Category: Heaven

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I Don’t Want to Experience That Again…Jan. 27th

The sermon title on Sunday morning (Jan. 27th) at Waterview church of Christ is entitled…“I Don’t Want to Experience That Again”.  Any thoughts on what Robert might have in mind?  Take a minute and look through the songs selection and maybe you can pull together the theme.  As the scripture says, “I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”

 

Sunday morning, January 27, 2013

Robert Oglesby has been the pulpit preacher at Waterview church of Christ since February, 1963.  You’re reading it correctly, Waterview is on the threshold of celebrating 50 years with him as our preacher.  May this congregation of God’s people continue to be strong in the Kingdom of God.  The following is a listing of our order of worship, and all song numbers are from the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Awesome God” – 38

Our opening song on Sunday morning could be classified as a contemporary song (properly referred to as a ‘hymn’).  Do we truly realize the fact our God is awesome?  Not like your favorite movie or some famous person…only God should hold the title “Awesome”.

“We Praise Thee, O God” – 2

What reasons can you list as to why YOU praise God?  This old hymn, written during the time of our countries Civil War, provides 4 strong examples of why we should be praising God.  Look at the verses (all five)…is it really 4 reasons we praise God, or actually is there just one?

“In Christ Alone” – no book

Another contemporary song that has captured the hearts (and voices) of young and old alike.  As the song is sung, a story is woven that draws the Christian heart closer to God.  Where do you find your strength…your hope.  We sing with a sincere heart, “In Christ Alone”.  But don’t forget each verse and the power you’ll find as you sing the reassurance, “…til He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.”

“In Memory of the Savior’s Love” – to the tune of “Majestic Sweetness”

Two songs with the same meter…8.6.8.6 (also referred to as Common Meter or CM).  Read the words on page 335, but add the music from page 530.  This is a great way to refresh the message of the song by adding the notes from another.  Keep things fresh and avoid stagnation of the mind.  Singing by rote is a good way to learn, but a poor way to worship (in my opinion).

“Freely, Freely” – 635

What do you think it means to ‘freely give?’  As Christians we have been give so much…more than we could ever repay.  So with the gifts we so richly enjoy, do we think about how freely we are at giving back.  With this song being sung before we pass of the collection plate one would certainly assume we’re talking in monetary terms.  But what about your life?  Do you give not only money, but your actions, and your thoughts, and your words to God?

“My Only Hope is You” – no book

Another contemporary song (hymn) speaking toward the only One who can give us hope in this dark world.  Sin and despair are all around, and to many this life seems to be a hopeless journey.  But God’s people know that from early in the morning and until late at night we have hope…in Jesus!

“A New Creature” – 619

Penned by T.O. Chisholm and musically supported by L.O. Sanderson (members of the Lord’s church) this song clearly explains the new life we can have in Christ.  “Buried with Christ (baptism)…I am dead to the world.”  So examine your life and see if indeed “…Christ lives in me.”

“God Is Calling the Prodigal” -no book

An old invitation song that we no longer find in the hymnal “Song of Faith & Praise”.  But just because an editor doesn’t include a song that is Biblical and scriptural doesn’t mean we toss it out of our repertoire.  We all have wandered away (some intentionally others haphazardly), and all the while God is calling us to return; “…weary prodigal come!”

“The Way of the Cross Leads Home” -616

As we close our worship service on Sunday morning we’ll sing to remind each other and encourage those who are lost to ‘bid farewell’ to the world and seek your home with God.  The way home is easy; follow the cross.

So what’s uncomfortable about all this?  What would you not want to ‘experience again?’  See you Sunday morning!

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When Heaven Pierces Through the Clouds!

There’s a song I want to share with you from Ken Young’s group, “Hallal”.  Written in 2009, the song “Enter In” is a clear description of the final hours of life, countered with the joy we find when our loved ones leave this life and “enter in”.  You can find this song and several others on the album Highest Hope.

For strength during times of trial you will be blessed by putting thoughts of ‘home’ and Godliness into your mind.  May you be blessed as you seek comfort during difficulties in your life…

Read the words to the song: “Enter In”

 

“In a world so full of sorrows when the best so often fall.
When the prayers all go unanswered,
when the shadows seem to overwhelm,
when the light of hope has dimmed and leaves no hope at all.”
CHORUS:
“That’s when heaven pierces through the cloud of darkness,
And the glory of the Father shines from heaven’s open door.
And the Son of Man standing at the right hand of the Father,
with a warm embrace gives welcome,
and the angels are rejoicing,
and the Father with a voice like rushing wind,
Says all heaven has been waiting…Enter In!”

