Ancient Words

If I Had a Hammer

2012-02-07T08:49:00.001-06:00

Pete Seeger and Lee Hays wrote a song in 1949 entitled, "If I Had a Hammer." This song was originally a part of the progressive movement, and later became an anthem of the American Civil Rights movement.

Consider the lyrics:
If I had a hammer
I'd hammer in the morning
I'd hammer in the evening
All over this land
I'd hammer out danger
I'd hammer out a warning
I'd hammer out love between my brothers and my sisters
All over this land

If I had a bell
I'd ring it in the morning
I'd ring it in the evening
All over this land
I'd ring out danger
I'd ring out a warning
I'd ring out love between my brothers and my sisters
All over this land

If I had a song
I'd sing it in the morning
I'd sing it in the evening
All over this land
I'd sing out danger
I'd sing out a warning
I'd sing out love between my brothers and my sisters
All over this land

Well I've got a hammer
And I've got a bell
And I've got a song to sing
All over this land
It's the hammer of justice
It's the bell of freedom
It's the song about love between my brothers and my sisters
All over this land

I can relate to the sentiment of this song - but in a different way. I have always wanted to have a hammer that would break the hearts of sinful men. I have always wanted to have a bell that everyone could hear at once, that would call them to feast upon the word of God. I have always wanted a song to reside in the souls of men, because of the love they have with God and with one another because of the saving blood of Jesus Christ.

But wait - we do have a hammer, we just aren't hammerning! We do have a bell, we just aren't ringing! We do have a song, we just aren't singing!

"Is not My word like a fire?" says the Lord, "And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? ~ Jeremiah 23:29

Powerful Hugs

2012-01-31T09:13:00.003-06:00

This past Sunday morning there were two people that absolutely made my day. Their names are Paige Grenz and Alex Meadows. These two little girls know how to give a hug! They have parents who love them and display love before them. Whenever Paige or Alex happen to see me they always come up and wrap their arms around me and they don't let go! One of the greatest blessings of being a preacher is that innocent children love and trust you. Their parents have taught them this is a person who cares for them and loves them and wants them to go to heaven.

These hugs were especially nice because my family was out of town and I was alone that Sunday. It reminded me of the fact that we have many people who worship every Sunday by themselves. One of the greatest things you can do as a Christian is to hug a widow or widower when they come into the church building. They need affection and they miss it. A kind smile and a friendly hug is a welcome gift to a person who deals with loneliness.

After I got those hugs from Paige and Alex, a lot of things didn't matter anymore. It did not matter if I said everything perfectly in the pulpit. It did not matter if I was going to sit alone or eat lunch alone after services. It did not matter that I was tired and it did not matter how other people treated me for the rest of the day. A display of unconditional affection reminds you of your value. People need other people who simply love them for being themselves - who care about them just because of who they are.

I want to say to Micah and Gretchen Grenz, and the Nathaneal and Casey Meadows (and to all of our young couples with children), thank you for bringing your beautiful children to Willow. Thank you for teaching them about God. Thank you for sharing these wonderful kids with us. They make our congregation better and our building a better place. They remind us to be pure, and think positiviely, and to encourage each other with kind words, warm smiles, and powerful hugs.

"But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.'" ~ Matthew 19:14

The Bible: Not Just for Kids

2012-01-24T10:59:00.013-06:00

I don't know when this happened or how, but it seems that we are living in a generation with adults who think that Bible study is not as relevant as it used to be. People think it is a great idea for their children to be in Lads to Leaders, but they themselves may not be interested in leading. People think it is super for their kids to go to VBS, but they themselves won't attend the adult classes that same week. And folks want their kids to have memory verses and they want them to learn the books of the Bible, yet many of our older folks do not memorize verses, and they cannot give you the list of 66 books or the minor prophets or judges of Israel like they once could.

Let me tell you - (those of the adult generation) - the Bible is not just for kids. It is God's intention that you, "as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby" (1 Pet. 2:2). We are further instructed as we age to "...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 3:18). The key words in these verses are "desire," "grow," and "knowledge." We must continue to have that innocent desire to build a relationship with God. We must grow in the knowledge of God, which can only happen through diligent study (2 Tim. 2:15).

