How Can I Know There Is a God? … June 4th

There is a question that has been asked for generations, from young and old, ‘How do you know? You say this is the way it goes, but how do you know?’ Some will tell you that the answer to the question is this…but how do they know? Even the jury needs to know for sure before coming down with a verdict. As a Christian, you have been told that there is a God. Still some may ask, “How do you know?”

The Christian stands tall on faith that what the Bible says is true. God is alive and Jesus loves me because…‘the Bible tells me so!’ But is there anything concrete I can share with my unbelieving friends? Can I give them something outside of God’s inspired word that confirms my belief that God is real? This coming Sunday morning at Faith Village church of Christ in Wichita Falls, come join us as we look at the question… “How Can I Know There Is a God?”

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

Sunday morning, June 4, 2017

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

“All the Way My Savior Leads Me” – no book

Where are you going in life? Is there an ‘end game’ to your daily activities? As God’s children we know that He directs our path (Proverbs 3:6) and we follow Him by faith. Thus we sing, “All the way my Savior leads me, O the fullness of His love. Perfect rest to me is promised in my Father’s house above.” Maybe we should all ask ourselves, who is leading me and were exactly am I going?

“Step By Step” – 15

Following our opening song, “Jesus lead me all the way,” we reaffirm that we will follow Him, step by step. But not just follow Him. We will seek Him in the morning and we will learn to walk in His ways…all the way He leads us.

“Redeemed” – 458

When you know that there is a God and you are His child, it’s easy, and sweet, to sing this next song. “I’m redeemed! By love divine, Glory, glory, Christ is mine, Christ is mine.” When we believe, obey and follow God we will have a ‘sweet song’ (verse 1) and experience great joy (verse 2)!

“O Listen to the Wondrous Story” – 496

Though perhaps not known as a ‘song before the Lord’s supper,’ the chorus supports our claim that we can have assurance and know there is a God. With a short Q&A, we ask, “Who saved us from eternal loss?” Answer, “Who (else) but God’s Son upon the cross?” Question, “Why, what did He do?” Answer, “He died for you!” Question, “Where is He now?” Answer, this is good… “Believe it thou (you), in heaven interceding!” (Read Romans 8:34, “Christ Jesus is He who died, yes rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”)

“I Believe in the One They Call Jesus” – 356

How can we say we know for sure that God is real? Perhaps we follow the words from Romans 4:18 as Abraham’s faith was being discussed, “In hope against hope he believed…” That’s why, within this one song, we sing the word ‘believe’ eight times, in verse one alone. And before it’s all said and done, we’ll sing that we believe in Jesus, in His power, His authority, His life and His death a total of 22 times. So then you must decide if you’ll sing the last line of the chorus, “And I believe that He’s the answer for me.”

“Our God, He Is Alive” – 23

Written less than 50 years ago, this spiritual song has become one of the most popular hymns within churches of Christ. And perhaps there is no song more fitting as we consider our lesson today than the song with this title, Our God, He Is Alive! But look closely at verse three. Often skipped over and misunderstood by many, this verse reminds us that God is not only in control, He is in charge. He holds in His hand the secret of life, and though men may search for the answer, they will never find it. Why, because only God understands!

“I Know Whom I Have Believed” – 524

We have lots of questions in life. Even with this invitation song we find 5 questions we might ask. From God’s grace and His love, how the Holy Spirit ‘moves,’ what my future holds and when Christ will return. But even with these ‘queries,’ we sing with confidence…“I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him (my life in Christ) against that day.” (See II Timothy 1:12, “…for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him UNTIL that day.”…I believe that!)

“Blue Skies and Rainbows” – no book

Some say this is a campfire song…maybe, but notice the last two verses and how they support our message today. “Green grass and flowers all blooming in spring time…are works of the Master I live for each day…” and, “Tall mountains, green valleys, the beauty that surrounds me, all of this makes me aware of the One who made it all.” Look around you and you’ll see God’s hand. Then you’ll sing, “I know that Jesus is well and alive today!”

1, November 28, 20141, November 26, 2014

The Christian’s Bumper Sticker…Nov. 30th

Have you ever driven up behind someone, noticed they have a bumper sticker only you’re not quite able to read it? We squint and strain to see if there is some nugget of value. Or maybe that car in front of you doesn’t have ‘a’ bumper sticker, they’ve got dozens. We get an idea of the person driving the car by the message or the image on the sticker. But if the Christian were to have a ‘bumper sticker,’ what would it look like, what would it say? Would those who come up to you have to squint to read it or would our non-verbals speak loud and clear? And then…what message would we be sending?

