Category: Knowledge

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Passing the Baton…Mar. 30th

The year was 2008, and four men were running for their life. Their adversaries were all around, but they were prepared for this moment. They knew the routine and had visualized it (and done it) over and over and over. Then disaster struck. Two of the four men failed to complete their assigned duties. They failed to pass the baton. In a split second the aluminum cylinder skipped off the track dropped batonand the hopes of a gold medal vanished. During the 2008 Summer Olympics, Tyson Gay and Darvis Patton failed to make the hand off in the 4×100 relay, but if the truth be told, an entire country felt the sting of disappointment when we failed to pass the baton.

But there are other areas in which failing to ‘pass the baton’ can crush hope. A teacher who fails to pass on valuable knowledge, drops the baton. A person of authority who knows truth and yet refuses to stand for what’s right, drops the baton. A father who fails to teach his child the truths of God’s word, drops the baton. As Christians, we have a unique responsibility when it comes to passing on the knowledge of salvation in Christ Jesus. The question is, how are we passing the baton?

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

Sunday morning, March 30, 2014

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

“Surround Us, Lord” – no book

“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people…” Taken from the 125th chapter of Psalms, this ‘psalm’ is a direct quote from the word of God. Would that we call upon our God to surround us with His love, mercy and protection…just as the mountains surrounded the city of Jerusalem.

heaven...sunrise

 

“We’re Marching to Zion” – 869

A call for Christians to come, march (live a life) for Christ! Not in protest or defiance to the world, but to ‘let our joys be known.’ Please consider carefully the second verse and see where you are in this march. “Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God, but children of the heavenly King may speak their joys abroad (all around)…” How are you with your singing? Do you sing and speak of the joy you have in Christ? Remember, when you sing about the beautiful city of God, you’re helping pass the baton!

“Ten Thousand Angels” – 349

When we read the scripture, this song should 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 that they did spit upon our Savior and He was pure and free from sin…think about Him as we remember the Lord’s Supper.

“Humble Yourself” – 745

Taken from James chapter 4, verse 10, “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” Understand what it means to humble yourself. By definition, “showing submissive respect.” As we come together to worship God we are in His presence. Are you submissive and respectful of Him…or is your mind somewhere else?

“Lord, Speak to Me” – 771

As we consider this morning’s lesson, notice verse three of this hymn; “O teach me Lord, that I may teach the precious things Thou dost impart…” Understand that what we’re singing this morning is a prayer. We’re asking for God’s help as we run the race, teach others about Him, and pass the baton.

“Pass It On” – no book

An old youth song from Camp Blue Haven that reminds me of my youth. “It only takes a spark to get a fire going…I wish for you my friend this happiness that I’ve found…I’ll shout it from the mountain tops, I want the world to know, the Lord of love has come to me, I want to pass it on.” Do we really want to pass it on, or are we waiting for someone to come and take it?

“Wonderful Words of Life” – 543

Before our lesson we’ll sing a ‘spiritual song’ that resounds with the idea of passing the baton. “Sweetly echo the gospel call…offer pardon and peace to all…Jesus, only Savior, sanctified forever!” We have wonderful words that give life, beautiful words of life, are we passing this message on? 

“To Christ Be True” – 736

As the Olympic runner wins the race and crosses the finish line he runs another lap with the banner of his country flag unfurledflowing above him in proud display. If we are to be loyal and true we’ll pass on the message of Jesus Christ. We’ll be brave in His service of taking the message of salvation to a lost and dying world. We’ll ‘pass the baton’ being careful not to drop it. Then, as we sing, “…His banner be unfurled, and borne aloft till is secured the conquest of the world.”

“Heavenly Sunlight” – 611

Completing this service we’ll remind each other of our walk on this journey, that we’re pressing our way to mansion’s above. And though this journey may lead us over the mountains or through the deep valley, our Savior will never forsake us. We rejoice with that assurance…“Hallelujah!”, but we must always be ready to pass the baton!

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From New Life to Eternal Life…March 2nd

Once a year we take some time to recognize and encourage our families with Baby picturenew born babies. This Sunday we’ll honor six of our young families and their new additions. But what possibly could we gain from focusing on this ‘new life?’

