Tag: Lamb of God

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A Reunion of Veterans…Nov. 9th

2014 posterWe are blessed to live in a country that honors those who served to protect and defend our nation’s freedom. Regardless of the branch of service, men and women have been fighting for American’s interest for decades, laying down their life if necessary believing in the cause! And every year on the 11th hour of the 11th day in the 11th month we stand tall to honor our veterans. Many of us, whether we have served or not, come together as a sort of reunion to thank these veterans and remember their service.

But consider for a moment the soldiers who stand and defend (or have stood and defended) the cause of Christ? They lived and died serving the King of Kings. Hebrews chapter 11 gives us a brief list of those ‘heroes’ of old, the veterans who faithfully served in the Lord’s Army. Today, you and I are still fighting the battle between good and evil (Ephesians 6:10-20). As we strive to be faithful soldier’s of the cross let’s look forward to our reunion. Next time one of our soldiers comes home, welcome them with open arms, and in the same way we anticipate ‘A Reunion of Veterans.’

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

Sunday morning, November 9, 2014

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

“Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” – 648

Are you willing to take a stand for what you believe in? When someone comes asking if you believe in the Bible, are you taking a stand for truth or are you not too sure? Some might think this song is intended to be sung standing up, a little like ‘on your feet soldier.’ But whether you’re sitting or standing, you soldiers of the crosssing about your decision. Will you stand up for what is right, or are you content to sit back and see what happens. We begin this morning singing, “…Ye soldiers of the cross; lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss.” Before we end this service we’ll sing again of the royal banner and our responsibility to ‘march on.’

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

This old spiritual song asks a basic question. It’s a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ question that only you can answer. Are you a soldier of the cross, a follower of the Lamb? The one who says “YES” knows the answer to this question as we sing; “Is this vile (wicked) world a friend to grace to help you on to God?”  The world is no friend to God, but soldiers of the cross know this … where are our friendships? Are we friends with the world, or are we soldier’s of the cross?

“Freely, Freely” – 635

We read in Matthew chapter 10 the words of Jesus as He commissioned His followers, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.” God forgave us of our sins and adopted us as His children. Our cost for this adoption was nothing. From His own hand we have freely received the hope of eternal life. Will we give that same hope away to a lost and dying world? Soldiers often do more than fight, we also free the oppressed. “Freely you have received, freely, freely give!”

“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” – 749

What a great thought of assurance for any soldier to know the battle is over. To hear the news…we’ve won! In Christ we know that to be true and so together we sing this song before our lesson; “In heavenly armor we’ll enter the land, the battle belongs to the Lord! No weapon that’s fashioned against us will stand, the battle belongs to the Lord. And we sing…Glory, Honor, Power and Strength to the Lord…”

“I Am Coming, Lord” – 923

As we offer the invitation, thinking about the reunion of God’s veterans, we offer a plea to those who have not yet joined the fight. Standing on the outside looking in, never knowing the joy of serving in the Kingdom, many will leave this life unaware of a reunion of God’s veterans. Or perhaps a soldier has gone AWOL and deserted his post, it’s never too late to come back. It is Jesus who ‘calls me on to perfect faith and love, to perfect hope and peace and trust, for earth and heaven above.’ This may be the time for you to say, “I am coming, Lord!”

“Lamb of God” – 176

One of the last things we’ll do this morning is offer the Lord’s Supper. Whether it’s early in the worship service or held back to the end, we’ll remember our Lord’s death burial and resurrection this morning as we sing about the Lamb of God. Follow the thought found in the second verse of this song, ‘Your gift of love they crucified, they laughed and scorned Him as He died, the humble King they named a fraud and sacrificed the Lamb of God.’ Turn your mind to Lamb and remember His sacrifice.

“There’s a Royal Banner” – 627

Just as we began our worship time together singing about His banner, we’ll close lifting high the royal banner. Perhaps the thing we should come away with as we sing this closing song is the fact that God’s soldiers are ‘marching on!’ Soldiers of the cross eagerly anticipate the resurrection day, and in so doing we count everything but loss. Live your life looking forward to a Reunion of Veterans.

