands this ‘lift’ and finds comfort in his belief in a Savior. Though the world may think us to be ignorant or backward, we know where to look when we’re ‘sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore…’ Let’s not keep this story of salvation to ourselves. There is a dying world out there who desperately needs a Savior.

 

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The Antioch Experience…Oct. 5th

A great leader in the church has been viciously ‘attacked’ and killed for preaching the gospel of Christ. With his death comes a violent persecution of the church and a sub-sequential fleeing of God’s people. In this ‘disbursement’, a congregation began meeting (and growing) in a large Syrian town known as Antioch. An interesting statement is made in the 20th verse of Acts chapter 11 regarding this growth, “But there were some…men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch mapAntioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus…and a large number who believed turned to the Lord.” Consider for a time who these men where and how far they came? We might call them ‘missionaries,’ but the distance they traveled is remarkable.

From Cyprus to Antioch is less than 100 miles and that mostly crossing the Great Sea (Mediterranean Sea). But to travel from Cyrene to Antioch you’ll need to plan for a trip of more than 800 miles. Even by today’s standard that is quite a distance. So why Antioch? What was so important that ‘some men’ traversed the peril of the sea and long days ‘on the road’ to spread the word of God? Join us Sunday morning as Robert Taylor, one of our associate ministers, shares with us, “the Antioch Experience.”


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

Sunday morning, October 5, 2014

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

“Come, Thou Almighty King” – 19

We sing this song (hymn) as a prayer to God. Notice the ‘prayer’ you’ll be singing Sunday morning; “Come, Thou almighty King, help us Thy name to sing, help us to praise! Father all glorious, over all victorious, come and reign over us, Ancient of Days.” But I’m amazed at the words we sing (have sung for years) in the next verse. “Come, Thou Incarnate Word (Christ), gird on Thy mighty sword, our prayer attend (pay attention to)! Come, and Thy people bless, and give Thy word success: Spirit of holiness, on us descend!” If we sing with understanding we’ll know the power of this prayer.

“Great Are You Lord” – no book

Do you proclaim the holiness of God in your life? We sing freely that our God is Holy, and we recognize Him as being Great, but what does that look like in your daily walk? This morning we’ll sing, “…worthy of praise. Holy and true, Great are You Lord, most Holy Lord!” But each day live so that the world will see us and say, “Holy Lord, most holy Lord, You alone are worthy of my praise…”

“How Deep the Father’s Love” – no book

Daily our minds should reflect on the gospel; the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And each first day of the week we pause to memorialize Jesus in taking the Lord’s Supper. This spiritual song captures the essence of His sacrifice for us. If you truly consider what happened on the cross, you’ll better understand this song; “How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure…” As we sing, we encourage each other to take a look at the cross and ‘behold the man…, (and) my sin upon His shoulders.’ Can you hear the crowd shouting and the mocking voices? Personalize it as you sing, ‘…ashamed, I hear my mocking voice cry out among the scoffers…’

“Ten Thousand Angels” – 349

Following Christ’s memorial, we sing an old spiritual song that references (in part) scripture. But was it 10,000 angels that our Lord could have called? Actually, a literal look at the text (Matthew 26) and a historical application, it’s closer to say, “He could have called 72,000 angels.” Matthew records Christ’s exact words, “…do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than 12 legions of angels?” By all historical accounts, a legion of soldiers numbered 6,000. So perhaps we should sing…“He could have called seventy-two thousand angels…either way, He died alone for you and me.”

“Have Thine Own Way Lord” – 552

This hymn/prayer is a call for God to take hold of our lives. But is it even an option? Isn’t God always in control? Even the first verse reference potter and clayscripture as we sing the words of Isaiah, “Thou art the Potter, I am the clay…” Still, God has given us the status of free agents. We can choose to go or stay. We can either do His will or go it alone. Thus we sing, ‘…hold over my being (keep before me/my very life) absolute sway (complete and sovereign power).’

“True-Hearted, Whole-Hearted” – 629

Before the lesson we sing of our faithfulness to spread the message of salvation. So, will we be true-hearted to Him? Will our lives whole-heartedly be serving Him? If so we will certainly ‘peal out the watch word.’ But what is the ‘watch word?’ By definition, this a phrase used my members of the same group. Christians, perhaps our ‘watchword’ is Matthew 28:19, 20. Or maybe it’s Acts 2:38? Both are a call to be whole-heartedly living and serving Him?

