1, December 26, 20141, December 26, 2014

Three Times a Year You Must Go to Church…Dec. 28th

As a child I remember hearing (probably asking), ‘Are we going to church today?’ A simple question from a simple mind. Each and every Sunday morning my family would get up and drive into town to meet with our church family for worship on the first day of the week. Notice, I said ‘every Sunday morning.’ This wasn’t something we did every now and again, or only on Christmas and Easter. And we didn’t go just to satisfy some check list. But isn’t that exactly what many tend to do today? Even if we go to worship God every week, many are just satisfying a need to ‘go to church.’

Maybe we should consider why we do what we do. Is there a reason we go each Sunday morning? Especially in the light of scripture when we read God’s command to the Israelite men in Deuteronomy 16:16, “Three times a year all your men must appear before the Lord your God at the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles.” So maybe there’s justification in just going to church to fulfill a check list and satisfy a need. After all, don’t some translate the text above to say, ‘Three times a year you must go to church…’?

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

Sunday morning, December 28, 2014

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

“We’re Marching to Zion” – 869

Notice the call that sounds forth in the first few lines of this spiritual song, “Come, we that love the Lord, and let our joys be known…” What joys are you singing about and why do you want them to be made known? We’ve sung this song for years, but read it again without the musical repetition; “…join in a song of sweet accord and thus surround the throne. Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God, but children of the heavenly King may speak their joys abroad. (Are you a child of the King…will you sing?) The hill of Zion yields a thousand sacred sweets, before we reach the heavenly fields or walk the golden streets. Then let our songs abound and every tear be dry, we’re marching through Emanuel’s ground to fairer worlds on high.” Another old song might say, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passin’ through.”

“More Precious Than Silver” – 273

What do you cherish? What do you value in this life? We invest in gold and silver because we find security in their worth. An old adage goes something like, ‘Diamonds are a girls best friend.’ Many of us put our hope and trust in what we can put our hands on (or what we can put on our hands). But the song we’ll sing before the contribution simply states that we will put our trust, hope and desires in our God. Not in silver, gold or diamonds .

“As the Deer” – 71

This song comes directly from the text as we read the words of the psalmist; “As the deer pants for the water so my soul longs after You…” But do we truly LONG for God? We have a good share of silver, gold and (for some) diamonds… we’re not longing, much less panting, for anything else. Yet many can’t see just how close to death they really are. This video is from a newer version of the same text, and although we’ll be singing the music by Martin Nystrom, Dennis Jernigan’s arrangement is one to be learned.

“O Come Let Us Adore Him” – 264

Taken from the popular ‘Christmas’ song written in the mid-1700’s, the chorus is a constant reminder that we should not only adore our King, but give Him all the glory and all our praise forever. And if anyone asks why…“For He alone is worthy!”

“Surround Us, Lord” – no book

Nothing is more comforting than knowing we’re surrounded by friends and family. Perhaps that is why God has given us the church. Our church family is an extension of our being surrounded by Him, His love, in the absence of our earthly family. The psalmist wrote in the 106th Psalm, “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people.” There is comfort in knowing we’re not alone, unless of course you only meet with God’s family two or three times a year…

“Worthy Art Thou” – 230

Before our lesson this morning, we sing together as we praise our God singing, “Worthy of praise is Christ our Redeemer, worthy of glory, honor and power! Worthy of all our soul’s adoration (O come let us adore Him), worthy art Thou (worthy are You)!”

“There’s a Fountain Free” – 909

“Will you come?” Not necessarily to the meeting of church services, but to the Christ, to the fountain free. But then again, if you’re only ‘coming’ on Christmas and or Easter, if you only come to worship Him as the men of the Old Testament were commanded…then you’re missing the freedom found in the Fountain.

“All People That on Earth Do Dwell” – 532

We’ll close with what some consider a call to worship. Taken again from the 100th book of the Psalms, this ‘psalm’ will be followed by the chorus of our opening spiritual song. Consider the flow to be something like this… “All people that on earth do dwell, sing to the Lord with a cheerful voice; Him serve with fear, His praise forth tell; Come ye (you) before Him and rejoice…” “We’re marching to Zion, beautiful, beautiful Zion! We’re marching upward to Zion, the beautiful city of God.” If we wait to ‘worship’ Him using the example of the Old Law, we’ll miss the blessing of the Savior. The heart of a child of God calls for more than just, “Three times a year you must go to church.”

