Month: November 2013

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How To Be Un-Thankful…Dec. 1st

Thanksgiving Give ThanksThese last few days most of us have been focused on ‘Thanksgiving.’  And if we’re truthful with ourselves we have all received some form of a blessing.  So how do I show someone I’m thankful?  Is there a phrase or an action that will express my appreciation to them?  

We can learn to be thankful and we can be taught how to show our gratitude.  And yet at the same time being thankless can be taught as well.  The gift is given and the recipient mouths the word ‘thanks’, but many times that’s as far as it goes.  In a world filled with instant gratification and entitlement, being thankful is becoming harder and harder to find.  Are you thankful for your home, or do you just expect it?  Are you thankful for your family or are they supposed to be there for you?  Are God’s blessings noticed by you on a daily basis, or is that just the way it’s supposed to be?  You know how to be thankful, but do you know ‘how to be un-thankful?’ 

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

Sunday morning, December 1, 2013

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

“Come Into His Presence” – 435

The fourth verse of the 100th Psalm calls the worshiper to, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise…”  Both in the musical arrangement as well as the message, our ‘psalm’ swells as we sing the final words; “…Give glory and honor and power unto Him, Jesus, the name above all names.”  .

“Sing On, Ye Joyful Pilgrims” -747

A spiritual song that implores the singer/listener to keep on singing!  Written in the late 1800’s we have to think about some of the wording (Old English) to understand the message.  Verse 2 encourages us to ‘sing on’ while laboring here on earth.  The admonition is to ‘…let songs of home (heaven) and Jesus beguile each fleeting day…’  Beguile, by definition is to trick or deceive.  But it also can be defined, ‘to pass the time pleasantly.’  That is the intent Carrie Wilson had as she wrote this song to encourage us to think heavenward as we work here on earth.

“The Lord’s Supper” {When we meet in sweet communion…} – no book

Tillit S. Teddlie penned this song as he considered the words of Christ just hours before His death.  In Luke chapter 22 Jesus broke bread with His disciples and said, “…do this in remembrance of Me.”  Paul repeated those same words as he quoted Christ and wrote to the church in Corinth (I Cor. 11).  This morning as we meet in sweet communion and while we ‘feast’ we’ll remember Christ saying, “Do this in my memory.”

“We Gather Together” – no bookrockwell thanksgiving

A song rooted from Dutch origin that dates back to the early 1600’s, this spiritual song/hymn has traditionally been considered a song of thanksgiving.  Perhaps the third verse is one that should constantly be on our lips, “We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant, and pray that Thou still our Defender will be.  Let Thy congregation escape tribulation; Thy Name be every praised! O Lord, make us free!”

“Here We Are But Straying Pilgrims” – 537

Perhaps the signature piece of this song is found in the musical development.  With everyone singing unison in the verses, we then open the refrain with a strong 4-part harmony.  But don’t forget the message.  We are straying and wandering (lost) ‘on the hills that throng (crowd) our way…’ but our joy (cheer) comes in singing songs all the way.  Perhaps you should consider what ‘gladdens (y)our longing eyes.’  I hope it’s the smile of the blessed Giver.

“More Love to Thee, O Christ” – 700

Our invitation song is a hymn of devotion as we confess, “More love to Thee, O Christ…” Each verse builds upon the next until we conclude, “Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise; this be the parting cry my heart shall raise, this still it’s (my heart) prayer shall be, more love, O Christ, to Thee, more love to Thee!  More love to Thee.'”

“My Only Hope is You” – no book

This is a contemporary hymn sung with four specific verses/parts; “My only hope is You, my only peace is You, my only joy is You and all that I need…is You!”  We’ll sing this as the collection plate is passed.  Though the words are repetitive and easy to sing, the message touches and convicts the heart.