If we’re honest, we know there are some bumper stickers that can give us a laugh, but at the same time, there are some that are worthless. Their message is not worthy of repeating. But as children of God, what would our bumper sticker say? Would it bring a smile to the reader’s face or cause him to shake his head? Would anyone be able to read it? This Sunday morning we’re on the rebound from being stuffed from Thanksgiving. So as you get back into the regular routine, join us as we look at “the Christian’s Bumper Sticker.”

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

Sunday morning, November 30, 2014

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

“Redeemed” – 458

This is one of our spiritual songs that carries a lot of energy. Each statement is repeated as we sing of our redemption. “Sweet is the song I’m singing today, I’m redeemed! I’m redeemed!” Not to be mistaken with the hymn by Fanny J. Crosby, this song was penned almost 100 years ago, almost 35 years after Crosby’s “Redeemed.” Maybe as Christians this could be one of our bumper stickers. Letting the world know we’re REDEEMED!

“Higher Ground” – no book

What a grand message we send when we sing, “I’m pressing on the upward way, new heights I’m gaining every day. Still praying as I onward bound, ‘Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.’..” People will ‘read’ your life and know if you’re comfortable here in this life or if you’re looking for something better. Let your message (your bumper sticker) speak loud and clear,“My heart has no desire to stay…”

“Worthy is the Lamb” – no book

Taken from the book of Revelation and blended with the tune from “Just as I am,” we come away with a moving hymn we’ll sing before the Lord’s Supper. ‘You alone are worthy to open its seals, because You were slain and gave Your blood. You purchased every man for God. Oh, worthy is the Lamb, the Lamb…’ and then we read the text. “You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.” Revelation 5:9

“When Peace Like a River” – 490

The tragic drowning of Horatio Spafford’s daughters motivated him to write this spiritual song of encouragement and strength. Whether or not our life is peaceful like a calm river, or turbulent like the waves of the sea, God’s children can say with confidence, “it’s OK, I have peace in Christ.” But many have missed this verse that is omitted from so many hymnals. Notice the striking message which would make for a great Christian bumper sticker,“Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blessed assurance control. That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate and has shed His own blood for my soul.” Maybe we should have bumper stickers that say, “It is well with my soul.”

“A Beautiful Life” – 570

What makes a life ‘beautiful?’ Is it the things we accomplish or the legacy we leave? Could it be the things we do or the things we say? Is a beautiful life “all of the above?” As we sing this song before our lesson, we’re singing about how we treat one another. How we act toward strangers and how, ultimately, we represent God. You might say a beautiful life is reflected in the entirety of our being. We sing about doing a golden deed, and striving to help some troubled soul. We’ll continue our song as we focus on a good and pure life that lends a helping hand. Does your life look beautiful to others or, more importantly, does your life honor God? Or do we just have good bumper stickers?

“I Know Whom I Have Believed” – 524

Not your typical invitation song, but notice the message we sing; “I know not how the Spirit moves, convincing men of sin, revealing Jesus thru the Word, creating faith in Him.” We sing it and we wear it…but do we truly believe it?

“Redeemed” – 514

Perhaps this is the best bumper sticker the Christian could boast “REDEEMED, how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, Redeemed thru His infinite mercy, His child and forever, I am!” Singing we announce that we love to proclaim our redemption. We sing about being ‘happy in Jesus’ and there’s no language to express our excitement. But ask yourself, when you’re alone at work with only your non-believing co-workers around…can they still read your bumper sticker?

1, June 19, 20141, June 19, 2014

The Adopted…June 22nd

During the early 70’s, my mom and dad served the West Texas region as ‘foster parents’ for children who were waiting adoption. In some situations we received new born babies so early, we were given the responsibility of giving them their name. A huge obligation, but though we ‘fostered’ these young children for months, we never took the step to adopt them.

Perhaps it was because my folks were already feeding 4 boys, and they weren’t sure about feeding five? But the adoption process is more than just signing some papers and putting food on the table. The responsibilities and obligations of adopting a child includes offering security, ensuring stability and providing an inheritance in the family’s estate. As a ‘child of God,’ we go through an adoption process to be in God’s family. Christians understand there is security and stability in Christ, but more importantly the adoption process ensures that we are heirs in our Father’s kingdom. Ask yourself, have I been adopted? Join us Sunday morning as we consider adoption and…”The Adopted.”

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

Sunday morning, June 22, 2014

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

“Praise Him! Praise Him!” – 300

What a beautiful call to worship as we join our voices in praise to our Father; “Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus our blessed Redeemer…” If the truth be known we’re actually sing as edification to one another at the same time we’re singing praise to our God. Are you praising Him today? On Sunday morning will you lift your voice and ‘tell of His excellent greatness?’