1, July 25, 20141, July 25, 2014

Add, Take Away & Turning…July 27th

In a society that depends upon rules and laws, how are we doing when it comes to obeying the ‘laws of the land?’ Most will say that’s not an issue, we obey and do what is expected. But consider our driving habits. We have a posted speed limit, but do we follow it or just consider it a recommendation? Some laws are steadfast and we obey without a second thought. But how often do we tend to add an opinion, take some liberties or simply turn away from the law?

Some may ignore the posted law and risk the consequences. But when it comes to God’s word, His laws, are we guilty of adding our opinions, taking liberties or turning away? When we depart from what God expects of us, we will suffer the penalty. The consequences of adding to God’s word, ignoring His laws or turning away from Him will mean more than just paying a fine. Every day we should ask ourselves, am I guilty of violating God’s laws?

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

Sunday morning, July 27, 2014

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

“Surround Us, Lord” – no book

Though the city of Jerusalem is not encircled by a ring of peaks, the ancient writers considered this whole region to be ‘mountainous.’ And it would not be surprising to say, Jerusalem is in the midst of the mountains. So the Psalmist (Psalm 125:2) makes a point to say this great city is ‘surrounded’ by mountains, just like God’s people are surrounded by His presence. comforting those who grieve

“Tell Me the Story of Jesus” – 387

In three short verses this spiritual song covers Christ birth, ministry, death and resurrection. But perhaps the most telling portion of this song comes from the last part of the third verse, “Love in that story so tender, clearer than ever I see; stay, let me weep while you whisper, ‘Love paid the ransom for me.’…” Notice I’m speaking to the one who is telling me the story of Jesus. Saying to them; ‘don’t leave, stay here with me, and softly tell me how you were saved (ransomed) by the love of Jesus.’ The question for you and I…do we weep when we consider the story of Jesus?

“O Thou Fount of Every Blessing” – 226

Almost a direct quote from I Samuel, chapter 7 verse 12 (KJV), “Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Hitherto, hath the Lord helped us.’ “ We sing, ‘Here I raise my Ebenezer (my stone of help), hither by Thy help I’ve come…‘ And verse three reminds us that we are all prone to wander (turn away) from God. Would that chains (fetters) bind our heart to Him, but it comes down to this simple fact; we have the choice of obeying or not. Speeding or driving the speed limit; adding to, taking away, or turning…

“I’ll Never Forsake My Lord” – 688

Not an overly familiar song, but one that exemplifies our lesson today. What causes us to stumble on life’s highway; temptations, distractions, sin, sickness, weakness, overall difficulties in life? Most would say ‘yes’ to all of the above; but this song gives us encouragement that regardless of the onslaught of the world, I’ll never add to, take away or turn to the right or to the left. I’ll never forsake my Lord…

“A Charge to Keep I Have” – 58

We all have a responsibility in this life. Whether we want to admit it or not, from the day we are born we were given a charge and, according to this spiritual song, the responsibility Christians have is two-fold; to glorify God and bring the lost to Jesus. But I wonder if we really believe the third verse…“Help me to watch and pray, and on THYSELF (not myself) rely. Assured if I MY (not Thy) trust (charge/responsibility) betray, I shall forever die.” There is a consequence if we add to, take away or turn from our responsibility.

“I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” – 674

Perhaps not many song leaders would choose this song before the lesson, but I like the message sung at the close of each verse; “no turning back, no turning back.”

“In Heavenly Love Abiding” – 139

Again, perhaps not your most popular invitation song, but the message matches so well with the lesson. Consistency is God’s calling card, “…for nothing changes here.” We find support in staying true to God’s word as we sing the second verse; “Wherever He may guide me, no want shall turn me back; my Shepherd is beside me and nothing can I lack. His wisdom ever waketh (is made known to me), His sight is never dim; He knows the way He taketh, and I will walk with Him.” Will you?

“The Glory Land Way” – 535

Almost 100 years ago James Torbett wrote about heaven to encourage the singer to continue his walk ‘in the glory-land way.’ For those who have added to, taken away or turned aside from God’s Word, he encourages them, the wanderers, to ‘come home’ and ‘hasten to obey.’ Living a life that follows God’s commands WITHOUT EXCEPTION will be a life that is preparing for eternity with God. Never forsake His word, keep the charge you’ve been given and you’ll notice “…heaven is nearer and the way growth clearer…”

1, March 27, 20141, March 27, 2014

Passing the Baton…Mar. 30th

The year was 2008, and four men were running for their life. Their adversaries were all around, but they were prepared for this moment. They knew the routine and had visualized it (and done it) over and over and over. Then disaster struck. Two of the four men failed to complete their assigned duties. They failed to pass the baton. In a split second the aluminum cylinder skipped off the track and the hopes of a gold medal vanished. During the 2008 Summer Olympics, Tyson Gay and Darvis Patton failed to make the hand off in the 4×100 relay, but if the truth be told, an entire country felt the sting of disappointment when we failed to pass the baton.

