An Intimidating Student…October 6th

sunsetSunday morning sermon’s are designed to encourage, inspire and motivate the listener, believer and unbeliever alike, to draw closer to the the Word of God.  The preacher will often put a title on his sermon to pull the audience toward the message with anticipation and interest.  So what can we know from the title of this morning’s lesson, “An Intimidating Student?”

Read Acts chapter 18 beginning in verse 23 as we consider a teacher (one who was ‘fervent in spirit’) being taught ‘more accurately’ the way of God.  Often when the teacher is ‘corrected’ the results can be controversial at best.  But notice the outcome when this teacher turns out to be ‘an intimidating student.’

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

Sunday morning, October 6, 2013

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

“To God Be the Glory” -4

A strong song of praise as the worship services begin.  With passion and conviction the congregation will join in one voice and sing, “To God be the glory, great things He has done..”  We know the greatest of our God and His wonderful love for us as we remember that even, ‘…the vilest offenders who truly obey…’ have the hope of heaven.

“We Have Come Into His House” -296

“We have come into His house, and gathered in His name to worship Him!”  Though the building that sets at 1409 N. Waterview is only a building, we remember David’s words in Psalm 122, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.”  Are we glad to come together and worship God as a united people?  God’s people know the importance of being together…in HIS house.

“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” -315

When was the last time you surveyed the cross?  How do you survey the cross?  We come together and remember our Lord’s death and resurrection every first day of the week.  We turn our minds and hearts to the cross.  We do as Jesus command, ‘…do this…in remembrance of Me.’  Survey, by definition can mean, “to view or examine.”  But it can also mean, “to calculate.”  Have you calculated the cross?  It’s worth more than we will ever know.  It’s worthy of our examination.  Perhaps this Sunday morning you’ll survey the cross more closely than before.

“I Gave My Life to Thee” -354

‘What hast thou brought for Me?’  This song ends each verse with the question, “…what have you give for Me…have you left all for Me…what have you borne for Me?”  Questions, if you will, asked by our Savior.  When we’re baptized into Christ we say we give Him our lives.  But it’s not a one time, I’ve done it, I’m saved.  We are called to give Him our lives, each and every day.  He gave His life for me, am I willing to give Him my life?

“Be with Me, Lord -778

A beautiful song of prayer where we ask God’s guidance, direction and protection.  When you’re lonely, where do you turn?  When you feel like crying, whose shoulder do you lean on?  When death is at your door…who will you be with as you depart for ‘worlds unknown?’  My prayer… “Be with me, Lord, I cannot live (or die) without Thee.”

“I Love to Tell the Story” -659

Do you love a good story? Some like to hear ’em and others like to tell ’em.  Would that we all love to tell the story of Jesus because, “…some have never heard the message of salvation from God’s own holy word.”  Are you one who tells the story?

“Will You Not Tell it Today?” -628

Before the lesson we sang of telling the story; as our invitation song we ask the question, “…will you not tell it today?”  It’s interesting to me that we declare, ‘If the name of the Savior is precious to you…’ then why won’t you tell others about Him?  I love Jesus but I don’t talk about Him with my friends makes as much sense as saying we love our spouse, but don’t want to be seen in public with them.  Are we that way with Christ?  If not, ‘…if your faith in the Savior has brought it’s reward…will you not tell it today?”

“Send the Light” -650send the light

What is the call that comes ringing over the restless wave?  It’s a call for salvation from a lost people.  Many are lost and without Christ.  Do we care enough to ‘answer their call?’  Think of the comfort we find in Christ.  We have the Light in a dark world.  Since we have light and can help others find their way, why don’t you share it?  Why don’t we ‘send the light?’