“May I Call You Father” – 769

This song fits perfectly with the message of today’s lesson; as adopted children into the family of God we come before Him seeking to call Him our Father. But notice the words we sing; “…I’ve hurt You, Jesus, I’ve hurt You with my sin.” So the question is sincere, with the pain I have caused I humbly ask, can I call God my Father? Within the adoption process the answer is clear…YES!

“Come Share the Lord” – 364

Another great support to this lesson as we sing to remember the Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. “We are now a family of which the Lord is head. Though unseen He meets us here in the breaking of the bread.” Though the blood of Jesus, and because of God’s redeeming grace, we are a family. Come share the Lord and recognize the Father of our heavenly family.

“The Love of God” – 133

Written almost 100 years ago, this spiritual song shares a great message of God’s love. Singing we try to put into perspective the vastness of His love. “Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made; Were every stalk on earth a quill and every man a scribe by trade; To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry, nor could the scroll contain the whole though stretched from sky to sky…” Now consider the words of John; “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written.” John 21:25

“Redeemed” – 514

How many of us love to proclaim our salvation? Do we show just how happy we are in Jesus? Some would rather not repeat a phrase over and over again while singing, but perhaps this time it’s justified. “Redeemed, redeemed, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Redeemed, redeemed, redeemed, redeemed…His child (through adoption) and forever I am!” Don’t be afraid to proclaim your membership in the family of God.

“Jesus Paid It All” – 922

How much would an adopted child owe for his membership into someone’s family? On the contrary, the adopting parents must ‘pay the price’ for their child. The child isn’t free and yet that little one isn’t charged membership into the family. The same is true in God’s Family; Jesus paid the cost for our adoption process. Who do you owe to be able to ‘stand before the throne of God?’ Jesus paid it ALL…all to Him I owe!

“God’s Family” – 744

In a family there are times when we laugh together, and there are times when we cry together (either out of frustration or sadness). The same is said for the family of God! We sing this song realizing we are adopted into God’s family when we are baptized into His death. Accept His salvation (the adoption) and be part of the family…‘that’s been born again.’

1, June 1, 20141, June 6, 2014

God, Just or Unjust?…June 1st

With all the sincerity of a 5 year old, I remember our youngest looking up and pleading his case, “But it’s not fair! Why does he get to stay up and I have to go to bed?” In the parent-child relationship we understand how some things are ‘just that way.’ Our decisions, as we see it, are justifiable.

We understand that decisions and actions will often be driven by motivations. But what about the day by day events that unfold around us? As we consider our lives and the path we find ourselves walking, is it fair that some seem to have been ‘dealt a hard hand’ while others live a life of ease? Does God make life easier for some but not for others? Join us Sunday morning as we consider; is God just?

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

Sunday morning, June 1, 2014

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

“Love Lifted Me” – 453

With references to Peter walking to Christ on the Sea of Galilee, we sing the basis of this song “…but the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry, from the water’s lifted me now safe am I.” Read those words again, and then notice the text in Matthew chapter 14, verse 30. As Peter began to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Are you drowning in your sin? The Master can lift you up…what a strong message.

“Redeemed” – 458

Is the song of redemption ‘sweet’ to you? This morning we’ll sing, “I am redeemed by blood divine…Glory! Glory! Christ is mine…” But just remember, first you have to ‘resign’ your all to Him.

“We Have Come into His House” – 296

A more tranquil song of worship as we sing of our purpose in coming together, ‘…to forget about ourselves, magnify His name and worship Him.’

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

Can you think of someone in your life you love deeply? How much do you care about them? Would you say it is ‘vast beyond all measure?’ This contemporary song of praise reminds us of the unfathomable love of the Father.

“Jesus, Lover of My Soul” – 807

An old hymn that so effectively fits our message this morning, but notice the four elements of the 3rd verse we must never forget; “Thou, O Christ, art all I want, more than all in Thee I find. 1) Raise the fallen, 2) cheer the faint, 3) heal the sick and 4) lead the blind. Just and holy is Thy name, I am all unrighteousness. Vile and full of sin I am, Thou art full of truth and grace.”

“A Wonderful Savior” – 508

Before our lesson this morning we’ll sing a familiar spiritual song to encourage the hearer and edify the saints. Find your strength in knowing who takes away your burdens and holds you up.

“I Am Resolved” – 948

Just a glimpse out of the corner of your eye can cause you to look away. A flash, a sound, a bleep on the radar can pull our eyes away. But the question is will you linger looking for the passing charms of this world, or will you set your trust in ‘things that are higher, things that are nobler?’ ‘What has ‘allured your sight?’

