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.
The Shadow that Never Fades Away…May 10th
When someone has successfully served in a position for years as a teacher, a coach, a 
preacher or politician, you might hear the phrase, ‘it will be hard to fill their shoes.’ Still others might say that they, ‘cast a long shadow.’ For either phrase the interpretation is the same, they will be hard to replace. But as time passes by, and the dust of time begins to settle, the world begins to forget who was wearing what shoes and who is casting the shadows.
And as you think about it, shoes eventually wear out and shadows soon fade away. Some serve for years sacrificing and giving their all, only to be forgotten. Could there possibly be someone whose shoes can’t be filled? Can we look long enough and far enough to find a shadow that is seen for generations yet to come? Join us Sunday morning as we consider the shadow a mother casts. Could this be ‘the shadow that never fades away?’
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, May 10, 2015
You’ll notice the following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah!” – 3
Few of our songs (psalms) are so true to the text as this one written in the late 1800’s. Taken from the 148th Psalm, ‘Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah,’ is a beautiful, musical arrangement of scripture. And as you sing about ‘dragons’ in the third verse, you’ll recall the 7th verse, “Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps.” (KJV) Interestingly enough, other versions refer to the ‘dragons’ as sea monsters or sea creatures. Either way…EVERYTHING will praise it’s creator!
“Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross” – 383
Before the Lord’s Supper, we’ll sing about the cross. Staying near the cross of Christ we remember His cruel death. Would that we all strive to be near the cross throughout our lives. Unfortunately, some only draw near to the cross when it’s convenient. But if we’re true to our Lord, we’ll watch and wait until this life ends. Or as Fanny Crosby wrote, “…till I reach the golden strand, just beyond the river.” Faithful moms teach their children the importance of staying near the cross.
“Christ Above Me” – no book
During the passing of the collection plate we’ll sing this ‘contemporary song’ about the all encompassing role Christ plays in our life. “Christ above me, Christ beside me, Christ within me, ever guiding. Christ behind me (not in a subordinate manner, but as my daily supportive), Christ before, Christ my love, my life, my Lord.”
“Holy, Holy, Holy” – 47
How beautifully this hymn combines all four voices (parts) as we focus on the holiness of our God. Perhaps the best message from this old hymn (because we are singing to HIM), comes in the third verse. “Holy, holy, holy, though the darkness hide Thee (even though the sin of this life), though the eye of sinful man Thy glory can not see. (God sees everything, but the eyes of men who refuse to see God, won’t. Even still…) Only Thou art holy, there is none beside Thee, perfect in power, in love and purity.” Amen!
“Living By Faith” – 560
Do you really believe the message you sing in the first verse of this song? Read it before you sing it, “I care not today what the morrow may bring, (it doesn’t matter to me what will happen tomorrow) if shadow, sunshine or rain…” Will you, do you live by faith? If you have a mother who taught you to live a faithful life following God’s word, be thankful. You have a mother who casts a long shadow.
“Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen in Me” – 722
Serving as our invitation song, we’ll proffer yet another opportunity to draw closer to God. We should daily draw near to Him, but it seems we do so more often when life is difficult. With that in mind, consider the third verse. “When your burden is heavy and hard to bear, when your neighbors refuse all your load to share. When you’re feeling so blue, don’t know just what to do, (that’s when you) let the beauty of Jesus be seen in you.” And surely a godly mother knows the importance of letting the beauty of Jesus been in her life.
“Faithful Love” – no book
God’s love is faithful, and has been manifested in Christ on Calvary. “Faithful love flowing down from the thorn-covered crown…” When you see a mother who brings her children to love, honor and serve God, you still see faithful love. “Faithful love from above came to earth to show the Father’s love.”
Inspired or Inspiring?…Nov. 16th
Each Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings I look forward to a text from my daughter. She is a sophomore at Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee and her first 
class of the morning is at 7:30. Her ‘wake up’ call to me is a picture of the sunrise silhouetting the newly erected Bell Tower on campus. For me, those pictures are inspirational. And perhaps some architect was ‘inspired’ with this yet to be seen image. But regardless, we can find benefit in the final product.
