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, June 25, 20131, June 25, 2013

Congregational Singing

Last week, in his article about Hymnology, Richard Dent sited 7 rules for congregational singing. Taking a deeper look into these principles might inspire us to consider how we sing on Sunday morning, and how (do) we prepare ourselves to sing.

We mentioned the book by John & Charles Wesley from the early 1700’s, “Selected Writings and Hymns”. This collection of ideas and prayers comes from the founder of Arminian Methodism, yet some of his ideas shared here speak to us today. We’ll consider the exact wording and explore it’s deeper meaning. Keep in mind, our focus concerning words of directions for congregational singing must come from the word of God.

John Wesley’s Rules for Singing

From John Wesley’s Select Hymns, 1761

1) Learn these tunes before you learn any others; afterward learn as many as you please. The encouragement here is for the reader to learn Wesley’s songs as printed in his book. We would agree with the premise to ‘Learn these tunes…’ provided the tunes are scriptural in content. If we find a psalm, hymn or spiritual song that doesn’t resonate with the truth of God’s word, exercise caution before adding it to your repertoire. Learn as many as you please is good advice. But the basis for this charge is to sing songs of praise to God. If we would do that one thing alone (sing to God) our nation would be turning more toward Him.

2) Sing them exactly as they are printed here, without altering or mending them at all; and if you have learned to sing them otherwise, unlearn it as soon as you can. Unfortunately I don’t espouse the language in this ‘rule’ for singing. Though spoken as a true musician, the lay singer will often adjust the melody line or add supporting harmony to a song. God’s instruction to us when we sing is to sing with our hearts, not our vocal cords. Often times we get caught up in the sound of it rather than focus on the heart of singing.

3) Sing all. See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can. Let not a slight degree of weakness or weariness hinder you. If it is a cross to you, take it up, and you will find it a blessing. This is sound advice! ‘Sing all’ is a call for everyone to sing. Not just those who can or have the ‘best voices’, but all should be singing. Our culture seems to focus on the ‘idols’ and glamorize the talent, but when we read Colossians 3:16, the instruction is to be ‘…teaching and admonishing one another…singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.’ Paul doesn’t say, ‘if you want to,’ the command is for us to sing; and so we should, sing all!

4) Sing lustily and with a good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of its being heard, than when you sung the songs of Satan. Two thoughts here; be of good courage and sing lustily (powerful or strong) are a great admonition. While some refuse to sing, others sing with apathy in their voices. And yet how often do we sing out the songs of the world, but mumble or refuse to sing songs of praise? Considering this was written almost 250 years ago, I find it interesting Wesley refers to worldly songs as ‘songs of Satan.’ Can we find praise to God in secular tunes (western, rock, rap, etc)? Perhaps, since many of those musical numbers carry us away from God, then Wesley was right in saying they are songs of Satan. And yet those are the songs that are sung to establish the ‘best singers’ in our society…do we need to rethink our singing?

5) Sing modestly. Do not bawl, so as to be heard above or distinct from the rest of the congregation, that you many not destroy harmony, but strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one clear melodious sound. Almost seems like a counter to the previous rule to ‘sing lustily’, but consider the reason for singing with modesty. Do we come together to out sing each other? Are you singing tenor so others can hear you for your praise? Sopranos might have the hardest time with this ‘rule’ in that they have the lead voice. We must be aware that our songs are not for us, but for our God. Remember that we are offering ‘…a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.’ Will we offer that sacrifice with strength and power or with selfish intentions?

6) Sing in time. Whatever time is sung be sure to keep with it. Do not run before nor stay behind it; but attend close to the leading voices, and move therewith as exactly as you can; and take care not to sing too slow. This drawling way steals on all who are lazy; and it is high time to drive it out from us, and sing all our tunes just as quick as we did at first. Again, I’m not convinced this is of the utmost importance. What IS important is the encouragement to sing together. In addition, there is a clear understanding, as Paul stated in I Cor. 14:40 that we are to do, ‘all things…properly and in an orderly manner.’ This is case in point as to why we have song leaders in our worship services. Someone to lead our singing so the congregation can sing together without some running ahead or sing ‘whatever song they want.’ The 14th chapter of I Corinthians helps us understand this idea more clearly.