“There is Power in the Blood” – 903

When we better understand the Antioch experience, we’ll share the power of salvation with those we meet. Whether across the street or across the global, the world needs to know about His wonder working power that is found in blood of the Lamb. Let’s be better about telling the world how they can be free from the burden of sin! 

“I Will Sing the Wondrous Story” – 509

“I will sing the wondrous story of the Christ Who died for me. How He left His home in glory for the cross of Calvary…” If you can’t sing the wondrous story, you’ll ever be able to tell it. Nor will you ever travel hundreds of miles to tell others of His saving grace. So have you been to ‘Antioch?’ Not the one in Syria, but the one here at home. Take them the message of Christ!
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The Sign of the Covenant…Sept. 28th

A verbal commitment is binding, and yet an agreement that is documented (written) is stronger still. But what about an agreement between two individuals that has physical implications? A physical sign of what we have agreed upon. A handshake is physical, but is Covenant...1there more to it when it comes to our agreement, our covenant, with God?

In the Old Testament we read of the ‘physical’ covenant between God and man in Genesis chapter 17 when God said to Abraham…“Now as for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: every male among you shall be circumcised. And you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you…” A very physical sign to be sure, but what about us today? If we have a covenant with God, is it more than just verbal and written? What is our “Sign of the Covenant?”

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

Sunday morning, September 28, 2014

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

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

Just looking at the title of this familiar song, you should ask yourself, ‘what does it mean to “own” Him?’ Perhaps in easier terms we might say, do you openly profess your obedience to God? If I’m loyal to God, and if I publicly proclaim Him then how often do I defend His cause? Do you know, His cause? Children of the covenant know, and we must never be ashamed to own our Lord.

“He’s My King” – 166

Immediately following after “I’m Not Ashamed to Own My Lord,” we’ll sing this spiritual song of confirmation. Not only am I willing to proclaim my loyal covenant to Him…I sing with conviction that He is my King! Let’s sing of our love for Him, and be sure…‘none other is above Him.’

“Hallelujah! What a Savior” – 337

Before the Lord’s Supper we’ll sing the first two verses of this song written by Philip Bliss in the late 1800’s. Remember that Jesus was scoffed and shamed as He stood condemned in our spot. But why? To reclaim us, the ‘ruined sinner,’ and to pardon us with His blood. What a Savior!

“Why Did My Savior Come to Earth” – 382

Taking just the first verse we’ll sing before the bread. Then, between the bread and the fruit of the vine, we’ll sing verse two. When was the last time you really focused on these words: “Why did my Savior come to earth, and go to the humble (insignificant, inferior)? Why did He chose to be born in a barn (a lowly birth)? And why did He drink the bitter cup of sorrow, pain and woe (trouble)? Why did He allow mankind to lift Him up on the cross? Do you know the answer to these questions? They can be found in this children’s song; “Jesus loves me, this I know!”

“I Come to the Garden Alone” – 595

As we conclude our time around the Lord’s Supper we’ll reflect on a song we’ve song for years. Though it’s poetic, it could have been the thoughts of Mary Magdalene as she came to the tomb of Jesus on the first day of the week. Maybe…maybe not, but she would have been one to say, “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.” Read through John 20 and see for yourself if these could have been Mary’s words.

“O Jesus, I Have Promised” – 554

Also referred to as “The Angel’s Song” we can sing of our covenant relationship with God. Do you promise to serve Him to the end?

“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 covenantGod to be imparted to you? If so, when this lesson is concluded what will your reply be? What a blessing that these “Holy words” have been long preserved so we can see…a sign of the covenant.

“O Master Let Me Walk with Thee” – 763

An invitation song to consider our covenant with our King. Will you walk with Him? Will you serve Him? Will you claim Him publicly? Why is it we so often consider our promise with God, our covenant with our Savior, as something we can pick up and put down at will? Perhaps the sign of our covenant with Christ must be more than just words if we are to be pleasing to God.