Many in the world today find the words of God to be inspiring to them. They read (or hear) God’s word and it gives them a ‘good feeling.’ Perhaps they are even moved to be a better person, but is that the extent of God’s word? Is the inspiration good enough. Would it even be inspiring if it weren’t inspired? When we consider the inspiration of scripture we come face to face with a life altering decision. Sunday let’s consider the Word and ask the question…inspired or inspiring?
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, November 16, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Holy, Holy, Holy” – 47
“Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God almighty…early in the morning our songs shall rise to Thee.” The ladies start us off as they sing this old hymn, but with each verse we’ll add a different part. For those who might have missed it, this hymn comes from the inspired word found in Isaiah chapter 6 and verse 3 as well as Revelation chapter 4, verse 8 as the prophet and the apostle write, “And one (of the Seraphim, vs. 2) called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of host…” (Isaiah) and “And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings and full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God, the Almighty…” (Revelation).
“The Lord is in His Holy Temple” – 108
As a segue from our song of praise, we’ll remember the words of Habakkuk in the 2nd chapter and 20th verse, “But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him.” (Read the whole chapter to get a better feel of this statement.) But where is His temple? Is it found in the heavenly realm? Read the words of Paul as he wrote to the church in Corinth, “Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” And so now we sing, “The Lord is in His holy temple…” Humble yourself, be quiet and realize, the Lord is in YOU!
“The Lord’s Supper” – no book
Simply entitled, “The Lord’s Supper,” this spiritual song brings to mind the reason we gather together each first day of the week. “When we meet in sweet communion where the feast divine is spread. Hearts are brought in closer union while partaking of the bread. Precious feast, all else surpassing, wondrous love for you and me. While we feast Christ gently whispers, ‘Do this in My memory.” Luke chapter 22, verse 19 provides us with the basis; “And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
“Take My Life and Let it Be” – 669
Several arrangements of this poem can be found in a number of hymnals, yet lest we miss the message for the tune, notice the words. “Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee; Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love. Take my will, and make it Thine, it shall be no longer mine; take my heart, it is Thine own, it shall be Thy royal throne.” Within these two short verses we proclaim our life, our hands, our will and our heart belong to God. And in case we miss something, the chorus continues, “Lord I give my LIFE to Thee…”
“Rescue the Perishing” – 639
A familiar song, but Sunday we’ll sing the often, over looked 3rd verse. Notice the condition of the lost; “Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter, feelings lie buried that grace can restore; touched by a loving hand, wakened by kindness, chords that were broken will vibrate once more…” Let’s rescue the perishing and care for the dying. Because we know that Jesus is merciful and He will save!
“Faithful Love” – no book
Our song before the lesson speaks of the love God has for His children. A faithful love that is manifested in His Son. “Faithful love from above came to earth to show the Father’s love. And I’ll never be the same, for I’ve seen faithful love face to face and Jesus is His name.” No man alive today can say he has seen Jesus. So how could I say I’ve seen Jesus face to face? However, as a child of God, I have seen (poetically) His faithfulness in that, “…God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were (I was) yet sinners, Christ died for us (me).” Romans 5:8 Have I seen Jesus face to face? Not yet! Have I ‘come to know’ (seen) His faithful love? Every Christian would say, Praise be to God…Yes, when I was buried with Him in baptism!
“Thou Art the Way” – 280
Inspiration in life is knowing the inspired Word. The inspired word is the Way, the Truth and the Life. We must never forget that God’s word is more than just inspirational…it’s inspired.
“Where Could I Go?” – no book
Our closing song is a question even the disciples once asked. John records the situation in the 6th chapter as Jesus asks, “You do not want to go away also, do you?” Simon Peter replies, “…to whom shall we go?” And so we sing, “Where could I go but to the Lord?” Inspired words of God directing us in this life just as Peter said, “You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:67, 68)
Marrying a Stranger…Feb. 16th
The formal wedding ceremony is one we are all familiar with. But this morning we’ll look at a very different ‘wedding’ found within the pages of God’s word. 