 

“Worthy of Praise” – 230

Another Tillit S. Teddlie song that offers praise to our God.  It’s interesting to see that the phrase “worthy” is sung in verse one…10 times!  In the three verses combined we’ll offer this term of praise (worthy) almost 25 times.  Perhaps the last line of the refrain is the catalysis, “Worthy of earth and heaven’s thanksgiving…” As all of earth and heaven praise God, it’s time for us to determine if we’ll be thankful to a great and glorious God…or if we’ll be un-thankful?

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Thanksgiving…224 years ago

Unless you simply refuse to accept it, our country was founded by God-fearing men.  The first president of our United States understood the importance of honoring and fearing (respecting) our Heavenly Father.  As George Washington penned this proclamation, notice how many times our president gives reference to God, our protector and ‘Author of all that’s good.’

thanksgiving proclamation

“Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor– and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

Note: To 1) acknowledge the providence of God, 2) obey His will, 3) be grateful to Him and 4) humbly ask for His protection…is the duty of all nations!

“Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be– That we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks–for His kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation–for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of His Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war (recognizing God’s role in the Revolutionary War)–for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed–for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted–for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.”

Again note: Our tranquility as a country, the unity we enjoy as a nation, and our extreme ‘plenty’ is surely a blessing from God!  These truths are not from our own making, but from the hand of God.  That was something our first President clearly understood and adamantly promoted.

“…and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions– to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually–to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed–to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord–To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease (increase) of science among them and us–and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.washington praying”

Each November our nation is united around ‘Thanksgiving,’ but how many of us will truly humble ourselves and pray?  Do we see this time as an opportunity to perform our ‘several and relative duties (for each other) properly,’ or are we too busy ‘shopping for the holidays?’  God has so generously blessed us!

“Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

G. Washington”

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Sound the Battle Cry

civil war soldiersWars are fought and won by soldiers!  We’ve honored our veterans this month and each day we should express our ‘thanks’ for their sacrifice.  But we must never forget that soldiers fight for a cause.  They strap on their gear (armor) and charge into the fray for a common cause, to defeat the foe.  And though our methods of battle are much more ‘sophisticated’ today, we still are engaged in wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6).

Since the day God delivered His people from the Egyptians (Exodus 14), armies have sung songs to rally the troops and encourage the victor.  Songs like Moses and the sons of Israel sang in Exodus 15; “I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has hurled into the sea…”   Following the example from those men of old, we have continued to sing in triumph on the battle field.

The Civil War holds some strong examples of battle songs as we recall some familiar tunes from the 1860’s; “When Johnny Comes Marching Home”, “Dixie Land” and “Rally Round the Flag Boys”.  Like the Civil War, both World Wars and other battles fought over the years, songs of encouragement were sung to inspire the troops.

In the battle for right vs. wrong, God’s children find themselves fighting as soldier’s of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3).  We recognize this and even teach the idea to our children at the youngest ages.  Who hasn’t attended a Vacation Bible School and not sung, “I’m in the Lord’s Army”?  But do the ‘battle songs’ end with children?  Obviously not when we consider; “Soldier’s of Christ, Arise” or “The Battle Belongs to the Lord” or “Victory in Jesus”.  Let’s look at one particular battle song that the Christian has sung since the days of the Civil War.  A song by William F. Sherwin sherwin...1869entitled “Sound the Battle Cry”.  Notice the call for soldiers to be aware of the impending battle (the foe is nigh) and the call from Ephesians 6 to ‘put on the armor of God’.  The second verse encourages the soldier to realize and see the importance of never quitting (marching on in the strength of God).  And the final verse is a plea to the ‘Captain’ to continue with us, support us and reward us at the close of the war.

With the sound of distant cannons echoing in his mind, Sherwin pens the chorus as if singing the Civil War tune, ‘rally around the flag boys’; “Rouse then soldier’s (of the cross), rally round the banner…” , but who is the banner?  Notice Isaiah 11, “In that day the Root of Jesse (David’s father) will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to Him, and His resting place will be glorious.”   Who is the “Root of Jesse”?  Look to John as he wrote in Revelation 5, “…behold the Root of David (son of Jesse)…a Lamb, standing, as if slain…”.  When we sing about ‘the banner’, we’re singing about the Christ.  When we “rally ’round the banner,” we are rallying around our Savior.

