Tanglewood Church of Christ

This is a new Sunday morning series of messages designed to help us focus on what and why we sing. While singing seems to be a "given" in church services, it still should be a time of meaningful worship and ministry to each other. Join us as we study together!

March 4, 2012: "Then Sings My Soul: An Introduction" — While worship in the Old Testament Jewish period consisted of many and various activities, holy days, and celebrations, worship in the New Testament is presented to us as much simpler. This early church worship revolved around just five activities: praying, teaching, communion, giving and singing. Why singing? Listen as we begin our study of this mostly overlooked subject.

March 11, 2012: "Then Sings My Soul: The Apostles’ Doctrine" — Acts 2:42 tells us that the church at its very beginning in Jerusalem "continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine…" Our new Testament from Matthew thru Revelation is the record of that teaching (doctrine). So what did they teach? This is a brief overview of what we read in the New Testament about singing, both the teaching and the practice of it. We may be surprised at both how little we are told, and how profound the teaching is. Click our title to listen.

March 18, 2012: "Then Sings My Soul: The Original Sacred Selections" — "Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs," said Paul… but what were these songs like? While no hymnbooks or collections of those first songs have come down to us, Bible translators and church historians believe they can identify parts of several first century hymns within the texts of the New Testament. Click to listen as we talk about and read several of these earliest Christian hymns.

March 25, 2012: "Then Sings My Soul: Ancient Hymns Today" — An amazing number of hymns have survived, in part or whole, from the first 300 years after the New Testament. Today we look at several of those beautiful songs of faith and worship, and also learn about the earliest discovered Christian hymnal. Click the message title to listen; click here to open a copy of the handout used.

April 1, 2012: "Then Sings My Soul: The Oldest Hymns We Know" — While we can identify some of the earliest Christian hymns in the pages of Scripture, and at least some hymns have been found in the early literature of the post New Testament church, today we look at the oldest hymns and songs in our songbooks that we actually still sing. The words of some date back 800-1,000 years! Listen today to the stories behind the hymns and the words we know so well.

April 8, 2012: "Then Sings My Soul: Christ the Lord Is Risen Today!" — It seems appropriate on this day when western Christianity celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, that we look at some of the songs and hymns which speak of His death, burial, and resurrection. And since Paul tells us we are to "speak to one another" in our songs (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19), we have chosen to use the very words of these songs to teach our lesson today. We believe you will be moved by their power!

April 15, 2012: "Then Sings My Soul: Amazing Grace!" — There are some authors which we read from every week; in fact we have committed portions of their works to memory. Yet, we may not even recognize their names. I am speaking of the authors of many of the most recognizable and beloved hymns and songs which we sing each week. Today we will speak about four of these songwriters: Charles Wesley, John Newton, Fanny J. Crosby, and Bill Gaither. You may be surprised at how much of their work you know!

April 22, 2012: "Then Sings My Soul: From the Psalms" — The Psalms provided the first ‘songbook’ both for the Jewish community and the first century Christian church, and their appeal and use have scarcely diminished since. Our modern hymnbooks are well populated by musical psalms drawn from the Old Testament Psalter. A few come to mind immediately, such as The Lord Is My Shepherd. But many more than we first think are anchored in the Psalms, such as How Shall the Young Secure Their Hearts and Revive Us Again. Listen as we discuss this valuable part of our songbooks.

April 29, 2012: "Then Sings My Soul: How Beautiful Heaven Must Be" — "We read of a place that’s called Heaven. it’s made for the pure and free. These truths in God’s Word He has given — How beautiful Heaven must be!" A significant portion of our hymns and spiritual songs speak of the hope we have of living forever with our God and our Savior. Today we will be looking at a few of those songs we have sung all our lives. With them we remind ourselves, encourage others, and teach those who are searching.

May 6, 2012: "Then Sings My Soul: Rescue the Perishing" — The "marching orders" for the followers of the Christ come from His final words before returning to heaven: "Go make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… and teaching them…" (Matthew 28:19-20) This Great Commission springs from the very heart of God, "for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) Some of our spiritual songs and hymns remind us of our sacred responsibility. Others call upon those in our audiences to respond to God’s grace and love. Listen as we talk about our evangelistic and invitation songs.

May 13, 2012: "Then Sings My Soul: Joy to the World" — In our final lesson on the "psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs" which we sing, it is a time to briefly think about the songs which are used for special occasions. We have songs for children (even a few in our hymn books), for baptisms, for communion, for funerals, and even for singing at the close of our services. However, we especially want to look at those songs generally associated with the holidays of Christmas and Easter, and those songs which are patriotic hymns about America. Whatever your opinion about these holidays, or about singing songs about America in church, click on the lesson title to listen to our perspective.