But there are other areas in which failing to ‘pass the baton’ can crush hope. A teacher who fails to pass on valuable knowledge, drops the baton. A person of authority who knows truth and yet refuses to stand for what’s right, drops the baton. A father who fails to teach his child the truths of God’s word, drops the baton. As Christians, we have a unique responsibility when it comes to passing on the knowledge of salvation in Christ Jesus. The question is, how are we passing the baton?

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

Sunday morning, March 30, 2014

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

“Surround Us, Lord” – no book

“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people…” Taken from the 125th chapter of Psalms, this ‘psalm’ is a direct quote from the word of God. Would that we call upon our God to surround us with His love, mercy and protection…just as the mountains surrounded the city of Jerusalem.

“We’re Marching to Zion” – 869

A call for Christians to come, march (live a life) for Christ! Not in protest or defiance to the world, but to ‘let our joys be known.’ Please consider carefully the second verse and see where you are in this march. “Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God, but children of the heavenly King may speak their joys abroad (all around)…” How are you with your singing? Do you sing and speak of the joy you have in Christ? Remember, when you sing about the beautiful city of God, you’re helping pass the baton!

“Ten Thousand Angels” – 349

When we read the scripture, this song should have a different name. Matthew 26:53 states, He could have called 12 legions of angels. So perhaps a better title would be “Seventy-two Thousand Angels.” Never forget, Christ was (is) in control and we are all indebted to His sacrifice. They did bind the hands of Jesus and they did lead Him through the streets…but He allowed it. Take some time to remember that they did spit upon our Savior and He was pure and free from sin…think about Him as we remember the Lord’s Supper.

“Humble Yourself” – 745

Taken from James chapter 4, verse 10, “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” Understand what it means to humble yourself. By definition, “showing submissive respect.” As we come together to worship God we are in His presence. Are you submissive and respectful of Him…or is your mind somewhere else?

“Lord, Speak to Me” – 771

As we consider this morning’s lesson, notice verse three of this hymn; “O teach me Lord, that I may teach the precious things Thou dost impart…” Understand that what we’re singing this morning is a prayer. We’re asking for God’s help as we run the race, teach others about Him, and pass the baton.

“Pass It On” – no book

An old youth song from Camp Blue Haven that reminds me of my youth. “It only takes a spark to get a fire going…I wish for you my friend this happiness that I’ve found…I’ll shout it from the mountain tops, I want the world to know, the Lord of love has come to me, I want to pass it on.” Do we really want to pass it on, or are we waiting for someone to come and take it?

“Wonderful Words of Life” – 543

Before our lesson we’ll sing a ‘spiritual song’ that resounds with the idea of passing the baton. “Sweetly echo the gospel call…offer pardon and peace to all…Jesus, only Savior, sanctified forever!” We have wonderful words that give life, beautiful words of life, are we passing this message on?

“To Christ Be True” – 736

As the Olympic runner wins the race and crosses the finish line he runs another lap with the banner of his country flowing above him in proud display. If we are to be loyal and true we’ll pass on the message of Jesus Christ. We’ll be brave in His service of taking the message of salvation to a lost and dying world. We’ll ‘pass the baton’ being careful not to drop it. Then, as we sing, “…His banner be unfurled, and borne aloft till is secured the conquest of the world.”

“Heavenly Sunlight” – 611

Completing this service we’ll remind each other of our walk on this journey, that we’re pressing our way to mansion’s above. And though this journey may lead us over the mountains or through the deep valley, our Savior will never forsake us. We rejoice with that assurance…“Hallelujah!”, but we must always be ready to pass the baton!

1, July 1, 20131, July 1, 2013

LTC…Be Devoted

In the spring of 2009 this group of young men came together to praise God with their voices. They practiced for weeks on end to learn how to harmonize and lift before the Father several songs of praise. These boys were ‘devoted’ to giving God the glory and sought to encourage those who listened. Though the years have passed and they’ve ‘grown and moved away,’ they continue to uplift and edify God’s people with songs of praise. Take a few minutes to hear their voices and listen to them as they praise the Father. A memory from the 2009, Leadership Training for Christ.

