For years we have insisted, and rightly so, on training and preparing our young men to preach the word of God. Christian colleges, universities, and preaching schools, as well as “Preacher Training Camps,” dot the countryside, preparing our young men to fill the pulpit as strong evangelists for the Lord’s church. Still we must ask the question, is there anything we should be doing to train up song leaders? Are we doing all we should be doing to teach our congregations the value of singing a cappella in our worship to God? If we truly believe in singing praises, and if we are honest about how much we value congregational singing, we will teach some basic elements of singing. Not just how to sing ‘properly,’ but with understanding. Consider what Paul wrote to the church in Corinth: “I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” (I Corinthians 14:15) Training goes beyond just singing in the shower or tuning in to the radio; we must also better understand how we can sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

So how do we train a song leader? How can we rally the congregation to sing with the spirit? Minus the technical aspects of singing, consider these four ways we can emphasize the value God has placed on singing. First, start a Sunday night singing class 30 minutes before evening services. Second, provide opportunities for members to sing at the local nursing home once a week. Third, encourage families to prioritize their fellowship so that when they come together for a meal, they sing together. And finally, with the permission of your leadership, provide the young men of your congregation with an opportunity to lead singing on Wednesday nights. Whatever means you seek, be diligent to train up song leaders.

Perhaps you’ve heard (or said), “My voice isn’t strong and I don’t know the notes…I’m just not a good singer.” In a world where we judge voices and idolize the best, how can the average singer effectively praise God? Unfortunately, shows like ‘The Voice’ have taught us to evaluate and glamorize the singer. Yet God never qualified ‘how well’ we are to sing, only that we are to sing.

Consider how you would teach your child to ride a bike. You would take time to practice with them and steady them as they ride down the sidewalk. You would encourage them with each rotation of the pedal as they grow in proficiency, giving them assurance as they gain confidence. We can do the same with our congregational singing, but only when we…
1) value it,
2) plan for it,
3) practice it and
4) participate in it.

Already this summer, many have enjoyed their annual Vacation Bible School. Still other congregations are anticipating the exciting week of Bible study and energetic singing. We’ll continue this three-part series looking at VBS songs from yesteryear that still motivate, inspire and encourage children (and adults) today.

Last time we looked at the words of “Joy, Joy, Joy” and “Daniel and Ruth.” Today I encourage you to read the words (sing the songs) of three more classic songs from VBS. Taken from Matthew 7, Matthew 4 and Ephesians 6, see if you can find the basis for these spiritual songs, or perhaps we should call them ‘psalms.’

Share these words and be a “Booster” for your Vacation Bible School…even if the week has passed. Remember this classic:

“The wise man built his house upon the rock. (repeat 2 times)
and the rains came tumbling down.
The rains came down as the floods came up. (repeat 2 times)
And the wise man’s house stood firm!”

The foolish man built his house upon the sand. (repeat 2 times)
and the rains came tumbling down.
The rains came down as the floods came up. (repeat 2 times)
And the foolish man’s house went splash!”

So build your house on the Lord, Jesus Christ. (repeat 2 times)
and the blessings will come down.
The blessings come down as the prayers go up. (repeat 2 times)
So build your house on the Lord, Jesus Christ!”

And perhaps you remember…

“Roll the Gospel chariot along,
Roll the Gospel chariot along,
Roll the Gospel chariot along, and we won’t tag along behind.

If a brother’s in the way, we will stop and pick him up (repeat 2 times) and we won’t tag along behind.

If a sister’s in the way, we will stop and pick her up (repeat 2 times) and we won’t tag along behind.

If a sinner’s in the way, we will stop and pick him up (repeat 2 times) and we won’t tag along behind.

If the devil’s in the way, we will run right over him (repeat 2 times) and we won’t tag along behind.”

And finally, this popular classic…

“I may never march in the infantry, ride in the cavalry, shoot the artillery.
I may never fly o’er the enemy, but I’m in the Lord’s army. YES SIR!
I’m in the Lord’s army…YES SIR!” (repeat)

“I may never march in the infantry, ride in the cavalry, shoot the artillery.
I may never fly o’er the enemy, but I’m in the Lord’s army. YES SIR!”

Notice how some of these children’s songs have a tendency to repeat themselves? We have the same phenomenon in many of our ‘grown up’ songs. Consider, “People Need the Lord,” a phrase repeated 5 times. Or how about “Our God is An Awesome God!”, repeated 6 times. But before we get all wrapped up, tied up, tangled up (wait, that’s another song) about these ‘7-11 songs,’ don’t forget we have been singing repetition for years. Remember, “I Am Praying for You”, repeated 4 times in the chorus. Or how about “Bringing in the Sheaves”, repeated 7 times. We can lose our focus arguing about the little things and miss the power of the message. Besides, what better way to learn basic principles than to repeat it over and over and over and over again.