October 30, 2011: ‟Portraits of Jesus: Introduction” — Without argument, more paintings, drawings, images and statues have been made of Jesus than of any other person who has ever lived! Early catacomb images pictured Him with short hair and clean-shaven. Western artists of the Middle Ages up until today give Him longer hair, a beard, and more Western European features. But the truth is, the eye-witness records do not give us one shred of evidence about his actual appearance. Why? The answer is not clear. But this is clear: the gospel writers were not interested in what He looked like – they wanted everyone to know what He WAS like! Welcome to our study entitled, "Portraits of Jesus."

November 6, 2011: "Portrait: The One and Only Son of God" — To "paint" an accurate verbal picture of someone, we have to consider the source of information we will use. Living almost two millenium after Jesus means we rely on the testimony of others. We begin today by considering our sources, then examine the statements that He was the "only begotten" or "only one of his kind" Son of God.

November 13, 2011: "Portrait: In the Image of God (I)" — On two different occasions (John 8 & John 10) Jewish religious leaders wanted to stone Jesus to death because He claimed to be God! This was not only His claim, but the confession of the early church as well. Join us as we begin this two-part examination of how Jesus was "in very nature God" (Philippians 2:6).

November 20, 2011: "Portrait: In the Image of God (II)" — "In Him permanently lived the full measure of all the qualities of God in a human body." This is an amplified translation of Paul’s profession in Colossians 2:9. Perhaps some would think Jesus would reject such majestic superlatives concerning Him. But then we would not be able to explain why He accepted the kind of worship only God should have! Intrigued? Click to listen.

November 27, 2011: "Portrait: Our Maker and Creator" — John tells us "All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made." (John 1:3) This incredible "picture" of Jesus is repeated several times by Paul as well as the writer of Hebrews. What is the evidence to support John’s assertion? Listen as we see how Jesus could both prove He was the Creator and also submit to the limits of a human body.

December 4, 2011: "Portrait: In Human Flesh (I)" — The Old Testament prophets were clear — the Promised One to come would be "born of a woman," of the physical descendents of Abraham and David. He would be a child born of a virgin, but also called "God With Us (Immanuel)" and "Almighty God." God was promising the impossible — in human terms: someone who would be both God and man. We picture today just how God took on our humanity and what a great sacrifice He made on our behalf in doing so. Next week we will see why He had to do this, and what He accomplished in doing so. Click on our message title to listen.

December 11, 2011: "Portrait: In Human Flesh (II)" — Last week we saw that Jesus was "God incarnate" (in human flesh). This was prophesied; it explains how Mary could become pregnant while a virgin; it explains how and why He could do miracles yet die on a cross. In this part of our study, we now examine WHY He had to become human. We can identify at least 9 reasons given in Scripture for His incarnation. Click our message title to hear more.

December 18, 2011: "Portrait: The Master Teacher" — "You call me, ‘Lord’ and ‘Teacher,’ and you are right, for so I am." (John 13:13) The two most common titles His disciples and others used to address Jesus were "Teacher" and "Lord." Jesus proclaimed that He brought the Words of God to men; in that sense He was the "Light of the World." Teachers have the most profound effect on each person’s life, including ours! Who have we been listening to? Click on our message title to hear our lesson for today.

December 25, 2011: "Portrait: A Savior Is Born" — On the night of Jesus’ birth, shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem were treated to the world’s most spectacular multimedia presentation. It began with an announcement by an angel of God: "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord!" (Luke 2:11) The prophecy of Zechariah was that the King would come possessing righteousness and salvation (Zechariah 9:9). Now He has come!

January 1, 2012: "Portrait: The Light of the World" — "In Him was life, and that life was the light of men." (John 1:5) Jesus was not sent just for the Jewish people. The prophecies were clear: He would be the "light for the Gentiles." (Isaiah 49:6) Today we look at the world-wide mission of Jesus in coming into the world.

January 8, 2012: "Portrait: The Great High Priest" — Most of the New Testament focuses on what Jesus did while on earth (the Gospels) and the significance and benefits of His death and resurrection (the Epistles). But it is in the book of Hebrews we uniquely learn of what His present work in Heaven has been and continues to be — He is our high priest before the mercy seat of God! For Jewish Christians (Hebrews), this was an especially important concept, for they had lived all their previous lives trusting in the mediation of a high priest. We, too, need to understand what He is doing for us!