LTC (Leadership Training for Christ) has been a constant focus for the Waterview church of Christ for more than 30 years. Students have studied, practiced and devoted months to reading the scripture, Bible bowl, singing with small groups, and song leading as well as public speaking (sermon preparation), sign language and many other areas of preparation to serve in the kingdom of God. All the while, these young people are being trained and encouraged to give God the glory.

In 2009, seventeen young men (now in college or college graduates) came together to sing 3 songs with the hope of edifying the congregation and glorifying their God. These men sang three songs, Surround Us, Lord, and a medley consisting of Poured Out Like Wine, Make Me New, Teach Me Thy Ways and I Am Mine No More. They concluded with a song taken from the text of Galatians 6:2 and Romans 12:10-13, Be Devoted.

My prayer is that you will enjoy listening to these young men as they praise God with the voice of youth. The first song, Surround Us, Lord comes from the book of Psalms, chapter 125, verse 2… “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the Lord surrounds His people From this time forth and forever.” When times are difficult and the way seems hard, don’t forget; the Lord surrounds His people!

The concluding song, Be Devoted, took lots of practice and work. As noted earlier, the words are taken from Galatians 6 and Romans 12. Notice how clearly this passage speaks to our relationship with each other: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

Carry each other’s burdens
Carry each other’s burdens
And in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ

Chorus:
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love
Honor one another above yourselves
Never be lacking in zeal
Keep your spiritual fervor
Keep your spiritual fervor
Serving the Lord

Love one another
Serve one another
Pray for each other
Encourage one another
And build each other up

Chorus:

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love

Thanks guys for the reminder from years gone by. My prayer is that you will stay faithful to God’s word and honor your song to be devoted in brotherly love. We are reminded by your song that we are to be poured out before the King, commit ourselves to being new (putting off the old self) and then seek to have Him teach us His ways. When we do that, we will no longer be our own. May God bless each of you and your walk with Christ.

1, June 28, 20131, June 28, 2013

An Impossible Dream…June 30th

One of my favorite, secular songs was sung by Jim Nabors in November, 1967 on the TV sitcom ‘Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.’ The song, ‘The Quest’ was originally written and sung in 1965 for the musical, Man of LaMancha. You might remember it better by the title of our lesson this Sunday morning at Waterview, ‘Impossible Dream’. But what is the Impossible Dream?

Sunday morning, June 30th, we’ll consider how the New Testament is a pattern of God’s thinking. We look into the mind of God as we read His word. But how can we duplicate that message today. What should we focus on as we strive to follow His commands, or is that…an impossible dream?

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

Sunday morning, June 30, 2013

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

“In Moments Like These” – 239

If we are honest with ourselves, there times when you feel closer to God than other times. What causes that feeling of euphoria? What gives us that emotional lift as opposed to the times when we are feeling down. Circumstances can change in our life, and like the ocean tide, our days will ebb and flow. But when you find yourself lifted up and feeling God’s love and strength, sing a song of praise. “In moments like these, I sing out a song, I sing out a love song to Jesus…”

“Faith is the Victory” – 469

This spiritual songs recalls the armor of God and the battle we Christians should be preparing for. First, we sing to admonish the congregation to join in the spiritual battle against forces of darkness. The message is poetically clear in the first verse; as soldiers we are camped next to the hills of light (heaven), but we must be ready to go to war. Our fight is against the ‘night’ lest it should overcome the glowing skies (which seems to be the current situation in our society). How should we be fighting? John Yates wrote, “…let all our strength be hurled.” Not a timid approach in this spiritual battle. But 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…” With our faith in God, we have victory!

“O Sacred Head” – 318

An old hymn remembering Christ’s death. Poetically and musically it may be a challenge, but don’t lose the message in the old English. The video (below) adds an extra verse that is not in most hymnals, but is striking none the less. Christ’s sacrifice leaves us all speechless as we consider His love. Perhaps, the second verse says it best; “What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest Friend, for this Thy dying sorrow; Thy pity without end…”

“Boundless Love” – 325

The love of God, as we sing in this song, is ‘boundless.’ Defined, boundless would mean without limits. God’s love for us cannot be measured, and as we sing the second verse we’ll transition from boundless love to boundless grace. Boundless grace…because of Calvary.

“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?

“Leaning on the Everlasting Arm” – 589

We’ll sing this spiritual song of encouragement before this morning’s lesson. How can we find fellowship and joy in Christ? According to E.A. Hoffman (1887) we find fellowship while ‘leaning on the everlasting arm.’ We have peace of mind while leaning on the everlasting arm. Leaning on Jesus…safe and secure from all fear (alarms).