As a child Timothy was raised by his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5). So strong was the influence of these women that Paul mentions Timothy’s ‘sincere faith’ which ‘first dwelt in his (your) grandmother Lois and his (your) mother Eunice.’ A parent who passes down the importance of godly living is worthy of honor. As we recognize ‘new life’ in these families we’ll be encouraging them to teach the importance of seeking ‘eternal life’ with God.

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

Sunday morning, March 2, 2014

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

“Blue Skies and Rainbows” -no book

To begin our worship time together we’ll sing a song that was popular around the campfire during the 1970’s. A ‘devo’ song that has all the elements of praise. From the sunbeams of heaven, to the green grass and flowers, to the tall mountains and green valleys, we sing each verse recognizing our creator and praising Him for His mighty works. ‘Jesus is well and alive today…’ Amen!Rainbow over Mt Alice

“You Are My All in All” -484

Though some may find repetition in this hymn, the message is worth repeating, “Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is Your name!” But have you thought about the message in the second verse? Consider; “Seeking You as a precious jewel, Lord, to give up (seeking you) I’d be a fool…” How foolish we sometimes act as we turn to follow our own desires. Remember, worshiping God is not for the weak minded. Think about what you’re singing…

“I Will Sing of My Redeemer” -513

Before the Lord’s Supper we’ll sing this non-typical communion song. But notice the message; “I will sing of my Redeemer, and His wondrous love for me; on the cruel cross He suffered, from the curse to set me free. Sing, O sing of my Redeemer! With His blood He purchased me; on the cross He sealed my pardon, paid the debt and made me free.” Turn your heart and your mind to the cross, the cruel cross, and remember you’ve been pardoned.

“We Saw Thee Not” -342

Between the bread and the fruit of the vine we’ll sing the 2nd and 3rd verses, respectively. Having lived over 2,000 years ago we were never privileged to see our Savior face to face, so we sing; “We saw Thee not when lifted high…we gazed not in the open tomb and we never met Thee on the open road…But we believe!”

“On Bended Knee” -791

How do you approach God? What is your posture and your position when you come to worship Him? Though we might not physically be bowing to the ground, where is your heart in relationship to His power and authority? Would that we come to Him with humble hearts, with broken hearts, on bended knees…pledging our love a new.

“I Know That My Redeemer Lives” -528

Musically this is an energetic spiritual song. One that admonishes the hearer with a bombardment of confirmation…hear it again; “I know that my Redeemer lives…I know eternal life He gives…I know His saving grace is nigh (near)…I know that He will come again…I know that a home stands ‘over yonder’…I know, I know, I know, I know…that my Redeemer lives.”

“Kneel at the Cross” -945

If we are to give our life to Christ, to be baptized into His death, to ‘begin life anew,’ we must first come to the cross. Kneel at the cross, but be ready to give your idols up. Many will say they are ‘coming to Jesus,’ but they hold on to the world. We can ‘meet Jesus there’ but we must be ready to stay with Him. Don’t look back to the world, ‘to life’s sparkling cup’ but trust in Him!

“How Beautiful Heaven Must Be” -885

As we close on Sunday morning we’ll sing of heaven, and how appropriate that we do. With ‘new life’ we anticipate our eternal life in heaven. Though we might not be able to fathom the beauty of heaven, we can know from His word that it will be for the ‘pure and the free.’ We trust that there will be ‘no drooping or pining’ (no feeling of despair or grief), and that God’s light will be our illumination. “How beautiful heaven must be…”       

“Beyond This Land of Parting” -870

To provide a little more time for the families with ‘new babies’ to get to the church-wide potluck, we’ll add one more closing song. It will segue nicely with the previous song as we go from “how beautiful heaven must be…” to “Beyond this land of parting losing and leaving…” Summer land…a new life, an eternal life, a place of bliss. We’re thankful that God has given this congregation several loving families with new life. But families must bring these babies to God and prepare them for eternal life.

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The Difference a Word Makes?

Terry Harmon, my good friend and brother in Christ, has begun a new work with his family in Denver, Colorado.  He has served more than 20 years in the mission fields of Russia and Ukraine, but in the last few years has been drawn back to the states where he worked as a pulpit minister.  Just this year, however, Terry has returned to preach to the Russian speaking people, only this time on American soil.  He and his family are involved in a work that specifically reaches out to the Russians living in Denver.

Terry Harmon...Bible StudyThis article from Terry features a glimpse at the work that God is doing through him and his wife as they strive to serve the Lord and spread His word.  Thanks to my brother and friend for his example of service and devotion as he shares THE story of salvation.