January 15, 2012: "Portrait: Born to Be King (I)" — The most prominent image the Jewish people cherished of the Promised One of the prophets was that of the King, the Son of David. Today we look at the original kings of the Jews and the future hope spoken of by their prophets.

January 22, 2012: "Portrait: Born to Be King (II)" — Today we see that Jesus fulfilled the prophecies concerning the coming King, and that He freely confessed that He was that One! After His resurrection and ascension, the gospel message went throughout the world that, The King has come!"

January 29, 2012: "Portrait: Tempted Just Like Us" — Earlier we saw that the Lord from Heaven was deity incarnate – God’s nature eternally fused with the nature of flesh and blood. Today we see what that meant as He came to, and walked upon this earth, experienced all that each of us experience, then died upon a cross.

February 5, 2012: "Portrait: Our Kinsman-Redeemer" — Hymns like, "I Know that My Redeemer Lives" and "Redeemed! How I Love to Proclaim It" emphasize that Jesus is our redeemer, a title also used of Him in scripture. But what did "redeemer" mean to a Jewish person? Today we look at the Old Testament background of redemption, followed by how Jesus fulfilled those expectations. Truly He is our great redeemer!

February 12, 2012: "Portrait: The Judge of All" — When Paul spoke to the august group of scholars and philosophers gathered at the Areopagus in Athens, he told them that God no longer overlooks the ignorance of men but calls on all to repent. Those who do not will be held accountable, "For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead." (Acts 17:31) Later he tells the Corinthians, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." (II Corinthians 5:10) Here is our portrait for today’s study: Jesus has been appointed by God to be the Judge of all men! 

February 19, 2012: "Portrait: Transformed into His Likeness (I)" — "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (II Corinthians 3:18) God predestined and foreordained that those who responded to the call of the gospel should be conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29-30). Through sin we all have fallen short of the glory (praiseworthy perfection) of God (Romans 3:23). Jesus is the "radiance of God’s glory" (Hebrews 1:3), and we reach again that glory of God through becoming like Him. Hear our full message by clicking on the title.

February 26, 2012: "Portrait: Transformed into His Likeness (II)" — As we finish our twelfth portrait of Jesus, we focus on the specific ways we are to bear His image. It is not simply the once popular "What Would Jesus Do?" (WWJD) movement, but the actual things we are told in the Scriptures in which we are to be like Him. Hear our full lesson by clicking on our message title.

Raised in the most strict Jewish family, educated by the leading rabbi of the day, and well connected with the Sanhedrin leadership, Saul of Tarsus seemed incapable of being touched by the gospel message. . . until that fateful day outside Damascus! This is an extended study of this man who became the most prominent, and perhaps most effective, spokesman for Jesus the world has ever known. Below are listed the messages thus far. Click on the blue icon next to each title to listen.

January 30, 2011: "I, Paul" – introduction to our study, looking at the influence the Apostle Paul has had on the progress of Christianity.

February 6, 2011: "Growing Up Jewish" – what we can know directly and indirectly about Saul’s early life and education.

February 13, 2011: "Zealous for God" – the motivating force for Saul’s life was a deep-seated, but misdirected, desire to please God.

February 20, 2011: "Stephen – A Man Full of God’s Grace" – Saul’s contact with and opposition to Stephen is a turning point.

February 27, 2011: "Like the Face of an Angel" – Saul rejects Stephen’s message and contributes to his murder.

March 6, 2011: "A Blasphemer and a Persecutor" – Paul will later look back on this period in his life and refer to himself in very unflattering terms!

March 20, 2011: "Counting It All as Loss" – When Saul became convinced that Jesus really was risen from the dead, he gives up everything to become His disciple.

March 27, 2011: "From Damascus to Jerusalem" – Saul’s new-found zeal for Jesus and the gospel brings on him the same persecution he previously had dealt to others.

 April 3, 2011: "Set Apart for Me" - After a number of years of undocumented ministry in Tarsus and Antioch, the Holy Spirit singles out Saul and Barnabas for a new endeavor.

April 10, 2011: "We Turn to the Gentiles" – Following the success of the gospel in Antioch and the rejection of the message about Jesus by many in the synagogues, Saul and Barnabas see a great response among the Gentiles in each city they evangelize.

April 17, 2011: "Where Christ Was Not Known" - This describes the route taken by Paul and Barnabas on this first "missionary journey."

April 24, 2011: "Preaching Christ’s Resurrection" – No surprise that the central fact that changed Paul from persecutor to disciple became the core of his preaching and teaching.