7) Above all sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing Him more than yourself or any other creature. In order to do this attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and see that your heart is not carried away with sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve here, and reward you when He cometh in the clouds of heaven. I couldn’t say it any clearer. As we sing on Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings and Wednesday nights (or anytime for that matter) we’re praising God. The question is, where do you focus? We are a blessed people to have the hope of heaven. Let’s sing in our congregations to the glory of God and not to satisfy our opinions.

And just in case you were wondering; here’s one more quote from John Wesley, “I have no objection to instruments of music in our worship, provided they are neither seen nor heard.” Updated from What Did Early Christians Believe About Using Instrumental Music in Worship. http://www.bible.ca/H-music.htm

1, June 21, 20131, June 20, 2013

Show & Tell Time…June 23rd

Ask any grade school child and they can tell you all about ‘Show & Tell.’ This is the time to share with your friends something you cherish and hold as very dear. It’s an exciting time because it’s about something you know very well. Something that is close to you and personally dear.

‘Show and Tell,’ however is not just a child’s activity. The child of God is also called to participate in this activity. What will you show and how much are you willing to tell about your Savior? Is your life as a Christian something you cherish and hold dear? If we’re truly excited about our walk with Christ we will ‘love to tell story’, and we’ll show Him to the world.

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

Sunday morning, June 23, 2013

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

“Blessed Be the Lord God Almighty” – 72

A beautiful hymn that is clearly directed to our God. We begin with the phrase, “Father in Heaven, how we love You…” Almost as if we’re saying a prayer this song begins our worship as we SING a prayer. Consider how we sing scripture in the last part of this song, “…the Lord God almighty, who was and is and is to come…” the words of our Lord and Savior from Revelation chapter 1, verse 8.

“We Praise Thee, O God” – 2

“Hallelujah” is derived from the Hebrew as two words; “halla”, praise and “Yah”, God. We know that but it’s good to revisit what we’re singing. Translated the chorus would read like this…”Praise God! The glory belongs to Him, Praise God! Amen…”

“There is a Sea” – 556

If you’ve never followed the message of this song read on. There is poetry within these three short verses and with a rather difficult harmony, we often skip over this old, spiritual song. In the first verse we sing about a sea that is surrounded with an abundance of natural resources and coastal nourishment; the Sea of Galilee. From it flows the Jordan river down toward the Dead Sea where the second verse of our song continues. Unlike the Galilean sea, the Dead Sea is filled with salt and, ‘lies heavy as molten lead.’ Singing the third verse we can see the application and the question is asked, “What will it be for you and me…?” Will we be like the Sea of Galilee and give out the good we have been given, or will we remain stagnate in our life and refuse to share the God-given gifts we have in life?

“Holy Bible, Book Divine” – no book

This is an old spiritual songs with the tune (meter) of another, more familiar song. We’ll replace the music William B. Bradbury gave this song in 1858 to a musical arrangement provided by J. H. Fillmore in 1877. You’ll recognize “Savior, Grant Me Rest and Peace”, but you’ll be singing, “Holy Bible, Book Divine.” This is a great opportunity to learn a new song with an old melody!

“I Love to Tell the Story” – 659

We talk about all the things we love in life, but before our lesson we’ll sing about ‘loving to tell’ the story of Jesus Christ. Do you enjoy (love) to tell about Jesus? Each of these verses are filled with the reason we should not only sing about our Savior, but look forward to telling others about Him too. Why sing about the story, because “I know ’tis (it is) true”, and because “…it means so much to me.” How can we sing this song without putting a smile on our faces?

“Lord Speak to Me” – 771

Not a typical invitation song, but when we consider showing and telling this world about Jesus Christ I couldn’t help but think of this last verse; “O fill me with Thy fulness, Lord. Until my very heart o’re (over) flow; In kindling tho’t (as an ember begins to burn and glow in our thoughts) and glowing word, Thy love to TELL, Thy praise to SHOW.” People need a Savior, let’s take Jesus for OUR show and tell!

“Thomas’ Song” – 269

An adaptation of Thomas and how he might have reacted in John 20. Notice especially verse 3 of this song. Perhaps in the upper room, when Thomas see’s Jesus for the first time since His resurrection, the poet Ken Young, writes; “Holy presence, holy face; a vision filling time and space. Your nearness makes my spirit race, could this be part of the plan?” When we are moved and emotional invested in something we have the sensation that our heart is racing. Maybe, just maybe, Thomas’ spirit was racing when he saw Jesus. Does Jesus cause your heart (spirit) to race? Though this song is man’s idea of what John might have said, felt or even thought, the text is clear as we read his final admonition, “You are my Lord and my God.” John 20:28

“Lead Me To Calvary” – 332

Between the Bread and the Fruit of the Vine we’ll sing verse 2 of this solemn reminder of Christ crucifixion. “Show me the tomb where Thou wast (was) laid…” , where angels robed in light guarded Christ ‘while He slept.’ In our minds eye we should use this time to reflect on Calvary…lest we forget.