In the Russian language, like some others, there is no use of the articles ‘a,’ ‘an’ and ‘the.’  When you and I speak we find it necessary to specify an item as being general (a song we sang last week) or to be specific (the song we sang before the lesson).  When the Russian speaks, they think about their sentences being specific or general, but their language doesn’t express it.  As foreigners learn to speak English or enroll in an English class they take the time to discuss and explain the phraseology of the English sentences using these articles.  Understanding the difference between ‘a’ or ‘an’ being non-specific while ‘the’ has a specific meaning is important to properly communicate with each other. Another example we might give is, “This is a dog” compared to “This is the dog.”

In all reality, this is what the ultimate goal is in teaching the difference about God’s Church to the Russian speaking people.  It may be a bit of a surprise to Americans, but many Russians are very ‘religious,’ with some of them knowing the Bible quite well.  They may be wondering why there is a need for another church. Our intent (the inner-city Russian ministry in Denver, Colorado) is to help people not to be part of a religious group, or to be associated with an organization that is following the Word of God in part, but to read the Scriptures and be completely convinced that we must be THE Church that we read about in the Bible. We must teach and preach how one becomes a Christian accurately, then how one is able to remain faithful, and finally how we must worship the Lord the way He intended.

It is critically important that all people (Russian & English speaking alike) understand that we do not get to decide how we want to worship Him.  Rather, we have an obligation to respect and obey the ways God wants to be worshiped. No more and no less. While we can never be perfect, God’s Word is!  And if we will simply read it and obey it, all people will respond as Peter did in John 6: 68, 69 “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.  We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” (NAS)  We long to share with the Russian people that they can be part of His church, the Church that Jesus died for and established (Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:23).  And just as Aquila and Priscilla took Apollos aside and taught him the way of the Lord more accurately (Acts 18:24-26), so we want to do the same, so that as many might be saved and have eternal life.

Thanks Terry, for the reminder of how important a single, ‘three-letter’ word can be.

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Congregational Singing

song leader...Last week, in his article about Hymnology, Richard Dent sited 7 rules for congregational singing.  Taking a deeper look into these principles might inspire us to consider how we sing on Sunday morning, and how (do) we prepare ourselves to sing.

We mentioned the book by John & Charles Wesley from the early 1700’s, “Selected Writings and Hymns”.  This collection of ideas and prayers comes from the founder of Arminian Methodism, yet some of his ideas shared here speak to us today.  We’ll consider the exact wording and explore it’s deeper meaning.  Keep in mind, our focus concerning words of directions for congregational singing must come from the word of God.

John Wesley’s Rules for Singing

From John Wesley’s Select Hymns, 1761

1) Learn these tunes before you learn any others; afterward learn as many as you please.  The encouragement here is for the reader to learn Wesley’s songs as printed in his book.  We would agree with the premise to ‘Learn these tunes…’ provided the tunes are scriptural in content.  If we find a psalm, hymn or spiritual song that doesn’t resonate with the truth of God’s word, exercise caution before adding it to your repertoire.  Learn as many as you please is good advice.  But the basis for this charge is to sing songs of praise to God.  If we would do that one thing alone (sing to God) our nation would be turning more toward Him.question mark

2) Sing them exactly as they are printed here, without altering or mending them at all; and if you have learned to sing them otherwise, unlearn it as soon as you can.  Unfortunately I don’t espouse the language in this ‘rule’ for singing.  Though spoken as a true musician, the lay singer will often adjust the melody line or add supporting harmony to a song.  God’s instruction to us when we sing is to sing with our hearts, not our vocal cords.  Often times we get caught up in the sound of it rather than focus on the heart of singing.

3) Sing all.  See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can.  Let not a slight degree of weakness or weariness hinder you.  If it is a cross to you, take it up, and you will find it a blessing.  This is sound advice!  ‘Sing all’ is a call for everyone to sing.  Not just those who can or have the ‘best voices’, but all should be singing.  Our culture seems to focus on the ‘idols’ and glamorize the talent, but when we read Colossians 3:16, the instruction is to be ‘…teaching and admonishing one another…singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.’  Paul doesn’t say, ‘if you want to,’ the command is for us to sing; and so we should, sing all!

