Do You Believe in the Church?…April 26th

Have you heard the phrase, ‘Talk is cheap?’ Simply translated, ‘actions speak louder than words.’ On a personal level, if I tell you to call whenever you need something, but refuse to answer your call when it’s not convenient (like say around 3:00 in the morning) isn’t that just cheap talk?  In the same manner, if we proudly claim our church family on Sunday morning, but don’t associate with our brothers and sisters on Friday night, our actions are speaking loud and clear? Or, do we believe enough in the church that we’ll sacrifice our time for them? We might say (and sing) all the right words, but how would our life look if we really ‘believed’ in the church Christ died for?Believe

The true test of how much you believe in something can’t be found in your words alone. What we believe in (value) can be seen in how much time, energy and interest we give to its success. In short, how much you trust in something is determined by how much you are willing to sacrifice for it. How much did God ‘believe’ in the church? Enough to have His Son die for her! Each of us would do well to take a look at how much time and energy (yes, even money) we are willing to give to this same church. Then ask the question, ‘How much do I believe in the church?’

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

Sunday morning, April 26, 2015

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

“For the Beauty of the Earth” – 67

What a great opening for Sunday morning’s service. As you consider the glory of God, what reasons can you find to praise Him? In 1864, Folliot Pierpoint offered these ideas. For the beauty of the earth, the sky, and each hour of the day or night; for the church that continually ‘lifteth holy hands.’ (See I Timothy 2:8) If for no praise Godother reason, these things call on us to say, “Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our sacrifice of praise.”

“Doxology” – 66

“Praise God from Whom all blessing flow!” The Old Hundreth dates back to the mid 1500’s with words that were penned in the early 1700’s. How could something so ancient still be sung and recognized here in the 21st Century? Possibly because some things never change. Things like…God will always be praised!

 

“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” – 315

Let’s sing this song before the Lord’s Supper and break it up into three different sections. Verse 1 & 3, verse 2 & 4 and conclude with verse 5. Notice the power of the message. “When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died, my riches gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. See, from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down. Did e’er (ever) such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?” Then verses 2 and 4, “Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ, my Lord. All the vain things that charm me most I sacrifice them to His blood. His dying crimson, like a robe, spreads o’er (over) His body on the tree. Then am I dead to all the globe, and all the globe is dead to me.” Thanks to Isaac Watts we can survey the cross of Christ more vividly as we consider our Savior’s sacrifice for the church.

“I Believe in Jesus” – 356

Do you believe in the church Jesus died for? If you don’t believe His word, you’ll never be able to believe in Him. This spiritual song has one scriptural reference after another. From the day He stilled the storm on the Sea of Galilee to the morning He woke Lazarus from His deathly slumber. Do you believe the blind could see and the deaf could hear? Do you believe He died on Mount Calvary only to leave behind an empty tomb? Do you believe He’s the answer…do you believe in His church?

“The Church’s One Foundation” – no book

Blending the words from Samuel Stone in 1886 with the musically arrangement of George Webb in 1837, we have an all-time favorite when it comes to describing the Bride of Christ, the Lord’s church. “The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord. She (the church) is His new creation, by water (baptism) and the word (the gospel of salvation). From heaven He came and sought her to be His holy bride, with His own blood He bought her and for her life He died.”cornerstone

“Live for Jesus” – 594

Perhaps this isn’t your typical invitation song, but what a great call for the church to live a life for Christ. To be His disciple and stop wandering in sin. Living for Jesus means following His example and giving Him all you have.

“How Firm a Foundation” – 457

It’s been said if you really mean it, repeat it. And if you really want to get your point across, say it a third time. I’ve heard it said if you want to have someone over for supper and they turn you down, ask them again. If they still say no, ask them a third time. Perhaps three is a charm. Whether or not that was on the mind of the one who penned this hymn, repetition is utilized in the last verse of this song. But have you noticed Who is speaking? “The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose (rest), I will not, I will not desert to his foes. That soul, tho all hell should endeavor (try) to shake, I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.” God believes in the church and He will not turn us out. But what about you, do you believe in the church?

The Family…April 19th

Ask five people to define the word ‘family’ and you’ll most likely get five different answers. family...1954Some see the family as a father, a mother and children. Others see a family as grandparents, mother, father and children. Still others say the family need only be a mom and dad…with or without kids. Regardless as to how you define ‘family,’ the best definition comes when we examine God’s Word. His design through the Bible, shows us the ultimate family, God is our Father and we are His children.

Sunday morning at Waterview church of Christ, David Friesen will make his annual report concerning the growth of the family of God in Camrose, Alberta, Canada. What a great day to come together and worship with “The Family.”