It a sign of spiritual immaturity, and certainly the work of Satan, for adults to be distracted from the thing they need the most: a personal, working knowledge of the holy Scriptures. But as long as "grown-ups" are happy with wandering through the foyer for worship and Bible periods, being casually late to class, and are not even concerned with attending Bible class or having their own personal time for Bible study, this problem of our adults being less educated on the Bible than our children are is going to persist.

It is absolutely wonderful to see adults taking an interest in the spiritual lives of the younger generation. But don't lose focus! The older generation must be equipped to lead the younger. We must be studying and preparing now. Many of us are becoming that older generation much sooner than we suppose. Every generation has a responsibility to know the word of God and to keep it.

There is never a time to quit studying God's word. Adults, pick it up again and God will bless you more than you have ever dreamed. The Bible is most certainly for children...all children everywhere, all the time. God be praised that we are all, by His grace and according to our obedience, regardless of age, children of God.

"I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word" ~ Psalm 119:16

Where Visitors Go To Die

2012-01-17T10:30:00.008-06:00

Having been raised in the church from infancy, and having been a located gospel preacher for 15 years, I have learned that there is a place where visitors and sometimes even members go to die. I was less than 10 years old the first time I ever went doorknocking, and about that same age the first time I participated in a weekly visitation program. I was afraid. I was weak. I was imperfect - I am still all of these things. The point is that there is really no excuse for not reaching out to people who need the Lord and His church.

There is a place where visitors go to die right in our church buildings. If you wanted to do a study on it in your local congregation, you would locate the spot. Visitors sit there, and nobody speaks to them. They got unlucky. They just happened to sit in that part of the building where some of the members only talk to their friends after services. They just happened to sit in that part of the building where members beat them out the door as soon as amen is said. They just happened to sit in that part of the building where there are members who have never decided to obey the great commission. Forget going into all the world...these members won't even go across the pew.

As a preacher, I am going to let you members out there know that I am looking for visitors on Sundays. Jesus died for our visitors, too. I may not talk to you every week because I am looking for lost sheep. If you would join me then we could make sure that there are no places in our building where visitors go to die. It may not be what you want to hear, but I know exactly where some of the "dead spots" are in our current building. And unless things change I hope that visitors don't sit in those particular places.

Move off "your pew" and make a place for a visitor. Invite a visitor to eat lunch with you after services. Introduce yourself and tell each visitor you are glad to see them. Invite every visitor to come to Bible class and show them how to get there.

There is a place where visitors go to die. Make sure that it is not next to you. You are accountable.

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all..." ~ Galatians 6:10

Reservoir or Pipeline?

2012-01-10T10:46:00.005-06:00

I went to a minister's worskhop this past Monday and was blessed with both instruction and fellowship from several of my preaching brethren. During our devotional period David Lipe taught from 2 Timothy 2:2 - "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."

As he discussed the charge to spread the message, the content of the message, the challenge within the message, and the character of those who teach the message, he asked a simple question - "When it comes to our relationship with the gospel, are we a reservoir or a pipeline?"

Too many Christians are like the Dead Sea. They are reservoirs that do nothing but hold the life offering Jordan stream. They never give it, but they always receive it. Although they have been blessed, by their inactivity they refuse to be a blessing to others.

Christians must choose to be more like the Sea of Galilee. Mankind sustains life by its constant qualities, and from it there is a perpetual spring that blesses every land to which it flows. There is nothing that the Sea of Galilee has that it refuses to share.

The gospel was never meant for reserviors. It was given to us that we might be pipelines from God to man. Each of us should examine our own relationship with God based on our willingness to carry out the great commission. If you are a part of a church of 200 - you should have 200 evangelists. It you are a part of a church of 400 - you should have 400 evangelists.

The gospel is not just for church members and visitors on Sundays before lunch. The gospel is for everybody, everywhere, everyday!

Are you a reservoir or a pipeline?

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation..." ~ Romans 1:16

If I Were Every Christian...

2012-01-03T10:29:00.003-06:00

When a person is baptized into Christ, they put on Christ (Gal. 3:27). Unfortunately, too many people take Him off almost as soon as they put Him on. There is a great misunderstanding in the religious world about salvation. It is not a one-time event, but a lifetime commitment (Phil. 2:12).