4) Sing lustily and with a good courage.  Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength.  Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of its being heard, than when you sung the songs of Satan.dull person  Two thoughts here; be of good courage and sing lustily (powerful or strong) are a great admonition.  While some refuse to sing, others sing with apathy in their voices.  And yet how often do we sing out the songs of the world, but mumble or refuse to sing songs of praise?  Considering this was written almost 250 years ago, I find it interesting Wesley refers to worldly songs as ‘songs of Satan.’  Can we find praise to God in secular tunes (western, rock, rap, etc)?  Perhaps, since many of those musical numbers carry us away from God, then Wesley was right in saying they are songs of Satan.  And yet those are the songs that are sung to establish the ‘best singers’ in our society…do we need to rethink our singing?

5) Sing modestly.  Do not bawl, so as to be heard above or distinct from the rest of the congregation, that you many not destroy harmony, but strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one clear melodious sound.  Almost seems like a counter to the previous rule to ‘sing lustily’, but consider the reason for singing with modesty.  Do we come together to out sing each other?  Are you singing tenor so others can hear you for your praise?  Sopranos might have the hardest time with this ‘rule’ in that they have the lead voice.  We must be aware that our songs are not for us, but for our God.  Remember that we are offering ‘…a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.’  Will we offer that sacrifice with strength and power or with selfish intentions?

6) Sing in time.  Whatever time is sung be sure to keep with it.  Do not run before nor stay behind it; but attend close to the leading voices, and move therewith as exactly as you can; and take care not to sing too slow.  This drawling way steals on all who are lazy; and it is high time to drive it out from us, and sing all our tunes just as quick as we did at first.  Again, I’m not convinced this is of the utmost importance.  What IS important is the encouragement to sing together.  In addition, there is a clear understanding, as Paul stated in I Cor. 14:40 that we are to do, ‘all things…properly and in an orderly manner.’  This is case in point as to why we have song leaders in our worship services.  Someone to lead our singing so the congregation can sing together without some running ahead or sing ‘whatever song they want.’  The 14th chapter of I Corinthians helps us understand this idea more clearly.

7) Above all sing spiritually.  Have an eye to God in every word you sing.  Aim at pleasing Him more than yourself or any other creature.  In order to do this attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and see that your heart is not carried away with sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve here, child looking upand reward you when He cometh in the clouds of heaven.  I couldn’t say it any clearer.  As we sing on Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings and Wednesday nights (or anytime for that matter) we’re praising God.  The question is, where do you focus?  We are a blessed people to have the hope of heaven.  Let’s sing in our congregations to the glory of God and not to satisfy our opinions.

And just in case you were wondering; here’s one more quote from John Wesley, “I have no objection to instruments of music in our worship, provided they are neither seen nor heard.”  Updated from What Did Early Christians Believe About Using  Instrumental Music in Worship. http://www.bible.ca/H-music.htm

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Does Anyone Know?…April 7th

Sunday morning, April 7th at Waterview church of Christ, we’ll be honored to hear a lesson from Kent Allen.  Brother Allen is VP for Advancement for Oklahoma Christian University, and his message is sure to inspire us as we consider our outward display of faith.

make a defense

Perhaps you’ve heard the comment; if you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?  This morning we’ll consider just how much the world knows about OUR faith in God.  We have the opportunity, better yet the obligation, to show Christ to a lost and dying world.  The songs this morning are designed to make us think about our shining light.

 

“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”

I Corinthians 14:15

Sunday morning, April 7, 2013

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

“Christ for the World We Sing” – 626

Have you looked closely at the first line in all three verses of this song?  Notice: “Christ for the world!”  That’s a statement we loudly proclaim and boldly sing.  And we sing it with 1) loving zeal, 2) with fervent prayer and 3) in one accord.  We sing this message to the world, but we also have a responsibility to bring the world to Christ.

“We Will Glorify” – 578

Written over 30 years ago, this song is still contemporary to many of us. Twila Paris made it popular, but our God is the reason we sing it.  Perhaps the closing statement from the first and fourth verses needs more examination and great proclamation; “…the Lord of lords, Who is the great I AM.”  John 8:58 “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I Am.”