“Live for Jesus” – 594

How will you live this week? Who will you serve? Notice our second verse as we close the worship time together; “Live for Jesus, wandering sinner, under Satan serve no more; of the promised prize a winner thou may’st be when life is o’er…” If you are living in sin, you’re living for Satan. Convert (turn around) and live for Jesus. The sign of your covenant with God is your life and when it’s over, if you’ve been loyal, you’ll win the prize of heaven.

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Before & After the Wedding Cake…Sept. 21st

Weddings are wonderful occasions adorned with tears of joy, songs of emotion and words Wedding Cakeof commitment. But ask one of my boys what he likes the most about weddings (if he has to go) and he will tell you, the reception. Not for the greeting and visiting, but for the food. The mints are nice and the chocolate fountain is a highlight, but everyone steps forward when it’s time to cut the cake.

Still one might wonder why focus on the wedding cake for a Sunday morning sermon? What comes before and after the ‘cake’ that gives us pause to preach about? Join us Sunday while we learn more about the wedding as we look at the marriage. God gave us a pattern for marriage and the wedding day, but when the world distorts God’s perfect plan, chaos ensues. Perhaps it’s time we step back and take a look at what’s happening before and after the wedding cake.

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

Sunday morning, Sept. 21, 2014

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

“Give Me the Bible” – 450

We look forward to things in this world that are temporary. A young person wants his freedom, an older person wants peace and quiet, and a child (the world) wants its toys. But what does the child of God want? This morning we’ll sing it, but do we really want it, “…the Bible…” Do you want it? Do you believe it will guide you in the narrow way? If we know what’s good for us we’ll do more than sing about it, we’ll read it!

“How Shall the Young Secure Their Hearts?” – 432

What a great song of dedication to encourage each other to hold on to God’s word. But not just holding on, passing the message on to our children. Sometimes I wonder if we’re really concerned about the souls of our youth, or if we just want them to have fun. Until we believe and understand that the Bible will guide our children and well support our age we will never be secure in this life or the life to come.

“How Beautiful” – 365

How beautiful are the hands of those who serve, and the feet that bring the good news of Christ. And how beautiful is the bride of Christ, His church, as she waits for His arrival (return.) But nothing compares to the beauty of Christ. We sing, “…and as He laid down His life, we offer this sacrifice, that we may live just as He died, willing to pay the price…” As we commemorate the Lord’s Supper consider just how beautiful…is the body of Christ.

“A Common Love” – 705

We sing about loving one another and we talk about our Christian love for each other…but do we really have a common love? In 1974, Charles Brown wrote this song and punctuated the objective we should all have. Not just a common love, but a common gift and a common bond. We share a common strength and a common hope in Christ. What a joy we find in the truth of God’s word when we understand and appreciate that common love.

“Happy the Home When God is There” – no book

Though the title of this song might be new to you, perhaps you’ll recognize the tune. Written in 1846, Henry Ware penned this poem and 20 years later, John B. Dykes offered the musical accompaniment (St. Agnes). Many may remember the song, “Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee.” These two songs share the same tune, so if you don’t recognize the words to “Happy the Home When God is There,” perhaps you’ll recognize this tune.

“God Give Us Christian Homes” – 843

A beautiful song before our lesson that addresses all elements of the family; father, mother, children. However, we’ll miss the message if we don’t follow verse one, “God give us Christian home! Homes where the Bible is loved and taught, Homes where the Master’s will is sought, Home crowned with beauty Thy love hath wrought (provided, created); God give us Christian homes…!”

“I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” – 674

So what is your decision? How will your family be led? Has God been the same before and after the wedding cake? This lesson might cause some to stop and consider just how we’re handling the issues of marriage? The one who has decided to follow Jesus knows…do you?

“God of Our Fathers” – 1025

Not a hymn we typically sing in the congregational setting, but an exceptional message we must never forget. Perhaps it’s the ‘Old English’ that gives us hesitation, but if you’ll consider the words, you’ll see the wisdom. “God of our fathers, whose almighty hand leads forth Gods handy workin beauty all the starry band of shining worlds in splendor thru the skies, our grateful songs before Thy throne arise…” Would that we take God’s word as our law and our chosen way. Our nation was founded on Godly principles, but sometimes I wonder if something happened after the wedding cake?