Each one who has obeyed the gospel needs to constantly examine their relationship with God (2 Cor. 13:5). One of the greatest and most pratical ways to test the level of our faith is to measure the stature of the church in relation to my personal dedication to her success. If I were every Christian, how well would the church be doing?

If I were every Christian, what would the attendance be each Sunday morning, Sunday evening, Wednesday evening, Bible class?

If I were every Christian, how many people would be invited to worship?

If I were every Christian, would the contribution go up or down year by year?

If I were every Christian, would the sick or hurting or absent always get a call or a visit?

If I were every Christian, how much benevolence would the church be doing?

If I were every Christian, what would be the general response to the preaching and teaching of the gospel?

If I were every Christian, how much food would be prepared for fellowship meals, funerals, and those in need?

If I were every Christian, would there even be any fellowship beyond worship services at all?

If I were every Christian, would the church be happy, encouraged and growing, or depressed, skeptical and dying?

If I were every Christian, would the gospel be in the community, or would it just stay at the building?

"And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple." ~ Luke 14:27

It All Depends on What You Can See

2011-12-27T10:34:00.005-06:00

The King of Syria was perplexed. How was Israel's King outsmarting him? Israel continually avoided attack. Syria's king soon realized that the prophet Elisha was helping. So he sent spies to capture Elisha in the town of Dothan.

As morning came and Elisha's servant went outside, he saw the entire Syrian army encamped around the house. There were horses and chariots, a great host, so with terrific fear the servant ran inside and cried to Elisha, "What shall we do?"

Elisha's reply was surprising - "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them" (2 Kings 6:16). The servant did not understand, so Elijah then prayed, "Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." "Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha" (2 Kings 6:17).

God brought victory and deliverance to Elisha and Israel that day. God's armies were always there with Elisha, but it took faith to see them, to know that God was near.

2012 has arrived. Our future is renewed and yet unknown. There will be both good and difficult days, victories and defeats, gains and losses.

But God is with us! Therefore, anything is possible. Although we may be weak, God is omnipotent! Our only true limitation is the degree of our inability to believe in what God can do. The vision we need is not what human eyes can view. It is our inward faith in God that guides us and makes the unthinkable a reality. It all depends on what we choose to see.

We can change the world this year if we want to. God is here, He is alive, He is poweful, and He is active. Make no mistake. It is not God we are waiting for. We are really waiting for ourselves.

"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things..." ~ Psalm 119:18

Convenience

2011-12-19T11:18:00.006-06:00

This is a difficult article to write. I have been wanting to express this thought, but it is so hard to find the correct words. This needs to be understood. But I want to be loving and kind.

We live in a time of convenience. Products are more consumer friendly than they have ever been. Technology has advanced to the point that you don't even have to do anything anymore to get things done - you can just talk to it or touch it with the end of your finger and it an instant - whalah!

Life has become so convenient that people don't know how to be incovenienced. Two minutes in line is too long. Waiting for your computer to go to the next screen better not take more than a second or you will want to throw the whole thing out the window. Our cars have heated seats and dual temperature controls. I am not even scratching the surface here...

All of these blessings also pose a great danger. We allow our attitudes to be changed from those of charitable work and service to the need to be served. Our approach to God as a society is changing. We want the church to serve us, and we will be at worship and love God as long as He doesn't ask too much.

On Sunday, December 25th, 2011, there will be churches all over the country who will be more concerned about what is convenient than what is commanded. Some will not even have worship, because they don't want to make it a "hardship" for people on Christmas Day.

How ironic that people are so concerned about how Christmas falling on Sunday may effect their plans! It was not convenient for Jesus to leave heaven and come to earth. It was not convenient for Him to be born in a manger. It was not convenient for Him to die on a cross. God has done everything for us - going so far beyond what was convenient to save our sinlful, wretched souls. This was an act of love, for love not only know how to be inconvenienced, but it endures and sacrifices without limits.

In the midst of this Sunday holiday, I wish for all of you the happiest and healthiest season together. Love God enough to show Him that you are not going to do things at your convenience. Love God enough to honor His commandments.

"Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, 'Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.'" ~ Acts 24:25

Pure Joy

2011-12-13T10:22:00.004-06:00

Joy is defined by Webster as "intense gladness." I like to think of it as an irremovable smile. Sometimes that smile is outward, but it is even better when it remains inward. Joy is the unmatchable feeling of happiness that comes from a spiritual understanding within our hearts that lies beyond expression.

When you think of what brings pure joy, isn't it interesting that it rarely has anything to do with yourself? Pure joy is seeing your young children laughing and singing and dancing. Pure joy is watching people who are less fortunate have the greatest Christmas of their lives. Pure joy is witnessing a husband and wife obey the gospel together and change the entire spiritual future for themselves and for their family.

What brings God joy? He rejoices over us for good, to bless us (Deut. 30:9). He rejoices in His perfect works (Psa. 104:31). He rejoices when sinners repent (Luke 15:7, 10). He rejoices when we know and do His will and thus have joy in ourselves (John 15:11). When we begin to rejoice about the right things we can acknowledge that we truly have been transformed to be more like the God who made us.

Simply put, to have the love of God is to feel the joy that is experienced in causing and witnessing the happiness and prosperity of others. There is no joy that can compare with the joy we receive from changing lives. This is what God did for us. How great is our God, who has decided to share with us this ministry, which brings into our hearts and into our lives - pure and eternal joy!

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." ~ 3 John 1:4

The Reason for the Season

2011-12-06T10:47:00.006-06:00

As I was growing up, whenever I saw the phrase, "Jesus is the Reason for the Season", my first thought was that this must be a denominational person or group who has posted this message. After all, I knew that December 25 was just another day, and it was not likely that this was the birthday of Jesus. I knew the church that Jesus established never celebrated His birth. I knew that the only day the Bible teaches Christians to commemorate is the first day of every week.

If you were raised like me, this holiday season has always been about Christmas trees, presents, Santa Claus, and getting together with friends and family. It is not a religious holiday. I am confident that this is as it should be, for we have no authority to make December 25 a holy day. I urge you to do some study on the origin of the holiday before deciding for yourself and your family on this issue.

But regardless of how people choose to celebrate Christmas, I have to admit that for a preacher this is a pretty sweet time. I am trying my best to get non-beleivers to believe in God. I am constantly urging believers to think about Christ and the church. I am striving to get the wayward members to come home to God. And this is the one time of year, that nearly everyone in our country and many around the world recognize that Jesus is real. Not only do they regonize Him, but they extol Him and give glory and praise to God for the gift of His Son.

It is always interesting to get Christmas cards from members of the church. Some are religious cards and some are not. Based on the cards I can see how they celebrate or think about Christmas. It reminds me that we need to educate ourselves regarding what we should believe and practice. It also reminds me that people are generally good and kind and thoughtful, and they really want to be this way all of the time. Christmas just gives them a reason to remember how they should be.

At the end of it all, I know Jesus is the reason for every season! After all, He made the world and everything in it! And I admit unashamedly that I am glad to hear so many people unafraid to acknowledge Him every December - even if it is only for a short period of time.

"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." ~ Luke 2:11

The Door is Still Open

2011-11-28T15:01:00.003-06:00

In Dewayne Bryant's last sermon here at Willow, he read an excerpt from a manuscript he is working on that is extremely thought provoking. He discussed how Noah and his family must have felt toward those people who were outside of the ark once God shut the door. It was not a feeling of vindication or celebration that Noah's preaching had proven to be correct. Rather, it was a feeling of thanksgiving mixed with sadness and concern for those who were scratching at the ark from the outside. People were desiring salvation but it was too late. In terror, one by one, they all slipped beneath the surface of the waters and were lost. The apostle Peter later noted that God was longsuffering in the days of Noah while the ark was being made ready, but finally God's just wrath for man's sin was satisfied (1 Pet. 3:20-21; 2 Pet. 3:4-10).

Whether the human race accepts it or not, God has set a time for the closing of the door. It could be today, tomorrow, or a million years away. Mock it as man will, the moment that door is closed everyone will want to be inside. In today's Christian age, it is the same as saying: 1. Everyone will want to be a Christian. 2. Everyone will want to be a member of the Lord's church. 3. Everyone will want to be found faithful.

