A Problem on the Way to the Promise Land…Feb. 17th

Sunday morning, February 17th at Waterview church of Christ, our lesson was aimed some of our trials/problems on our way to heaven. To be specific…complaining!

As we examined the Israelite nation (post Egyptian captivity), Robert opened the word and we looked at how often the people of God complained about; the water and food (or lack there of) and the leadership coupled with an ‘I can do better’ attitude. The following ‘order of worship’ was designed to focus our minds on this Lord’s day. Will you think about the songs you sing in praise to God?

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

Sunday morning, February 17, 2013

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

“Praise the Lord” and “Great Are You, Lord” – 74 & no book

Four songs in this hymnal begin with these three, power words; “Praise the Lord”, but our song this morning was written by J. Kempthorne in 1796. The words are taken from the 148th Psalm and the chorus resounds with “Hallelujah! Amen” repeated twice for emphasis. “Holy Lord” (or better known as “Great Are You, Lord”) came on the scene almost 200 years later. Written by a husband and wife team, Steve & Vikki Cook, this hymn again sings praises to our God. A wonderful introduction to coming together, with my heart and sing…Great are You Lord!

“Beneath the Cross of Jesus” – 314

We set our minds on the Lord’s Supper as we sang the 1st and 3rd verses of this song. As we set our minds and hearts at the foot of the cross, in our mind’s eye we can see, “the very dying form of One who suffered there for me.” But we’ll keep our eyes on the cross as we continue to focus during the Lord’s Supper this morning.

“The Old Rugged Cross” – 313

Perhaps a bit of controversy surrounds this old hymn as some feel we shouldn’t ‘cherish’ the old rugged cross. But to others, this is metaphorically cherishing the death of my Savior, for without that cross, I’m lost. This morning however, we specifically sang only the 3rd verse following the bread and before the fruit of the vine. Continuing to keep our eyes on Jesus we sang, “In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see; for ’twas (it was) on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, to pardon and sanctify me…”

“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” – 315

Though a very popular ‘communion’ song, again we only sang the third verse of ‘When I Survey.’ My reasoning was simple…keep your eyes on the cross of Jesus. “See from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flowed mingled down…” Keeping the volume soft and thoughtful we maintained a solemn focus on the death of our Savior as we partook of the Lord’s Supper.

“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” – 276

The title of this song comes from the chorus which was made famous by Helen Lemmel in 1922 (how many thought this to be a contemporary song). Though we rarely sing the first three verses of this song, (verse 1) “O soul are you weary and troubled?” the power of the chorus helps us keep our eyes on Jesus. As we conclude the Memorial of our Lord’s death, we continually strive to stay focused on Him. Would that our mind be so strongly tied to our God that, “…the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

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

With the title of our lesson on ‘the promise land’, I thought it appropriate our song before the lesson singing us toward Canaan’s Land (heaven). Interestedly enough we have lots of sorrows, struggles, tears and pain here on earth, but in heaven…“Dear friends they’ll be no sad farewells. They’ll be no tear dimmed eyes.” Why you might ask? Simply, in Heaven (Canaan’s Land) the soul never dies.

“Bring Christ Your Broken Life” – 911

Though specific for the hymnal Faith and Praise, I think it’s interesting that this invitation song, this call for sinners to ‘bring Christ your broken life’ is found on page 9-1-1. Notice these words: “Bring Christ your broken life, so marred by sin, He will create a new, make whole again; your empty wasted years He will restore, and your iniquities (sin) remember no more.” (Emphasis added) “Bring Him your every care if great or small – whatever troubles you, O bring it all! Bring Him the haunting fears, the nameless dread, Thy heart He will relieve, and lift up thy head.”

“A Mansion, Robe and Crown” – no book

Another contemporary song, this one again focuses on heaven. The third verse grabs my attention when I sing about difficult times; “My head is bowed and bloody now from the work I’ve tried to do…” Maybe not physically for most of us, for some in the mission field I’m certain this is true. Needless to say we are all looking forward to a mansion, robe and crown!

1, January 26, 20131, January 26, 2013

I Don’t Want to Experience That Again…Jan. 27th

The sermon title on Sunday morning (Jan. 27th) at Waterview church of Christ is entitled…“I Don’t Want to Experience That Again”. Any thoughts on what Robert might have in mind? Take a minute and look through the songs selection and maybe you can pull together the theme. As the scripture says, “I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”

Sunday morning, January 27, 2013

Robert Oglesby has been the pulpit preacher at Waterview church of Christ since February, 1963. You’re reading it correctly, Waterview is on the threshold of celebrating 50 years with him as our preacher. May this congregation of God’s people continue to be strong in the Kingdom of God. The following is a listing of our order of worship, and all song numbers are from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Awesome God” – 38

Our opening song on Sunday morning could be classified as a contemporary song (properly referred to as a ‘hymn’). Do we truly realize the fact our God is awesome? Not like your favorite movie or some famous person…only God should hold the title “Awesome”.

