Category: Evangelism

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A Light in the Darkness

walking in darknessWhen the night is dark and the moon is black (a new moon), the absence of light makes it hard to get around.  Objects are only shadows and often hard to distinguish. The simplest of forms are distorted and the ability to make things out is complicated.  It’s a feeling of being blind without the permanence of the disability.  But consider those who are blind; unable to see shades of color not to mention shapes or forms.  Blind and unable to maneuver easily or without assistance.  Light is too often an under appreciated element.  Could you be comfortable if you were always in the dark?

In the last few verses of the 10th chapter of Mark, Jesus and His disciples are leaving Jericho with a large crowd of people.  As they are walking, a man by the name of Bartimaeus was begging and calling out for Jesus.  An important note here, this beggar is blind.  He’s not with the crowd, as a matter of fact, as he calls out for Jesus the crowd is ‘hushing’ him into silence.  But Bartimaeus is so determined to ‘see’ the son of David and calls out even louder.  Remember, he can’t see, he’s blind, and he’s calling for the Savior.

Perhaps it’s not surprising that Jesus calls the man to Him, but what I find to be interesting is what I read next, Mark 10:49, 50…“So they called to the blind man, ‘Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.’  Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.”  He was called and he came; he was blind, but he came.  Many call on the name of Jesus, but few are willing to ‘throw’ this world aside, ‘jump to their feet’ and come to Him.  Blind BartimaeusRemember, he’s blind.  He can’t see…but he goes to the Messiah.  Did some one lead him?  Did he follow the sound of Christ’s voice, or did he just know where Jesus was.  Regardless of how he got there, his focus was getting to Jesus even though he was blind.  And then Jesus asked the obvious question; perhaps because He wanted to hear it from the man himself.  Verse 51 records Jesus saying, “What do you want me to do for you?”  Without hesitation the blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”  Completing this chapter you’ll read that Jesus says to Bartimaeus, “Go, your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.”  (NIV84)  Bartimaeus was ‘in the dark’ so he called to Jesus, and the “Light of the world” opened his eyes.

John records in his 8th chapter of the gospel of John, that Jesus said to the people, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  Bartimaeus was walking in the darkness until he called to Jesus, came to Jesus and then followed Jesus.  But what does that mean to me?  There are no shadows in my life; my eyes are open and I can see just fine…or can I?  When we admit that we’re ‘in the dark’ and we can’t see, then we’ll understand how much we need the light.  Jesus knew that the world would reject Him.  He knew the nations would be comfortable in their blindness and refuse to call out for help. 

Listen to this version of a familiar, contemporary song that tells us how the light of the world came to a dark and dying world, and then hear what the Christian’s response will be:

“Light of the world you stepped down into darkness, Opened my eyes, let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore You Hope of my life spent with You

And here I am to worship, Here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that You’re my God
You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me

King of all days Oh, so highly exalted glorious in heaven above.
Humbly You came to the earth You created all for love’s sake became poor

And here I am to worship, Here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that You’re my God
You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me

I’ll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross…”

We are called to the Light and we see because Christ was willing to ‘step down’ to us.  He humbled Himself and paid the cost for our salvation.  We might think we can see clearly in this world, but without ‘the Light’ we’re walking around in the shadows.  The darkness of this life is more crippling then many realize, but how many will call to Him, come to Him and ultimately follow Him?

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The Hypocritic Oath…August 18th

doctor making house callsPhysicians, historically, work under a Hippocratic oath.  It means they promise to ‘practice medicine honestly.’  Part of the oath includes the following: “I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients…and never do harm to anyone… I will give no deadly medicine to any one…nor suggest any such counsel…I will preserve the purity of my life and my arts…In every house where I come I will enter only for the good of my patients…All that may come to my knowledge in the exercise of my profession, I will keep secret and will never reveal…If I keep this oath faithfully, may I enjoy my life and practice my art, respected by all humanity and in all times; but if I swerve from it or violate it, may the reverse be my life.”

OK, but what is a Hypocritic Oath?  Not hard to recognize a hypocrite (one who pretends to be what he’s not), but how could that be placed in the same title as ‘oath?’  Could we be ‘promising’ something we’re not willing to do?  Join us Sunday morning as Robert Taylor takes us closer to understanding this mystery.