Consider this thought; would you marry someone you’ve never met? It’s one thing to have an arranged marriage, but what if the first look you have at your wife is her coming to you behind a veil? (Maybe this is where we get the idea of the wedding veil.)
In Genesis 24, following the death of his wife Sarah, Abraham gives directions to his ‘oldest’ servant to go back to his homeland (Ur of the Chaldeans) and look for a wife for his son, Issac. The instructions are clear and God’s providential work is amazing to read. But the faith of these men is something to consider. To make a long story short; a girl is found, Rebecca, and she goes along with a stranger, Abraham’s servant, to meet a stranger, Issac, whom she will marry on sight, no pun intended. Reading the whole account in Genesis 24:1-67 gives new meaning to…’marrying a stranger.’
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, February 16, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“All Things Praise Thee” – 43
“All things praise Thee, Lord most high, heaven and earth and sea and sky…All things praise Thee night to night…and day by day…All things praise Thee, heaven’s high shrine (seraph & archangels)…” This song identifies those who praise God from within His creation. Each verse, therefore, concludes with the saints singing, “…All things praise Thee – Lord, my we!”
“O Worship the King” – 144
As a continuation of this medley we go from singing, “…This their (heaven’s high shrine’s) highest bliss (greatest joy is) to be, ever praising – Lord may we!” to “O worship the King…”! Humbling yourself to worship God allows you to see how ‘feeble’ you (we) really are. We are children of dust, but we know Who we trust!
“When My Love to Christ Grows Weak” – 350
All five verses of this song build in progression as we remember the Lord’s Supper. 1) When I start to lose my love for Christ, I need to look no further than His last few hours in the Garden of Gethsemane. 2) Then, in thought, I walk through that garden, to see Him weeping and praying alone. 3) This scene helps me stop and think about those times when my love for my fellowman is weak (which is more often than I’d like to admit). How can I love my brother better? Looking to the cross on Golgotha (Calvary) I find strength for my faith. 4) Reflectively, in this fourth verse, I stand at the cross and see “…His agony…His anguish…His faith.” 5) And finally we turn from death, to life with a new lesson learned. We are 
stronger after we suffer, and there is a power sacrifice. Thanks be to God for His self-sacrifice! May we learn from Him.
“Behold a Stranger” – 919
An invitation song we may recognize, but this morning we’ll sing it after the Lord’s Supper. Our reason is found in the second verse. But notice how verse one builds upon verse two; “Behold a Stranger at the door! He gently knocks, has knocked before, has waited long, is waiting still; you treat no other friend so ill (unkindly). But will He prove a Friend indeed? He will! The very Friend you need! The Man of Nazareth, it is He, with garments dyed (stained) at Calvary.”
“In His Presence” – 99
A beautiful contemporary song that is simple in word as well as musical structure. “In His presence there is comfort, in His presence there is peace. When we seek the Father’s heart we find such blessed assurance…”
“O Thou Fount of Every Blessing” – 226
Perhaps one of my favorite hymns (we’re singing to Him) as we consider the Old English wording. Notice especially verse two; “Here I raise my Ebenezer…” my stone of help, my reminder because, ‘thus far the Lord has helped me.’ Or as the KJV reads, ‘Hither by Thy help I’ve come.’ A clear reference from I Samuel 7:12. Yet verse three also is one to note; “O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be! Let Thy goodness like a fetter bind my wandering heart to Thee…” Translated, “Every day I’m in debt to God for the grace He has given me. Lord, let Your goodness chain my wandering heart to You.” But here’s why, “(I am) Prone to wander, Lord I feel it. (I am) Prone to leave the God I love.” We have wandering hearts and wandering eyes. Would that God chain us up with His goodness.
“There’s a Stranger at the Door” – 908
With our lesson being about ‘marrying a stranger’, I thought we’d sing again about the Stranger at the door. But this time we will be offering an invitation to those who might ‘let the Savior in.’ Again, a reference from the scriptures as we read the words of Christ in Revelation 3:19, 20; ‘Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.’ Will you, have you, let Him into your heart?
