Philip Nolan was a fictitious Army Lieutenant for the Union during the American Civil War. Accused of being an accomplice of treason he is put on trial. During his testimony, in anger, he renounces his country shouting, “I wish I may never hear of the United States again!” Shocked by the outburst of defiance, with cold resolve the judge grants him his wish. Nolan is sentenced to spend the rest of his life aboard United States Navy warships, in exile, with no right ever again to set foot on U.S. soil. The final element of punishment is that no one shall ever mention his country to him again. He becomes, the ‘Man without a Country.’
Citizenship in a country is a sign of belonging. It establishes your rights and your membership. If you are not a citizen of a country (or a community), you have no voice or privilege within that country/community. Our lesson this Sunday asks the question with no clarification, simply…’are you a citizen?’ Join us as we consider our citizenship.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, October 8, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Hallelujah! Praise Jehovah” 3
A beautiful song of praise to our God…read Psalm 148 and you will better understand the power and majesty of this ‘psalm’ of praise.
“Seek Ye First” – 555
A contemporary psalm (song from the scripture) that I remember singing around the campfire. A ‘teen’ song that inspires the singer/listener to seek God first. Open your Bible to Matthew 6:33 and sing, “but seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you…”
“Hallelujah, What a Savior” – 337
Another psalm as we consider the words of Isaiah in his 53rd chapter…“He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.” But consider this verse carefully as you sing…”Guilty, vile and helpless we; (we are not innocent, we are disgusting (vile) and unable to take care of ourselves. Jesus, however, is the Lamb of God, who is without blemish (spotless). Is it possible (can it be) therefore, that we can have full atonement (cleansing) from our guilty, vile and helpless situation? The answer is yes and our response is simple…“Hallelujah! What a Savior.”
“Sweet Adoration” – 253
“Sweet adoration comes from Your children…” Do we admire our God and tell Him that in our songs? More than saying it, do we live it? Can the world see our glory and honor and praise to God as a part of our constant devotion?
“My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” – 538
On Christ…the SOLID Rock I stand! Where do you stand?
“Jesus, Let Us Come to Know You” – 768
Not your typical invitation song, but this spiritual song calls us to say to our Lord, ‘Jesus, let us come to know You.’ We’ll never know Him, until we give our lives to Him!
“When the Roll is Called Upon Yonder” – 852
The teacher takes roll in class for the simple purpose to find out “who’s there.” This song was born from the same idea, but looking toward eternity. When life is over, when the Lord is ‘taking roll’ will our name be called? When the ‘roll is called’ up yonder…will you be there?