Next time in “Vacation Bible School…Part 3,” we’ll look at “His Banner Over Us is Love”, “My God is So Big” and “Wrapped Up, Tied Up.”  VBS at Waterview church of Christ will start Sunday night, July 27th, at 6:30 and run through Wednesday night, July 30th. If you’re in town, make every effort to join us, and help boost our Bible School. Model your love for God’s word and make Him your priority!

 

Gift giving is common during this time of the year.  We shop for that special something for that special someone.  But for just a moment consider those gifts that have been bought, wrapped and are sitting beneath your tree.  Each one of them came at a cost.  Someone ‘paid’ for those gifts.  A sacrifice was made to redeem that present for Christmas morning.  

Luke chapter 2 records the birth of Christ and the gift sent from heaven.  A gift that was so costly it could only be tagged ‘priceless.’  This Sunday morning we’ll considering Christ as a gift that was given to mankind more than 2000 years ago. A gift from Heaven to Bethlehem.

 

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

Sunday morning, December 22, 2013

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

“O Come, All Ye Faithful” – 997

The strength of this song comes in the chorus as we encourage each other to ‘come let us adore Him.’  A reference to the shepherds hearing the angels announcement of Christ’s birth.  We don’t know when Christ was born, but we know He was!

“O Worship the King” – 303

As a continuation of “O Come, All Ye Faithful”, we’ll sing as we worship our King.  As children of God we adore Him and worship Him, Christ, the Lord!

“I Gave My Life for Thee” – 354

Singing the first and second verses we sing as though Christ were speaking; “I gave My life for thee, My precious blood I shed, that thou might be ransomed and quickened (to make alive) from the dead…”   And yet the third verse holds even more striking images of Christ’s sacrifice as we consider His poetic words;  “I suffered much for thee, more than thy tongue can tell, of bitter agony to rescue you from hell…”

“Surround Us, Lord” – no book

Taken from the 125th chapter of Psalms, this contemporary ‘psalm’ encourages the Christian with the assurance of God’s protection.  The city of Jerusalem found her protection in the higher ground on which she stood.  In like manner, we find our security as we’re surrounded by the power and presence of God.

“Away in a Manger” – 1017

We don’t typically sing this song (lullaby) in worship services, but consider the scripture reading that proceeds it; Luke 2:7, “And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in amanger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”  It only seems fitting…

“Joy to the World” – 1018

As we prepare our minds for this morning’s lesson we’ll sing a song of praise that dates back to the 1700’s.  ‘Joy to the World’ finds its basis in the book of Psalms, chapter 98.  Certainly “…the Lord has come” provides a clear understanding that a gift from heaven has come to Bethlehem.

“Hark the Gentle Voice” – 907

“Ye that labor and are heavy-laden lean upon your dear Lord’s breast (chest)…”  Do we feel the urgency to lean on God for our strength?  As you sing this invitation song, you’ll hear the call of the Savior.  We sing and understand that the gift of salvation is Christ.

“Angels We Have Heard on High” – 1002

The chorus of this favorite ‘Christmas’ hymn is taken from Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest…”  We sing in Latin as we sing this verse, “Gloria in Excelsis Deo!”  Thanks be to God for the gift from heaven.

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

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

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

Sunday morning, December 1, 2013

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

“Come Into His Presence” – 435

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

“Sing On, Ye Joyful Pilgrims” -747

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

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

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

“We Gather Together” – no book

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

“Here We Are But Straying Pilgrims” – 537

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

“More Love to Thee, O Christ” – 700

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

“My Only Hope is You” – no book

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

 

“Worthy of Praise” – 230

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

Written in 1964, Whitney Gleason penned a song that has touched the hearts of thousands during the past 50 years.  Though a simple soprano lead is heard in the verses, the supporting parts break into a strong four-part harmony with the chorus.  But least we miss the message of this spiritual song consider the words;

“Deeper than the ocean and wider than the sea,
is the grace of the Savior for sins like me;
Sent from the Father, and thrills my soul,
just to feel and to know, that His blood makes me whole…”

“His grace reaches me, yes, His grace reaches me, and twill (it will) last through   eternity; Now I’m under His control and I’m happy in my soul, just to know that His grace reaches me.”

Is it true the message of God’s grace puts a thrill in your heart?  Can you say you truly feel and know that the blood of Jesus makes you whole?  As children of God we know and we believe that God’s grace is manifested in the sacrifice of Jesus.  Would that we live our lives so as to demonstrate that belief.

The Cushing Gospel singers provide the arrangement above, which is sure to cause you to reflect upon the grace and the love of our God.  His grace is deeper, higher, wider and brighter than we could ever image.  Give a moment to think about His love, His grace and His gift of salvation.