“Ring Out the Message” – 622

“Tell the world of saving grace, make it known in every place…” The local ‘town crier’ was responsible to getting the message out to the community. They had the job to ‘ring the message out.’ Today, all Christians have the task to take the message to a lost community. We believe there is a message that’s true and makes the weary glad, but more importantly…it’s a message for the sinful and for the sad. We don’t have to stand on a street corner and cry out the message, but we need to be ready when it’s time for “Show & Tell”.

1, June 19, 20131, June 18, 2013

Hymnology…A Look at the 1700’s

Richard Dent’s research and writing will again grace this website as we look at Hymnology in some general terms.

Have you ever thought that there are ‘rules’ for congregational singing? In this report we’ll look at some ideas from Wesley, Watts and Newton. Let’s consider how we can benefit from knowing more about the history of singing within Christiandom and the Lord’s church.

The mid 1700’s was a time of revival – a great awakening in the colonies as well as England. Charles Wesley picked up where Isaac Watts had left off. He, Wesley, wrote thousands of hymns; some scholars say almost 9,000. Some of his works are in our hymnal, Faith & Praise: “Love Divine” (page #140, written in 1747); “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” (page #233, written in 1739); “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” (page #345, written in 1739) and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (page #1001, written in 1739).

In one of his books, Charles Wesley listed seven rules for congregational singing:

1) Learn selected tunes before learning others.
2) Sing them exactly as they were printed.
3) Sing all (all people). See that you join the congregation as frequently as you can.
4) Sing lustily (powerful, with vigor) and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead or asleep.
5) Sing modestly. Do not bawl so as to be heard above the rest of the congregation so as to destroy the harmony of the group.
6) Sing in time. Do not run ahead nor stay behind.
7) Above all, sing spiritually. Have an eye for God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing Him more than yourself.

(We’ll come back and visit these ideas next week…)

In the wake of the Watts and the Wesleys, whole generations of hymnists rose up and produced some of the grandest music in the church. Some of these hymns are “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” (page 844) by William Williams in 1745. He was known as the Watts of Wales.

Other memorable hymns include, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (page #226) was written by Robert Robinson in 1758; “Rock of Ages” (page #454) written by Augustus Toplady in 1776; and “Amazing Grace” (page #129) written by John Newton in 1779. Have you noticed the years these old hymns were penned? Let’s recap the timeline of just these few hymns of prayer and praise:

1739..”Hark! The Herald Angels Sing;
“O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” and
“Christ the Lord is Risen Today”

1745…”Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”

1747…”Love Divine”

1758…”Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”

1776…”Rock of Ages”

1779…”Amazing Grace”

An exceptional collection of hymns that have survived the years. Actually, over 200 years! And we would be amiss to forget the back ground behind Newton’s hymn “Amazing Grace.” Remember that John Newton was a slave trader on the high seas. By his account, an evil and vile man who, following his conversion to Christ became a changed man, and then opposed the slave trading business in the British empire. There is one verse we have nearly forgot, it reads…“The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun forbear to shine. But God, who called me here below, shall be forever mine.”

Understanding the back ground behind what we sing will help us appreciate why we sing. Though hymnology, the study of hymns, may not be exciting for many, I truly believe it is imperative for all. Thanks again to my uncle, Richard Dent, for reminding us of the history of some great songs of faith and praise.

1, June 16, 20131, June 14, 2013

Five Non-Negotiable Duties of a Father

Being the father of three young adults and writing an article for fathers may seem a little pretentious. But by no means do I intend to come across self-promoting. Realizing our youngest is 15, and our older two children are college students is humbling in its own right. But perhaps there are a few small token ideas we fathers should consider together…

Let me propose to you that there are 5 Non-Negotiable Duties that fathers have toward their families and for their children. Whether you have one or a dozen children, if you lose sight of these five principles for raising your family, you will surely struggle to fulfill your obligation as a father. (Singing may be absent from this list, but you will find it’s influence is ever present.)