Sound the battle cry! See, the foe is nigh;
Raise the standard high for the Lord;
Gird your armor on, stand firm every one;
Rest your cause upon His holy Word.
Strong to meet the foe, marching on we go,
While our cause we know, must prevail;
Shield and banner bright, gleaming in the light,
Battling for the right we ne’er can fail.
O Thou God of all, hear us when we call,
Help us one and all by Thy grace;
When the battle’s done, and the victory won,
May we wear the crown before Thy face.
Refrain:
Rouse then, soldiers, rally round the banner,
Ready, steady, pass the word along;
Onward, forward, shout aloud, “Hosannah!”
Christ is Captain of the mighty throng.
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All Things According to the Pattern…Nov. 24th

A pattern is necessary if you want to duplicate the original.  If I want to ‘make it right,’ I have to follow the pattern.  But just because I have a pattern doesn’t mean I automatically have a duplicate.  Without following the directions, the pattern will be flawed and far from effective.

patternAny seamstress knows the importance of following the pattern.  And yet many who ‘fear God’ often fail to remember that basic principle when it comes to living Christian lives.  Many will say they want to follow God’s teaching (the Word), but don’t want to be ‘bound’ by a pattern.  Free will and exploring God on my own might be the ‘new way’, but even Moses was instructed, “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”  Hebrews 8:5 


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

Sunday morning, November 24, 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 are times when we feel closer to God than other times.  What causes this feeling of joy and fulfillment?  What gives us that emotional lift as opposed to the times when we’re feeling down?  Circumstances can change in life, but our God never changes.  When you do find yourself feeling God’s love and strength, sing a song of praise.  But when you’re not…sing these words; “In moments like these, I lift up my voice; singing I love you, Lord.”

“Is It For Me?” – 483

An old hymn that asks a simple question, “Is it for me…?”  The peace and rest of heave, the welcome to ‘enter in’ heaven’s glory.  We sing this question, but let the message of the refrain echo in your heart as we praise the Father and the Son, “O Savior, my Redeemer, what can I but adore (what else is worthy of praise), and magnify (glorify) and praise Thee and love Thee…forever more?”  Never forget that the glory and rest of heaven is for all those who die to Christ…and yes, it is for me!

“How Deep the Father’s Love” – no book

A contemporary song that isn’t really asking the question, ‘How deep is the Father’s love’, but one that is sung to how-deep-the-fathers-love-for-usconfirm what we already believe and know.  God’s love for us is so deep and vast we can’t begin to measure it. How great the pain must have been for both the Father and the Son, but the objective was clear, to ‘bring many sons to glory.’  We continue this song as we ‘behold the man upon the cross’ and clearly recognize our sins.  Think in your mind back to the mocking voices (Luke 23:25-38) as they stood at the foot of the cross.  Why should I gain from His sacrifice?  I don’t know the answer to that question.  “But this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom.’

“Abide with Me” – 808

A song that is popular during the closing hours of one’s life.  A hymn pleading for God to abide with us during these dark, lonely hours.  We’ll sing this song following the Lord’s Supper, but we’ll focus on the fourth verse as we sing; “Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies; heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee: in life and in death, O Lord, abide with me.”

“Restore My Soul” – no book

A strong, upbeat song that asked God to restore our spirit, revive the fire of our souls and renew our courage to live for the Savior.  “Renew my love, rebuild my faith and restore my soul.”  Perhaps some will find it repetitive, but what a message to ask for strength as we express our “desire to work in His fold…”

“Sing to Me of Heaven” – 716

Almost 100 years old, this spiritual song is sung encouraging the Christian to remember the joy of heaven.  The traps (toils) that bind us on this earth will be loosened as we encourage each other to keep looking to the pattern and the hope of eternal life with Christ!