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Jesus Only…May 25th

Some say you do it this way; others say, no, do it like this. How is one to Only Jesusknow what is right and what’s wrong? Could it be both are OK? Perhaps in some situations it doesn’t matter how the job gets done as long as it gets done. However, can the same be said about my understanding of the Bible? Does it matter how I live or what I believe when it comes to eternity in heaven?

Many have said it doesn’t matter how you come to God, just as long as you come. Is that true? Perhaps we should look at the words of God’s Son as Jesus very clearly said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6. Join us Sunday morning when we’ll look at this idea and consider, Only Jesus!

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

Sunday morning, May 25, 2014

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

“The Steadfast Love of the Lord” – 123

Taken from Lamentations chapter 3 we read, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.” Truly we sing a Psalm as we begin this morning!

“My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” – 538

What do you hope in? Is it the world? Do you find comfort in this life? The Christian knows that hope comes in Jesus Christ and Him alone. ‘On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand…”

“Lamb of God” – 176

“My Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.” The sacrifice for my sin washes away all my iniquities so that I can come into His presence. We’ll remember this sacrifice as we remember His death, burial and resurrection.

“There is a Redeemer” – 287

God’s people singing…”Thank You, O my Father, for giving us Your Son…” We sing of the Redeemer this morning, but don’t let the world persuade you to ‘put Him out of your mind’ the other 6 days of the week. Because one day we will all, ‘stand in glory…?’ Let’s be ready and serve our King forever.

“Only in Thee” – 492

How do you handle troubles when they ‘molest?’ When temptations oppress you and your life seems to be ‘tossed on the sea,’ do you have a guide? Some trust in their power or position or just hope to make it through. We will sing about and look toward that “…sweet pavilion of rest, only, dear Lord, in Thee.”

“Wonderful Words of Life” – 543mount of transfiguration

As Peter, James and John stood with Jesus and saw Him with Moses and Elijah, they were amazed. Wanting to recognize all three, they were corrected when God said this about Jesus, “…listen to Him!” Notice verse 8 and the words we’ll sing following the reading; “And lifting up their eyes, they (the disciples) saw no one, except Jesus Himself alone.” Verse 2: “Christ, the blessed One gives to all, wonderful words of Life; sinner, list (listen) to the loving call, wonderful words of Life. Verse 3: Jesus, only Savior, sanctify forever…beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of Life.”

“No Not One” – 396

No one can compare to Jesus Christ. In His own words He said, “Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and you shall find rest unto your souls.” Can any compare with Christ? “No, Not One!”

“Thou Art the Way” – 280

How do I come to God? Understand Christ’s words in John 14, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life…” So we sing, “Thou are the Way: to Thee Alone we must flee from sin…Thou Art the Truth: Thy Word alone imparts true wisdom… Thou art the Life: the open tomb proclaims You the Victor!” Read the song, sing the words with understanding!

“Have Thine Own Way” – 552

This song finds us calling for Christ to mold me into His will! Knowing that only Jesus is the Way; are you yielding to Him, will you be whiter than snow and give Him “absolute sway?” (complete rule of your life) We’ll sing and He’ll wait for your answer.

“Where the Gates Swing Outward Never” – 864

Just a few more days…a few more years and then we’ll ‘wake to see Him!’ Are you ready? Does your heart burn to be with Him in heaven? Is there a yearning for that day when we’ll never more sigh (or die)? We sing, “I’ll exchange my cross for a starry crown where the gates swing outward never; at His feet I’ll lay every burden down and with Jesus reign forever.” But only if we follow Jesus…Only!

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The Silence of the Lambs…September 22nd

Fearful of their surroundings, an unlikely threesome walk down a brick road chanting the infamous, “Lions and Tigers and Bears, O my…” They feared what many consider vicious predators.  Animals whose character is powerful and lions-tigers-bearsruthless.  It’s true, some of God’s creatures are not to be trifled with; but on the other hand, some are extremely passive and best described as vulnerable.  So why would the Son of God be classified as one of these?  Isaiah will describe Him as, ‘a lamb led to slaughter.’  Non-aggressive and defenseless is a good description for a lamb.

