Tag: Redeemer

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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 coins for couponsmore 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…

yoke is easy“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.”

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Basic Training for Parents…Feb. 3rd

Sunday, February 3rd at Waterview church of Christ, our sermon title is:

parents-basic-training

“Basic Training…For Parents”.  The following ‘order of worship’ is designed to provide you a glimpse of our song selection (either early or after the fact). We have a great responsibility to train up our children, and mom and dad need to be prepared for that task.  As always, let me encourage you to think about the songs you sing in praise to God.  Remember I Corinthians…”I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”

Sunday morning, February 3, 2013

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

“Let God Arise” and “Faith is the Victory” – 471 & 469

This medley, two spiritual songs, is intended to accomplish two basic objectives.  First, we sing to motivate the Christian using the words of David in Psalm 68 (‘Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered’).  But also to admonish the congregation to join in the spiritual battle against forces of darkness.  Note verse 3 (missing from many of our hymnals)… “On every hand the foe we find drawn up in dread array.  Let tents of ease be left behind and onward to the fray.  Salvation’s helmet on each head with truth all girt about, the earth shall tremble neath our tread, and echo with our shout…”

“There is a Redeemer” – 287

How often do you say, “Thank You, Father, for giving us Your Son.”?  The verses are sung in duet, sopranos and tenors, but the whole of the congregation should join in the chorus.  We do have a Redeemer, and the cost for our salvation was high.  Are you thankful?

“Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross” – 383

We’ll sing this song before the Lord’s Supper, holding the 3rd verse to be sung between the Bread and the Fruit of the Vine.  Notice that 3rd verse; “Near the cross!  O Lamb of God, bring it’s scene’s before me; help me walk from day to day with it’s (the cross) shadow over me…”  We focus our hearts and minds as we remember our Savior’s sacrifice.

“How Shall the Young Secure Their Hearts” – 432

One of my favorites, and a spiritual song that really talks toward our families.  Parents, as we consider ‘training’ our children for a life with God we have to follow the teaching from God’s word.  The best (only) option for imparting wisdom and cleaning our hearts and minds.  (Verse 1; “…Thy word, the choicest rules impart…”; defined, the word of God is the best set of directions we can pass on to our heirs.)

“Trust and Obey” – 915

How do we find true happiness in this life?  What could I do to obtain peace and joy in a world of pain and sorrow?  Reading God’s word (and singing this old spiritual song) you’ll come to see that we need to trust and obey.  But there’s so much more to that simple statement.  How will you trust in God?  How do I intend to obey Him?  A Christian life is more than just trusting in God,  you must be willing to Obey His word!

“Our God, He is Alive” – 23

God is alive and well!  This spiritual song sings to the splendor of His creation and the majesty of His name.  Notice the 3rd (often ignored) verse from this song… “Secured is life from mortal mind, God holds the germ within His hand…”  What’s the germ?  By definition germ can simply be “something that may serve as the basis of further growth or development”.  Or it could simply be “something microscopic”.  Either way, God is in control.  Our God holds the growth of life.  And though men try to find it and understand God, He alone knows.
“…for God alone does understand.”

Parents…we have a great responsibility to teach our children to know God’s word.  To strive and fulfill His will for our individual lives, and to always trust and obey Him.