“Softly and Tenderly” – 934

An ‘invitation song’ that has been around since the late-1800’s calls the wandering sinner to turn back to God. Visions of the stubborn child who has run away from home are seen as we plead for those who are weary to come back and rest.  To emphasize the message, there is a sense of urgency in the third verse; don’t you realize time is now fleeting and the moments are passing…? Come on, come home!

“True Hearted, Whole Hearted” – 629town crier

“Peal out the watch word!”  Almost like the town crier who is standing on the street corner announcing the ‘good news’, so we too should be true to our devotion to God and share His message.  Or more likely, we should be shouting out the song of our spirits if we are truly rejoicing and free.  This is truly a song of victory if we are true to His Word and follow the pattern given to us in the scripture.

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Learning How to Walk…Nov. 17th

baby stepsMany parents cherish the time when they watch their child take those first steps.  The thrill of knowing their baby is becoming more independent is both a joy as well as an eye-opener. Physical families and church families alike are excited as the ‘babes’ learn to walk.  With the awareness of this new found skill comes the understand that they will eventually be taking on more responsibilities.

For the past two years, Patrick & Brandon’a Garcia have been working as Waterview’s missionaries in Cuernavaca, Mexico.  Charged with the task of spreading the gospel in Mexico, this young couple has worked hard to reach, teach and baptize almost 30 souls in the last 24 months.  Sunday morning Patrick will present his ‘report’ and share with us a message of how this young congregation is…’learning how to walk.’

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

Sunday morning, November 17, 2013

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

“Blessed Be the Lord God Almighty” – 72

Our opening song is a ‘hymn’ as we sing these words to God; it’s as if we’re singing a prayer.  Notice the words, “Father in heaven, how we love you.  We lift Your name in all the earth.  May your kingdom be established in our praises as Your people declare Your mighty works.  Blessed be the Lord, God almighty!  Who was, and is, and is to come.”  Reading Revelation 4:8, we hear the praise being offered around the throne of God; ‘Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come.”

“Walk with Me” – 394walking together

As we consider ‘walking’ it only seems appropriate to note the words of this hymn (again, sung to HIM).  The prayer is for God to walk with us through this life.  The author offers a two step progression; 1) walk with me, and 2) talk with me.  But we would lose the message if we fail to notice the last line in the chorus.  “Let me follow in Your footsteps that trod the shore of Galilee, let me learn to pray like He did in the Garden of Gethsemane; Take my hand, take my hand, teach me Lord to understand, all my duty, all the beauty of Your love.”

“I Come to the Garden Alone” – 595

A song written by Austin Mile 100 years ago (1912) that recalls Christ in the garden.  But what garden and who is source of these words.  For years we have sung, “I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses; and the voice I hear, falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses…”  But who is speaking?  Austin Miles wrote this song as if Mary Magdalene were speaking.  As you sing consider the 20th chapter of John while Mary stood outside the tomb weeping.  And remember the chorus as you daily walk with Christ.

“Here I Am to Worship” – no book

A contemporary hymn (song sung to God) that proclaims the reason for our coming together to worship.  Jesus told us that He is the Light of the World (John 8:12).  Knowing who He is and what Has done for us should cause all Christians to humbly bow, and gratefully say, “Here I am to worship…here I am to bow down…here I am to say that You’re my God.  You’re all together lovely, all together worthy, all together wonderful to me!” 

“Where He Leads I’ll Follow” – 417

This old spiritual song (1885) announces our resolve to “…follow Jesus every day.”  If He is my example, and if I listen to His loving words, ‘Coming follow Me…’, you should ask yourself, how will I follow Him?  The only obvious answer is to get up and walk.  We can never follow someone as long as we sit on the sidelines and watch.  Learning how to walk implies that I’m going to be using that skill to go somewhere.  Jesus is leading…are you willing to follow.

“Trust and Obey” – 915

Our invitation song is best summed up in the last line of the chorus, ‘…for there’s no other way…’  Where are you walking today?  How will you face the shadows and burdens of this life?  Whether we’re sitting at His feet listening holding handsand learning, or working in His kingdom (walking beside Him), we must remember to take each step trusting and obeying.