“In My Life, Lord, Be Glorified” – 309

Before we bow in prayer, we’ll sing this hymn as we sing to Him!  The first verse is very personal, “In my life, Lord, be glorified…” but in the second verse we’ll change it to the plural form, “In our songs, Lord, be glorified…”  And finally we’ll close the song to include the Lord’s church; “In Your church, Lord, be glorified…”

“Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” – 648

Brother Kent Allen has requested this song to serve as our ‘song before the lesson.’  What a great way to admonish each other to live a life that puts Christ first.  Have you thought about this song lately?  We are singing about the armor of God (Ephesians 6), and in the third verse we’re reminded of the weakness we have in the flesh; “…Stand in HIS strength alone; the arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own”  But what does the author mean when he writes, “…put on the gospel armor; and watching unto prayer…”  Remember, ‘unto’ is a preposition that can mean ‘by’.  So with that in mind; we have on the armor of God and we’re waiting (watching) by means of prayer.  See Ephesians 6:18, “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert…”

“In the Hour of Trial” – 767

Not a typical ‘invitation song’, but this will serve us well this morning.  Take a close look at verse one; “…Jesus plead for me, lest by base denial I depart from Thee; When Thou seest me waiver, with a look recall…”  Remember Luke 22 when Christ is on trial?  Peter adamantly denies knowing Jesus (base denial, as an adjective, ‘base’ can mean ‘contemptible’) and then in Luke 22:61, “The Lord turned and looked at Peter.  And Peter remembered the word of the Lord…”.  With a look recall (help me to remember)…

“Lamb of God” – 176lamb for the slaughter

We’ll remember the Lord’s supper this morning after our lesson as we sing this beautiful song, again written by Twila Paris.  A song that we sing to our Father (a hymn).  God’s gift of love (the Lamb of God) is crucified for our sins.  He is scorned, mocked, defamed…and sacrificed.  “Like a lamb that is led to slaughter” (Isaiah 53:7) “I love the holy Lamb of God.”

“O For a Faith That Will Not Shrink” – 540

As we close the service this morning, remember our lesson; “Does Anyone Know (you’re a Christian)?  The words of this song were written by W. H. Bathurst in 1831.  Oh that we would all have a faith in God that doesn’t shrink away in difficult times.  A faith that doesn’t complain or ‘whine’ when troubles come.  A faith that shines more bright and clear.  With this kind of faith, even while here on earth, we’ll ‘taste the bliss’ of heaven.

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Growing Up…in the Lord!

Daddys-shoesPerhaps you’ve been asked the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”  Little children are often asked this question and the response can be interesting…if not a little comical.

Some little boys might reply with, “When I grow up I want to be a fireman.”  In the 70’s it was not uncommon to hear younger boys say they wanted to be an astronaut or a policeman or maybe even president.  Actually, growing up in my ‘neck of the woods’, we all wanted to be cowboys when we grew up.  If you were to ask the ladies, their response might not be much different.  They too have dream of tomorrow with aspirations of what their life will be like.  One little girl once told her parents, “When I grow up I want to be a mommy.”  We consider our future and wonder what we’ll do tomorrow.  As we plan for the unknown, most truly wonder what they will do as they reach that level of accountability.  Where will I work, where will I live, what will I become when… ‘I grow up.’

As a junior in college (many years ago), I had my mind set on teaching.  I loved every aspect of working with younger minds and imparting some obscure nugget of reason.  The responsibility of molding and directing the hearts and minds of children was a challenge I eagerly embraced.  However, almost 30 years later, time and circumstances have had a way of altering my path.  Though I’m no longer an ‘educator’ by trade, my profession remains the same.  I love working with people as they mature and grow stronger.  Only today, it’s more of a spiritual growth that I seek to inspire in those who come into my ‘classroom’ of life.

But what about you?  As you read this you may be a long time business man (or woman) who has been in the work force for years.  Or you might be a young college student still trying to settle your mind on a degree.  Some reading this might be retired and still wondering, “What will I be when I grow up?”  What ever your station in life, however far you have gone or still have to go, think about making your life more than just a career, a ‘job’, that you do.  The apostle Paul wrote an admonition to the young preacher Timothy, “…be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” II Tim. 4:5  Could you really be an evangelist?  Is ministry really your calling? Let me encourage you to do more than just consider it…make that your priority.  Know that I am not promoting that you quit your job or drop out of school, but I do think we all need to change our thinking when it comes to what is most important in life.  You work to make a living, so you can pay the bills, so you can live your life.  But life won’t be worth the living if you don’t live it for God.  Where does He fit into your career and your future plans? Does God figure into life at all?