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The Awesome Power of Negative Fellowship…Sept. 14th

An ‘oxymoron’ is a statement that places side by side two elements that seem to be in contradiction of each other. Words and ideals that just don’t seem to match. Phrases like a dark light, a mournful optimist, deafening silence, or jumbo shrimp are referred to as an oxymoron. Avoid Bad CompanyBut consider something awesome (inspiring and outstanding) as being negative…could we be talking about an oxymoron during Sunday morning’s lesson?

In I Corinthians chapter 15, as Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, he makes this statement; “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’ “ Quoting a Greek poet, Paul, by inspiration is telling Christians to be careful about our fellowship. Some individuals we associate with can have a negative influence on our life. So maybe you should ask yourself if the fellowship you are ‘enjoying’ is positive or negative. Are you concerned about “the awesome power of negative fellowship?”

 

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

Sunday morning, September 14, 2014

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

“I Stand in Awe” – 96

How do you view God? Is He awesome? Do you revere Him, bow before Him and serve Him? Or is He just someone on your check list? We sing this hymn simply stating, “You (God) are beautiful beyond description, too marvelous for words. Too wonderful for comprehension, like tree planted by the waterNOTHING ever seen or heard…” So how do you see God? Is He indescribable, beyond your comprehension? If so…do you stand in awe of Him?

“I Shall Not Be Moved” – 976

Follow the medley as we continue singing “I Stand in Awe”: “Holy God to Whom all praise is due, I stand in awe of You!” “Glory Hallelujah! I shall not be moved, anchored in Jehovah, I shall not be moved…” As we stand in awe of our God’s majesty and power, may we, like a tree planted by the waters, never be moved from our conviction.

“How Firm a Foundation” – 457

And as we finish the thought process from the first two songs in our medley we conclude “I Shall Not Be Moved”: “…just like a tree that’s planted by the water, I shall not be moved.” “How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in His excellent word…” The music will flow, but more importantly let us follow the train of thought; I stand in awe of God’s power, and in that strong belief I shall not be moved. Because I have a firm foundation on which I stand.

“Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me” – 603

This morning, between our first two prayers, we’ll sing of our Savior’s guidance in this old maritime hymn. “Chart and compass came from Thee…” We have God’s word as our guide to direct us through this life. It will help us navigate the waters of friendship so we find the awesome power of a positive fellowship.

“My Jesus, I Love Thee” – 701

Before we partake of the Lord’s Supper we’ll focus on our Savior’s love. Verse two provides this thought, “I love Thee (Jesus), because (You) has first loved me, and purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree; I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow; If ever I love Thee, my Jesus, (it is) now.”

“Create in Me a Clean Heart” – no book

A contemporary hymn that comes straight from the text, so maybe it’s a psalm? The words of King David in Psalm 51:10-12, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.” Is this your prayer? Do you desire a clean heart and a renewed, right, spirit? Do you fear being ‘cast away’ from God’s presence? Consider this; if our fellowship is surrounded by negative influences, we will be separated from His Spirit.

“Cleanse Me” – 420

This hymn isn’t too popular today, but during World War II this tune accompanied the words to “Now is the Hour” by Gracie Field. Today we sing this hymn using the words from Psalm 139. “Search me, O God, and know my heart today; Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts I pray. See if there be some wicked way in me; cleanse me from every sin, and set me free.” Am I being negatively influenced by those with whom I fellowship? Pray for God to guide your heart, your thoughts and your friendship!

“Here We Are But Straying Pilgrims” – 537

Before our lesson we’ll sing of our journey toward heaven. When was the last time you let the songs of the saints ‘cheer your journey?’ On a path that is dim, and with hills where the dark storms gather, we need a fellowship that is positive and God-focused. Let’s stay close to each other as we keep our ‘longing eyes’ on the smile of the blessed Giver.

“Jesus Is Tenderly Calling” – 947Standing on the Promises

If you have struggled in your fellowship choices and you have wandered from the sunshine of God’s love, it’s time to ‘come home.’ Not only is Jesus ‘tenderly calling,’ but He’s waiting too. But you’d best not delay…Jesus is calling today!