May 1, 2011: "Sharing in His Sufferings" – Paul and Barnabas paid a high price for their missionary efforts… rejection, persecution, and abuse!

May 8, 2011: "Controversy about God’s Grace" – Paul and Barnabas lead the opposition to imposing Jewish practices on Gentile Christians.

May 15, 2011: "Back to the Mission Fields" – After several years of exciting, but stationary, ministry back in Antioch, Paul and Barnabas feel the pull of mission work once again.

May 22, 2011: "The Macedonian Call: Come Over and Help Us!" – The Second Missionary Journey begins with new traveling companions and closed doors.

May 29 2011: "Paul’s Joy and Crown" – In Philippi the gospel finds a ready audience – and opposition – among the city’s Roman citizens.

June 5, 2011: "Receiving the Message with Joy" – Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica was both brief and incredibly productive as a large church begins there.

June 12, 2011: "The Bereans Were More Noble" – An enthusiastic reception of the gospel in Berea is followed by a lukewarm result in Athens.

June 19 2011: "Preaching about the Unknown God" – Paul’s preaching in Athens has only modest positive results.

June 26, 2011: "I Have Many People in This City" – Paul preaches for 18 months in Corinth and establishes a significant church there.

 July 3, 2011: "I Will Return If God Wills" – Paul briefly visits Ephesus on his way to Jerusalem and sees an open door for the gospel!

July 10, 2011: "All in Asia Heard the Word" – Returning to Ephesus on his third missionary journey, Paul spends over 2 years evangelizing Asia.

July 17, 2011: "Fighting with Beasts in Ephesus" – In I Corinthians 15:32 Paul describes his trials in Ephesus in graphic terms.

July 24, 2011: "The Collection for the Saints" – Before returning to Jerusalem, Paul organizes a widespread collection of monies for the poor in the Jerusalem church.

July 31, 2011: "I Paul, Write This – Part I" – Following up on last week’s lesson, we discover today that Paul was not only organizing a brotherhood collection while on his missionary journeys – he was also becoming an accomplished writer. During this period he penned the letters to the Galatians, Thessalonians, Corinthians, and Romans.

August 7 2011: "I Paul, Write This – Part II" – Today we take a look at each of the six epistles Paul wrote during this 2nd and 3rd missionary journeys, and how each one relates to the situations and problems that existed with their recipients.

August 14, 2011: "Innocent of the Blood of All Men" – The finish of Paul’s third missionary journey is also his "farewell tour" of many of the churches among which he had worked. Both at Troas and with the elders from Ephesus he shows his great love for them and is confident he has done all possible to equip for the tumultuous times ahead. Dark clouds are on the horizon for him and for them.

August 21, 2011: "Hardship and Prison Await" – As Paul makes his way toward Jerusalem, the Spirit warns in every church that hardship and prison are awaiting him (Acts 20:23). Paul’s three missionary journeys were marked by great success! But they also were noted for the incredible hardships he endured, and for the fact that he "worked harder than everyone." And now, more suffering lies ahead.

August 28, 2011: "Not Fit to Live!" – On his arrival in Jerusalem, Paul is recognized by Jews from Asia (and Ephesus). They stir up a mob and attempt to kill Paul. A contingent of Roman soldiers charged with maintaining the peace rescue him, though their commander believes Paul must be a terrorist!

September 4, 2011: "No Justice!" – First he is falsely accused in the Temple by enemies, then he has to use his Roman citizenship to escape a life-threatening flogging. The next day his "civil rights" are violated in a hearing before the Sanhedrin, then he has be smuggled off to Caesarea to avoid being assassinated. This was not about justice, but about murderous hatred by opponents of the gospel.

September 11, 2011: "Almost Persuaded" – Paul spends two years detained by the Roman governor in a state of legal limbo. Wishing to please the Jewish leadership and hoping for a bribe, Governor Felix never acts on Paul’s case. Finally he is replaced with a better man named Festus who moves quickly to bring this case to a conclusion. Unfortunately his unfamiliarity with the situation forces Paul to once again use his citizenship to demand a trial before the Emperor. His last hearing in Caesarea will be before King Agrippa.

September 18, 2011: "Shipwreck!" – Paul is now on his way to Rome, a trip he has wanted to make for several years. But he is going as a "guest" of the Roman government on board a commercial grain ship. He was no stranger to sea travel, mentioning some three years before that he had been in perils of the sea, and shipwrecked three times (II Corinthians 10). A fourth wreck awaits him now.