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

Sunday morning, April 19, 2015

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

“How Sweet, How Heavenly” – 709

“Love is the golden chain that binds our happy souls above. And he’s an heir of heaven who finds his bosom (heart) glow with love.” Some might get hung up on the poetry, ‘how can your heart glow?’, but realizing the symbolism we see past the imagery. Would that we focus on the family! We are heirs of heaven when we are the family of God!

“A Common Love” – 705

Wherever we live. whether we’re in Canada or across the globe, if we are children of God, we are a part of His family. This is our common bond, a common love we share in Christ.

“God’s Family” – 744family of God

When we sing about family, this song rises to the top of the list. Written less than 50 years ago, this spiritual song resonates as we consider all the emotions a family might go through. “Sometimes we laugh together, sometimes we cry; sometimes we share together heartaches and sighs. Sometimes we dream together of how it will be when we all get to heaven…God’s family.”

“Come Share the Lord” – 364

Each Sunday morning we come together for a purpose. We sing, we pray, we study and we give. But ask any brother or sister in Christ why they meet on Sunday morning and they’ll tell you; “We gather here in Jesus name. His love is burning in our hearts like living flame. The one we love the most, is now our gracious host. (We…) Come take the bread, come drink the wine (the fruit of the vine, and we) come…share the Lord.” Are you part of the family of God? The saved know…we are now a family!

“The Greatest Commands” – 448

Already a popular psalm, and a favorite in the brotherhood, we sing the scripture as each of the four parts sing their specific lines. Kind of like a family, we all have a role to play, a job to do, a song to sing. This contemporary psalm finds it’s root in the New Testament, I John 4: 7, 8: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love, does not know God, for God is love.”

“Sing to Me of Heaven” – 716

Before our lesson this morning we’ll sing a rousing song that dates back 100 years. Old by the calendar, but the message is new and fresh in our hearts as we encourage one another in song. “Sing to me of heaven as I walk alone, dreaming of the comrades (family members) that so long have gone; in a fairer region among the angel throng they are happy as they sing that old, sweet song. Sing to me of heaven, let me fondly dream of it’s golden glory of it’s pearly gleam…” Not sure about you, but it makes me cherish the family all the more!

“Why Not Now?” – no book

“Why not now?” What is it that causes some to delay in coming to Christ, hesitant to become a part of the family of God? All too often the answer is found within the lines of our songs. Notice the last verse of this old invitation song; “Come to Christ, confession make, come to Christ and pardon take. (Are you ready, here it is) Trust in Him from day to day, He will keep you all the way.” If it’s not because I don’t want to ‘confess’ my weakness, it’s because I can’t trust anyone but myself. So many do not come because they have decided to continue on their own, risking another day. Turning away from God they are only denying themselves the peace and joy of being part of the the family, the family of God.

“Blest Be the Tie that Binds” – 711

We feel a void when the family has to part. At the end of the vacation when families pile in the car and head home, there is an emptiness left in their wake. But in God’s family, “…we shall still be joined in heart, and hope to meet again.”

Quotes for Life…April 12th

We all have dilemmas in life, and yet we’re unique in every aspect. A struggle or temptation for one might not be a struggle for another. Even as we experience similar difficulties, we often respond differently. Our comfort is knowing that in God’s word each of us can find the answers we need. Perhaps we could say that there are three dilemmas we all face in life. Three struggles that are common to many Christians today. Through inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Luke records three quotes that when heeded, will help provide us with the answers to these dilemmas.
1) When you get discouraged, remember Luke 1:37 – nothing is impossible with God.
2) When you don’t know who to listen to, remember Luke 9:35 – listen to Jesus…and
3) When materialism grabs you, remember Acts 20:35 – it is better to give than receive.OC...deStiguers

Sunday morning we’ll welcome the president of Oklahoma Christian University, Dr. John deStiguer to Waterview church of Christ as he shares some thoughts from God’s word. Do you struggle with discouragement? Is it difficult at times to know ‘who’ to listen to? Have you ever fought the spiritual vs. material battle? Join us on Sunday as we consider three “Quotes For Life.”

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

Sunday morning, April 12, 2015

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

“Come Thou Almighty King” – 19

Written over 250 years ago, this hymn of praise is a call for the Almighty to ‘come’ and help us sing. To come and help us praise the Father, ‘all glorious.’ A call for ‘Thou Incarnate Word’ (Jesus) to attend to our prayer. May we focus our songs of praise to our Father, through His Son.

“Ten Thousand Angels” – 349

If we were to read the scripture and literally apply the word, this song would have a different name. Matthew 26:53 states, He could have called 12 legions of angels. So perhaps a better title would be “Seventy-two Thousand Angels.” Never forget, Christ was (is) in control and we are all indebted to His sacrifice. They did bind the hands of Jesus and they did lead Him through the streets…but He allowed it. Take some time to remember how they treated the ‘suffering’ Savior…think about Him as you partake of the Lord’s Supper.