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

As you leave the assembly on Sunday morning, where are you going? I’m not talking about dinner plans, but into eternity, where are you going? Let’s sing about the place where darkness is turned to day and where there will be ‘no parting hand.’ To a place prepared by a just and loving God; To Canaan’s Land!

1, August 9, 20131, August 7, 2013

The Green Peach Principle…August 11th

With the summer sun beating down, a nice juicy Georgia peach would be a welcome refreshment. Then again, a warm slice of peach pie would be just as good. But why would the lesson on Sunday morning be focused on peaches…green peaches no less?

Sunday morning we’ll gather together and listen to a lesson presented by one of our own ministers, Robert Taylor. But you might be wondering, what is the Green Peach Principle? Maybe we should first ask…what is a green peach? Join us as we explore God’s Word and consider,
‘The Green Peach Principle’.

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

Sunday morning, August 11, 2013

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

“Praise the Lord” -74

Pick up your bible and turn to the book of Psalms…we can read and sing the psalms of praise! For those who are thorough and follow things closely, you’ll find that in the Faith & Praise Hymnal we have four (4) songs that begin with the words, “Praise the Lord”. This hymn, written in 1796 by J. Kempthrone, quotes the 148th Psalm. The musical arrangement of the chorus is strong as the women sing “Hallelujah” and the men echo with “Amen”. But for further emphasis, the parts continue with men singing “Hallelujah” and the women echoing “Amen”. Could this be one of those hymns we sing around the throne? It certainly has the message…

“Ten Thousand Angels” – 349

The story of Christ’s crucifixion is sung in this old spiritual song written and arranged in the late 1950’s. As you sing the verses you’ll notice references to scripture in Christ’s words as He hung on the cross. But is 10,000 angels a Biblical concept? Consider what Christ said in Matthew 26:53, “…do you think I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve (12) legions of angels?” By historical accounting, a legion of Roman soldiers equated to 6,000 men. Working the numbers you see Jesus was talking about more than 10,000 angels. Maybe the song should sing, “He could have called 72,000 angels…” But praise be to God, he didn’t!

“Ancient Words” – no book

This is one of our favorite contemporary songs here at Waterview. Written in 2001, this song of encouragement is a rich reminder of the holy word of God, and the fact that it has been handed down from generation to generation. The truth of the chorus must never be forgotten; “Ancient words, ever true, changing me and changing you…” Your life will be changed by God’s word when you listen to the message of salvation. But listening isn’t enough; verse two admonishes us with these words, “Holy words of our faith handed down to this age, came to us through sacrifice; O heed the faithful words of Christ…” Listen to this song, but heed the faithful words.

“What is He Worth to Your Soul” – 321

A new song for many, but perhaps the message will support our lesson today. As we sing during the passing of the collection plate, you’ll notice a very intentional message in this old spiritual song (read verse 2); “All that was His for the sinner He gave, pointed the path to the goal; sin would deprave (corrupt), but the Savior would save, what is He worth to your soul?” A pretty simple question but how would you answer…what is Jesus worth to you?

“I Stand in Awe” – 96 & “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” – 648

The first song in this medley before our lesson was beautifully written over 25 years ago. It calls for us to recognize God’s position as ‘too marvelous for words.’ Is Jesus really ‘too beautiful beyond description?’ Standing as we sing, let us lift our voices in awe to our God! But we’ll continue singing and standing as we reflect on a song more than 150 years old. Though we physically stand for these songs, we must be willing to stand up for Jesus in a spiritual way. As a sin-stained world rejects Jesus, will you stand for Him? Maybe you’ll need to ask yourself again, what is He worth to me?

“What Shall it Be” – 944

Have you heard the warning, ‘Don’t have anything to do with him.’ Why would that admonition be given if not to warn? Interestingly enough that’s exactly what the world says about Jesus. But as we sing this invitation song we’ll ask the question, “What will you do with Jesus?” This is a question we can’t ignore and refuse to answer. As the chorus states, ‘neutral you cannot be…’ Your answer?

“Redeemed” – 458

A strong, spiritual song with a beautiful echo after each measure. The ladies start with “Sweet is the song” and the men repeat. But what is the sweet song, and why do we sing about having great joy? Almost 100 years ago James Rowe wrote this spiritual song and simply stated what the Christian believes…“I am redeemed!” Unfortunately, far too many sing the song of redemption, but fail to process the last line of the chorus; “All to Him I now resign…” Without this complete resignation (giving up) of our worldly pleasures we don’t fully understand how much Jesus is worth, to our souls.