September 25, 2011: "Welcome to Rome!" – Following 3 months on the small island of Malta sharing God’s grace with its inhabitants, Paul and his companions finally complete their journey. No doubt, what thrilled Paul the most was the extremely warm reception by the brethren. Once in Rome, it is a productive two years of preaching and teaching – including teaching soldiers of the Praetorian Guard assigned to guard him.

October 2, 2011: "In Chains for Christ" – Confined to his quarters, chained to a member of the Praetorian guard, what is Paul to do? In Philippians 1:12 he says that this "turned out for the furtherance of the gospel." For two years he boldly preached the gospel and taught the believers. He had both a ministry IN Rome and a ministry FROM Rome. Click the title to listen.

October 9, 2011: "An Ambassador in Chains" – As Paul spends two years under house imprisonment in Rome awaiting the disposition of his trial, he heads up an impressive group of men dedicated to the spread of the gospel – from Dr. Luke to Demas to fellow-prisoner Aristarchus. During this time he speaks of himself in Ephesians 6 as being an "ambassador in chains!" He represented the King of Kings from the Kingdom of God before the greatest human ruler on earth at the time.

October 16, 2011: "Letters from Prison" – During his first imprisonment in Rome, Paul was busy! Along with teaching and preaching to all who came to him, he penned four of the letters found in our New Testament along with a "lost letter" – one which we have no copy of. What does the imprisoned apostle talk about? – his joy, God’s grace, the supremacy of his Lord, and plans to visit his readers.

October 23, 2011: "I Have Finished the Race" – After a short time of freedom, Paul is returned to Rome in chains. This time death on behalf of Christ awaits him. His final letter (2 Timothy) reflects his final concerns and confidence, just months before his execution.

This is our final lesson on Why the Bible (Still) Matters. Today we examine the Bible’s teaching about What Happens After We Die. The Bible is our only reliable source of truth on this most vital topic. From its pages we have both the words of our Creator as well as the only One who has died and gone beyond – then came back to tell us about it! Further He (Jesus) has now gone away into the presence of God but promises He will come back again. To hear more, click the blue button to listen.

Our faith in Jesus Christ is personal, that is, each of us individually must believe in Him. But He intended that our faith also be held in community with others of like faith – and this community is the church. It is only from the Bible that we learn the truth about the church; it is the community of the faithful, committed to the role its Lord has given it. Perhaps the most beautiful statements concerning the purpose of the church are found in Ephesians chapter 3. In verse 10 Paul says that it reveals the "manifold wisdom of God." Then in verses 20-21 he says of God – "to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus." To hear all five of the purposes that the Lord has for the church, click the blue button to listen.

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (I Corinthians 1:18) Another reason Why the Bible (Still) Matters is its message that God has provided a means for all people who are in violation of His laws (called sin!) to be forgiven and reconciled to Him. In the New Testament this is called the gospel, which means great news! And it is! To hear more, click on the blue button.

Today we see that The Bible (Still) Matters when it comes to knowing right and wrong. For thousands of years it has been the source for clear, specific, understandable truth about morals and ethics. The two high points in the Biblical text are the law of Moses from Sinai (Exodus) and the Sermon on the Mount by Jesus (in Matthew). No only do we learn about what is right and  wrong before God, but also learn why this is called SIN and that there is a coming JUDGMENT from God. To hear the rest of the lesson, click the blue button.

"Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word. Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard." — words from the hymn by Fanny Crosby. Far and away, our most exhaustive source of knowledge about Jesus is the Bible. In our study of Why the Bible (Still) Matters, we will see today that the Gospels are significant, first century historical records concerning Jesus. Here we find the truth (1) about His life; (2) about His teachings; (3) about Who He was and is; and (4) about His mission on earth! To hear more of the story of Jesus, click the blue button.

"Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship — and this is what I am going to proclaim to you." (Acts 17:22-23) As the Apostle Paul stood before some of the most educated and intelligent men in the world, he was keenly aware of one glaring fault they had — they were ignorant of the truth about God! Not much has changed in our world. As we continue our study of Why the Bible (Still) Matters, we see today that the Bible is our most complete and truthful source of information about the existence and nature of God. To hear the message, please click the blue button.

We live in a time and place in the world where the influence of the Bible is being increasing trivialized. It is being continuously dissected, analyzed, mocked, parodied, challenged, contradicted and dismissed. Even most of those who still claim to believe it is God’s Word are mostly ignorant of it’s teachings, usually electing to side with popular public sentiment over a plain biblical viewpoint. Therefore, it is important for us to take some time to discuss Why the Bible (Still) Matters. We put the parenthesis in because we know that the Bible once wielded great influence in our nation and culture. Why does it still matter? To hear part one of our study, click on the blue button.