Preacher Training School…May 11th

Training comes in different forms to accomplish different results. But regardless of the method, there will never be success without proper training. A teacher goes through years of education (training) to become a professional educator. A skilled carpenter must be trained by a competent mentor. And in like manner, an effective preacher needs years of practice, study and training from a God-centered heart.

We search out the best coaches for our young athletes. We find the strongest examples to prepare us for the job. And schools hire some of the most revered ministers to train our preachers. But where are these schools? Sunday morning’s sermon might surprise you as we consider, Preacher Training Schools.

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

Sunday morning, May 11, 2014

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

“He Has Made Me Glad” – 103

The psalmist penned, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise…”, and this morning we’ll sing these words. “I will enter His courts with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter His courts with praise…” Begin your morning singing this psalm together with the saints as we proclaim, ‘I will rejoice for He has made me glad!’

“Anywhere with Jesus” – 414

Are you concerned about the affairs of the day? Difficulty presses in on every side and the world seems more determined to abandon God’s word. But what about you? Will you stay the course? Are you confident in knowing ‘where you go?’ The Christian can say with confidence, ‘anywhere with Jesus I can safely go, and with confidence…I am not alone.” An important thought to remember and pass on to our children. Don’t leave home without Him.

“Tis Midnight and on Olive’s Brow” – 334

An old spiritual song and, in part, a solid psalm as we read some of the elements surrounding Christ’s final hours in the garden of Gethsemane. Yes there is poetry, but notice the scripture: ‘…the suffering Savior prays alone.’ Matthew 26:44, “e’en (even) that disciple whom He loves (John) heeds not his Master’s grief and tears.’ Mark 14:32-35 and ‘The Man of Sorrows weeps in blood…” Luke 22:44 & Hebrews 5:7 and finally, ‘…unheard by mortals are the strains (the words) that sweetly soothe the Savior’s woe.’ Luke 22:43. Don’t just sing it because you know it, read Biblical detail, remember His death, and tell someone of His love.

“More Precious than Silver” – 273

Solomon writes about wisdom in Proverbs chapter 3, verse 15 “She is more precious than jewels and nothing you desire compares with her.” Maybe this passage is the basis for this song. Also, consider that the psalmist wrote, “How blessed is the man who finds wisdom.” We could conclude that knowing Christ, finding wisdom, is more precious than silver, more costly than gold and more beautiful than diamonds. What do you desire?

“Lord, We Come Before Thee Now” – 797

Open our eyes that we may see and open our ears that we may hear…a message many of us would be better off practicing. But what am I looking for? What should I be listening to? The simple, short answer: Jesus!

“Bring Them In” – 880, “Jesus Loves the Little Children” – 1015 & “I’m Not Ashamed to Own My Lord” – 609

This medley before our lesson features three songs that build upon each other. “Hark! ‘Tis (it is) the Shepherd’s voice I hear…bring the little ones to Jesus.” Why the urgency? Because…“Jesus loves the little children…” And then we’ll conclude this medley with another familiar spiritual song, “I’m not ashamed to own my Lord…” Preacher Training School’s have a unique responsibility; to train preachers to know how to…’defend His cause’ and ‘maintain the honors of His Word.’

“Swiftly We’re Turning” – no book

Some might not see this as an effective invitation song, but after you hear the lesson you might think otherwise. We have the gospel to share with precious souls that are dying. And the hours are changing to years. How will we use the moments God gives us? Will we pass on the message of salvation, the gospel of Jesus Christ, or keep it to ourselves. “How are we using God’s golden moments?” If we ‘point the way to heaven’ we shall reap glory. If we don’t, if we fail to train our children…we shall reap tears.

“God Give Us Christian Homes” – 843

Our closing song this morning provides a clear view of who is working in the Preacher Training Schools. Our homes are the institution to train up preachers; and fathers and mothers have the responsibility to ‘bring them in.’ Homes (schools) where the Bible is taught. Homes (schools) where the fathers are true and strong. Homes (schools) where mothers honor God and teach the same to their children. And homes (schools) where the children know about the love of Christ. Who will take the responsibility to ‘train our preachers?’

1, May 31, 20131, May 30, 2013

Three Things God Wants From Us…June 2nd

We often ask God for safe travel and healing for the sick. Ever notice how our prayers are often saturated with what we want from God? But how much do we think about what God wants from us? Does He have any expectations of His children?

Sunday morning at Waterview church of Christ we’ll examine some things that God desires from His children. Consider how much you give to God when it comes to justice, kindness and humility. We often are prepared to travel to foreign mission fields and sign up for mission trips to comfort those who are suffering. But is our justice and kindness reserved only for those who are ‘afar off?’ How willing are we to be just, kind and humble to those we see every day, or maybe… every Sunday?