1) A father must cultivate a sense of family identity. Hold up the family as not only important but a place each member is valued. I remember growing up and being told, “Remember, you’re a Bruce.” One youth minister, before taking the kids on mission trip, would remind the students with these words, “Remember whose you are.” As a family we found honor in our name sake, and as God’s children we cherished the identity we share in His family. Perhaps the connection (music-wise) is found in the spiritual song written by Isaac Watts in the early 1700’s; “I’m not ashamed to own my Lord, nor to defend His cause…” When we cultivate a strong sense of family, our children will know they are safe and unashamed of who they are. Solomon gave a commendation in Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is to be more desired than great wealth…” Father’s, cultivate your families identity but teach them to honor Jesus, the name above all names.

2) A father must regularly demonstrate love to his wife. Without hesitation we consider Paul’s words to the church in Ephesus (Ephesians 5:25) as he writes, “Husbands, love your wives…” Alone, these four words are scripture and suffice, but we are left with the question, ‘HOW do I love my wife?’ The next seven words answer the question, “…just as Christ also loved the church…” But to the un-churched the question may remain, how did Christ love the church? Complete the verse, “…and gave Himself up for her.” We realize this means the ultimate sacrifice. Christ died for us! Husbands (Fathers) is your wife, your family, important enough to you that you are willing to sacrifice yourself for them?

3) A father must give his children the freedom to fail. Look no further than Luke 15:11-32 when Jesus tells us the story of the ‘prodigal son’. (Go to the text and read it again for a refresher.) The father of two boys is very affluent and provides for his family. But when his youngest decides to ‘move out’ and make his own way in life, his father doesn’t stop him. The young man is about to experience some difficult times and his struggles will be crippling. Certainly his father realizes this, but is still willing to give him his ‘freedom.’ Why would a loving father allow such a foolish mistake? Why not tell him ‘no’ and look out for his son’s best interest? The father, in Christ’s parable, is letting his son fail so he’ll learn what’s most important. Never assume it’s easy to let your children struggle through difficult times. But if they are to grow and learn and appreciate the blessings of life, they often have to fail. But it’s then that I remember the old invitation song written by Charles Gabriel, “Patient, loving, and tenderly still the Father pleads; Hear, O hear Him calling, calling now for thee…” Fathers hurt when their children fail, but often in failure our children learn. Our prayer is that they’ll learn and grow from their mistakes, then return home.

4) A father must guard his tongue and tone. This can be hard for those who are ‘manly men.’ We’re rough and gruff and often bark out commands to the troops. Fathers, we must be very careful to consider the example we’re setting. You’ve heard the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. The way you raise your children will be the way in which they learn to treat themselves and eventually raise their families. Discipline falls into this category too. We are commanded to discipline our children, but unbridled punishment can be detrimental. God’s word is our guide…Proverbs 13:24 “He who withhold his rod (discipline) hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.” Notice that when we fail to discipline (withhold the rod) we, in essence, are ‘hating’ our children. However, if our discipline is rooted in love we’re following God’s word. Solomon tells us again in the 16th chapter of Proverbs, verse 24…“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Often we reserve kind words for strangers and inject venom upon our family. How about giving our family (our children) some of that ‘pleasant honeycomb.’

5) A father must build a relationship of trust with his children…built on God’s Word and not on human knowledge. How much do you value God’s word in the presence of your children? Do your children see you embrace the word of God and make Him your focus? Or do we have a tendency to slide up next to the world and let culture dictate our choices? Reading God’s word, and making God your priority is building a relationship on Him and His word. Taking your children to the soccer game instead of worship on Sunday morning is not building a relationship on God’s Word, but on the world’s ways.

Perhaps Solomon says it best in the first seven chapters of Proverbs as he writes the phrase, “My son…” seventeen times. Would that we instruct our children over and over again about the glory of God and the admonition to live for Him. “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute (reputation) in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3

1, June 14, 20131, June 16, 2013

God’s Chosen Fathers…June 16th

On a clear Sunday afternoon in the mid-1990’s our family went to eat lunch after morning services. As we were getting our children out of their car seats and into the restaurant, Logan, then three, asked, “Since we celebrate mommy’s on Mother’s Day and daddy’s on Father’s Day, when do we celebrate ‘Son Day’?” My response; “Every day…is son’s day.”

But if the truth be know, every day we should be recognizing the Son of God and celebrate Him. This past month we took some time to honor our mothers, and this Sunday we’ll take a minute and consider our dads. Father’s Day and Mother’s Day were designed by our country to honor our parents (Ephesians 6:1, 2). But men we must remember our responsibility as dads. Join us as we consider the idea that God has chosen us to be fathers.