“When the dreams of life are shattered, and the body wastes away.
When all dignity’s abandoned,
and the ones who care, with broken hearts,
plead for mercy, but it seems that mercy hides it’s face.”
CHORUS:
“That’s when heaven pierces through the cloud of darkness,
And the glory of the Father shines from heaven’s open door.
And the Son of Man standing at the right hand of the Father,
with a warm embrace gives welcome,
and the angels are rejoicing,
and the Father with a voice like rushing wind,
Says all heaven has been waiting…Enter In!”

If you like this message and can relate to these words, I encourage you to click on the album (above) or visit Taylor Publications CLICK HERE for additional songs of encouragement and praise.  “In a world of pain and sorrow…”  prepare yourself for the day God calls you home.

Personally, I’m looking forward to the day when I hear my Savior say, “ENTER IN!”

 

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Let’s Gather at the River!

When we read Revelation chapters 21 and 22, John is describing a vision of heaven as he spends his last days in exile on the island of Patmos.  From the beginning of this book to its close, we come to understand God’s desire for men to realize His promise of heaven and the assurance of Jesus Christ as our Redeemer.  Actually, the first three chapters are Christ’s words as He details the future of seven churches in Asia (a lesson for each of us to take to heart).  But as we read the first verse of chapter 22, the description of heaven includes, “…a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”

Many have tried to capture the image of heaven; as they draw a picture of the pearly gates and streets of gold (Revelation 21:21).  But in 1864 Robert Lowry, sweltering in the summer heat of New York, began to imagine and visualize the ‘cool, crystal river flowing by the throne of God.’  His inspiration brought him to write this classic hymn that many still sing today.  Notice the message of heaven as he writes:

“Shall we gather at the river, where bright angel feet have trod;
With it’s crystal tide forever flowing by the throne of God?”

This verse he penned comes as a question.  A call to those who sing as well as to those who hear, do you want to come to the river by God’s throne?  He continues with his encouragement as he writes about being with God in heaven.  The song continues…

“On the margin of the river, washing up it’s silver spray;
We will walk and worship ever all the happy, golden day.”

“Ere we reach the shining river, lay we every burden down;
Grace our spirits will deliver and provide a robe and crown.”

“Soon we’ll reach the shining river, soon our pilgrimage will cease;
Soon our happy hearts will quiver with the melody of peace.”

As we read/sing this poem describing heaven we harken back to the chorus (the refrain) which in essence answers the question from verse one.  With a unified voice, the congregation responses, “Yes we’ll gather at the river!  The beautiful, the beautiful river.  Gather with saints at the river that flows by the throne of God.”  Next time you sing this song I hope you will think about and anticipation the excitement we have to look forward to in heaven.

But there is more to my motivation for writing about this song than just remembering an old hymn from Robert Lowry.  As I write this article more than 1000 Christians from across the country are converging in on Red River, New Mexico for the 26th Annual RRFE (Red River Family Encampment).  A week dedicated to Bible study, wonderful Bible-based lessons, worship, singing and fellowship in the cool, Rocky Mountains of New Mexico.  This year it is my honor to lead singing for the encampment as well as teach three classes on understanding and appreciating congregational singing.  If you live somewhat close to Red River, New Mexico you might want to come on down this year.  But certainly you’ll want to mark your calendar for next summer, June 22-26, for RRFE.

Heaven will be more than we can imagine.  Whether the streets are pure gold and the twelve gates are made of pearl, I don’t know.  But this I know…it will be more beautiful and more fantastic than you and I can picture.  Words fall short of describing the elegance and majesty we’ll see when we meet around God’s throne.  Red River isn’t heaven, but the joy of being with fellow Christians, and sharing in hours of singing and praise to God is perhaps as close as we’ll get to heaven here on earth.  So next year, I hope you’ll join us and let’s, “Gather with the saints at the river…”

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Sing to Me Again!