Wait for a few seconds before this song begins…
“Faithful Love” – no book
Marriage is all about love. As Christ loves His bride, so we ought to love our spouse. The scripture states plainly, Issac loved Rebecca (Genesis 24:67). He married a stranger, but he loved and cherished her. Our Savior is faithful and His love is unequaled. In faithful love He came to earth to show the Father’s love to us. And in so doing, thanks be to God, the groom and the bride will never be strangers.
Mother Power…May 12th
Power is described in many ways. Often we think of power coming from the strong and stout. But it can also be found in some unexpected areas. Someone once said, “Dynamite comes in small packages…” This Sunday morning, May 12th, we’ll consider the ‘power’ found in mothers.
In mid-May, each year we set aside time to honor our mothers, shower them with gifts and tell them we love them. This year will be no different. But as we worship this coming Sunday morning, we’ll explore motherhood in another light. We’ll honor our mothers, but worship our God.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, May 12, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“We Shall Assemble” – 718
This call to worship is a song inspired by the pen of Twila Paris. We’ll add a second verse which calls for us to consider the journey’s end. “And at the ending of our journey, we will bow down on bended knee. And with the angels up in heaven, we’ll sing a song of victory…” With confidence we know the redeemed will sing to the King; “Glory and honor and dominion…”
“We Have Come into His House” – 296
This spiritual song comes as a follow up (medley) with “We Shall Assemble”. Though the words may seem repetitive, as we sing we hear a strong case for worship. Verse 2… “Let’s forget about ourselves and magnify His name and worship Him!” The original words were changed from ‘Let’s forget about ourselves, concentrated on Him and worship Him…” Don’t think we can go wrong with either one, as long as we will worship Him!
“Tell Me the Story of Jesus” – 387
Most have sung this old spiritual song their whole life (considering it was written in 1880). As we ‘forget about ourselves’ we hear the singer pleading for you to tell of the cross Christ was hung. And to tell of the grave were Christ was ‘buried’. But in the same line we hear of the promise of His resurrection, “…tell how He liveth again.” (We’re singing the gospel, the death, burial and resurrection.) We’ll conclude the third verse as we sing the emotional plea to let me stay, and weep as the story teller whispers, “Love paid the ransom for me.” Ask yourself this question, ‘Do I weep when I hear the story of Jesus?’
“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” – 226
“Here I raise my Ebeneezer, hither by Thy help I’ve come.” Don’t be fooled, this isn’t a song about Ebeneezer Scrooge, this is a reference back to 1 Samuel when the sons of Israel defeated the Philistines. This verse is almost a direct quote from 1 Samuel 7:12 (KJV) “…hither by Thy help I’ve come.” But there’s more to this hymn, “O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be. Let Thy goodness like a fetter bind my wandering heart to Thee…” Have you thought about chaining your heart to God? Let God’s goodness chain your heart to Him. Why? The answer comes in the next verse, “prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love…”
“Hear Me When I Call” – no book
Though not at all new, this song of comfort is a call for us to seek God in times of struggle. How often have we wished someone would hear our call for help. To hear our cry, our voice, our prayer. Does God hear us and know how we feel? Certainly He does, but still we ask that He will “hold my trembling hand, lest helpless I should fall…” I’m so thankful God hears me when I call…
“Faithful Love” – no book
As we sing this song before the lesson, we’ll sing of the faithfulness of God. Our understanding of how His love is flowing down to make us whole and to save our souls. Look around this world and you see the love of God. He is faithful to us and we can see Him all around, if we’ll only take the initiative. Do we realize that it is He who holds our hands when we can’t stand on our own? His love is faithful!
“Nearer, Still Nearer” – 478
Perhaps not designed to be an invitation song, this hymn is sung as we desire to stay ‘close to (His) Thy heart…’ But you’ll notice the realization that as we come nearer to God, by design, we draw further away from sin and its folly (foolishness). Are you willing to resign all of life’s pleasures, pomp and pride? The call is for us to draw nearer…still nearer.