“Worthy is the Lamb” – no book

Taken from the musical work of William Bradbury’s “Just As I Am,” this song takes the words of Revelation 5:9…“Worthy are You to take the book and break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” And a fitting conclusion to this song, “May Your kingdom reign on earth with praise. Oh worthy are You Lord, my Lord.”

“Freely, Freely” – 635

While we open our wallets, let’s open our voices and sing about giving freely. Not only do we share our money, we need to be sharing His love with those we meet. And Jesus Himself told the disciples, “Freely you received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8

“He Is Able to Deliver Thee” – no bookHe is able

It is the best theme (story or topic) ever told…how proud are you to proclaim this story? Three men were not only unashamed of serving their God, they faced certain death by doing so. Knowing they would be ‘tossed in a blazing fire,’ they responded; “…our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.” Daniel 3:17 How willing are you to take such a stand for your faith in God?

“There’s a Fountain Free” – 909

“There’s a fountain free, it is for you and me. Let us haste (hurry), O haste to it’s brink. It is the fount(ain) of love from the Source above, and He bids (calls) us all freely drink.” So…how thirsty are you? If indeed you are thirsty, ‘will you come?’

“I’ll Be Listening” – 988

Where will you be when the Savior calls? Will you have a heart that is right? Let’s keep our ears open to His calling. Keep His will ever in our hearts so when He returns…we’ll be listening for the calling of our name. 

The Obituary God Wrote…April 5th

sun in the cloudsAt the death of a loved one we gather together and listen to an obituary. A story, a short re-account of the birth, life and death of the one who has passed. There have even been times when the one who has died is able to write his own obituary, but  more often than not, a family member pens the words to commemorate the loss. But if you were at a funeral, and God were to write the obituary, what do you think He say?  

In actuality, God has written an obituary. The story, the obituary, begins in the early pages of the book of Genesis as God introduces the birth of ‘Death’ as man falls from grace in the garden. Separating mankind from God, spiritual death grows, matures and continues to dominates the life of all men. But as Christ comes into the world, spiritual death is put to death (Romans 6:9), and it’s then when we can better understand the obituary as spiritual death is conquered. “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?” (I Corinthians 15:55) Join us Sunday morning as we look at the obituary God wrote…

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

Sunday morning, April 5, 2015

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

“Our God, He Is Alive” – 23

God is not dead! The title of a popular Christian movie this past year is the basis for our opening song this morning. “There is beyond the azure blue, a God concealed from human sight. He tinted skies with heavenly hue and framed the worlds with His great might. There is a God, He is alive…” He is risen and death has been conquered…Amen!

“Here I Am to Worship” – no book

A ‘contemporary hymn’ for this morning, but one that exemplifies our purpose today. We don’t come because we have to. And we don’t come to worship because we’ve ‘nothing better to do.’ We come…to worship! We come to bow down and to say publicly, “Jehovah is our God!”

“It Is Finished” – 369it-is-finished

Written by William & Gloria Gaithers, this song of resurrection is a strong depiction of the end of Christ’s life as He puts to defeats spiritual death. The battle between heaven and hell is clearly described in verses two and three; “On one side march the forces of evil, all the demons and devils of hell. On the other the angels of glory, and they meet on Golgotha’s hill. The earth shakes with the force of the conflict, and the sun refuses to shine. For there hangs God’s Son in the balance, and then thru the darkness He cries. ‘It is finished!’ “ As Jesus breaths His last, death glories in a hollow victory, only to see Jesus resurrection three days later. Certainly there is a double meaning in Christ’s last words…It IS finished!

“The Old Rugged Cross” – 313

What do you cherish in this life? Is there something you love and hold in the highest regard? More than 100 years ago, George Bennard wrote the words to this old spiritual song directing the reader to the cross of Christ. His words of encouragement were for us to cling to the cross of Christ as our hope for eternal salvation. Why? “For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above to bear it to dark Calvary!”

“A New Creature” – 619

Are you a ‘new creature?’ Have you been ‘buried with Christ?’ The song before our lesson will remind us that in Him, we no longer live for ourselves but for our God. You and I are ‘dead to the world to voices that call me…’ We are ‘living a new, obedient but free’ life. As a baptized believer I am, ‘dead to the joys that once did enthrall (hold spellbound) me, yet it is not me (I), but Christ that lives in me.”

“Only a Step” – 940

At our invitation we’ll sing, “Hear the sweet voice of Jesus say, “Come unto Me, I am the way.” What does it take to come to Him? How do I start this walk with Christ? Like a child, we begin with the first step. To come we need only to take a step in the right direction. “Come, for He loves you so” much!

“He Lives” – 346

Walking out of services this morning my hope is for you to have this tune on your heart. “He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today. He walks with me, He talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives, He lives! Salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart.”