One look around our home and you can see quite clearly that things are different. Not bad or in some abnormal way, but with the addition of boxes. And before you start thinking we’re planning to move or ‘storing up treasures on earth,’ you need to know that since her graduation from college, our daughter has been waiting patiently to move on. And so ‘her stuff’ has begun to stack up, but you also need to know that for the last 6 months she has been looking forward to this day…November 17, 2018. Our daughter, my little girl will become the wife of Max Dalton Todd.
And so the ‘stuff’ I’m seeing around the house is thanks to so many dear friends and family who love our daughter and want to bless this young couple as they start life together. Therefore, since the late summer months, FedEx and the US Postal Service have been (almost on a daily basis) delivering dozens of boxes to our address. But this article is not about wedding gifts, or boxes or even the blessings that have been bestowed upon my daughter. As I write this, I’m thinking about marriage and the wedding of Emili and Dalton. WOW…give me a minute!
Perhaps I’m feeling this way because of the focus our God has given to marriage. He is our Creator and from the beginning of time…He instituted marriage (Genesis 2). So we would be wise to read His words on the matter. Let’s start by thinking about Ephesians 5 & I Corinthians 7, Paul is giving instruction to husbands and wives. Or the Hebrew writer, in chapter 13, as he writes through inspiration that we should honor marriage. But John’s vision in Revelation is the premise here as it ties together our relationship to marriage with our relationship to God. Read Revelation 19:7-9…
“Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah!For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be gladand give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come,and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean,was given her to wear.” Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”
As a matter of fact, read further in Revelation chapter 21 as John writes about the bride adorned for her husband (vs. 2), the words ‘…faithful and true’ (vs. 5) and the statement in verse 9 saying, “Come here, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” We see the relationship between Christ and the church (His bride) and our parallel with marriage here in this life. So I write all this to simply quote the words of one of my favorite songs about Christ’s return as Keith Lancaster puts ‘the Wedding Day’ into true perspective. Because as the father of the bride I have to tell you…
“Lately I’ve been thinking as I look all around me. I see by the signs that we’re soon going to be leaving The bridegroom is coming to take us all away May be tomorrow, but I pray that it’s today
Chorus: And we will fly away in the twinkling of an eye Leaving all our heartaches and telling them all goodbye Yes we will fly away when he hears His Father say, “Jesus, go and get your bride, today’s your wedding day.”
Now when we see the bridegroom in the clouds in the sky Will he be telling you hello or telling you goodbye? Oh, be sure and be ready to meet Him face to face We’ve got to fight the good fight, we’ve got to keep our faith…”
Emili and Dalton…today’s your wedding day and your family and friends surround you in love. Hold fast to the message of God’s word and know that the relationship you are entering into is a ‘foretaste of rapture to come…’ (to quote another song.) And Emili, if the truth be known, I’m going to miss you and your boxes here at the house. Your mom and I love you both and are excited to see what God has in store for you and Dalton. Let me put my own personal spin to this song; “Lately I’ve been thinking as I look all around me, I see by the signs (the boxes) that you’re soon going to be leaving. Planned from the beginning, that’s what the scriptures say, I’ve known it was coming…can’t believe that it’s today!”
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.
Waterview church of Christ is excited to host the 2nd Annual Marriage Enrichment Seminar; One Man, One Woman, For Life. This year we are proud to welcome one of the outstanding professors from Harding University, Dr. Joe Brumfield. His topic Sunday morning will examine some of the ‘thinking traps’ Satan has set in an attempt to derail our marriages.
And since we are daily bombarded by a culture that embraces anything but “One Man, One Woman, For Life,” we must be all the more diligent to hold fast to God’s plan for marriage. We say we value strong marriages, but are we preparing for Satan’s attacks on our relationships. Are we on the alert for the snares the devil has laid out? Sunday morning we’ll examine some of “Satan’s Thinking Traps for Relationships.”