When the door closes there will be no time to debate about whether or not baptism is essential for salvation, what is true and acceptable worship, or who is and who isn't a part of the church. All that will matter is whether or not we have obeyed the word of God and whether or not we are practicing what it teaches.

When the door closes there will be no time for getting around to asking people to worship. There will be no time for knocking doors or setting up potential Bible studies. There will be no time for someday maturing enough to where we are comfortable enough with ourselves to share our faith in Christ with others.

We should not wait for the door to close before we feel remorse for not being evangelistic. We should not wait for the door to close before we get in the boat ourselves. We should not wait for the door to close before we become salt and light in a world of death and darkness. The door is still open! And even if people aren't yet scratching to get in...they will be!

Brethren, they will be!

"So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the Lord shut him in." ~ Genesis 7:16

What Are You Afraid Of?

2011-11-21T11:31:00.003-06:00

In February of 2008, the associated press reported a study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, relying on interviews with more than 35,000 adults to document a diverse and dynamic U.S. religious population.

The results of this study found that many American adults have left the faith of their childhood for another religion or no religion at all. Factoring in moves from one stream or denomination of Protestantism to another, the number of people who change their religious affiliation is 44 percent.

How fascinating that nearly half of the people in our country who consider themselves "Christians" make such a big change! But really, it should be an even greater number. The percentage should be 100%. Let's face it, as we grow in our knowledge of the Bible, each of us has the responsibility to change what we believe when it is in conflict with the holy Scriptures.

Every day I talk to people who have either stopped worshiping anywhere, or who have done nothing more than just stay in the denomination in which they were raised. I want to challenge them to question what they believe and engage in a study of God's Word. I am not afraid of any question they have. I am not afraid of their background. I am not afraid of being rejected or being judged. Why? Because I know the Bible will do what needs to be done to make all of us simply Christians and members of the body of Christ.

Now I ask you, friend - when it comes to questioning what you believe, or doing something different than you have ever done, what are you afraid of? Saul had to change. Simon Peter had to change. All of the people in the first century had to change when Christianity was first offered. We all have to change in order to be what God requires. Don't be afraid! Embrace the wondrous working of the will of God in your life! Study the Bible and let it change your life every day! I hope to see you Sunday!

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." ~ 2 Timothy 1:7

Giving and Sharing

2011-11-15T10:53:00.002-06:00

My four-year-old daughter taught me two lessons this week just by being herself. The first was on sharing and the second was on giving:

1. When she found out that her little friend, Kyla Adams, was coming on Friday to stay overnight with her and spend most of Saturday at our house, she was very excited. Many times when we find out people are coming over, we are also wanting to know when they are going to leave. But not Lyssa. In fact she said to me, "I cannot wait for Kyla to come and stay with us, because I am going to play with her and share all of my toys with her." She was looking forward to Kyla getting to play with her toys. I am confident that she would be willing to let her friend even take some of her toys indefinitely.

2. On Sunday morning, Lyssa was acting up in worship just before it was time for the offering. Amber had to take her out and discipline her. When they got back, the plates had already been passed. Our kids enjoy giving their money to God. When Lyssa found out that she had missed her opportunity to give, she began to cry. It was very difficult to console her, and we thought we might need to take her out again because she was so upset. She wanted to give her money and was crying because that moment had slipped from her grasp. I couldn't help but think, on the flip side, how adults cry about giving because they don't want to. How easy it becomes for adults to hold back from God!

Amber and I are thankful for our children for at least 1,000 reasons. But we may be most thankful for the lessons we learn from them about faith. Adults struggle with sharing and giving. Satan changes open, childlike hearts into closed, cynical, seflish hearts if we let him.

Let's remember during this season of thanksgiving and of doing for others, that God has from His heart given us everything so freely, even the blood of His Son. May God help us to share and to give like little children. May God help us to love unconditionally, to forgive completely, and to embrace our relationship with Him an with one another.

"But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." ~ Hebrews 13:16

The Man with the Four Dollar Soul

2011-11-08T11:09:00.004-06:00

This may not be the most appropriate title. But as you read you will understand. Monday evening I was getting gas for my truck when a man approached me from the other side of the pump. He was unkempt and unshaven, his clothes were worn and his face revealed a man who had been beaten down by the cares of the world.