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

Sunday morning, June 16, 2013

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

“Restore My Soul” – no book

As we sing this song to God we’re asking Him to restore us, revive us and renew us. The text for this hymn is Psalm 80, “O God, restore us and cause Your face to shine upon us…” Surely we have all felt weary, empty and ‘cold’ in our zeal for God. But this morning as we sing, we’ll be calling on Him to renew our love for Him, rebuild our faith in Him and restore our soul.

“Night with Ebon Pinion” – no book

This is an old spiritual song that dates back to the mid-1800’s, with some very strong Biblical applications. The poetry from this song has caused many to abandon it, but in so doing we lose a beautiful message about the last hours of Christ’s life on earth. Terms like “ebon pinion” and “brooded o’re the vale’ have perplexed many Christians into leaving this hymn behind, but consider what we’re singing. Ebon means ‘black in color’ while pinions are the wings/feathers of a bird. To ‘brood’ is to hover or sit upon, and the ‘vale’ is the valley. Now pull them all together with this translation; The dark night had settled and was hovering over the valley like the wings of bird… We have an obligation to take the time to understand what we’re singing. Maybe that’s why some of our older hymns have been tossed out; we would rather not think about the words.

“God is So Good” – 83

A simple song with a complex message. God is good, He answers prayer and He cares for me. Would that be the reason we sing the final verse, “I love Him so…” or is our faithfulness unconditional? He died for us when we were undeserving. Do you love Him because He’s good and answers your prayers? Simple, but complex…

“Walk with Me” – 394

Less than 50 years old, we sing this hymn asking for God’s guidance and presence in our daily lives. The refrain is a personal plea that I will follow in His footsteps from Galilee to Gethsemane. Fathers, remember our responsibility to lead our families; we’ll do it best when we walk with Jesus.

“Faith of Our Fathers” – 754

Fredrick Faber captured the message here of a godly heritage. When our father’s are faithful and pass that faith down to their children, we are blessed. But fathers, have you ever been confined to the dungeon, or faced the fire and sword? Who of us have been chained in prisons dark? Hebrews 11:32-38 gives us the remembrance of these faithful (fore)fathers as we look at verses 1 & 2, “Now faith, is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval.” “Faith of our fathers! Holy faith! We will be true to Thee (God) till death!”

“Step by Step” – 15

Before our lesson we’ll medley Faith of Our Fathers with Step by Step. Song leaders, since the key signatures are the same and the message is sequential, the flow of these two songs make a beautiful combination. The tradition followed by the contemporary makes for a powerful reminder that our faith in God will seek Him in the daily. Each step toward God shows our families, and this lost world, that we are devoted to walking in His ways.

“I Am Coming, Lord” – 923

“I hear Thy welcome voice that calls me, Lord, to Thee…” As our invitation song we open the door, so to speak, for those who are lost or struggling in their faith to come back to God. An invitation song isn’t the only time we seek the lost, but it’s a great opportunity. In our hymnals, Faith & Praise, only the first verse is provided. But this Sunday morning we’ll revisit Louis Hartsough’s original writing; ” ‘Tis (It is) Jesus (who) calls me on to perfect faith and love, to perfect hope and peace and trust, for earth and heav’n above…” To those who are hurting, sad and lost in sin, there is peace in the blood that flowed from Calvary.

“To Christ Be True” – 736

What better way to end the service this morning than to reconfirm our faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We’ll join our voices and sing to encourage each other to be true to Christ. Why, ‘…for He will go with you, and help you’ through all your conflicts. But more importantly, because we have been chosen to lead our children to Him.

1, June 11, 20131, June 12, 2013

Do We Want More? (part 1)

A young, southern boy was sitting down to the breakfast table with his older brothers and sisters, ready to feast on momma’s pancakes. As the youngest in this family finally gets his plate of hotcakes, his momma asked if he’s ready for some molasses. With all the southern slang the little boy had grown up with, he innocently replies; “How can I have mo’ lasses when I hasn’t had any yet?”

A comical story about a little boy’s understanding of ‘more,’ but an idea I’d like for us to follow for while. As we consider wanting/needing ‘more’ of something perhaps we should ask the obvious, more of what? On a tangible level, we might want more money, more help, or more vacation time. But in reality we might say we want more strength, more understanding, or more time. But either way we tend to want ‘more.’