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

Sunday morning, August 18, 2013

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

“Hosanna” -167

Praise to God!  That’s the definition of the word “Hosanna”…Praise to God in the highest.  Gentlemen, lead the congregation as you open the chorus; “Lord, we lift up Your name, with hearts filled with praise; So be exalted, O Lord my God, Hosanna, in the highest!”

“Lord, We Come Before Thee Now” – 797bowing before a king

A song of prayer, a hymn we sing to our God proclaiming our desire to approach His throne.  But what could we mean by ‘…O do not our suit disdain…”; what’s a ‘suit’ and how can it be disdained?  The suit is the plea, the appeal we make before God.  Our request is that He will not reject or turn away our plea.  Notice the words; “Lord, we come before Thee now; at Thy feet we humbly bow.  O do not our suit (plea) disdain (reject), shall we seek Thee, Lord, in vain?”  Find the message in the next line…“Lord, on Thee our souls depend…”.  If we are rejected by God what hope do we have?

“When My Love to Christ Grows Weak” – 350

Do you ever find your ‘love for Christ’ growing weak?  How about your love for mankind?  This song gives you the remedy for those times of ‘weakness’.  We do have a place we can turn…This morning we’ll sing all five verses of this song as we remember the Lord’s Supper. 

“I’m Not Ashamed to Own My Lord” – 609

Often when ‘put on the spot’ we have a tendency to deny what’s truly important, what we hold dear.  A child is questioned about following his parents rules and he might say, “I don’t have to do what they say…”  So it is with many in their relationship with God.  I don’t have to do EVERYTHING the Bible says.  When you are questioned about your faith do you deny Him?  Are you ashamed of Him?  Let’s live so we ‘maintain the honor of His word…” 

“The Greatest Commands” – 448

A great contemporary song that provides each of the four basic parts an opportunity to sing their individual lines, yet all in harmony.  Notice each of these verses come from the scripture; I John 4:7, 8, I Corinthians 13:7 and Christ’s words in Luke as He says, “Love the Lord, thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, all thy strength all thy mind…”; a beautiful soprano line.  But do you know which part (bass, tenor or alto) sings I Corinthians 13:7?

“All to Jesus I Surrender” – 662

What does it mean ‘surrender all?’  When a wrestler throws in the towel, is he giving up for just a few minutes or is he giving up the whole match?  When we give our lives over to God, we must leave the world behind…entirely!  Unfortunately, many are willing to just give up enough to feel comfortable with their Christianity.  Maybe what we should be asking is, ‘what part of ALL do you not understand?’

“Let the Lower Lights Be Burning” – 642lower lights 2

The lower lights…how important are the lower lights when the tall, majestic light house is perched on the hill?  Maybe you should ask a sailor who is tossed by the stormy waves on the dark sea.  A faithful row of lights illuminating the darkness can mean life and death to some who are close to the reef.  My job is to keep my lamps trimmed (burning), regardless of how ‘feeble’ I may think my lamps to be.

“Ring Out the Message” – 622

One of the most stirring, spiritual songs is found in this call to evangelize.  Again, the male voices lead the chorus as we sing “Ring out the news that makes men free…to all the lost of every nation, ring the message out!”

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The Good Samerican…July 14th

Jesus tells the story of a man who was traveling on the road to Jericho only to be Good Samaritan‘mugged’ by highway robbers.  Being stripped of all he had and left for dead (literally) the man is at the mercy of those who pass by as they too travel the road.  You know how the parable goes and the cast of characters.  And most likely you’ve considered which one you would be.

Most would like to say that in the circumstances described in Christ’s parable we’d follow the lead of the man from Samaria.  But have you considered what it would take to truly help someone who is broken and bleeding?  Would you walk across the road for your neighbor or are you ‘too busy?’  Here in America we live a good life and pretty much ‘want for nothing.’  We know lots of good American’s, but it might take some uncomfortable steps if we are to act like the good Samaritan.