A silent lamb led to its shearers is the way Isaiah describes Christ.  Not kicking back, roaring or ‘fighting to the end.’  Mark states clearly at Christ’s ‘trial’ that He, “…kept silent and did not answer.”  Join us this coming Sunday morning at Waterview church of Christ as we’ll be looking at the innocent and un-protesting Lamb of God.

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

Sunday morning, September 22, 2013

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

 “We Praise Thee, O God”

This is a wonderful, old hymn that dates back to the days before our country’s Civil War; a song that transcends time and brings ecstasy to the singer and listener alike.  Though penned more than 150 years ago, it still as a powerful message.  The first two verses begin, “We praise Thee, O God,”  while the next two verses begin, “All glory and praise…”  Beautiful words of exclamation, but least we lose sight of what we’re singing we conclude the chorus (and being the final verse) with the phrase, “Revive us again…”

“The Old Rugged Cross”

Some hymn writers have a wide collection of songs they’ve written over the years.  Authors and composers like Isaac Watts, Fanny J. Crosby, Albert Brumley, William Doane and Tillet S. Teddlie to name a few.  But for one man, George Bennard, his call to fame came in one song and one song alone, ‘The Old Rugged Cross.’  What a message of salvation from the pen of this man who turns our minds back in time to, ‘a hill far away’ as we remember the cross of Christ.

 “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross”

The third verse of this song will be sung between the bread and the fruit of the vine as we consider coming near the cross.  The plea for us to visualize our Lord’s death on the cross comes as we sing, “Near the cross! O Lamb of God, bring its scenes before me…”  Maybe some would rather not focus on that scene.  It was a murder scene and one that was graphic as you think about his hands, feet and side.  Not to mention the crown of thorns.  We need to stay near the cross because all that pain and sorrow was on our account.  He died for you and me.

“Worthy is the Lamb”

We’ve sung this before as we take the tune from Just As I Am and put it to some words and thoughts found around the throne of God in the book of Revelation.  When we can sing the scripture (a psalm) it makes for stronger understand of the text.  But when the words we sing are noted as having been sung around the throne of God…now that’s powerful.  We’ll sing: “You alone are worthy to open its seals, because You were slain and gave Your blood.  You purchased every man for God O worthy is the Lamb.”  Revelation 5:9 reads: “Worthy are You to worthy-is-the-lambtake the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.”

“You Are My All in All”

“Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is Your name!”  We’ll sing this contemporary song as we consider where our strength comes from, and what types of treasures we truly are seeking.  Interestingly enough how many people really believe what they say in that first verse; “Lord, to give up I’d be a fool…”  Defined:  ‘A person lacking judgment’…giving up on God is not only foolish, it’s life threatening.

 “Lamb of God”

The scripture reading just before this song is Isaiah 53:7, “…and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth.”  This inspired prophecy of Christ’s trial and crucifixion is captured by Isaiah the prophet, and we’ll follow it as we sing, “O Lamb of God, sweet Lamb of God…”

 “I Will Sing of My Redeemer”

This song has an interesting chorus, “Sing, O sing of my redeemer, Sing O sing of my Redeemer; with His blood He purchased me, with His blood He purchased me, on the cross He sealed my pardon, on the cross He sealed my pardon, paid the debt and made me free and made me free, and made me free.”  How often we sing, but fall short of listening to what we’re singing.  Why repeat these words?  Is it just for filler, or to enhance the harmony?  Maybe we just like the way we’re echoing the ladies part?  Or is there something more?  Maybe it’s important enough that it’s worth repeating…for emphasis.  Yes, I’ll sing!

 “Redeemed”

The song before our lesson, has a strong upbeat tempo.  But in case you haven’t noticed, this song uses the word ‘redeemed’ a total of 7 times…in the first verse alone.  How thankful are we for the redemption we have in Christ.  Because of the blood of the Lamb of God I can sing that I am, “…His child, and forever, I am.”

“Have You Been to Jesus?”       

An invitation, in its purest form, is a question.  Will you come to the party?  We send drop of bloodinvitations to ask for a response to our questions.  Each Sunday the preacher ‘offers the invitation’ for those who will respond to come to Christ.  How fitting, as we have sung and talked about the Lamb of God, that we would ask the question; “Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power; are you walking daily by the Savior’s side…are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?”  How will you answer (have you answered) the invitation?

