What Will We See in Heaven?…July 7th

Many think of heaven in terms as they remember from the book of Revelation, specifically chapter 21. Images come to mind such as, ‘the pearly gates, streets of gold and the endless day.’ The scriptures do read, “The material of the wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold…the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl.” It’s true that we visualize heaven in terms as John described it.

But Sunday morning, July 7th, we’ll consider what we will see based on heavenly IDEALS such as ‘no mourning, or crying, or pain.’ After all, it was God who told John (Revelation 21:5), “Behold, I am making all things new.” Join us as we look through ‘the pearly gates.’

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

Sunday morning, July 7, 2013

The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Awesome God” -38

Do we truly hold God as an awesome God? Can we say we are honestly ‘in awe of Him?’ Be careful not to dilute the word ‘awesome’ by describing a movie or even an experience as awesome. Our God is an awesome God; Deuteronomy 10:17 and Nehemiah 1:5 are two great examples of who is awesome.

“You Are the Song that I Sing” – 238

As part of this morning’s ‘medley’ we’ll transition from singing that “…our God is an awesome God!” to praising Him as ‘the song that I sing…” Later this week, when you’re singing in the car, will you be singing about God, or are you singing world’s tunes. Perhaps we should be giving back to God our voice, our song, the very reason of our hope to Him who gave us a song to sing.

“When All of God’s Singer’s Get Home” – 859

Have you ever walked into your home after Sunday morning services and immediately caught the whiff of a roast cooking? The aroma wafts through the air and we realize there is something wonderful waiting for us. But, as we sing, ‘…the joy can’t compare with the glory up there…’ our songs of praise and encouragement should be a sweet reminder of how beautiful heaven must be. “What a song of delight in that city so bright will be wafted ‘neath heaven’s fair dome…” Like the lingering smell of roast as it drifts through the air, so is the heart-felt singing of praise to our God. “When all of God’s children get home…”; coming in the pearly gates we can anticipate, hear and almost smell what’s been cooking and what is waiting for us!

“Worthy is the Lamb” – no book

The tune from the song “Just As I Am” is used with the words to this hymn taken from the book of Revelation.
“O Holy Lamb, Thou Son of God most Holy Lord, most worthy Lord. Standing in the center of God’s throne. Oh worthy is the Lamb, the Lamb.” It’s interesting that these ‘recent’ words, taken from Revelation and written/arranged by Jeff Nelson are blended with the music of William Bradbury written long ago. Nelson penned the words 150 years after Bradbury penned the music. But John recorded the image of ‘the Lamb’ over 2000 years ago. And the singer (sinner) still bows in response…“O Lamb of God, I come!”

“Earth Holds No Treasure” – 884

Where do you put your treasures? Maybe you should ask yourself; ‘what are my treasures?’ What do you value most in this life? The most important things in our life are kept in a safe and secure location. But is this world really secure? How ‘safe’ can a safety deposit box really be? Time and storms will ravage our homes and the field can be easily flooded beyond recognition. Is this earth where we hold our treasures? Maybe we are holding on to something that’s not worth our grip? Tillet S. Teddlie says it best in the third verse of this song; “Why should I long for this world and it’s sorrows…?” Good question.

“Sweet By and By” – 878

In the sweet by and by (heaven) we trust there’s a land that is fairer than anything we’ve ever experienced. Do we know that for sure? Has anyone been there and returned with pictures of the beautiful shore? John gives us our best glimpse into that realm as we read the book of Revelation. No one has seen heaven, “but by faith we can see it afar.”

“Where the Gates Swing Outward Never” – 864

Before our lesson we’ll sing this old spiritual song about gates that don’t ‘swing outward.’ What an image that the gates of heaven (Revelation 21:25) will never close! Humbled we should considered that in ‘a few more days’ or ‘a few more years’ we’ll ‘wake to see Him for whom my (our) heart is burning…’ How many of us can honestly say we have a heart that is burning to see the Savior, a heart that is yearning to go home?