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

Sunday morning, July 14, 2013

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

“Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah” -3

Pick up your bible and turn to Psalm chapter 148.  This song we’ll be singing is indeed a ‘psalm’ and is almost a word-for-word account from the chapter.  From the hills and mountains to the beast and cattle, we sing this song of praise.  Whether you see yourself as young man or a maiden we must all be praising God.  Don’t let the birds that in the heavens fly out sing your praise!

“For the Beauty of the Earth” – 67

Consider this first verse, “For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies, for the love which from our birth over and around us lies: Lord of all to Thee we raise this our sacrifice of praise.”  Do you think this praise is for our physical birth or our spiritual birth?  The love that surrounds us (over and above) comes from God.  Makes you think doesn’t it?

“I Sing Praises” – 97

A ‘contemporary song’ that is simple in verse.  We’ll conclude this medley of ‘praise songs because our God’s name, ‘…is great and greatly to be praised.’  Hallelujah!  Praise Jehovah…

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

We’ll turn our minds to the cross and Christ sacrifice using this contemporary song reminding us of the love of God.  The last verse is one of striking value to me…“I will not boast in anything; no gifts no power no wisdom.  But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection…”  Quoting Paul in Galatians 6:14 “…may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…”

“I’ll Live for Him” – 553

Between the bread and the fruit of the vine we’ll softly sing the third (often omitted) verse.  “O Thou who died on Calvary…”  Many have missed the point of emotion in our songs.  We don’t sing to serve ourselves or those who are listening, we sing to glorify and edify the family of God.  In my humble opinion, the heart is more important than the voice.

“Sweet Adoration” – 253

Where do you turn for comfort in times of trouble?  How do face the frustrations of this world and temptations that seem to be endless?  Try this…come to the Savior, give Him your heart-felt praise and adoration.  As you give your all to adoration, little is left for focusing on your trials.  Admiration and adoration are essential elements when we recognize our Savior.wandering child

“To Love Someone More Dearly” – 636

We all have a job to do in this life.  Some are willing to immerse themselves wholly into their work.  Others just ‘get the job done.’  But there is one task we need to make a priority in our life; to love someone more dearly!  To help a wandering child who’s lost or even just to ponder over something that is good and worthy of our time.  Our task might be as simple as praying or smiling.  The man from Samaria would have sung this song with full conviction.

“A Beautiful Life” – 570

This is a strong spiritual song with a full bass lead in the chorus.  But what do we mean, ‘…life’s evening sun is sinking low…’, are we really talking about death in this upbeat, ‘exciting to sing’ song?  Certainly, when life is over, we will meet our Creator and be held accountable for our deeds.  Are you one who is trying to lift a traveler’s load?  As you strive to be a child of God, remember, your ‘…life must shine along the way.’

“Wonderful Story of Love” – 286lower lights

Not a typical invitation song, but when you listen to what we’re saying I think you’ll agree.  “Sinner, O won’t you believe it (the wonderful story of love)?”  Through His love, the wonderful story of love, Jesus continues to call us to come to Him, since the dawn of creation even until today. 

“Let the Lower Lights Be Burning” – 642

I’ve always enjoyed this old spiritual song about shining our light to the lost world.  The imagine is clear as we consider the responsible we have in reaching out to those who are bruised and bleeding.  The traveler on the road or the sailor on the sea are bound to face difficult times.  How willing are we to shine our light, walk across the path and offer them a Savior!  The good Samaritan did!

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Show & Tell Time…June 23rd

show and tellAsk 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” – 556sea of galilee

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 town crierthe 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”.

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

bronze serpentThe 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” – 666looking up

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.

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Lessons from a Pulpit

Pedestal PulpitFor 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 crucifixion of Jesusveil 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 daytheif on the cross
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

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Weaving a Web…March 24th

This Sunday morning, March 24th, we will have a special guest speaker at Waterview church of Christ.  David Friesen is one of our missionary’s, and he works with david friesenthe congregation of God’s people in Camrose, Alberta, Canada.

How many people would you say it takes to strengthen the work in the mission field?  Will we ever understand the influence and impact our collective efforts have on evangelism?  David will share with us some of the work God is doing in Canada. Join us as he shows us the web of people who are woven together, helping spread the word of God.