 “We Will Glorify”

A contemporary song that proclaims what the people of God long to do…we want to (we will) glorify our God!  How often we sing with spirit and truth, but remember we must sing with understanding too.  This first verse alone gives glory to the King of Kings, the Lamb and the Lord of Lords.  But did you notice the last line of this verse (and the fourth)…?  Who is the Great I Am!  That’s not a question asking who the great I Am is, it’s a statement that the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords and the Lamb are all the great I Am…

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Does Anyone Know?…April 7th

Sunday morning, April 7th at Waterview church of Christ, we’ll be honored to hear a lesson from Kent Allen.  Brother Allen is VP for Advancement for Oklahoma Christian University, and his message is sure to inspire us as we consider our outward display of faith.

make a defense

Perhaps you’ve heard the comment; if you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?  This morning we’ll consider just how much the world knows about OUR faith in God.  We have the opportunity, better yet the obligation, to show Christ to a lost and dying world.  The songs this morning are designed to make us think about our shining light.

 

“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”

I Corinthians 14:15

Sunday morning, April 7, 2013

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

“Christ for the World We Sing” – 626

Have you looked closely at the first line in all three verses of this song?  Notice: “Christ for the world!”  That’s a statement we loudly proclaim and boldly sing.  And we sing it with 1) loving zeal, 2) with fervent prayer and 3) in one accord.  We sing this message to the world, but we also have a responsibility to bring the world to Christ.

“We Will Glorify” – 578

Written over 30 years ago, this song is still contemporary to many of us. Twila Paris made it popular, but our God is the reason we sing it.  Perhaps the closing statement from the first and fourth verses needs more examination and great proclamation; “…the Lord of lords, Who is the great I AM.”  John 8:58 “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I Am.”

“In My Life, Lord, Be Glorified” – 309

Before we bow in prayer, we’ll sing this hymn as we sing to Him!  The first verse is very personal, “In my life, Lord, be glorified…” but in the second verse we’ll change it to the plural form, “In our songs, Lord, be glorified…”  And finally we’ll close the song to include the Lord’s church; “In Your church, Lord, be glorified…”

“Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” – 648

Brother Kent Allen has requested this song to serve as our ‘song before the lesson.’  What a great way to admonish each other to live a life that puts Christ first.  Have you thought about this song lately?  We are singing about the armor of God (Ephesians 6), and in the third verse we’re reminded of the weakness we have in the flesh; “…Stand in HIS strength alone; the arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own”  But what does the author mean when he writes, “…put on the gospel armor; and watching unto prayer…”  Remember, ‘unto’ is a preposition that can mean ‘by’.  So with that in mind; we have on the armor of God and we’re waiting (watching) by means of prayer.  See Ephesians 6:18, “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert…”

“In the Hour of Trial” – 767

Not a typical ‘invitation song’, but this will serve us well this morning.  Take a close look at verse one; “…Jesus plead for me, lest by base denial I depart from Thee; When Thou seest me waiver, with a look recall…”  Remember Luke 22 when Christ is on trial?  Peter adamantly denies knowing Jesus (base denial, as an adjective, ‘base’ can mean ‘contemptible’) and then in Luke 22:61, “The Lord turned and looked at Peter.  And Peter remembered the word of the Lord…”.  With a look recall (help me to remember)…

“Lamb of God” – 176lamb for the slaughter

We’ll remember the Lord’s supper this morning after our lesson as we sing this beautiful song, again written by Twila Paris.  A song that we sing to our Father (a hymn).  God’s gift of love (the Lamb of God) is crucified for our sins.  He is scorned, mocked, defamed…and sacrificed.  “Like a lamb that is led to slaughter” (Isaiah 53:7) “I love the holy Lamb of God.”

“O For a Faith That Will Not Shrink” – 540

As we close the service this morning, remember our lesson; “Does Anyone Know (you’re a Christian)?  The words of this song were written by W. H. Bathurst in 1831.  Oh that we would all have a faith in God that doesn’t shrink away in difficult times.  A faith that doesn’t complain or ‘whine’ when troubles come.  A faith that shines more bright and clear.  With this kind of faith, even while here on earth, we’ll ‘taste the bliss’ of heaven.