“O Lord, I thought the day would never come; when I could lay my burden’s down and walk with you.  And this morning as I greet the rising sun, the fondest of my dreams have all come true.  The greatest friend you’ll ever find is on a lonely mountain.  The highest high you’ll ever reach is when you kneel to pray.  The brightest light you’ll ever see is when you close your eyes.   O Lord, You are my first love and at last I realize.”

Sung by a young group of 13-19 year old teens, this ‘spiritual song’ encouraged my friends and me during the early mornings of our annual summer camp.  To the best of my knowledge, Camp Blue Haven still meets during the summer months in the mountains outside of Las Vegas, New Mexico.  I doubt if this song is still a favorite at CBH, but the memories and friendships that we formed there in the late 1970’s will be treasured for the rest of my life.

What about you; do you remember songs from the earlier years of your life?  The quiet evenings as you sat around the living room and sang as a family.  Or perhaps you were blessed to have a mother who would ‘sing you to sleep’.  Some of my fondest memories are hearing my mother sing as she busied herself in the kitchen.  With the window open and the sound of her “Doris Day” voice floating out into the back yard, I can still hear, “Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee…How great Thou Art“.  If you don’t have memories like these it’s not too late to make them for those you love.

My wife and I made it a point to sing to our children in their early years, as they were going to sleep.  After they were tucked in, the lights were out and our prayers had been said; Vicki or I would sing to the kids.  That was almost 10 years ago (some how they learned to go to sleep without our songs), but one old hymn stills brings memories of days gone by.  Written one hundred years ago by Austin Miles, my grandmother began this early tradition that was passed on to our children.  As she rocked, I can still hear her sing, “I Come to the Garden Alone”.

Regardless the song or the number of years that have gone by, our minds race back to an earlier time when we found comfort in the words of heaven and peace and God.  Even if you’ve never had the peace that comes from a melodious past, you can always lay your burden down and walk with God.  When you do you too can say, “…the greatest friend you’ll ever find is on a lonely mountain…”

 

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It’s Not About Me…

For the last several decades our culture has turned to embrace and fulfill any and all of our personal, selfish and individual desires.  Some might attribute this movement to the 1960’s or the “Me Generation”.  Perhaps there is some truth to this, but selfish behavior isn’t limited to any specific age, gender or generation.  Christ demonstrated how we should be more concerned and willing to serve others (put ourselves last).  Unfortunately and too often this ‘Me first’ philosophy has crept its way into some of the spiritual songs.

Now maybe I’m being too hard our some of the song writers over the years, but let me ‘push your thoughts’ and ask you to think about what we are singing and the message we give in our songs of praise and encouragement.

In 1949 Ira Stanphill (author of several hymns) wrote a very upbeat and energetic song entitled, Mansion over the Hilltop.  A fun song to sing and one that we can find scriptural basis in John 14:1-3 when Christ said to his disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God; trust also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I’m going there to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am.”  My concern with this song comes in the statement just prior to the chorus, “…but in that city where just ransomed will shine, I want a gold one that’s silver lined.” And verse two, “…I’m just a pilgrim in search of city, I want a mansion, a robe and a crown.”  Forgive me if I come across too legalistic, but my thoughts have been leading me closer to thinking about and understanding what we’re singing.

Thirty-five years later, 1984, Sylvia Rose penned a song that we sing in some of our congregations today.  A contemporary song that was written on request from her father.  Though he wasn’t dying, Sylvia’s father asked her to write a song for his funeral.  The song, “A Mansion, Robe and Crown” was the product of his request.  This is another exciting, upbeat song and one that exudes a lot of energy.  But again, look at the words; “I’m gonna trade my earthly home for a better one bright and fair…”  True as it might be, my concern comes in from the bass line in the chorus, “Lord, I want a brand new mansion, robe and a crown in glory…”.

Is there anything wrong when we ask (say) that we want something from God?  Certainly we petition our Father on a daily basis and without a doubt we’d be lost without seeking, asking for God’s grace and love.  We have sung this song in church on occasion; but I still come back to ask…are we thinking about what we’re saying?  In the three verses of this song you’ll notice “I”, “my” and “me” dominate the song.  Sing this song and you’ll find these three personal pronouns 21 times.  In a world that wants the focus and personal preference to go “MY way”, I hope to send a reminder that it’s not about me…