He was with three others in a small blue car which looked like it had only a few blocks left in it. He begged me for some gas. He said he was on his way to a Nashville hospital and nobody else would help them. I had already payed inside and I was about to pump my own gas, but I gave him the only money I had in my wallet - four dollars. He waved to his friends as if to say, put gas in the car, then he went inside.

Since I had already payed, I just started the pump and followed about 30 seconds behind him. He did not go to the counter to pay, but instead he had gone in looking for something. I followed at a distance, but he recognized me, did a loop through the store and exited quickly. I asked the cashier if he had given her any money for gas. She said, "No." As I went back outside they were pulling off and waved as if to say, "Thanks." They had not pumped any gas, they were simply running away. I am glad I hadn't given him twenty.

I am not sad about this incident for me. I am glad, that when I was asked to help someone in need, I did not wimp out, turn him away, or just keep what I had for myself. I am sad about this incident for this man and his friends. He was scamming people for cash to buy something other than what he said he needed.

This man's soul is worth more than four dollars. Jesus said our individual souls are of more value than gaining the whole world. But we sell our souls for far less than four dollars every day by the sins we are willing to commit when Satan tempts us. You might not have the guts to cheat people for a few pennies, but face the reality that you often are willing to boldly sin against your Creator and Judge to please your own whims and desires.

Your soul is worth so much more than what you are selling it for. Think it over. Repent. Save your soul.

"For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" ~ Matthew 16:26

Rainy Days

2011-10-31T10:58:00.002-05:00

Not every day is filled with sunshine. There are foggy days, days of clouded skies, and some days…it just rains. Our lives happen on a day to day basis. The challenges we wake up to meet today may be different than the struggles of tomorrow. In His sermon on the mount Jesus said, “Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matt. 6:34).

In our spiritual lives, sometimes we have rainy days. We are not always as strong as we want to be. Paul pointed out to the brethren at Galatia, “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (Gal. 5:17). We don’t always live up to expectations. As Christ said, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt. 26:41). When King David was confronted with his own sin, he mentioned just how heartbreaking and difficult it could be. He said, “I am weary from my crying; my throat is dry; My eyes fail while I wait for my God” (Psalm 69:3). His consolation came from the land of cloudless day – “But as for me, my prayer is to You, O Lord, in the acceptable time; O God, in the multitude of Your mercy, hear me in the truth of Your salvation” (Psalm 69:13).

Our God is an awesome God. His power is unlimited, His kindness is available, and His longsuffering amounts to our salvation (2 Pet. 3:15). Even so, how is it that we can find consolation when we are having such a bad day that nothing seems to matter?

One of my friends once wrote these lyrics that I believe explains it:
Why am I so sinful? Why am I so weak?
Why am I so tempted? How can I be your child?
I’ve hurt you far too many times, why should you stay?
My life is a storm raging within.
Jesus I wonder, how can you love me on my rainy days?
How can you love me on my rainy days?
Help me to be like Jesus. Help me to build faith.
Help me to see your glory. I want to be your child.
I’ve hurt you far too many times. Why should you stay?
My life is a storm raging within.
Jesus I wonder how can you love me on my rainy days?
How can you love me on my rainy days?
~ John Farber

The fact is, Jesus still loves us on our rainy days. When everybody else moves out, He moves in. When we doubt ourselves, He continually believes. That’s what makes Him special. That’s what makes us seek Him. Only His true love can get us through our stormy Galilee! Only Jesus can say on our rainy days, “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39).

Church at Home?

2011-10-17T13:56:00.009-05:00

A common question concerning the church goes something like this, "Is it permissable to be a part of a church family, even if it is limited to your own home?"

The answer to this question is simply, "Yes." But the answer is yes only under certain conditions.

1. It would be right to be a part of a home church, if you were limited to that structure based on financial reasons - perhaps the local church had no public place to meet.

2. It would be right to be a part of a home church, if you were limited to that structure based on the absence of any local congregation that was scripturally organized.