“Standing on the Promises” – 452

A popular spiritual song confirming ‘where we stand,’ who we fellowship with and to what we hold fast. But choosing the positive fellowship over the negative isn’t always easy. Remember, there is an awesome power in negative fellowship. You might say those influences can be strong, howling storms of doubt and fear. Fortunately, by the living word of God, as I stand on His promises, I shall prevail.

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Absolute Truth?…Aug. 31st

In a world where we’re told right is wrong and wrong is right, how is one to know what to do? Maybe it doesn’t matter. We just do what we want, when we want, how we want. “To each his own.” Of course, when it comes time for an answer, and a decision is required, is there an Truth‘answer key’ to know if we’re right or wrong? The children of Israel made up their own answer key and it didn’t work out so well for them. Read the book of Judges, but notice chapter 21. What was right (truth) was ignored, and the writer sums it up best in the last verse. “In those days… everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

If we take that approach, and everyone does what ‘seems right’ (or ‘feels right’), how can we possibly know what is truth? Take a child and give him run of the house. No bed time, no manners, no responsibilities, and what kind of child will you get? Eliminate anything that is true and right, drop the parameters of living and give him no guidelines and I promise you, he will fall apart. Without absolute truth, we have nothing! There is an answer key and we have truth, the question is…do you know where to find it?

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

Sunday morning, August 31, 2014

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

He is alive“Our God He Is Alive” – 23

What a great reminder as we open our worship time together. Beyond the skies above, there is a God we can’t see. But He has made all we see and experience in this world; it’s His creation. “There is a God, He is alive. In Him we live and we survive. From dust, our God created man. He is our God…the great I AM!”

“Here I Am to Worship” – no book

A contemporary song that explains what we’re doing here today. Do you come to worship Him, or are you coming to get your spiritual ticket punched? Do you find fulfillment in honoring God with your voice and with your presence, or are you just going through the motions? This song begins with a simple statement we make to God, “Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness, open my eyes…let me see.” This could be considered a song of prayer as we sing to our God. But notice our transition as we go from “…let me see” to the third verse of our next song.

“Beneath the Cross of Jesus” – 314

As we stand beneath the cross of Jesus, what do we see? The third verse paints the picture of “…the very dying form of One Who suffered there for me.” How do you react to such a sight? We’ll sing, “…and from my smitten heart with tears, two wonders I confess: 1) the wonders of His glorious love, 2) and my own worthlessness.”

“Dear Lord and Father of Mankind” – 770

A very old ‘hymn’ that is our prayer following the reading of Isaiah 5:20-23. Would that we realize how foolish we are in our own eyes. When we call evil good and good evil. Let’s sing and pray that God will “re-clothe us in our rightful minds,” and that we will serve Him with pure lives and praise Him with more reverence. But first remember that our God is truth…absolute truth!

“I Gave My Life for Thee” – 354write a check

Why do we give? What motivates you to write a $100 check and put it in the collection plate each week? Do you have to? Obviously we give because He has given to us. He gave His life for me, but as we sing this song we’ll sing it from Jesus’ perspective. Notice the words we sing, that Jesus says…”I gave My life for you, I shed my blood on the cross that you might be ransomed, saved, redeemed, and quickened from the dead (brought to life.) I gave My life for you, what have you given to Me?” And your answer is…

“Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts” – 200 (tune from Doxology)

We’ll take the words from this hymn and sing it with the music from Doxology. But we must never forget the message of this old song. Verse two helps us focus on truth as we sing, “Thy truth unchanged hath ever stood; Thou savest those that on Thee call; To them that seek Thee, Thou art good; To them that find Thee, all in all.” And then we sing our next song of praise…“You are my strength when I am weak, You are the Treasure that I seek, You are my all in all…”

“You Are My All in All” – 484

‘Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is Your name!’ Our God is Truth, His word is truth, His ways are true and His judgements are true and righteous. (Psalm 19)

“Thou Art the Way” – 280

To make it in life, we need to answer the questions of life correctly. To answer the questions of life, we need the answer key. The One who writes the test has given us the Key. He is the Way, He is the Truth, He is the Life! In what classroom does the teacher give you the answer key before giving the test? Fortunately for us, our Teacher is our Father. We have no excuse if we fail this test…

“We Have an Anchor” – 467

How well will you do taking the daily test in life? Will you be tossed on the sea, unsure how to answer the problems, or are you secure and confident. Know that we have an anchor that keeps us steadfast while we’re being tested. In God’s word we find the answers, we find Absolute Truth!