“Just a Closer Walk with Thee” – 406

“I am weak, but Thou art strong.  Jesus, keep me from all wrong.  I’ll be satisfied as long as I walk, dear Lord, close to Thee.”  There are times when we just want to be alone.  No one to hurry us, no one to push us, no one to ‘hold us accountable.’  But as we consider our life in Christ, realize distance from Him makes us weak.  Learning to walk is exciting, but I can’t make it alone.  Reach out and hold His hand.  He will steady you as you’re learning how to walk. 

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Our Heroes…

Thanks to all those who have served our country!

Many have sacrificed in the darkest of hours of battle, while others have kept vigil in times of peace.  Either way, those men and women who have put on the uniform are to be honored and considered our heroes.  On Saturday morning at the Waterview church of Christ, we took time to say ‘thank you’ to our veterans.  Below are the 40 men who joined us for breakfast!

013

From the 97-year old World War II fighter pilot, Lt. Colonel, Truman Baker to the 24-year old Master of Arms, Mark Davis, 2nd Class, we express our heartfelt…Thank you!

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The Battle Belongs to the Lord…Nov. 10th

“Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in!  Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle…He is the King of glory.”
Psalm 24:7, 8, 9  David penned this psalm thousands of years ago, and yet the soldier still today finds comfort in knowing who is mighty in battle.

As soldier’s of the cross we must hold fast to the knowledge that the war has soldier prayingbeen won.  Though skirmishes come into our lives constantly, and daily battles must be fought as we stand for truth, we know Jesus is Lord.  Join us Sunday morning as we honor our veterans and admonish all of the soldiers in the Lord’s army!

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

Sunday morning, November 10, 2013

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

“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” 560

We begin our worship services this morning as we encourage each other to give glory and honor to the King.  It’s interesting to consider the first verse; how are we entering the land (this world)?  Are we equipped for battle or do we ‘just throw something on?’  A football player would be clobbered if he walked onto the gridiron minus his shoulder pad or helmet.  And yet how often does the Christian walk into the world without His armor?

soldiers marching“Am I a Soldier of the Cross?” – no book

This old song has several different arrangements, but we’ll sing this one to the tune of “The Gospel is for All.”  Simply enough we sing (ask) the question, “Am I a soldier of the cross; a follower of the Lamb…?”  Today we should be asking ourselves, am I afraid to stand up for Him…or am I embarrassed to be known as a soldier of Christ?  This world opposes God…are you willing to be a soldier in His army?

 

“Come Share the Lord” – 364

As we turn our minds toward the Lord’s Supper, we commemorate our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection.  We join each other in breaking the bread, drinking the fruit of the vine and sharing (communing) with our Lord.  Each Christian understands the importance of this memorial and that’s why we anticipate the feast each Sunday morning.  That’s why ‘we gather here in Jesus’ name…’ and that’s why ‘…His love is burning in our hearts like living flame…’

“Why Did My Savior Come to Earth” – 382

An other simple question which all honest believers have asked…’why?’  Why did my Savior come to earth and go to the humble (lowly)…?  The answer is heard as the little children sing “Jesus loves me, this I know.”  Why did He drink the bitter cup (death) and endure sorrow, pain and woe…?”  He did it, because He love me so!

“It Is Finished” – 369It-is-finished

A majestic song of Christ’s resurrection and our victory in Him.  The first three verses are sung together while we consider the old rugged cross as it stands on a line drawn through the ages.  The forces of evil have been amassed on one side and the angels of glory on the other.  The earth shakes with the force of the conflict, even noting that the sun refuses to shine (Luke 23:44).  But then, as Christ breathes His last, a cry echoes across all time…“It is finished!”  Though we may still struggle with our won individual battles we can praise His name knowing that there will be no more war…it is finished and Jesus is Lord!