3. It would be right to be a part of a home church, if you were limited to that structure based on the absence of sound teaching in a local congregation of the Lord's people.

4. It would be right to be a part of a home church, if you were limited to that structure because you were working to plant the church in an area where no body of Christ currently existed, and the home church was the beginning of evangelistic work in your area.

But some have limited themselves to a home church for reasons that are not biblical. Perhaps they could not get along with other churches. Perhaps they did not want to submit to an eldership, or saw no need to place membership in a local church. Or perhaps, they just felt like they would rather stay at home for personal reasons. There are times when a "home church" can actually be sinful. People who are against organized religion are against God's plan for religion. God has organized religion, and its name is the "church"!

My one question to those who want to stay at home, when a local body, scripturally organized and sound in doctrine exists is straight and to the point - "If you stay at home, then what are you doing with the gospel of Christ?"

The church's mission is to bring the saving message of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world. We cannot do this by leaving it inside four walls, whether at home, or in the local church building.

"To the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places." ~ Ephesians 3:10

"They're 'Church of Christ.'"

2011-09-26T10:15:00.001-05:00

(The following article is one I wrote a few years ago - but I like to repost it now and then because it is important).

Misconceptions arise from various sources and are often difficult to eliminate. One such example is that of the common phrase used by so many when describing those who abide by the doctrine of Christ and are a part of His church.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people say, “Well I was raised (fill in denomination hear), but my spouse was raised ‘Church of Christ.” Or perhaps it goes something like, “She’s (fill in denomination here), but her husband is ‘Church of Christ.’”

Though many don’t know it, and perhaps they’re just not thinking about it, they are trivializing God’s divine institution when they use such conversation. It plants the church of our Lord into a denominational genre, and therefore applies to the church a social bond with other bodies of belief that are not of God.

Jesus came to build His church, and did so according to the eternal plan of God (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 1:22, 23). When we speak of the church of which we are a part, we recognize it as the one body Jesus bought with blood, established at Pentecost, still in existence today (Eph. 4:4-6; Acts 20:28). There is no universal title for the church outside of the Biblical titles to which we see it ascribed. God inspired men to call it by its proper name, as the church of Christ (Rom. 16:16), the church of the Firstborn (Heb. 12:23), the church of God (1 Cor. 1:2), or even just “the church” (Eph. 5:23).

But followers of Jesus are not “Church of Christ” or “Church of Christers.” When we say someone is “Church of Christ”, we go beyond the description allowed in the Bible for those who are in the church. We are to be called simply “Christians” (Acts 11:26; 1 Pet. 4:16), or “saints” (Rom. 1:7). A true Christian is one who is in the church and belongs to Christ, the One who is Head of the body (Col. 1:18).

It will prove difficult for us to spread the true message about the church if we do not choose to be careful to honor its Biblical representation. The church of Christ does not have a doctrine, the Bible is doctrine. The church of Christ does not have a position, the Bible is the position. The church of Christ does not believe…, the Bible teaches... When we come into a proper appreciation for these simple ideas, we will help ourselves and others become obedient to Christ in a unified fashion and exalt the name of God and His church.

There is no greater institution on the earth than the church of Christ. It is the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). It is the body of the saved (1 Cor. 1:18). It is the family of God (Eph. 3:15). May we always strive to love our God and the church He sent the Son to establish! May we always properly represent this sacred body of sanctified people!

– “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly that all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generation, forever and ever. Amen” – (Eph. 3:20, 21).

"It Was God's Will"

2011-09-19T13:50:00.011-05:00

For some time I have struggled with a comment that is often used but ill-advised. I know that it is said with a strong desire to comfort people when they are grieving, but I am confident that it is not the correct thing to say. In fact, it may simply be incorrect. I am talking about when, after someone dies, a griever is told, "It was God's will."

Years ago, in an article written to "Dear Abbey", a woman whose 14-year-old son had recently been killed in a tragic accident, lamented over several of the things people attempted to say in order to console her. One of the things she heard over and over was, "It was God's will." Consider her response, "I am no more (or less) religious than the average person. But if it was "God's will" to take may son at 14 and end his young life, then I want no part of a God who could be so cruel."

