The Least…March 10th

Sunday morning, March 10th at Waterview church of Christ, our lesson will be presented by Robert Taylor as he provides a update from our mission work in Nicaragua.

When we pour out our coins for the ‘Breakfast Program’ in Nicaragua, we are doing much more than filling a small basket. We are providing more than just a warm meal. We are opening doors for the word to be spread in yet another mission field. This morning we’ll spend some time considering the words of our Lord in Matthew 25. Perhaps you will find the following ‘order of worship’ a means by which you can focus your mind on the songs we’ll sing this coming Lord’s day.

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

Sunday morning, March 10, 2013

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

“The Great Redeemer” – 250

It’s interesting to realize that this song is almost 100 years old. Written by Francis Foster in 1915, “The Great Redeemer” stirs the emotions as all four parts take an active lead in harmonizing the voice and praising our God. But ask yourself if you will honestly do what you say you will do in the chorus; “…I will never cease to raise a song of gladness in His praise.”

“I Will Sing the Wondrous Story” – 509

Another song with some beautiful harmony. This YouTube link is a good acappella arrangement that you can listen to and sing with… “Yes, I’ll sing the wondrous story.”

“How Beautiful” – 365

A contemporary song (1991) that speaks so clearly to the Lord’s Supper. Notice the bridge; “And as He laid down His life, we offer this sacrifice, that we may live just as He died, willing to pay the price…” The feet that bring the good news and the hands that serve are beautiful, but how beautiful is the body of Christ!

“I Am Mine No More” – 683

Though the author and composer of this song are unknown, the message is very clear. Would that we do more than just say, “I am mine no more…”, but that our lives would reflect a change in our priority. When you say something is more important than something else, it’s only proven by your next step. If you are truly no longer concerned about self, have you changed anything specific?

“Savior, Thy Dying Love” – 667

Following the Lord’s Supper and during the passing of the collection plate we’ll sing this hymn from the 1860’s. It serves as a good reminder of the sacrifice (our Savior’s dying love). Notice the last line from the first three verses; “…some offering bring Thee now, something for Thee.”, “…some song to raise or prayer, something for Thee.” “…some wanderer sought and won, something for Thee.” But now read the last line of the fourth verse. “And when Thy face I see, my ransomed soul will be, through all eternity, something for Thee.” You give a few dollars when the collection plate comes around, but what will you give when Monday morning comes around?

“A Beautiful Life” – 570

Before our lesson, join in the spiritual song that boasts a strong tenor/bass echo. As we move into the chorus, the men take the lead, but with all the ‘musical’ excitement we must never miss the message. Can you say you are helping those who are in need? Are you letting your light shine along the way? When was the last time you were willing to lend a helping hand? A good reminder from this song…

“Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary” – 912

This old ‘invitation song’ is replete as the title is sung over and over again. Include the chorus after each verse and the phrase “Burdens are lifted at Calvary” is repeated nine times. So when we sing this song on Sunday we’ll hold the chorus to the end, following all three verses. Just don’t forget that Jesus IS very near.

“His Yoke is Easy” – 612

We’ll close our service with this 1893 spiritual song, admonishing the congregation with the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:29, 30. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” When you sing this closing song I hope you believe, “…His service is my sweetest delight, His blessings ever flow.”

1, March 1, 20131, February 28, 2013

GIGO…March 3rd

My prayer for those who are reading this to be drawn closer to understanding the purpose we share on Sunday morning. We come together and worship God, we come to offer a sacrifice of praise and to join together as we commemorate our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. This coming Sunday morning (March 3rd) we’ll examine our hearts and see if what comes out of our heart is reflective of what is going into our mind. We’ll sing on Sunday morning, but will your words reflect your heart…or will you be singing from a routine practiced over the years?

Sunday morning, March 3, 2013

Our sermon topic on Sunday is entitled, “GIGO”, what does that mean? Join us Sunday morning or check out the lesson on Waterview’s website [LINK] Sunday afternoon. Those who are familiar with this website know the following is an account of our order of worship. All song numbers are from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Holy Ground Medley” – 99, 100 & 101

The editors of our hymnal (Faith & Praise) chose to place the songs In His Presence, Holy Ground (by Beatty) and Holy Ground (by Davis) as a predesigned medley. Many have sung this collection of songs and the message is a powerful reminder of the holiness of God. We begin by focusing on the environment we find when ‘in the presence of God’…comfort, peace and assurance. The medley continues as we recognize being in His presence. Remember Moses (Exodus 3) as he was standing ‘on holy ground.’ Ken Young added the second verse of Beatty’s song when he wrote; “You are holy, God, a perfect and holy God. We will come before You with hearts made clean by Jesus’ blood.” We come to worship our Father, and together we are standing on Holy Ground.

“Why Did My Savior Come to Earth” – 382

The question is asked with this spiritual song, why? Why did Jesus come to earth and choose the birth of a lowly peasant born in a stable? And why would our Savior choose to die such a cruel, painful death and be lifted up for all to see…and scorn? The answer is repeated three times in the chorus (7 times if you count the echo in the refrain) “He loves me so much that He gave His precious life for me…” Now transition to the next song.

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

A contemporary song that isn’t asking the question “How deep is the Father’s love,” but one that is sung to confirm what we already realize. God’s love for us is so deep, and vast we can’t measure it. How great the pain must have been for both the Father and the Son. But the objective was clear, to ‘bring many sons to glory.’ We continue this song as we ‘behold the man upon the cross’ and clearly recognize our sins. Think in your mind back to the mocking voices (Luke 23:35-38) as they stood at the foot of the cross? In poetry we sing, “…ashamed I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers.”