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

Sunday morning, June 2, 2013

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

“Let God Arise” – 471

Our call to worship is a contemporary song with roots from the 68th Psalm. A simple statement Christians should always remember, “May God arise, may His enemies be scattered…” How will it look when God’s enemies are scattered. Will you be standing with Him or His enemies?

“Higher Ground” – no book

An adaptation from the original by Johnson Oatman, this arrangement features the same music (for the most part) and the same words, yet with a slight twist. The above YouTube video follows the format that we’ll be singing this Sunday morning at Waterview. Enjoy the adjustment, but don’t miss the message; “I’m pressing on the upward way,”…stilling praying that the Lord will, “…plant my feet on higher ground.”

“In Memory of the Savior’s Love” – 335 & “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” – 315

These two songs will serve as a medley for the Lord’s supper. Verse one from the first song will proceed verse two from the second. Notice the flow; “…where every humble, contrite (penitent) heart is made a welcome guest.” “Forbid it Lord that I should boast, save in the death of Christ my Lord…” We’ll sing this will be before the bread, then before the fruit of the vine we’ll sing verses 2 & 3 from this medley. The songs will flow like this: “…The cup in token of His blood that was for sinner’s shed.” “See from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down…” And as we close our time of remembrance we’ll switch the order of the songs and begin with verse 4 and close with verse 3. The message: “…Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.” “Beneath the banner thus we sing the wonders of His love…”

“Pierce My Ear” – no book

Taken from Exodus 21:1-6, and yet many tend to shy away from this song because of the misunderstanding of (or disagreement with) the title. But when we understand the Biblical reference behind this psalm (we are singing scripture) we can better understand that for a Hebrew slave to have his ear pierced was not a glamorous sign of independence. Instead, it meant a permanent, visual contract that displayed his prearranged bondage. To say you ‘wanted your ear pierced’ was a step toward giving up your every freedom to a life of slavery. Read the text, “If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free, without paying anything. If he comes alone, he is to go free alone; but if he has a wife when he comes, she is to go with him. If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free.“But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,’then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life.” Now who is willing to sing?

“Where He Leads I’ll Follow” – 417

In keeping with our theme for this lesson we need to look no further than the last phrase from the first two verses of this song; “He the great example is the pattern for me…” When we truly Follow Jesus, we’ll be kind to the erring ones and faith like He is.

“‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” – 679

Our invitation song calls us to trust Him. Personally, the second verse means more as we understand we’re singing about baptism. Notice it again, “O how sweet to trust in Jesus, just to trust His cleansing blood, just in simple faith to plunge me ‘neath (beneath) the healing, cleansing flood.” Sometimes I wonder how many have sung this song over the years and missed that critical message of baptism.

“Oh, to Be Like Thee” – 429

As we draw this song service to a close, this hymn reminds us of what God wants from us; to be like Him. Again, see the second verse; “Oh, to be like Thee! Full of compassion, loving, forgiving, tender and kind, helping the helpless, cheering the fainting, seeking the wandering sinner to find…” Is Jesus stamped on your heart?

1, May 23, 2012

Singing a Medley

A medley is a collection of songs that are typically in the same key signature, with special attention given to the words. The stronger, more consistent the message the more inspirational and encouraging the medley. When a singing group presents a medley of songs the audience, the listeners, are usually inspired by the message of the songs. But should we (can we) sing a medley of songs during our worship services? For years I can remember our song service when the song leader (at times that was me) would stand in front of the congregation and announce the song number. After allowing plenty of time to ‘turn in your song book’… we sang! After the song was over, the second song number was announced and the process continued. Nothing wrong with this, but as I stated previously, we must be sure we sing with understanding. So how would I, should I, lead the congregation in a medley?

Let me give you an example of an medley we have sung in our home congregation on a Sunday morning. As services began we started with an opening prayer. Following the prayer, we sang “What a Mighty God We Serve” followed with “O Worship the King” and ending with “Doxology”. To assist in the flow of the medley, and to avoid interrupting the thought process, I recommend having the congregation turn to the songs BEFORE you start the medley. If your congregation uses a projector with a screen, you can project the songs (verses) and simply have the congregation follow your lead. With the above medley, notice how these words flow to develop the thoughts of praise…

“What a mighty God we serve! What a mighty God we serve! Angels bow before Him, heaven and earth adore Him, what a mighty God we serve!” “O worship the King all glorious above, and gratefully sing His wonderful love. Our shield and defender the ancient of days. Pavilion and splendor and girded with praise.” “Praise God from Whom all blessing flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.”

Whether you lead a song, announce a number, and lead a song…or if your congregation is receptive and able to follow the thoughts from a medley, as children of God, we must be more diligent in giving God our best when it comes to the songs we sing. It takes some time and you’ll need to work on what songs support the message, but with some time and determination you can bring the congregation to a closer understanding as we ‘sing with the Spirit’. Let me encourage you to spend time singing and thinking about the message in the songs. You will be amazed how medleys will begin to form in your mind as you sing with your heart.