The hymn we will be examining is focused on our lives and the holiness we aspire to. Written and composed by Philip Bliss in 1873, this song repeats the word ‘more’ twenty-four (24) times. With just three short verses what could we possible be praying for more of? Look deeper at how much ‘more’ we should be aspiring for.

In verse one alone we seek (sing); more holiness, more striving, more patience and more sorrow. More faith, more sense, more joy and more purpose. One by one let’s consider what are we asking God to give us ‘more’ of:
1) More holiness give me… Holiness, by definition, is the state of being set apart. We are asking to be set apart for God’s service. Read Titus 2:11-14, through Christ we are redeemed to God, “…a people for His own possession.” We are called to be holy. Deuteronomy 7:6, “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God…”

2) More striving within… why would we pray for striving? It indicates we are looking for an inter-struggle. A fight against our human nature of worldliness. Paul explained it when he wrote, “…I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. For that which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate…” Romans 7:14-15. Consider how many times you’ve said, ‘I wish I hadn’t done that.’ In short, we need ‘more striving within.’

3) More patience in suffering. Again, read the text in James 1:1-2, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” Not something we want or look forward to, but something we know we need, patience.

4) More sorrow for sin. This alone should make us stop and think about our life. Do we feel regret, guilt or sorrow when we sin? Not when we’re CAUGHT in sin, but for our sinful acts. We sing (and pray) that we’d be more sorrowful for our sin. Philip Bliss would agree, more conscience of our sin.

5) More faith in my Savior. What does it take for us to strengthen our faith? Perhaps we find the same sentiments from the father of a young boy in Mark 9. You’ll remember the discussion Jesus had with the man until the boy’s father in desperation cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief.” In other words, I need more faith in my Savior.

6) More sense of His care. How much does God care about you? Do you understand (can you sense) how much you matter to God? “For God so loved the world…” We do have some realization of His care. But do you care enough to concern yourself with Him? If we had the sense to realize His gift (Christ on the cross) we’d do all we can to give Him our all.

7) More joy in His service. Many of us equate serving to working. Who finds joy in their work? Paul states it best in Colossians 3:24, “…do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men…” When our heart is right with God, then we’ll service (work) with joy.

8) More purpose in prayer. Why do you pray? Do you have an objective when you bow in prayer or is it just a routine, something you’re supposed to do? What is your purpose? We pray for the sick, for those who are traveling, for those who are hurting…we have a purpose, don’t we? I Corinthians 14:14, 15 (one of my favorite passages), “For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. What is the outcome then? I shall pray with the spirit and I shall pray with the mind also…” In other words, be purposeful in prayer.

We’ll continue the study of this song in later weeks, but until that time take a look at the other two verses; there are still sixteen more ‘mores’.

1, June 7, 20131, June 7, 2013

Jesus’ Plan For Drawing Us to God…June 9th

The scripture reading on Sunday morning at Waterview will be coming from John chapter 3, verses 9-15. Notice the words of Jesus as He says, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up…” The text of this reading is the basis for our lesson.

In Numbers 21 we read of the rebellion among the people against God. He sends ‘fiery serpents’ that plague the people, and many died because of their rebellion. The Lord’s instruction however was clear, “Make a fiery (bronze) serpent, and set it on a standard; and it shall come about that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, he will live.” The Jews were told if they wanted healing, they simply needed to come to ‘the standard’ that was raised in the wilderness. The songs this morning are designed to focus us on the saving power of Christ and His plan to draw us toward God.

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

Sunday morning, June 9, 2013

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

“To God Be the Glory” – 4

One of several great songs of praise, this hymn was written by Fanny J. Crosby in 1875. It always amazes me when I read the words of this woman who was blind from birth. In this hymn she writes, ‘…let the earth hear His voice…’ and obvious statement coming from someone whose sense of hearing was likely well developed. But I’m more intrigued by her words in the last verse. Never having seen the light of day, Fanny Crosby writes, “…But purer and higher, and greater will be our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we SEE.” Praise the Lord!

“My Only Hope is You” – no book

The beauty of this song comes as it builds upon each verse. Some may consider this a ‘7-11 song’ (7 words sung 11 times), yet the repetition and development of the thought should take precedence. From early in the morning, until late at night, Jesus is my only HOPE, PEACE, and JOY. The fourth verse sums it up best… “All that I need is You, Jesus, all that I need is You…” Listen to the song below, but Sunday we’ll sing it without the soloist.