Following the Lord’s Supper we’ll revisit the third verse from these two songs. We asked earlier, “Why did my Savior come to earth…” and then again “…Why should I gain from His reward?” Do you remember the next line, “I cannot give an answer, but this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom.” Before we conclude this medley, let’s us sing…“Till Jesus comes I sing His praise, and then to glory go…”

“Wonderful Words of Life” – 543

Prior to today’s lesson we’ll stand and sing this familiar melody from the late 1800’s. Philip Bliss authored many songs (10 in the Faith and Praise hymnal), but this particular one captivates me as we sing verse 2, “Christ the blessed one gives to all, wonderful words of life. Sinner, list (listen) to the loving call, wonderful words of life. All so freely given (these wonderful words), wooing us to heaven…” What does it mean to woo something (someone)? One definition; “To entreat, solicit, request…” Notice; the ‘words of life’ are given as an attempt (if you will) to entreat us/call us to heaven. Wonderful Words!

“Is Thy Heart Right with God” – no book

How is your heart? Not physically speaking, but spiritually speaking? Is it right with God? Too often I fear we self-diagnose our life in Christ and come away with faulty information. If my affections (things I hold as most important) are not given up (sacrificed), or if I can’t ‘count all things…but loss’ (for Jesus), then will I ever be right with God? Ask yourself this question and then make a change. Perhaps you need to be washed in the crimson flood…

“Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen in Me” – 722

“From the dawn of the morning to close of day…” What do people see in you? How is your example, in both your actions and your words? This song reminds me that I must lay all my gifts at His feet and think carefully about how I act toward others. Can the beauty of Jesus be seen in me?

Join us each and every Sunday morning!

1, February 22, 20131, February 23, 2013

A 50 Year Journey…Feb. 24th

Sunday morning, February 24th, Waterview church of Christ celebrates 50 years with Robert & Willora Oglesby. Since the spring of 1963, Robert has been the pulpit preacher for this congregation of God’s people. For that longevity of faithfulness we give God the glory. As we sing today, our songs are intended to admonish and encourage the family as we bring before God our sacrifice of praise, the fruit of our lips (Hebrews 13:15). Thanks be to God for working through Robert these past 50 years!

The following ‘order of worship’ is designed to focus our mind toward our worship to Him. 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 24, 2013

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

“Step By Step”, “Here We Are But Straying Pilgrims” & “He Has Made Me Glad” – 15, 537 & 103 respectively

This three song medley is a strong, upbeat blend using a hymn, spiritual song and psalm (can you tell which one is which…yes, I know there is some gray in the definition of each, but you get the idea). We begin this morning proclaiming our faith in God and announcing that, ‘…I will follow You all of my days’. Our second song in this medley encourages the saints to focus on heaven. With the verses sung in unison, we sense the oneness of our journey home. Finally, the last song in this medley is a quote from Psalm 100. We come together with thanksgiving in our hearts…I’m glad to be worshiping with the saints!

“Til My Faith Becomes Sight” – 836

The second verse provides us the reminder of our reason for coming together this morning…“Lamb of God, dear hope of glory, Savior crucified, by Your blood I am redeemed my debt now satisfied…” We must ‘keep our eyes’ on Jesus as we meet, communion and worship our King.

“‘Tis Set the Feast Divine” – no book

Not in many of our hymnals, this song by L. O. Sanderson serves to prepare our minds (keep our minds) focused on the Savior and His death on the cross. “May we the Lord discern…” As we sing we’re asking that we all recognize and realize the death of Jesus is the only thing we need to concern ourselves with. When we eat of the bread and drink of the cup…what are you thinking about?

“In Memory of the Savior’s Love” – 335

Following the passing of the fruit of the vine, we’ll sing this old hymn by Thomas Cotterill written in 1805. Notice the call for us to remember His love, and come before Him with a contrite heart. How contrite (full of remorse) is your heart when you take of the Lord’s Supper? We take the bread of life and the token cup of blood as we anticipate the ‘heavenly feast above’.

“This World is Not My Home” – 957

Do you ‘feel right at home’ when it comes to this world? If you do I would recommend you reconsider your comfort zone. We’ll sing here about our treasures being stored in heaven (Matthew 6:19) and not feeling at home in this world anymore. The chorus is so strong; “…if heaven’s not my home, then Lord, what will I do?” Remember this, without the hope of heaven we’re lost in an unfriendly world.

“Higher Ground” (Ken Young version) – no book

This revised, old song has become a Waterview favorite during the last 8-10 years. The words haven’t changed, but the music has. Same tune, but the 2nd verse brings a solid foundation of male voices singing, “Heart has no desire to stay where doubts arise and fears dismay. Some may dwell where these abound my prayer my aim is higher ground…” Notice what you just read/sang; My heart doesn’t want to stay here (this world is not my home) where there are doubts and fears that destroy our courage (dismay). But even though some people seem to dwell in this type of circumstance ( where doubts and fears abound), my prayer and my aim is HIGHER GROUND!

“Let Me Live Close to Thee” – 831

Not a typical invitation song, but since we’re talking and thinking about our journey, this seems to fit our call for repentance, change and renewing. How willing are you to ‘work and never shirk’ for your God. Let’s all say (sing) we want to live close to Him each day.

“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” – no book

A contemporary song that proclaims the victory belongs to God. We’ll close this morning’s worship service with a song of victory. Will you go out into the world and take on the full armor (panoply) of God? In the chorus, as we sing, let’s give all our 1) glory, 2) honor, 3) power and 4) strength to the Lord.

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!