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The Spread of the Kingdom…Aug. 17th

“Go, therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” These are the final words, recorded in Matthew chapter 28, of our Lord and Savior following His resurrection. His mission complete, Jesus called for all men to come to ‘know Him and the power of His resurrection.’ Phil. 3:10 We have come to know this passage as; “The Great Commission.”hologram...world

The word commission can be defined as, “a group of people officially authorized to perform certain duties or functions.”  In this context, Christians are that group of people. And we are the ones ‘authorized’ (given the duty) to teach Christ and baptize in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. We are called to make disciples from all the nations. An obligation to reach the lost with Christ. We know it, we’ve memorized it and we believe it…but how well do we follow it? Are we guilty of saying we agree, but then failing to ‘go, and make disciples of all the nations’? Whether we reach around the globe, or across the street, we have been given a ‘commission’ to spread the kingdom of God.


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

Sunday morning, August 17, 2014

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

“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” – 749

Do we see our life as a battle? A quick glance at the evening news reveals unrest, strife and war all around. It seems we live in a war zone. But as Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus, “…our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the…spiritual forces of wickedness.” (Ephesians 6:12) So Christians, this song could be translated, “As we go about our daily activities (enter into the land) we must go with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-20). And in this manner, there is no reason to be afraid. There is no weapon that our enemy can produce (fashion against us) that will stand against God.” Let’s take courage in knowing, “The Battle Belongs to the Lord!”

“Thomas’ Song” – 269thomas and Jesus

Written as though from the pen of ‘doubting’ Thomas, this song echos what might have been said by this disciple following the death of Jesus. “Jesus, You were all to me. Why did you die on Calvary? O Lamb of God I fail to see how this could be part of the plan…” Perhaps you can relate to the raw emotion and the depth of pain as you sing the first line of the chorus, “If I could only hold Your hand…” How often, when a loved passes do we long for one more chance to hold their hand. Certainly Thomas felt this same emptiness. But we move from the anguish of sorrow to the exclamation of joy as the risen Lord appears to his followers. It’s no wonder Thomas said, and we sing the words found in John 20:28, “I proudly say with blazon cry, You are ‘My Lord and my God!’ “

“Bethlehem…Galilee…Gethsemane” – 357

A beautiful song with a simple message. The message of Jesus’ birth, His life, His death and ultimately His resurrection. “Now He lives and reigns forever, I believe! I believe!” As a child of God, we believe…but are we faithful in sharing our belief? We must spread the message of the kingdom!


“The Greatest Commands” – 448

Each musical part; soprano, alto, tenor and bass have the opportunity to sing and harmonize the scripture with this contemporary psalm. Notice the reference to scripture with each line, singing with understanding of the love of God. That love is needed in a lost and dying world. We are called to make disciples of all the nations teaching them to…“Love one another for love is of God!”

“Send the Light” – 650

Listen carefully and you can hear the call that comes ringing from across the waves. And today that call is becoming more and more pronounced. God-fearing families are being told to denounce Jehovah God, and if they refuse, they face death. How can we send the light of Jesus Christ into send the lighta darkness of that caliber? The answer is Christ. We should “…pray that grace may everywhere abound…and a Christ-like spirit everywhere be found: Send the Light!”  

“I Love to Tell the Story” – 659

Words that will serve as our invitation song are actually a reminder of how we will show Christ in this world. Do you love to tell others about Jesus? How often in your day do you talk about ‘unseen things above?’ When you realize that ‘some have never heard the message of salvation,’ does that inspire you to tell the old, old story?

“Sowing the Seed of the Kingdom” – 643

We all have a responsibility in the kingdom of God. We are called to teach the commandments of Christ, baptize in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and ultimately make disciples. When we do this, we begin the harvest for God. Are you sowing the seed of the kingdom? Are you teaching the lost about Christ? Are you baptizing them and making disciples? ‘The harvest time is coming on…’ it’s time we get busy and spread the kingdom!