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

Sunday morning, March 24, 2013

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

“I Stand in Awe” – 96

We’ll open our worship this morning with what many consider a ‘contemporary’ hymn of praise to God.  This beautiful song was written over 25 years ago and calls for us to recognize our God’s position as “too marvelous for words.”  Standing as we sing let us lift our voices in awe to our God!  “Holy God to whom all praise is due…”

“Doxology” – 66

A beautiful, traditional hymn (a song sung to HIM) that was penned in the early 1700’s.  But the music (Genevan Psalter) is even more antiquated as it dates back to the mid-1550’s…over 450 years ago.  Yet the value of this song is found in its simple, everlasting words; … “Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.”

“Hallelujah! What a Savior” – 337

“Man of Sorrows”, what a name to place on our Savior, and yet we find it in the scriptures (Isaiah 53:3); “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering…” As we turn our minds toward the Lord’s Supper this morning, don’t miss the message that rings throughout each verse.  1) He has come to reclaim ‘ruined sinners’…2) He took my place and ‘sealed my pardon’…3) We are guilty and vile (filthy), yet He was spotless…4) He was lifted up on a cross, but now He’s exalted on high…5) He’s coming back to take ‘His ransomed home’…No wonder we conclude this song with the title.  Hallelujah! What a Savior.

“I Am a Stranger Here” – 658

Most likely new to many though this song dates back to the early 1900’s.  But old or new, do we consider ourselves strangers in this land?  If we truly are God’s people, we are foreigners who serve as ambassadors for our King.  Our charge, to take His message throughout the land.  And as each verse in this spiritual song reaches it’s conclusion we sing; “…I’m here on business for my King.”

“Send the Light” – 650

This maritime hymn will serve as our song before the lesson.  It clearly reflects a Biblical reference of taking the message (the light) to those in need as it draws us to Acts, chapter 16, “During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’.”  In verse 2 we sing, “We have heard the Macedonian call today: Send the light! Send the light! And a golden offering at the cross we lay: Send the light! Send the light!”  But have you thought why the song writer would mention an offering in the second part of this verse?  Perhaps it comes from Romans 15 when the scripture says, “…for Macedonia & Achaia were pleased to make a contribution to the poor…” A country calling for helping, then giving back to God’s people.

“Hark! The Gentle Voice” – 907

Hark, by definition is to say listen attentively.  We might say, “Quiet everyone, listen!”  In that contexts we sing, “Quiet, listen to the gentle voice of Jesus calling…”  Notice the end of the first and second verses; “…turn and listen, stay and hear.” and “…He (the Master holy) will teach if you will learn.”  This song of invitation is calling for us to answer the call of Christ and accept His rest.

“You Are My All in All” – 484treasure chest light

We would consider it foolish to give up on a vast treasure if it was right within our grasp.  Jesus is that treasure and yet we live in a world that foolishly walks away from Him.  How often do we take this precious treasure for granted…without thinking twice we tend to give up.  You and I know what Jesus means, He is our strength and our treasure…He is our All in All.

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The Extra ‘Last’ Mile

In Matthew 5, Jesus tells us how far we should be willing to go.  Not only for those who are kind and deserving, but also for those who you are not deserving.
Read the following scripture:

selfishness“…if anyone wants to sue you, and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. (not exactly a friendly encounter) And whoever shall force (not ask) you to go one mile, go with him two.”  How could our Lord and Savior expect us to do kind things to someone who is attacking and forcing us with a selfish attitude?  Does it make sense that we should just ‘roll over’ and give in to the demands of a cruel, somewhat childish, but most certainly domineering personality?  In this same passage Jesus says in verse 39…“But I tell you, do not resist and evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”  How does God expect us to just stand around and be a punching bag to a violent, egocentrically strong-arm?  Will your conscience let you do that?

Remember I Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not let you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”  This should give us confidence to know that even when things are hard to understand, God will help us overcome difficult circumstances.  When we are ‘forced’ to go the extra mile, we do it because of Christ’s example.