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, February 15, 2015
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“The Lilly of the Valley” – 548
A spiritual song that has been in our hymnals since the late 1800’s. Perhaps we sing these old songs without much thought, but notice what we’ll say in the second verse; “…in temptation He’s my strong and might tower (Proverbs 18:10); I have all for Him forsaken and all my idols tore from my heart, and now He keeps me by His power. (Now notice this…) Tho’ all the world forsake me, and Satan tempt me sore, through Jesus I shall safely reach the goal…” When we realize our strength comes from God, and when we rip the ‘idols’ from our life, we are heaven bound regardless of the traps Satan sets for us. But we’ll only make it ‘through the blood of Jesus Christ!’
“Great Are You Lord” – no book
A simple but clear proclamation we sing in this contemporary hymn,“Holy Lord, Most Holy Lord. You alone are worthy of my praise! Holy and true…Great are You, Lord!”
“In Memory of the Savior’s Love” – 335
Remembering our Savior’s sacrifice we also remember His commandment; “This is My body, which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” I Corinthians 11:24 and “This is cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” I Corinthians 11:25. So we sing together…“In memory of the Savior’s love we keep the sacred feast…”
“Lead Me Gently Home, Father” – 823
While the collection plate is being passed we’re reminded that this world is temporary. As a matter of fact, as we face ‘life’s toils,’ ‘life’s darkest hours,’ and ‘sore trials’ we have hope in knowing that our Father is leading us gently home. Only never forget; “Be Thou near to keep me, take me as Thine own, for I cannot live without Thee…Lead me gently home.”
“None of Self, And All of Thee” – 695
Before our lesson this morning, and as we consider the traps Satan has laid out, we must never forget his attempt to distract us with our greatest struggle…self. This spiritual song takes us from self worship to Godly worship. Sadly, too many of us would stop after verse 2 or 3. But without completing this song with verse four…we rest comfortably in Satan’s snare.
“Purer in Heart” – 671
Perhaps this wouldn’t classify as your typical invitation song, but notice the message; “Purer in heart, O God, help me to be…” That’s the opening line, the initial statement from each of the verses we’ll sing this morning. And the the message contained in the last verse is clear; “Keep me from secret sin, reign Thou my soul within…” Will we admit, do we truly believe, that there is secret sin in our life? When we do, we’re on our way to recognizing and overcoming, through Christ, Satan’s traps.
“When Morning Comes” – 985
I like how this closing song starts off; “Trials dark on every hand and we cannot understand all the ways that God will lead us to His blessed promised land…” But perhaps more fitting is the reminder that we will understand it better soon (by and by). And just to get one more push for our message this morning, we’ll sing the 3rd verse too; “Temptations, hidden snares, often take us unawares…” Husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, be prepared for Satan’s Thinking Traps for your Relationship. With Christ to guide us, with our Christian brothers and sisters to encourage us and with God to lead us…we will understand it better by and by!
Weddings are wonderful occasions adorned with tears of joy, songs of emotion and words of 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 in 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?
Why is it some marriages last for decades while others wither months after the honeymoon? Is there a secret formula that provides longevity to the marriage covenant? Maybe there’s a mysterious formula only the ‘lucky’ have discovered? We can better understand how marriages find success when we understand the phrase “I DO”…
The man and woman face each other and the preacher asks the long awaited question, “Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?” Without hesitation the bride’s response is clear, “I do!” At the same time the penitent one stands before the Lord and is asked a similar question, “Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God?” That response echoes the bride…”I DO!” A wedding and a baptism, is there a connection? Join us as we look at the mystery of marriage.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, January 19, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“You Are the Song that I Sing” – 238
What do we sing on Sunday morning? Is it a song to praise and glorify God? The Psalmist gives us a good starting point when it comes to singing, look to God first and foremost. “You (God) are the words and the music. You (God) are the song that I sing. You (God) are the harmony, You (God) are the melody, praise to Your name (God) I will sing…”
“Let Me Live Close to Thee” – 831
This chorus has a strong alto lead and an incredible message. Giving this hymn it’s title we sing together the chorus; “Let me live close to Thee, take my hand, dear Lord, and guide me all along the rugged way; O let me live close to Thee, let me walk and talk with Thee, dear Lord, each day.” Do you want to live close to Him? Does a husband want to be with his wife or a wife with her husband? They should, and so should the Christian long to be with his Savior.