“We Praise Thee, O God” – 2

What reasons can you list as to why YOU praise God? This old hymn, written during the time of our countries Civil War, provides 4 strong examples of why we should be praising God. Look at the verses (all five)…is it really 4 reasons we praise God, or actually is there just one?

“In Christ Alone” – no book

Another contemporary song that has captured the hearts (and voices) of young and old alike. As the song is sung, a story is woven that draws the Christian heart closer to God. Where do you find your strength…your hope. We sing with a sincere heart, “In Christ Alone”. But don’t forget each verse and the power you’ll find as you sing the reassurance, “…til He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.”

“In Memory of the Savior’s Love” – to the tune of “Majestic Sweetness”

Two songs with the same meter…8.6.8.6 (also referred to as Common Meter or CM). Read the words on page 335, but add the music from page 530. This is a great way to refresh the message of the song by adding the notes from another. Keep things fresh and avoid stagnation of the mind. Singing by rote is a good way to learn, but a poor way to worship (in my opinion).

“Freely, Freely” – 635

What do you think it means to ‘freely give?’ As Christians we have been give so much…more than we could ever repay. So with the gifts we so richly enjoy, do we think about how freely we are at giving back. With this song being sung before we pass of the collection plate one would certainly assume we’re talking in monetary terms. But what about your life? Do you give not only money, but your actions, and your thoughts, and your words to God?

“My Only Hope is You” – no book

Another contemporary song (hymn) speaking toward the only One who can give us hope in this dark world. Sin and despair are all around, and to many this life seems to be a hopeless journey. But God’s people know that from early in the morning and until late at night we have hope…in Jesus!

“A New Creature” – 619

Penned by T.O. Chisholm and musically supported by L.O. Sanderson (members of the Lord’s church) this song clearly explains the new life we can have in Christ. “Buried with Christ (baptism)…I am dead to the world.” So examine your life and see if indeed “…Christ lives in me.”

“God Is Calling the Prodigal” -no book

An old invitation song that we no longer find in the hymnal “Song of Faith & Praise”. But just because an editor doesn’t include a song that is Biblical and scriptural doesn’t mean we toss it out of our repertoire. We all have wandered away (some intentionally others haphazardly), and all the while God is calling us to return; “…weary prodigal come!”

“The Way of the Cross Leads Home” -616

As we close our worship service on Sunday morning we’ll sing to remind each other and encourage those who are lost to ‘bid farewell’ to the world and seek your home with God. The way home is easy; follow the cross.

So what’s uncomfortable about all this? What would you not want to ‘experience again?’ See you Sunday morning!

1, October 15, 20121, July 21, 2014

Taking a Look at Sunday Morning

I am thankful for my church family…

Having just returned from a trip the evening before, we were late getting to church service and decided not to interrupt class 20 minutes late. After getting some work done in the office, we sat down early in the auditorium.

Though we left on vacation following the morning services last week, it seemed like a long time since we’d been with our church family.

At first, it was dark in the auditorium, then a few people started to arrive. One sweet lady, dressed in high heels and using a walking cane, was escorted to her seat by her grown son who then returned pushing her husband in a wheelchair. They sat on the second seat from the front, settled in their pew while the son figured out where to store the folded wheel chair. He sat with them.

A few others, mostly folks walking slowly due to age, came in the auditorium finding their pews and settling in for worship before class was dismissed and the masses arrived.

One man came walking down our aisle and suddenly the lights came on. Smiling he told us they automatically come on when he enters! We shared small talk and he settled in his pew awaiting the rest of his family.

For 15 minutes people strolled in the auditorium, some stopped to chat before sitting down, others hurriedly walked past looking towards ‘their’ pew. Some, knowing we’d been out of town, asked about our trip. Another was excited to show me she too had recently gotten an iPhone, she asked if I would like to go to classes with her. Another brother shared with me a picture of a fancy faucet he had just installed in their renovated bathroom. And yet another dear brother, short on time, asked me a question about his LOA group (our church’s small group). One of our young men, on his first visit home from college, stopped to give me a hug and chat briefly before others wanted his attention too. A sweet lady in the pew in front of me wanted to chat about her LOA plans that were scheduled for the evening.

I glanced around the auditorium and saw a sister across the way that hadn’t been to worship in quite some time…I said a prayer of thanksgiving. Families are all in place now, some with guests from out of town. The college students came in close to the starting time and sat in a row together in their normal spot.