“Soldier’s of Christ, Arise” – 647

Before our lesson this morning it seems only fitting to sing about being a soldier of Christ.  It has always struck me with fascination as we implore the soldier’s of Christ to ARISE (get up)!  Notice the call to put on your armor (helmet, shoes, breastplate, sword, belt) and be ready to fight a foe who opposes God.  Reading Ephesians 6 you’ll get a clearer understanding of what the ‘panoply of God’ really is.  Just be sure that you, leave no place unguarded, and that there be no weakness in your soul.  Take virtue and grace and fortify (secure) the whole of your responsibility in serving Christ.

“Take My Life, and Let It Be” – 669

The ‘invitation’ is a simple to call to clarify your present walk in life.  The Christian’s desire should be to draw closer to God each and every day. The non-Christian has a call to come and take Christ on in baptism, that they too may be a child of the King.  After knowing who Jesus is and what He did we should all be saying, “Take my life and let it be consecrate Lord to Thee…”  It’s not what I want, but what God calls me to be.  We sing, “take my life, my hands, my will, my heart, my life, myself…to be honest, that doesn’t leave much behind.  Give to God your all.

“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” 560

We’ll conclude our worship together with the same song that we began with.  But we’ll start this time with the chorus, “And we’ll sing glory, honor, power and strength to the Lord…”  As soldier’s in the Lord’s army, let’s be ready to praise our King and serve Him faithfully.  Never fear the battle, but remember, the Battle Belongs to the Lord!

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This Is Job For…?

With a meteorite heading to earth and no one to help, you might here the phrase, “This is a job for Superman!”  Then ‘faster than a speeding bullet’, and out from behind the clouds comes the DC comic hero to save the day.  But even supermanwithout an asteroid heading our way, we still have troubles to deal with and issues we must face.  Who comes to the rescue then?  Here ‘in the real world’ we have things that need to get done.  We say, this is a job for ____________.  When the job (big or small) needs to be done and the only ‘super man’ around isn’t able to ‘leap tall buildings’…what do you do?

Some might say, ‘Anybody can do that, it’s not too hard,’ but when it comes time to do the job we are often looking around for Superman.  Some have been heard to say, “I would but…”  The fact of the matter remains, there is work to be done and a worker needs to do it.  It’s almost as if folks are afraid they’ll be asked to save the planet.  In reality, we just need workers.  Letting the Bible speak (I Cor. 6;9), we can hear God calling us to work “…for we are God’s fellow workers…”.  Also Matthew and Mark both refer to labors in the kingdom (vineyard).  We have work to do, no doubt.  The question remains, who will do the work?

Keith Lancaster’s, Acappella made famous a song that epitomizes many in today’s society.  When a task is to be done you might hear someone say, ‘Anybody could do that…somebody should do that…will anybody do it?’  Unfortunately the response is usually, ‘I would but I’m too busy.’

‘Everybody Said (But Nobody Did)’

CHORUS:
Everybody said that anybody could do The important things somebody should do Everybody knows that anybody could do All the good things that nobody did

1) Well the preacher came to me and said what I ought to do If I wanted to make my religion true He’d do it himself but he really didn’t have the time He said that the duty was mine

 CHORUS:

2) Well the deacon came by and said give me a hand If you want to be going to the promised land Here is something that I don’t have time to do So I better give it to you
CHORUS:

Well I’m too busy so I tell everybody The work’s got to get done by somebody It could be done by anybody But nobody, nobody, nobody didBe Your Best

 

Earth hangs in the balance, between life and death.  There’s no rocket of destruction or asteroid headed our way, but we do hang in the balance between good and evil.  Imagine if Clark Kent had observed the threat and said, “That looks like trouble, maybe somebody should do something.”  You might not be a ‘super man’, but you are somebody who can make a difference.  Besides, it just might be that the next task is a job for you.

 

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Counter Cultural Christianity…Nov. 3rd

Culture can be defined as; ‘the predominating attitudes and behavior that characterize the functioning of a group or organization.’ We consider the actions of a people and determine their culture. What do the people believe?  What is the most important part of the people’s life?  Perhaps we need to look no further than what that ‘culture’ values.