“Nearer, My God, to Thee” – 684

On occasion we’ll sing a non-typical ‘invitation’ song following our lesson. But this hymn to our Father is a clear call for us to draw nearer to Him. In the second verse of this hymn, notice the reference Genesis 28:11; “When he (Jacob) reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep.” We’ll sing, “Tho like a wanderer, the sun gone down, darkness be over me, my rest a stone; yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God, to Thee…” Perhaps this is more of an invitation song than we have thought…to be nearer to our God is the call we should all be responding to.

“Surround Us, Lord” – no book

Taken from Psalm 125:2, this ‘psalm’ serves as a great ‘spiritual song’ of encouragement. The singer and the listener are called to hear and understand that, “…we need to be in Your (God’s) presence.” As the mountains provide security and protection to the city of Jerusalem, so the Lord provides and protects His people. We are truly blessed to be called child of God.

1, March 29, 20131, March 29, 2013

He Is Risen…March 31st

Sunday morning, March 31st, is known in some ‘religious circles’ as Easter Sunday. Many god-fearing people select this Sunday as a time to commemorate our Lord’s resurrection…

However, at Waterview church of Christ, every Sunday we remember (memorialize) our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. Together, we share in the Lord’s Supper. This week, March 31^st, will be no different. When you read Matthew 28: 1-7, you’ll read of the miracle surrounding Christ’s resurrection, and in that we find the title of our lesson. The following ‘order of worship’ is designed to focus on minds on our Savior’s resurrection; today and every Sunday!

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

Hallelujah! Praise Jehovah – 3

This hymn of praise (which could also be considered a psalm since it parallels Psalm 148) admonishes the singer to recognize and glorify our Father. You’ll notice the word ‘praise’ is mentioned 10 times in this hymn…5 times in verse 1 alone.

You Are the Song that I Sing – 238

“You are the words and the music, You are the song that I sing…” Without a notation of authorship or composer this ‘contemporary’ hymn is an excellent example of a song sung to our God. When you sing this song ask yourself if you will truly do as this song states in its closing line? “…so now I give back to You the song that You gave to me…”

Thomas’ Song – 269

One of my favorite ‘communion’ songs, Thomas’ Song, is a possible (yet not recorded) narrative from the apostle Thomas as he considers the resurrection of Christ. John 20:25 reads, “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands, and put my finger where the nails where, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe it.” While the chorus sings, “If I could only hold Your hand, and touch the scars where nails were driven; I would need to feel Your side where holy flesh by spear was riven. Then I’d believe…” But listen to Thomas’ closing statement as he stands before Christ and proclaims, “You are my Lord and my God!”

Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed – 324

An interesting song that was written in two time periods. The verses were written by Isaac Watts in 1707, while the refrain (by Ralph E. Hudson) came almost 180 years later. On a personal note, I prefer the verse separate from the upbeat tempo of the chorus. But more importantly let me direct you to the closing line from the first verse, “…would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I?” Over the years this verse was edited to read, “…would He devote that sacred head for such a ONE as I?” Ask yourself, which version do you prefer…and why?

Low in the Grave He Lay – 344

When we sing this song following the Lord’s Supper Sunday morning, we’ll sing all three verses before we sing the chorus. My personal preference since the verses are designed to be melancholy and thoughtful, while the chorus changes tempo to excitement and jubilation. And certainly it should be as we proclaim; “Hallelujah! Christ arose.”

Surround Us, Lord – no book

Taken from Psalm 125:2, this ‘psalm’ serves as a great ‘spiritual song’, encouraging the singer and the listener to understand that, “…we need to be in Your (God’s) presence.” Listen to the YouTube link below if you are interested in learning it, or just want to sing it again!

He Lives! – 346

“…You ask me how I know he lives? He lives within my heart.” These words serve as the conclusion to a wonderful song of joy and adoration. This song, before our lesson, resounds with the declaration, the title:
“HE LIVES!”

Have You Been to Jesus – 904

These next two songs, our invitation and closing song, call for us to be ‘washed in the blood of the Lamb’ and to find our assurance in Him. But before we close the invitation we’ll repeat the chorus with one more call to respond. But then we’ll close with the following:

Blessed Assurance – 480

As we close this time of worship would that all Christians sing the chorus of this song with a stronger conviction and a clearer understanding. “This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long…” Let that soak in for a minute, praising God all day long? Would you, can you, will you praise God 24-7? You can and you will if you truly believe that…He Is Risen!