Now it’s time for the welcome and announcements and our weekly ‘meet and greet’. Then worship begins. It’s a joy to begin worship in prayer and then song. A brother in front of us realizes contribution is early in the service so he pulls out a couple bills from his wallet and tries to throw them down the row for his daughter & friend to put in the plate…except neither girl saw the money and his wife sat on one of the bills. Oh well, at least, he tried.

Before I know it, worship is over and it’s time to visit on our way out the door. As I walk through the north end a new grandma is busy visiting with her LOA friends about her wonderful new grandson! I lose track of time visiting and can’t find my husband; I’m assuming he went to the van to wait for me…not so this time. In the van I do some more waiting and observe several families leaving from the parking lot. One couple has a wedding gift and they see the person in the parking lot they need to give it to! A college student and his younger brother come out and drive the suburban closer to the exit waiting for the rest of the family – I’m guessing it felt good to him to be back in that role, and the family certainly loved the familiarity of it too.

The sun was shining but there’s coolness in the air. Today is our LOA Sunday and there is of buzz in the family as many have plans with their small group.

It’s such a blessing to be a part of God’s family, sharing and caring for each other in every way! I look forward to any opportunity I have to be with my family, but it seemed especially sweet yesterday after being gone for a week.

I thank God that he gives us everything we need, each other, our church family.

Donna

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” I John 4:8

In the family of God we are a blessed people!

Thanks Donna for reminding us of the joy we have in the Kingdom of God.

1, April 3, 20121, April 2, 2012

Passionate Worship…

How do we know if we are passionate worshipers or if we worship from routine? Is there a way to determine the sincerity of my worship, or is it deep within my soul and only I know whether my worship to God is passionate or not. If we are going to be passionate worshipers for Christ and demonstrate lives that bring glory to God, there are a few things we need to keep in mind. With the scripture as our foundation, let’s consider how we can sing songs of praise that will not only encourage (admonish) one another, but be pleasing in the sight of our God.

As we build a stronger heart for worship, we must first be ‘strengthened with power’, ‘according to the power that works within us.’ Ephesians 3:16, 20. When we desire a fuller understanding of the importance of worship within our lives, we find that the outward display of worship must be derived from deep within our lives. Giving God the leftover pieces of our hearts is as worthy as giving our spouse a kiss after returning from a love affair. Too many ‘worshipers’ give God what they scrape from the surface of their hearts, rather than the depths of their lives.

But what does it mean to ‘give God the depths of your heart?’ It’s actually an easy concept; to give God your heart…or is it? Perhaps it’s more difficult than we might think. The concept of giving God something that is already His is easy. But can I just say ‘my heart belongs to God’ or is there more to it? A closer look at Romans 8 tells us how God should impact the depths of our lives, “However, you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit. If indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.”

When we let the Spirit control every aspect of our lives, you find your behavior is different from the world. When God has your heart, your words and actions are unique to godliness. The movies you watch and the jokes you tell (or listen to) are separate from others around you and reflect a Spirit of Christ rather than the world. Ask yourself this simple question, “Is Christ a permanent part of my life, or do I treat Him like a temporary guest?” Galatians 2:20 (a youth camp song from 30 plus years ago) could be your baseline; ‘I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.’

So how do you know if your worship is passionate or if it’s routine…perhaps even rehearsed? Christ tells us how we determine if someone is genuine or putting on front when He warns about ‘false prophets’ in Matthew 7. His warning is directed toward false teachers, but it can help us understand the heart as well; “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits…every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.” When we are baptized into Christ and walk the life of a Christian, we come closer to sincere, passionate worship. But realize, it’s not a one and done deal. I must constantly work on keeping my heart right with God. Just because I KNOW what to do, doesn’t mean I’ll always do it. We can have more passion in our worship if we are willing to give Him more than just a song. When we allow the Spirit to dwell in our lives, and live daily for Christ…we’ll begin to understand how we can have passion in our worship!

1, March 30, 20121, March 30, 2012

Worship…in Song

I love to sing songs of praise to God. There are some songs that I consider to be my favorites, and I’m sure you have your favorites as well. Going back, I can’t remember a time when singing hymns weren’t a part of my life. “The Old Rugged Cross“, “We Praise Thee, O God“, “He is My Everything” have been songs I remember singing from an early age. When Vicki and I were married (22 years ago), we had “God Be With You Til We Meet Again” as our recessional. For years we would sing “I Come to the Garden Alone” to our children as they were going to sleep (a practice my grandmother did for me), because there is no better way to close your day then to put into your heart and mind ‘…the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding…’ (Philippians 4:7).