Counter CulturalConcerning His disciples Christ prayed in John 17, ‘…they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.’  We do live in this world (this culture), but we are called to be separated from it.  In this same text Jesus also prayed, ‘I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.’  If our culture should embrace (have an attitude or behavior) that opposes God’s will, where will we stand?  With culture, or counter to it?  Just remember, oil and water won’t mix…and neither should Christians and the world.  Does that mean we ought not to ‘hang around’ non-Christians?  Not exactly, but we had best consider how we are seen by the world.  Will we fall in-line with the current culture, or will our Christianity be counter cultural? 

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

Sunday morning, November 3, 2013

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

“Awesome God” -38

We toss around the word ‘awesome’ when we want to describe something we really like.  That movie was awesome.  The meal was awesome.  What an awesome time we had together.  But let me encourage you to re-think the way we use this adjective.  It means to be inspired and moved beyond the norm.  Is that what God is for you?  Are you in ‘awe’ of Him?  Personally, I guess it’s just hard for me to place my Creator in the same category as Hollywood’s latest production.  God deserves much more than we give Him credit for…
Our God IS an awesome God!

“Faith is the Victory” – 469

A strong, spiritual songs that recalls the armor of God (Ephesians 6) and the battle we Christians should be preparing for.  We sing to admonish the congregation as we anticipate 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 ‘against the foes in vales below.’  Our fight is against the ‘night’ lest it should overcome the glowing skies (which seems to be the current situation in our culture).   Just remember, with our faith in God, we have the victory!

“Wounded for Me” – 328

Written in the 1930’s, this spiritual song has the sound of a contemporary piece with the basic message of Christ’s sacrifice for us, “Wounded for me, wounded for me.  There on the cross He was wounded for me…”  Our song continues as we sing how he was not only wounded, but He died for me.  But praise be to God, “He has risen for me; now evermore from death’s sting I am free, all because Jesus has risen for me.”mount of olives and jerusalem

“‘Tis Midnight, and On Olive’s Brow” – 334

Open your Bibles and you’ll be able to follow the thought process of William B. Tappan as he penned these words in 1822.  The poetry takes you to Luke 22:39-44, “He came out and proceeded…to the Mount of Olives…and He withdrew from them about a stone’s thrown…an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him…His sweat became like drops of blood…”  And singing, “Tis midnight and on Olive’s brow…the Savior prays alone…’ (1) ‘…unheard by mortals are the strains that sweetly soothe the Savior’s woes…’ (4) ‘…the Man of Sorrows weeps in blood…’ (3)
See also Hebrews 5:7, “…He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death…”

“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” – 276

The title of this song comes from the chorus which was made famous by Helen Lemmel in 1922 (some may have thought this to be another contemporary, 80’s or 90’s, song).  The power of the words encourage 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 hearts and minds be so close to our God that, ‘…the things of earth will grow strangely dim…’

“Onward, Christian Soldiers” – 646

A great ‘battle song’, but one with a verse many may have missed.  Notice these ‘new’ words; “Like a mighty army moves the church of God; Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.  We are not divided, all one body we; one in hope and doctrine, one in charity…”.  Would that we understand and remember Ephesians 4; “There is one body and one Spirit…one hope…one Lord…one faith…one baptism…one God and Father.”

“I Am Resolved” – 948

January 1st is a good time to find people making ‘resolutions.’  A time when you fix your mind toward accomplishing our goals.  A time when we promise ourself personal achievement.  A new year, a new start, a new goal.  This morning’s invitation is more than just a ‘first of the year’ promise.  We sing to confirm a promise that we are going to stop lingering, we are going to go to the Savior, follow the Savior, and ultimately, to enter His kingdom.  Do you hurry to get to the Savior (do you hasten to Him) or are you just lingering, taking your time?

“All the Way My Savior Leads Me” – no book

We live in a culture determined to lead us to believe and behavior in a particular way.  But as a child of God, our attitude and actions should be determined by Him and His will.  Who is leading your life?  Are you following in line with the ideals (behavior) of our culture, or are you being lead by the Savior…all the way?