“In Memory of the Savior’s Love” – 335
Our reading before the Lord’s Supper is I Corinthians 11:23, 24 when Paul reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice and His words. “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” We’ll sing together, and remember our Savior’s love. Let’s ‘keep the sacred feast’ and be sure we come with humble, contrite (repenting) hearts.
“By Christ Redeemed” – 366
Notice the last three words in each verse of this song conclude with the same words Paul wrote in I Corinthians 11:26. Remembering Christ’s death, burial and resurrection we partake of the Lord’s Supper; “…proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”
“Sweet Adoration“– 253
A beautiful contemporary song we’ll sing following the Lord’s Supper expressing our ‘adoration’ to God. But ask yourself, will I honor Him with my words (my lips) and yet keep my heart far from Him (Matthew 15:8)? Understand we should give God, “…glory and honor and praise…a part of our constant devotion.” Husbands and wives, loving your spouse goes beyond just saying “I love you.”
“Wonderful Words of Life” – 543
How many times have you heard the message of salvation? For some it would be many, many times. But still our hearts would say, “Tell me the story of Christ’s love…again.” Sunday morning, before our lesson, we’ll ask each other to “Sing it over again to me, wonderful words of Life…words of Life and beauty (that) teach me faith and duty…”
“Trust and Obey” – 915
Marriages succeed when the husband and wife trust each other. As their marriage grows with the years, so their relationship becomes stronger and happier. If they walk with each other, share each others burdens and trust and obey God’s word they find comfort. In like manner, when we trust in God’s guiding hand, what should be our concern? When we obey His holy word, what is there for us to fear? We sing, “never fear, only trust and obey!”
“Light the Fire” – no book
The contribution plate will be passed after the lesson this morning, but as we give back what already belongs to God, we’ll sing a song of restoration. Asking, as it is, for God to light the fire in our hearts that we would serve and honor Him more.
“How Sweet, How Heavenly” – 709
Closing our worship time together we’ll sing this traditional spiritual song (220 years old) encouraging each other to ‘feel each others sigh’, to cry with each other (‘sorrow flows from eye to eye’) and to overlook each others faults (‘each can his brother’s failings hide’). As a husband and wife do we feel each others sigh? Husband’s, do you cry with your wife? Wives, are you able to over look your husband’s faults? There are some clear similarities with the marriage relationship and the Christian walk. The mystery to marriage might well be found in the walk with Christ.
Not bad or in some abnormal way, but with the addition of boxes. And before you start thinking we’re planning to move or ‘storing up treasures on earth,’ you need to know that since her graduation from college, our daughter has been waiting patiently to move on. And so ‘her stuff’ has begun to stack up, but you also need to know that for the last 6 months she has been looking forward to this day…November 17, 2018. Our daughter, my little girl will become the wife of Max Dalton Todd.
that have been bestowed upon my daughter. As I write this, I’m thinking about marriage and the wedding of Emili and Dalton. WOW…give me a minute!
love. Hold fast to the message of God’s word and know that the relationship you are entering into is a ‘foretaste of rapture to come…’ (to quote another song.) And Emili, if the truth be known, I’m going to miss you and your boxes here at the house. Your mom and I love you both and are excited to see what God has in store for you and Dalton. Let me put my own personal spin to this song; “Lately I’ve been thinking as I look all around me, I see by the signs (the boxes) that you’re soon going to be leaving. Planned from the beginning, that’s what the scriptures say, I’ve known it was coming…can’t believe that it’s today!” 
“The Lilly of the Valley” – 548
of 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. 
in 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?