“In the Land of Fadeless Day” – 890

The chorus of this song has always brought encouragement to me; “God shall wipe away all tears…” . It echoes the words of Revelation 21:4, but continues on into the 16th verse and provides the title for this spiritual song. “The city is laid out as a square, and its length is as great as the width…” (four square) Perhaps not a traditional invitation song, but what a great reminder that the gates of heaven (vs. 3) never close.

“Just Over in the Glory-Land” – no book

“What a joyful thought that my Lord I’ll see, just over in the glory-land; and with kindred saved there forever be, just over in the glory-land!” Kindred saved…what (who) is kindred? We don’t use that term much today, ‘kinfolk,’ but that is a term used to identify family. We are the family of God so it makes since to say we’ll go home to be with our kin when this life is over. Where is home? Just over the way…in glory-land!

1, April 19, 20131, April 19, 2013

Crossing the Finish Line…April 21st

Monday afternoon, April 15th, our country suffered yet another ‘terrorist’ attack. As the runners neared the finish line of the Boston Marathon, a bomb shattered the lives of hundreds and thousands of people. Even while we are ‘running the race’ and trying to finish strong, tragedy can strike at our hearts. But I encourage the reader to turn to God, and worship.

This Sunday morning, April 21st, we will talk about another finish line. The one that we all will cross as life comes to a close. Our lesson is designed to draw us closer to thinking about how we are running the race of life. No anticipation of explosions and surprises, but we are all running toward the finish line.

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

Sunday morning, April 21, 2013

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

“I Stand Amazed” – 147

This spiritual song is one that we could use to prepare our minds for the Lord’s Supper. With both the second and third verse referencing Christ crucifixion we are reminded of his ‘sweat drops of blood‘ and the burden He bore to Calvary. So it shouldn’t be a surprise for the redeemed to sing the refrain… “O how marvelous! O how wonderful! Is my Savior’s love for me.”

“I Sing Praises” – 97

Written almost 25 years ago, this contemporary song is basic in format. With the title being the first verse, the Christian offers a hymn to our Lord. “I sing praises to Your name, O Lord, praises to Your name…for Your name is great and greatly to be praised.” The Psalmist writes, “I will praise You among the nations.” (Psalm 18:49)

“In Christ Alone” – no book

Consider this song of admonition as we prepare our minds to commemorate our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. As verse one consist of recognizing our Cornerstone, solid ground and Comforter, verse two takes us from His birth to His crucifixion. Those who know this song cherish the third verse. As we begin singing softly of His burial, our voices ‘burst forth’ as we sing of His resurrection. The final verse gives us the assurance of our security in Christ as we sing, ‘No power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck me from His hand…”

“Beneath the Cross of Jesus” – 314

For this morning’s worship service, we’ll sing only the 3rd and 4th verses of this spiritual song. As we pause between the bread and the fruit of the vine, together we’ll look ‘Upon that cross of Jesus…the very dying form of One who suffered there for me…” As we continue singing this verse ask yourself if your heart is indeed smitten with tears when you consider His glorious love and our (my own) worthlessness.

“Consider Him” – 593

Not necessarily a familiar psalm, but as we sing, we’ll be singing scripture. In Hebrews 12:1-3, we read of the encouragement we find in knowing that we’re surrounded by those who have gone before us. Do you get worn out in life as you ‘run the race?’ The Hebrew writer encourages us to “…consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners…” Why consider Him? “…so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.”

“Hilltops of Glory” – no book

“Onward rejoicing, I tread life’s way…” This song before our lesson dates back to the mid 1950’s and we sing about pressing on toward heaven. The chorus posses a great question, “O brother, won’t you come go with me?” How will you answer the chorus? Maybe you need to ask yourself, ‘Am I asking the question?’

“Only a Step” – 940

How far away from God do you think you are? What kind of step(s) do you need to take to get right with Christ? This invitation song begins with the call to ‘Hear the sweet voice of Jesus…’ In John 14:6, Jesus says, ‘I am the way…No one comes to the Father except through Me.” The writer of this song encourages us with the understanding that Jesus is only a step away. Those who have been baptized into Christ at one time stepped into the watery grave of baptism. If you are not a child of God and you wonder how far away is He? The answer is simple…He’s only a step away.

“Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand” – 613

What does it mean ‘time is filled with swift transition?’ Obviously swift is quick and transition is to change…so as we sing this song we’re saying, “time (life) changes fast”. How true…and this spiritual song encourages us to “hold to God’s hand” as time changes. It’s been said, “time changes everything”. There’s a lot of truth to that, but we can rest assured that when our journey is finished, and if we’ve been true to God, our joyful hearts will view glory. In the mean time, we’ve got to hold to God’s unchanging hand.

1, February 18, 20131, March 6, 2013

A Problem on the Way to the Promise Land…Feb. 17th

Sunday morning, February 17th at Waterview church of Christ, our lesson was aimed some of our trials/problems on our way to heaven. To be specific…complaining!

As we examined the Israelite nation (post Egyptian captivity), Robert opened the word and we looked at how often the people of God complained about; the water and food (or lack there of) and the leadership coupled with an ‘I can do better’ attitude. The following ‘order of worship’ was designed to focus our minds on this Lord’s day. Will you think about the songs you sing in praise to God?

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

Sunday morning, February 17, 2013

You’ll notice the following songs come from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Praise the Lord” and “Great Are You, Lord” – 74 & no book

Four songs in this hymnal begin with these three, power words; “Praise the Lord”, but our song this morning was written by J. Kempthorne in 1796. The words are taken from the 148th Psalm and the chorus resounds with “Hallelujah! Amen” repeated twice for emphasis. “Holy Lord” (or better known as “Great Are You, Lord”) came on the scene almost 200 years later. Written by a husband and wife team, Steve & Vikki Cook, this hymn again sings praises to our God. A wonderful introduction to coming together, with my heart and sing…Great are You Lord!

“Beneath the Cross of Jesus” – 314

We set our minds on the Lord’s Supper as we sang the 1st and 3rd verses of this song. As we set our minds and hearts at the foot of the cross, in our mind’s eye we can see, “the very dying form of One who suffered there for me.” But we’ll keep our eyes on the cross as we continue to focus during the Lord’s Supper this morning.

“The Old Rugged Cross” – 313

Perhaps a bit of controversy surrounds this old hymn as some feel we shouldn’t ‘cherish’ the old rugged cross. But to others, this is metaphorically cherishing the death of my Savior, for without that cross, I’m lost. This morning however, we specifically sang only the 3rd verse following the bread and before the fruit of the vine. Continuing to keep our eyes on Jesus we sang, “In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see; for ’twas (it was) on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, to pardon and sanctify me…”

“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” – 315

Though a very popular ‘communion’ song, again we only sang the third verse of ‘When I Survey.’ My reasoning was simple…keep your eyes on the cross of Jesus. “See from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flowed mingled down…” Keeping the volume soft and thoughtful we maintained a solemn focus on the death of our Savior as we partook of the Lord’s Supper.

“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” – 276

The title of this song comes from the chorus which was made famous by Helen Lemmel in 1922 (how many thought this to be a contemporary song). Though we rarely sing the first three verses of this song, (verse 1) “O soul are you weary and troubled?” the power of the chorus helps us keep our eyes on Jesus. As we conclude the Memorial of our Lord’s death, we continually strive to stay focused on Him. Would that our mind be so strongly tied to our God that, “…the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

“To Canaan’s Land I’m On My Way” – 867

With the title of our lesson on ‘the promise land’, I thought it appropriate our song before the lesson singing us toward Canaan’s Land (heaven). Interestedly enough we have lots of sorrows, struggles, tears and pain here on earth, but in heaven…“Dear friends they’ll be no sad farewells. They’ll be no tear dimmed eyes.” Why you might ask? Simply, in Heaven (Canaan’s Land) the soul never dies.