Regardless your degree (college students) or your career I hope we will all realize that in the Lord’s church, we are all called to ‘minister’ to a lost and dying world (Matthew 28).  Everything else is temporary.  Classes, projects, responsibilities to your employer are important, but God’s desire for you to work in the fold should supersede all that.  Work hard and fulfill your obligations for the task at hand, but ask yourself…what will I really be when I grow up?

A Cappella, directed by Keith Lancaster, sings a song about this every issue.  Would that we make God our number one objective and teach that to our children.  Does the world know who you are or are they still waiting to see what you’ll be ‘when you grow up.’ Trusting like a Child

“Growing up in the Lord” [LINK]

Chorus:
I’m growin’ up in the Lord.
Oh I’m gettin’ stronger; turnin’ back no longer:
I’m growin’ up in the Lord…I’m growin’ up in the Lord.

I make mistakes but that’s part of growin’ up.
Part of growin’ up in the Lord.
His understanding is what I need the most,
I am staying close to His word.

Sheltered from harm when I am safe in his arms
And I am learning to do His will.
Hearing his call although I stumble and fall. I can get up and keep growing still.

Repeat Chorus

Now as I’m growin’ I’m learning what to say, Learning how to walk in the light.
I’m made aware of the devil every day Learning how to handle the fight.

Tempted by wrong, He keeps me ready and strong So I can handle the Tempter’s snare.
Jesus is mine and since he’s there all the time I am protected within His care

Repeat Chorus

 

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We’re Marching and Singing to Zion…Pt 1

“Come, we that love the Lord, and let our joys be known; Join in a song with sweet accord and thus surround the throne.…”  This spiritual song, written by Isaac Watts, is more than 300 years old and yet it still admonishes the Christian to stay faithful as we’re ‘Marching to Zion.’  Singing we strive to praise God and encourage His people, but how do we do that effectively and in a pleasing manner?

As a child of God you know the importance of singing songs of praise and edification.  Many who are reading this article identify with the song above and truly believe its message.  Every Sunday morning world-wide, we come together and strive to fulfill Ephesians 5 & Colossians 3.  But in a culture where singers are evaluated as ‘Idols,’ and singing is ‘best left to the professionals,’ we tend to listen and judge rather than praise and sing. We consider one voice better than another and place more value on the ‘talent’ of an individual while burying our own God-given talents.  To be honest… that’s a mistake. It fails to follow the pattern set forth in Bible.  Singing songs of praise and admonishing one another is the expectation we have in the Lord’s church.

In hopes of teaching valuable lessons of God’s love and stirring the hearts of those who hear, we sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.  This commentary is written to help us look at the blessings we find in singing. Since the Lord commands us to worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), we must ask ourselves this basic question: “As I’m marching to Zion, how do I sing and truly worship God in spirit and in truth?”

To learn the truth about Christian worship in song, we go to the New Testament. Consider for a moment I Corinthians 14:15 & 26: “I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also…What is the outcome then, brethren?  When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation.  Let all things be done for edification.”  Have you thought about your singing when it comes to your mind?  Do you think about what you’re singing?  Singing by rote (repetition) is singing by memory. We learn to drive, write, walk, and talk by rote.  It is the same with singing.  We memorize songs by singing them over and over and over again.  But in so doing we often sing without thinking what we’re saying.  Check yourself to see if you know what you’re singing by asking yourself these questions:

 

*How is God’s goodness ‘like a fetter’? (Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing) 
*Is there Biblical support for referring to Jesus as a “rose of Sharon”?  (Jesus, Rose of Sharon)
*Do you know how to arm yourself with “the panoply of God”? (Soldiers of Christ, Arise) 
*And what is the ‘standard’ that He, Jesus, has raised? (The Battle Belongs to the Lord) 

 

Brothers and sisters…I truly believe we need to investigate the meaning of our songs, ask ourselves what we’re singing, and teach our young people the meaning behind the songs we sing.  “How shall the young secure their hearts and guard their lives from sin?”  If we are to ‘sing with the mind also’ we must know what we’re singing. Too many times we just toss those old songs out, or sing the new ones without thinking, because we don’t truly know what they mean.  Brethren, we can’t afford to make that kind of mistake, because there are dangers when we just ‘go through the motions’ in worship.