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Boiling the Frog?…Aug. 10th

My wife loves to collect cookbooks. She would spend hours on end just reading the recipes, looking for something interesting and new. And though she has cookbooks lining the shelves in our kitchen, I have yet to find a recipe for ‘boiled frog.’ Some have told me fried frog legs are delicious, and I understand they are a delicacy in the south. But how about boiling a frogfrog?

If you know anything about our minister, Robert Oglesby, and the Waterview church of Christ, you know our Sunday morning sermon won’t be outlining a frog recipe. Instead, we’ll consider the similarities of being conformed to the world of sin (Romans 12:1, 2), much like a frog’s body is conformed to the temperature of the water. And yet slowly turning up the heat will boil that frog. As Christians we should ask ourselves if we’re feeling the heat or if we are just conforming to our surroundings. Perhaps the best way to ‘boil the frog’ is the same way the devil would boil a Christian.

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

Sunday morning, Aug 10, 2014

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

“We Shall Assemble” – 718

Time and again God’s people are called to assemble before Him. We come together each Sunday morning to fellowship with one another, study from His word and worship Him alone. The visualization of assembling on the mountain is the idea of coming up to God rather than having Him descend to us.

I love my Savior“I Love My Savior, Too” – 610

The final words of our previous song are, “…we’ll sing the song of the redeemed.” Then we’ll pick up with what I see as the ‘song of the redeemed,’ “Jesus, my heavenly King, loves me…” But the redeemed sing, “I love my Savior…” To keep from getting ‘boiled,’ and stay out of ‘hot water’ we need to constantly remind each other, and sing, of our Savior’s love.

“In Christ Alone” – no book

In this song of admonition we sing as we prepare our minds for the Lord’s supper.  A memorial of His death, burial and resurrection.  Verse one consist of recognizing our Cornerstone, solid ground and Comforter (‘In Christ alone’), verse two takes us from His birth (‘fullness of God in a helpless Babe’) to His crucifixion (’til on that cross as Jesus died’).  Those who know this song cherish the third verse. We begin softly of His burial (‘There in the ground His body lay’), until our voices ‘burst forth’ as we sing of His resurrection (‘up from the grave He rose again.’)  The final verse gives us assurance in Christ as we sing, ‘No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand…’

“Purer, Yet and Purer” – 682

How can one be ‘purer?’ Since pure can be defined as absolute or innocent, how can I be ‘more absolute?’ Wouldn’t it stand to reason that I’m either innocent or guilty, but not more innocent than guilty? To call for our lives to be purer we need to consider another meaning for the word. To be pure can also mean to be clean. Certainly we can be ‘stained’ by the world, and therefore should desire to be cleaner than before we were in the world. Like a frog in lukewarm water, we might grow accustomed to our surroundings and fail to realize how much warmer (how impure) we’ve become.

“How Shall the Young Secure Their Hearts” – 432

What shall we do to keep our young people from ‘boiling in the world’ (faithful to God)? A question that has been asked from generation to generation. And this spiritual song (hymn) asked this same question almost 300 years ago. In verse one Isaac Watts penned, “How shall the young secure their hearts and guard their lives from sin?” And then in the final verse he provides the answer; “Thy Word is everlasting truth; how pure is every page! That holy book shall guide our youth and well support our age.”

“Out of My Bondage” – 918

An invitation song that will hopefully emphasize the message from today’s sermon. If we are in the world, and the world is ‘heating up,’ how will we respond? Are we prepared to jump out of the situations that slowly consume our walk with Christ? To get out of our bondage, sorrow and night, we have to recognize the darkness. Notice our words in the final verse, “Out of the fear and dread of the tomb, Jesus I come, Jesus I come; into the joy and light of Thy home, Jesus I come to Thee. Out of the depths of ruin untold, into the peace of Thy sheltering fold, Ever Thy glorious face to behold, Jesus, I come to Thee.” Will you come to Him, or are you content to stay in the pot world pretending to be a frog Christian?

“Restore My Soul” – no book

Getting our lives focused on Christ and out of the world, we sing of restoration…renew my spirit, revive the fire and renew my courage. When we determine restoration is important, we’ll jump out of the pot. It’s time we wake up and smell what’s cookin’.