“Bring Christ Your Broken Life” – 911

Though specific for the hymnal Faith and Praise, I think it’s interesting that this invitation song, this call for sinners to ‘bring Christ your broken life’ is found on page 9-1-1. Notice these words: “Bring Christ your broken life, so marred by sin, He will create a new, make whole again; your empty wasted years He will restore, and your iniquities (sin) remember no more.” (Emphasis added) “Bring Him your every care if great or small – whatever troubles you, O bring it all! Bring Him the haunting fears, the nameless dread, Thy heart He will relieve, and lift up thy head.”

“A Mansion, Robe and Crown” – no book

Another contemporary song, this one again focuses on heaven. The third verse grabs my attention when I sing about difficult times; “My head is bowed and bloody now from the work I’ve tried to do…” Maybe not physically for most of us, for some in the mission field I’m certain this is true. Needless to say we are all looking forward to a mansion, robe and crown!

1, June 22, 20121, July 6, 2012

Let’s Gather at the River!

When we read Revelation chapters 21 and 22, John is describing a vision of heaven as he spends his last days in exile on the island of Patmos. From the beginning of this book to its close, we come to understand God’s desire for men to realize His promise of heaven and the assurance of Jesus Christ as our Redeemer. Actually, the first three chapters are Christ’s words as He details the future of seven churches in Asia (a lesson for each of us to take to heart). But as we read the first verse of chapter 22, the description of heaven includes, “…a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”

Many have tried to capture the image of heaven; as they draw a picture of the pearly gates and streets of gold (Revelation 21:21). But in 1864 Robert Lowry, sweltering in the summer heat of New York, began to imagine and visualize the ‘cool, crystal river flowing by the throne of God.’ His inspiration brought him to write this classic hymn that many still sing today. Notice the message of heaven as he writes:

“Shall we gather at the river, where bright angel feet have trod;
With it’s crystal tide forever flowing by the throne of God?”

This verse he penned comes as a question. A call to those who sing as well as to those who hear, do you want to come to the river by God’s throne? He continues with his encouragement as he writes about being with God in heaven. The song continues…

“On the margin of the river, washing up it’s silver spray;
We will walk and worship ever all the happy, golden day.”

“Ere we reach the shining river, lay we every burden down;
Grace our spirits will deliver and provide a robe and crown.”

“Soon we’ll reach the shining river, soon our pilgrimage will cease;
Soon our happy hearts will quiver with the melody of peace.”

As we read/sing this poem describing heaven we harken back to the chorus (the refrain) which in essence answers the question from verse one. With a unified voice, the congregation responses, “Yes we’ll gather at the river! The beautiful, the beautiful river. Gather with saints at the river that flows by the throne of God.” Next time you sing this song I hope you will think about and anticipation the excitement we have to look forward to in heaven.

But there is more to my motivation for writing about this song than just remembering an old hymn from Robert Lowry. As I write this article more than 1000 Christians from across the country are converging in on Red River, New Mexico for the 26th Annual RRFE (Red River Family Encampment). A week dedicated to Bible study, wonderful Bible-based lessons, worship, singing and fellowship in the cool, Rocky Mountains of New Mexico. This year it is my honor to lead singing for the encampment as well as teach three classes on understanding and appreciating congregational singing. If you live somewhat close to Red River, New Mexico you might want to come on down this year. But certainly you’ll want to mark your calendar for next summer, June 22-26, for RRFE.

Heaven will be more than we can imagine. Whether the streets are pure gold and the twelve gates are made of pearl, I don’t know. But this I know…it will be more beautiful and more fantastic than you and I can picture. Words fall short of describing the elegance and majesty we’ll see when we meet around God’s throne. Red River isn’t heaven, but the joy of being with fellow Christians, and sharing in hours of singing and praise to God is perhaps as close as we’ll get to heaven here on earth. So next year, I hope you’ll join us and let’s, “Gather with the saints at the river…”

1, June 9, 20121, June 9, 2012

Sing to Me Again!

“O Lord, I thought the day would never come; when I could lay my burden’s down and walk with you. And this morning as I greet the rising sun, the fondest of my dreams have all come true. The greatest friend you’ll ever find is on a lonely mountain. The highest high you’ll ever reach is when you kneel to pray. The brightest light you’ll ever see is when you close your eyes. O Lord, You are my first love and at last I realize.”