Hymns and spiritual songs are intended to give praise to God. We should sing in hopes of teaching valuable lessons and stirring the hearts of those who hear. Singing involves at least three basic elements of our bodies; our hearts, our minds and our voices (lips). Would that we use all three to bring glory to Him and edification to His people.

Let’s take a look at the blessings we find in singing songs of praise. Since the Lord seeks those who will worship Him to worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), it is important that we ask ourselves one basic question; “What is God’s will for us as we worship Him in song?”

To learn the truth about Christian worship in song, we must go to the New Testament. (A study of the Old Testament will show you what God expect under the old law). Ephesians 5:17-21 states, “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation (moral looseness); but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in fear of God.” In Romans 15:5-9, Paul speaks of the Gentiles glorifying God, and emphasizes how a congregation, together, should be glorifying God. Notice Paul’s words from this passage in Romans; “…so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…I will give praise to Thee among the Gentiles, and I will sing to Thy name.”

In short, the following are New Testament passages that reference singing praises to God:

Matthew 26:30…Jesus and His disciples after the Lord’s supper

Acts 16:25…Paul and Silas at midnight, in jail with their feet in stocks

Romans 15…Noted above

I Corinthians 14:15 & 26…”I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also…” “What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.”

Ephesians 5:18, 19…Noted above

Colossians 3:16…an emphasis on singing songs that teach and admonish

Hebrews 2:12 & 13:15…quoting Psalm 22 (‘…in the midst of the congregation I will sing Thy praise.‘) and ‘…let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.‘

James 5:13…a clear call to sing, ‘…Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises.”

Each example listed from the New Testament describes worship for the Christian as one that emphasizes verbal communication: singing, speaking, teaching, admonishing, making melody with your hearts, confessing, giving thanks, proclaiming, and the fruit of lips. Is it just me or do you see a clear call for your heart, mind and voice (fruit of lips) to be the instruments of choice from God. When we worship, know for certain, your body should be giving God all the praise and all your worship.

1, March 25, 2012

Here I am to Worship…Really?

Before we announce that we are coming to worship, perhaps we should first ask ourselves, “What is worship?” By definition, worship is a mental or spiritual act, a sense of awe and reverence in the presence of the divine. It is NOT an experience we have in the presence of God, but the act of offering God our best when we are IN His presence.

If we were to look closely at the Greek word for worship, we would find the word proskuneo. It’s direct meaning is very clear as to what worship is…”throwing oneself on the ground to show respect and awe.” On Sunday morning, when you meet with the saints and, ‘come to worship’, does it include respect, reverence and awe? I’m afraid too often we cheapen our understanding of that simple word ‘awe’ and fail to realize it’s a descriptive term that tells us about our creator. Rather than holding that term solely for His description, we tell our friends that the movie we saw on Saturday night was ‘awesome’. How can I compare the Maker of Heaven and earth to a 90 minute, Hollywood production. Sing “Our God is an Awesome God” and find another description for that movie.

As you consider your personal worship time on Sunday morning or Sunday night…what is your mind thinking about? How have you prepared yourself for this time in the presence of God. I have heard many say that they ‘worship’ all the time. The idea has been adopted to say we should consider our whole lives a worship to God. Without a doubt, we need to humble ourselves every day and bow before Him with respect and awe. But we need to understand that worship is an intentional action. We must prepare ourselves for worship or we run the risk of just ‘going through the motions’. Are we to ALWAYS have Christ in our lives? Absolutely! Paul admonishes us to ‘pray without ceasing’ (I Thessalonians 5:17), but does that mean we are praying all the time? Of course there are times when we pray and times when our minds are not focused in prayer; but we must always have a prayerful heart. In the same way, as we live our life in reverence to God, we also work within this worldly realm. In the world, but not of the world. Our lives reflect submission to 24/7 though we may not be ‘bowing in worship’.

Let me encourage you to consider this idea of worship by pointing out FOUR basic tenants of our worship. Number One; worship is internal, it comes from the heart. Can I worship externally? Yes, but you cannot properly worship God externally without first worshiping Him internally. Number Two; worship is intentional. We can’t come to God and worship Him accidentally. Remember God’s warning in Matthew 15, “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.” What are you thinking about when you come to worship? Number Three; worship is vertical. Certainly, during our worship, we encourage the church family around us. But our giving of praise to God can not be mistaken as self-satisfying. “I Need Thee Every Hour” is a song that can only be sung to Him! Number Four; (as noted earlier) worship is momentary. Our lives are spent in momentary acts, and sense our worship is intentional, we must choose to spend time in worship.

Next time you ‘come to worship’, remember we are to worship in spirit and in truth. Come before Him and worship in reverence and in awe.