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Basic Training for Parents…Feb. 3rd

Sunday, February 3rd at Waterview church of Christ, our sermon title is:

parents-basic-training

“Basic Training…For Parents”.  The following ‘order of worship’ is designed to provide you a glimpse of our song selection (either early or after the fact). We have a great responsibility to train up our children, and mom and dad need to be prepared for that task.  As always, let me encourage you to think about the songs you sing in praise to God.  Remember I Corinthians…”I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”

Sunday morning, February 3, 2013

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

“Let God Arise” and “Faith is the Victory” – 471 & 469

This medley, two spiritual songs, is intended to accomplish two basic objectives.  First, we sing to motivate the Christian using the words of David in Psalm 68 (‘Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered’).  But also to admonish the congregation to join in the spiritual battle against forces of darkness.  Note verse 3 (missing from many of our hymnals)… “On every hand the foe we find drawn up in dread array.  Let tents of ease be left behind and onward to the fray.  Salvation’s helmet on each head with truth all girt about, the earth shall tremble neath our tread, and echo with our shout…”

“There is a Redeemer” – 287

How often do you say, “Thank You, Father, for giving us Your Son.”?  The verses are sung in duet, sopranos and tenors, but the whole of the congregation should join in the chorus.  We do have a Redeemer, and the cost for our salvation was high.  Are you thankful?

“Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross” – 383

We’ll sing this song before the Lord’s Supper, holding the 3rd verse to be sung between the Bread and the Fruit of the Vine.  Notice that 3rd verse; “Near the cross!  O Lamb of God, bring it’s scene’s before me; help me walk from day to day with it’s (the cross) shadow over me…”  We focus our hearts and minds as we remember our Savior’s sacrifice.

“How Shall the Young Secure Their Hearts” – 432

One of my favorites, and a spiritual song that really talks toward our families.  Parents, as we consider ‘training’ our children for a life with God we have to follow the teaching from God’s word.  The best (only) option for imparting wisdom and cleaning our hearts and minds.  (Verse 1; “…Thy word, the choicest rules impart…”; defined, the word of God is the best set of directions we can pass on to our heirs.)

“Trust and Obey” – 915

How do we find true happiness in this life?  What could I do to obtain peace and joy in a world of pain and sorrow?  Reading God’s word (and singing this old spiritual song) you’ll come to see that we need to trust and obey.  But there’s so much more to that simple statement.  How will you trust in God?  How do I intend to obey Him?  A Christian life is more than just trusting in God,  you must be willing to Obey His word!

“Our God, He is Alive” – 23

God is alive and well!  This spiritual song sings to the splendor of His creation and the majesty of His name.  Notice the 3rd (often ignored) verse from this song… “Secured is life from mortal mind, God holds the germ within His hand…”  What’s the germ?  By definition germ can simply be “something that may serve as the basis of further growth or development”.  Or it could simply be “something microscopic”.  Either way, God is in control.  Our God holds the growth of life.  And though men try to find it and understand God, He alone knows.
“…for God alone does understand.”

Parents…we have a great responsibility to teach our children to know God’s word.  To strive and fulfill His will for our individual lives, and to always trust and obey Him.

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Do YOU Know?

“Be curious always!  For knowledge will not acquire you: you must acquire it.”

And it’s true, we all have questions.  From the earliest years of life we have asked questions like…”How do birds fly?”  “How many stars are in the sky?”  “Do the ocean waves ever stop?”

Not only do little children ask questions, even the honest (mature) adults realize there are things in life for which we don’t have the answer.  The real question comes in understanding that though we might not know everything, there is one thing we can be sure of.  There is One who knows the answer to all of life’s queries.  But if we lack patience and humility, we’ll be inclined to reject anything with which we don’t agree.  The truth: God is the creator of all we see and all we have!  If we, as His creation, seek to know the answers we would be wise to go to the One who owns the ‘answer key’.  Otherwise we are left trying to guess at the answers to life’s questions.

Aileen Nicole Coleman-Mullen, professionally known as Nicole C. Mullen, was born in 1967.  She is an award-winning singer and songwriter.  I have recently come across one of her more captivating songs.  It’s known as “Redeemer”.  Read the words and feel the comfort in knowing…HE LIVES!

I KNOW MY REDEEMER LIVES!

Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?
And who told the ocean, “You can only come this far?”
And who showed the moon where to hide ’till evening,
whose words alone can catch a falling star.

Well, I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives.
All of creation testifies.
This life within me cries.
I know my Redeemer lives!

The very same God that spins things in orbit,
runs to the weary, worn and the weak.
And the same gentle hands that hold me when I’m broken,
They conquered death to bring me victory!

Well, I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives.
All of creation testifies.
This life within me cries.
I know my Redeemer lives!

With all the questions we have in this life, and with many seeking answers to life’s questions, you can know that God is the Key!  He created our world and He brings us victory.  I know my Redeemer lives.

Do YOU know…He Lives!

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The Value of Fine Gold and the Honeycomb!

“More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold!”

Psalm 19:10 is the beginning for the ‘chorus’ of a song I recall singing during my youth.  A psalm that is not found in many (if any) of our hymnals.  To be quite honest, it was only a few years ago that I actually found the sheet music.  In my early years we would sing this psalm around the campfire (youth camp) or in the living room of one our friend’s homes (devotionals).  There is not much repetition with the words in this song, so our ‘song book’ was our Bible.  The words are almost a direct quote from the book of Psalms (19:7-10), but the musical arrangement was put together by Gary L. Mabry.  Of the 3 verses and chorus, you’ll notice that all four stanzas are taken straight from scripture.  (Remember, a ‘psalm’ is a song that is sung with the Bible as it’s text.)

Read these words as penned by King David in Psalm 19:7-10,

“The law of the Lord is perfect restoring the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
the judgements of the Lord are true; they are righteous all together.
They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.”

If you remembered singing this song (or if this is a first) you were able to ‘sing along’ as you read the text.  But let’s dig deeper into the words of the Psalmist.  David refers to the “law of the Lord”, the “testimony of the Lord”, the “precepts of the Lord”, the “commandments of the Lord”, the “fear of the Lord” and the “judgments of the Lord”.  In turn, each one fulfills a need we have to follow ‘the Lord’.  Let’s break this song down (verse by verse) and examine the specific elements of God’s law in relationship to mankind.

First, as we look at Psalm 19:7, we understand that God’s law is perfect.  When we follow His law, it restores our soul to Him.  In addition, the testimony (the evidence and overwhelming proof) of God is sure, and those who believe in Him are wise.  Even, as this text explains, the ‘simple’ can gain wisdom and have confidence in the assurance of our Heavenly Father.

Psalm 19:8 continues with the precepts and the commandments of the Lord.  A precept, by definition, is ‘a principle intended as a general rule of action’ and a commandment is simply, ‘to direct authoritatively’.  Both precepts and commands are directives, given by and with authority.  But you’ll notice these ‘directives’ are right and pure.  They come from our Lord and give us true hope.  When we follow them, our hearts will rejoice and our eyes will be enlighten.

The final verse of this song (Psalm 19:9) includes the fear and the judgment of the Lord.  The fear of the Lord is clean, defined as thorough or complete, and last forever.  Will we fear God throughout eternity?  Undoubtedly YES!  As we come to understand that fearing the Lord is respecting Him and honoring His name we’ll know that is our reason for living.  As for the Lord’s judgments, they are true and righteous.  Know this; God will treat mankind with fairness.  He created us.  He calls us.  He longs for us.  However, if we don’t follow His law, believe His testimony, obey His precepts, follow His commandments or fear (honor) His name; He will have no other option but to judge us in all righteousness (fairly).

As we wrap up this ‘psalm’ let us consider what we notice to be the chorus of the song.  In the scripture we read verse 10 and understand from David that these God-given principles are of extreme value.  From the gold-miner’s prospective, God’s word is more desirable than gold.  And not just the raw gold from the bottom of the riverbed that is still unrefined.  The value of God’s gifts are like that of pure and unblemished gold.  To him who is hungry, God’s word is sweeter than honey, even the honey that drips directly from the honeycomb.

Sadly there are many who don’t believe any of these instructions.  They’ll read them, perhaps even try and follow some of the teachings from God’s word.  But in the end, they give up on His law.  Determine His ways are too hard to follow.  Remember that God will judge us all based on how much we value His commandments.  As you go through this day I encourage you to honor (fear) God, and savor His precepts (rules).  What we have in Christ is better than fine gold or the honeycomb.