“Stand Up and Bless the Lord” – {to the tune of: “This is My Father’s World”}
A familiar tune to a song perhaps not as familiar. This is one of those examples of using the meter to form a new song. This song (found on page 192) is a call to glorify God. So whatever tune you choose to sing it, you have to ask yourself the question… Am I willing to stand up and bless the Lord?
Face Time…Feb 10th
Sunday, February 10th at Waterview church of Christ, our sermon title is “Face Time”.
In today’s terminology, when you hear the term ‘face time’, you most likely think about talking on the phone or computer and seeing the face of the one you’ve called. But Sunday morning at Waterview, as we listen to Robert’s sermon, the meaning will be a bit different. Join us as we consider “Face Time”. The following ‘order of worship’ will serve as our song service for Sunday morning, February 10th. As always, let me encourage you to think about the songs you sing in praise to God.
Remember I Corinthians…”I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”
Sunday morning, February 10, 2013
You’ll notice the following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“O Worship the King” and “All Things Praise Thee” – 144 & 43
As we sing this medley let’s consider the message. We sing to bring glory to God as we worship the King. Notice the last line in our first song in conjunction with the first line of the next song; “…pavilion in splendor and girded with praise.” “All things praise Thee, Lord most high…” Though we see the connection with the words (and the key), what does it mean ‘pavilion in splendor’; how can something be ‘girded with praise’? The fact is, our God is our shield and defender. He is the ancient of days and He is our pavilion in splendor (which mean’s He is ‘covered with splendor’) and He is girded (surrounded) with praise!
“We’ll Work Till Jesus Comes” – 634
An old spiritual song that admonishes the singer to keep working. Have you ever sighed for something? We sing, “O land of rest…for thee I sigh, when will the moment come when I shall lay my armor by and dwell in peace at home?” You know, I think I can understand what Elizabeth Mills must have been thinking we she wrote this song; our life is full of work (at least it should be) and after a long day’s work our thoughts go to resting…”when will the moment come?”
“Come, Share the Lord” – 364
A contemporary song by Bryan Leech encourages us to come together as we remember the Lord’s Supper. Perhaps we should keep in mind the third verse as we draw this song to a close and sing, “…now we anticipate the feast for which we wait. Come take the bread, come drink the wine (drink from the cup) come share the Lord.”
“Gentle Shepherd” – 845
“Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us, for we need you to help us find our way…” As sheep we are often lost and in need of direction, protection and guidance from our Shepherd. The good news, our Shepherd not only guides us and leads us, He is also gentle. This beautiful hymn (because it is sung to HIM) reminds us that we are a blessed people…
“Face to Face” – no book
A song that speaks toward the end of life as we anticipate coming face to face with our God. As we pass the collection plate on Sunday morning we’ll sing this song. Let’s think about our life when we see Him “…by and by.” HINT: This is a good lead in for our lesson…
“I Am Resolved” – 948
This familiar hymn serves as our song before the lesson. Listen to what you say in the chorus, “I will hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free. Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.” How about singing it this way… “I will hurry to Him…” Are we eager to see Jesus, eager enough to hurry?
“Only a Step” – 940
As we sing this song of encouragement on Sunday, take a look at the message found in the second verse, “Casting your heavy burden down, come to the cross, the world may frown: Yet you shall wear a glorious crown, when He makes up His own.” How often do we hold on to the things that hinder us and keep us back? We could better our health, but poor eating habits hold us back. We could grow in our education, but laziness has a tendency to hold us back. We struggle with our spiritual walk, but our sins hold us back. Today’s a good day to cast your heavy burden down and come to the cross. It’s only a step…
“Faithful Love” – no book
Faithful Love came to earth to show the Father’s love. And I never be the same…do you know why? Because I have seen Faithful Love (Jesus) all around me. Can you see the majesty, the love of Jesus in this world? Have you read the Word of God? Jesus came to this earth, lived as a man, died on the cross and reconciles us to God. When we are looking for Faithful Love, we need to look no further than our Bibles…then we’ll see Him face to face!