In 1908, Johnson Oatman wrote a song that reminds me of going the extra mile.  The chorus resounds with the title, “When I’ve gone the last mile of the way, I will rest at the close of the day, and I know there are joys that await me when I’ve gone the last mile of the way.”  Notice each verse as the song builds; we consider working daily (vs.1), to seeking the lost (vs 2), all the way to the end of this physical life (vs 3) and final till we reach the hope of eternal life (vs. 4).

“If I walk in the pathway of duty, red river day 5 (part 2) 005
if I work till the close of the day,
I shall see the great King in His beauty
when I’ve gone the last mile of the way.


If for Christ I proclaim the glad story,
if I seek for His sheep gone astray,
I am sure He will show me His glory
when I’ve gone the last mile of the way.


Here the dearest of ties we must sever,
tears of sorrow are seen every day;
but no sickness, no sighing forever
when I’ve gone the last mile of the way.


And if here I have earnestly striven
and have tried all His will to obey,
’twill (it will) enhance all the rapture (joy) of heaven
when I’ve gone the last mile of the way.”

In a life that is filled with difficulties and hardships, all the while laced with seemingly unfair circumstances, we often wonder why we must go any further.  Why shouldn’t we stand up and say enough is enough.  Perhaps our answer comes in the 12th chapter of Hebrews, “…consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  Do you feel like the extra mile is too much for you?  So how far are you willing to go?  What is your breaking point?  Will you truly go the extra mile?  If you will honestly walk in the pathway of duty, and if you will truly work till the close of the day you can rest assured there are joys that await you when you’ve gone the last mile of the way!

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The Least…March 10th

Sunday morning, March 10th at Waterview church of Christ, our lesson will be presented by Robert Taylor as he provides a update from our mission work in Nicaragua.

When we pour out our coins for the ‘Breakfast Program’ in Nicaragua, we are doing much coins for couponsmore than filling a small basket.  We are providing more than just a warm meal.  We are opening doors for the word to be spread in yet another mission field.  This morning we’ll spend some time considering the words of our Lord in Matthew 25.  Perhaps you will find the following ‘order of worship’ a means by which you can focus your mind on the songs we’ll sing this coming Lord’s day.

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

Sunday morning, March 10, 2013

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

“The Great Redeemer” – 250

It’s interesting to realize that this song is almost 100 years old.  Written by Francis Foster in 1915, “The Great Redeemer” stirs the emotions as all four parts take an active lead in harmonizing the voice and praising our God.  But ask yourself if  you will honestly do what you say you will do in the chorus; “…I will never cease to raise a song of gladness in His praise.”

“I Will Sing the Wondrous Story” – 509

Another song with some beautiful harmony.  This YouTube link is a good acappella arrangement that you can listen to and sing with… “Yes, I’ll sing the wondrous story.”

“How Beautiful” – 365

A contemporary song (1991) that speaks so clearly to the Lord’s Supper.  Notice the bridge; “And as He laid down His life, we offer this sacrifice, that we may live just as He died, willing to pay the price…”  The feet that bring the good news and the hands that serve are beautiful, but how beautiful is the body of Christ!

“I Am Mine No More” – 683

Though the author and composer of this song are unknown, the message is very clear.  Would that we do more than just say, “I am mine no more…”, but that our lives would reflect a change in our priority.  When you say something is more important than something else, it’s only proven by your next step.  If you are truly no longer concerned about self, have you changed anything specific?

“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?

“A Beautiful Life” – 570

Before our lesson, join in the spiritual song that boasts a strong tenor/bass echo.  As we move into the chorus, the men take the lead, but with all the ‘musical’ excitement we must never miss the message.  Can you say you are helping those who are in need?  Are you letting your light shine along the way?  When was the last time you were willing to lend a helping hand?  A good reminder from this song…

yoke is easy“Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary” – 912

This old ‘invitation song’ is replete as the title is sung over and over again.  Include the chorus after each verse and the phrase “Burdens are lifted at Calvary” is repeated nine times.  So when we sing this song on Sunday we’ll hold the chorus to the end, following all three verses.  Just don’t forget that Jesus IS very near.

“His Yoke is Easy” – 612

We’ll close our service with this 1893 spiritual song, admonishing the congregation with the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:29, 30.  “Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  When you sing this closing song I hope you believe, “…His service is my sweetest delight, His blessings ever flow.”