Sung by a young group of 13-19 year old teens, this ‘spiritual song’ encouraged my friends and me during the early mornings of our annual summer camp. To the best of my knowledge, Camp Blue Haven still meets during the summer months in the mountains outside of Las Vegas, New Mexico. I doubt if this song is still a favorite at CBH, but the memories and friendships that we formed there in the late 1970’s will be treasured for the rest of my life.

What about you; do you remember songs from the earlier years of your life? The quiet evenings as you sat around the living room and sang as a family. Or perhaps you were blessed to have a mother who would ‘sing you to sleep’. Some of my fondest memories are hearing my mother sing as she busied herself in the kitchen. With the window open and the sound of her “Doris Day” voice floating out into the back yard, I can still hear, “Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee…How great Thou Art“. If you don’t have memories like these it’s not too late to make them for those you love.

My wife and I made it a point to sing to our children in their early years, as they were going to sleep. After they were tucked in, the lights were out and our prayers had been said; Vicki or I would sing to the kids. That was almost 10 years ago (some how they learned to go to sleep without our songs), but one old hymn stills brings memories of days gone by. Written one hundred years ago by Austin Miles, my grandmother began this early tradition that was passed on to our children. As she rocked, I can still hear her sing, “I Come to the Garden Alone”.

Regardless the song or the number of years that have gone by, our minds race back to an earlier time when we found comfort in the words of heaven and peace and God. Even if you’ve never had the peace that comes from a melodious past, you can always lay your burden down and walk with God. When you do you too can say, “…the greatest friend you’ll ever find is on a lonely mountain…”

1, June 3, 2012

It’s Not About Me…

For the last several decades our culture has turned to embrace and fulfill any and all of our personal, selfish and individual desires. Some might attribute this movement to the 1960’s or the “Me Generation”. Perhaps there is some truth to this, but selfish behavior isn’t limited to any specific age, gender or generation. Christ demonstrated how we should be more concerned and willing to serve others (put ourselves last). Unfortunately and too often this ‘Me first’ philosophy has crept its way into some of the spiritual songs.

Now maybe I’m being too hard our some of the song writers over the years, but let me ‘push your thoughts’ and ask you to think about what we are singing and the message we give in our songs of praise and encouragement.

In 1949 Ira Stanphill (author of several hymns) wrote a very upbeat and energetic song entitled, Mansion over the Hilltop. A fun song to sing and one that we can find scriptural basis in John 14:1-3 when Christ said to his disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I’m going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am.” My concern with this song comes in the statement just prior to the chorus, “…but in that city where just ransomed will shine, I want a gold one that’s silver lined.” And verse two, “…I’m just a pilgrim in search of city, I want a mansion, a robe and a crown.” Forgive me if I come across too legalistic, but my thoughts have been leading me closer to thinking about and understanding what we’re singing.

Thirty-five years later, 1984, Sylvia Rose penned a song that we sing in some of our congregations today. A contemporary song that was written on request from her father. Though he wasn’t dying, Sylvia’s father asked her to write a song for his funeral. The song, “A Mansion, Robe and Crown” was the product of his request. This is another exciting, upbeat song and one that exudes a lot of energy. But again, look at the words; “I’m gonna trade my earthly home for a better one bright and fair…” True as it might be, my concern comes in from the bass line in the chorus, “Lord, I want a brand new mansion, robe and a crown in glory…”.

Is there anything wrong when we ask (say) that we want something from God? Certainly we petition our Father on a daily basis and without a doubt we’d be lost without seeking, asking for God’s grace and love. We have sung this song in church on occasion; but I still come back to ask…are we thinking about what we’re saying? In the three verses of this song you’ll notice “I”, “my” and “me” dominate the song. Sing this song and you’ll find these three personal pronouns 21 times. In a world that wants the focus and personal preference to go “MY way”, I hope to send a reminder that it’s not about me…