“More Precious Than Silver” – 273

A simple hymn that implores us to consider how we view (yes, spend) our wealth. To what, in this life, do you dedicate your prosperity? Another song that’s easy to sing…but perhaps not so easy to fulfill. Really, what is it that you desire?

“I Come to the Garden Alone” – 595

Written from the perspective of Mary as she comes to the garden after Christ burial, you can see her emotional pull to be with Jesus, the soothing comfort of His voice and the longing to stay with Him. C. Austin Miles captures the feeling Mary may have felt as we read John chapter 20. Perhaps with that understand we can sing this song differently; “…and He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has every know.” From Mary’s eyes, truer than we may have previously thought.

“We Saw Thee Not” – 342

An older hymn (again this is sung to our God) that brings the saints to a clearer understanding of Jesus life here on earth. None of us ever saw Christ or His ‘cottage home.’ We didn’t stand on Golgotha’s hill and see the soldiers ‘lift Him up’ on the cross, and none of us stooped down to look into the empty tomb. But together we’ll sing, “But we believe the deed was done, that shook the earth and veiled the sun.”

“Lift Him Up” – 631

How do we reach the masses? What can we do to show Jesus to a lost and dying world? Jesus told us that He would be lifted up so all men could come to Him. “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.” John 12:32 How do we reach men with Christ? Perhaps we start by lifting Him up in our own lives.

“I Am Thine, O Lord” – 666

Our song before the lesson implores us to draw nearer to God. Do we really long to rise in our faith, and truly seek to be closer drawn to Jesus? In the second verse we’ll sing that our souls look up with a steadfast faith, and our will be lost in Jesus. He was lifted up to draw us to Him…now will you look up to Him as you draw nearer in faith?

“Come to Jesus” – no book

In the chorus of this invitation song we’ll sing,“Come to Jesus!” Repeated more than 6 times, this old spiritual song implores the lost to seek His salvation. And like the Jews who were rebellious and bitten by the fiery serpents, we need to look up to the cross. But notice the admonition, “…Oh delay not till the morrow, lest thy coming be too late.”

“The Greatest Command” – 448

Though we sing with simplicity we sing with the scripture… “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from 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 4:7, 8 It’s easy to love the loveable, but what about those who persecute you and refuse to love you back? We can better understand how to love when we draw near to the One who was lifted up.

1, June 5, 20131, June 4, 2013

How Do You Spell Love?

Simple Truths is a motivational organization that provides some wonder encouragement and support to it’s readers. This article is an excerpt from a book that reminds us of the shortness we find in this life. Whether you are looking for motivation, or simply needing inspiration, Simple Truths will provide for you a great resource.

“In the faint light of the attic, an old man, tall and stooped, bent his great frame and made his way to a stack of boxes that sat near one of the little half-windows.

Brushing aside a wisp of cobwebs, he tilted the top box toward the light and began to carefully lift out one old photograph album after another.

Eyes once bright but now dim searched longingly for the source that had drawn him here.

It began with the fond recollection of the love of his life, long gone, and somewhere in these albums was a photo of her he hoped to rediscover. Silent as a mouse, he patiently opened the long buried treasures and soon was lost in a sea of memories. Although his world had not stopped spinning when his wife left it, the past was more alive in his heart than his present aloneness.

Setting aside one of the dusty albums, he pulled from the box what appeared to be a journal from his grown son’s childhood. He could not recall ever having seen it before, or that his son had ever kept a journal. Why did Elizabeth always save the children’s old junk? he wondered, shaking his white head.

Opening the yellowed pages, he glanced over a short reading, and his lips curved in an unconscious smile. Even his eyes brightened as he read the words that spoke clear and sweet to his soul. It was the voice of the little boy who had grown up far too fast in this very house, and whose voice had grown fainter and fainter over the years. In the utter silence of the attic, the words of a guileless six-year-old worked their magic and carried the old man back to a time almost totally forgotten.

Entry after entry stirred a sentimental hunger in his heart like the longing a gardener feels in the winter for the fragrance of spring flowers. But it was accompanied by the painful memory that his son’s simple recollections of those days were far different from his own. But how different?

Reminded that he had kept a daily journal of his business activities over the years, he closed his son’s journal and turned to leave, having forgotten the cherished photo that originally triggered his search. Hunched over to keep from bumping his head on the rafters, the old man stepped to the wooden stairway and made his descent, then headed down a carpeted stairway that led to the den.

Opening a glass cabinet door, he reached in and pulled out an old business journal. Turning, he sat down at his desk and placed the two journals beside each other. His was leather-bound and engraved neatly with his name in gold, while his son’s was tattered and the name “Jimmy” had been nearly scuffed from its surface. He ran a long skinny finger over the letters, as though he could restore what had been worn away with time and use.

As he opened his journal, the old man’s eyes fell upon an inscription that stood out because it was so brief in comparison to other days. In his own neat handwriting were these words:

Wasted the whole day fishing with Jimmy. Didn’t catch a thing.

With a deep sigh and a shaking hand, he took Jimmy’s journal and found the boy’s entry for the same day, June 4. Large scrawling letters, pressed deeply into the paper, read:

Went fishing with my Dad. Best day of my life.“

Click here if you’d like to read more about this article. (For best effect, turn up your volume.)

The story you just read is the introduction for To a Child, Love is Spelled T-I-M-E. It was written by the co-author Lance Wubbels, a best-selling author for inspirational books.

1, June 3, 20131, June 2, 2013

Lessons from a Pulpit

For those ‘church going’ folks, you know what the pulpit is. You’ve seen one almost every Sunday morning, and you know the preacher (most of the time) stands behind it to deliver a message for the word of God.

But sadly enough there are times when the message (the sermon) fails to live up to the position the pulpit represents. There are some who preach without the strength of understand and the conviction of word. Too many ‘softballs’ are lobbed out to the congregation making them feel secure, pacified and justified in their day-to-day activities. (Waterview church of Christ is the exception; Robert Oglesby’s Bible strong lessons challenge the status quo.) Still ask yourself, are the sermons you hear each week solid or soft. Will you hear a forward condemnation toward drunkenness, or quiet acceptance to social drinking? Do the sermons admonish the ladies to practice modesty, or are we fine with short skirts and tight tops? Are we concerned about the activities that accompany Prom Night? Or is that just ‘a right of passage’ for our young men and women? Are these activities (and others like them) discouraged from the pulpit?

Maybe, if we could have ‘seen’ the sermon 2000 years ago that held a crowd spell-bound for more than 6-hours we would understand what’s important in the walk with Christ. (Mark 15:25 we read, “It was about the third hour (9:00AM) when they crucified Him.” Then again in Luke 23:44-46 we notice, “It was about the sixth hour (noon), and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour (3:00PM), because the sun was obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And Jesus, crying out in a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last.”)

For six hours (9:00 in the morning till 3:00 in the afternoon) people stood and watched the Savior die. Some passed by shaking their heads (Mark 15:29) while others, rulers and soldiers included, stood looking and listen to the lesson from our Lord. We remember the short statements He made while on the cross; “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”, “Woman, behold your son.”, “I thirst.” , “It is finished!” and several other short proclamations. But what lesson was taught on this dark day in Jerusalem over 2000 years ago? What life altering lesson can I learn from this sermon of all sermons?

The group Acapella recorded a song entitle, There Never was a Pulpit Like the Cross. As you listen to this song consider the message that came on Calvary. What was the crowd hearing on that dread day as Jesus was crucified for the sins of all mankind? If it’s been a while since you’ve read the account of Christ death, burial and resurrection I encourage you to read it again. Listen to the sermon that Jesus preaches as He hangs on the cross for man’s redemption.

1) Jesus climbed the hill of Calvary
And they nailed Him on a cross
Though He had no sin my friend, like me and you
He submitted like a gentle lamb and let them nail Him there
And prayed “Forgive them, for they know not what they do”
Chorus:
Oh, there never was a pulpit like the old rugged cross
And there never was such a meeting place as Calvary
There never was a greater lesson preached on love by mortal man
And there never was a pulpit like the cross

2) What a crowd was gathered on the hill of Calvary that day
Not long before Christ’s victory was won
As His own mother watched and wept beside a friend whom Jesus loved
Christ said, “Dear mother, when I’m gone, he’ll be your son”
Chorus

3) A guilty man was hanging on another cross that day
Convicted of some thievery, his sin
And suff’ring Jesus saw some good in him and he forgave that man
And said, “Today, into My Heaven enter in”
Chorus

4) As you sit and pray in comfort, and in finery adorned
Without a thought of shame, regret, or loss
Just think of Jesus on that hill in pain, to awful to be born
And remember that old pulpit called the cross
Chorus

No, there never was a pulpit like the cross