I've had this article in my possession for years. I have thought about it many times when trying to help others who were grieving. I used to be bothered by the part of her statement that said, "I want no part of a God who could be so cruel." But over the years I have learned that what she meant (whether she knew it or not) was - "I want no part of your misrepresentation of God."

I figured something out last week that to me is a real breakthrough. I know it has been in my mind a long time, but this is the first time I have been able to express it in the right way. This one fact alone, I believe, is the reason why you should never say to anyone who has just lost a loved one, "It was God's will.":

DEATH IS NOT GOD'S WILL! Death is Satan's will! It is God's will that you live forever. It was that way in the Garden of Eden. It was that way as the scheme of redemption unfolded. It was that way when Jesus died, was buried, and rose again. It has been that way ever since.

Death is a part of life. This is not God's fault, it is our fault (Ez. 18:20; Rom. 6:23). If you are lost and dead spiritually, this is not what God wants. It is God's will that you be saved and live.

I can only think of one person ever, who could have been told that the death of her child was God's will. But that was nearly 2000 years ago. I believe her name was Mary...

"Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father" ~ Gal. 1:4

Some Things are Just Worth Keeping

2011-09-06T10:58:00.009-05:00

"Then the Lord said to Cain, 'Where is Abel your brother?' He said, 'I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?'" ~ Genesis 4:9

Everyone who is familiar with the historical account of the first murder in human history is also familiar with this verse. It was a tragic end to Abel's faithful life. It happened because Cain's attitude was wrong and it multiplied into something hard to imagine. Take a moment and really think about it. A man killed his own brother, violently, because of jealousy and hatred. How many other friends did Cain have? How many other brothers?

Before we point fingers at Cain, please search your heart and consider how we kill our own brothers from week to week:

1. We kill our brothers by not knowing where they are. Like Cain, we say as to their whereabouts, "I do not know?" Many people are leaving the church. Many who used to sit in our section or on our pew are waiting for us to call them, encourage them, and care about them. It makes me sick to think about how many of us, who are members of God's family, simply won't take enough time at services to notice who is missing and do something about it.

2. We kill our brothers by not caring where they are. Like Cain, who knew where his brother was, we say, "Am I my brother's keeper?" Apathy is worse than ignorance! Whether we are in large or small congregations we have no excuse when it comes to members slipping away. More brethren means more caretakers of the church. Everybody needs to care.

3. We kill our brothers by being happy to see them leave. If you are happy when someone leaves the congregation where you attend, you'd better pray to God for forgiveness. Being a part of a family means dealing with each other's weaknesses and personality issues. How would we feel if Jesus decided not to die for some of us because we got on his nerves?

4. We kill our brothers by allowing our own weaknesses to get the best of us. Cain did what he felt like doing. He felt like doing it because he allowed Satan to take camp in his mind and change his heart. It is hard for me to understand how people can hold hatred in their heart for others and still call themselves Christians. You can be sure that any hatred you store up will at some point find a landing place.

We owe God's highest creation love, respect, forgiveness, and commitment. We need to keep our brethren. Some things are just worth keeping!

"If someone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?" ~ 1 John 4:20

William Woodson Tribute: "Our People"

2011-08-30T11:24:00.001-05:00

This coming Sunday will be the one year anniversary of the passing of our dear Brother William Woodson. I wrote this article last year, and I would like to repost it in his memory. I was his preacher for nearly 8 years, but more importantly, we were friends and I had so much respect for him on every level. I am praying that God will give us more men in the church like William Woodson. He made the church better, and heaven will be better with him as an eternal friend...

I met Brother William Woodson formally while preaching in Kentucky several years ago. I had listened to him during various lectureships and meetings. I had read many of his writings and certainly had a good knowledge of his influence in the brotherhood for decades. Over the past 8 years I have come to know him as a mentor and a close friend.

It would be impossible to state in this brief article, my appreciation for all that I have learned from this gentleman from Walker County. But there is one phrase, that in my mind, has meant a great deal to me over the past few years. It is a phrase I have often heard him use in the pulpit or in a Bible class. I have read it many of his writings.

Brother Woodson affectionately liked to refer to the church, as "Our People." I think this concept, though somewhat simplistic, is actually in reality quite profound and extremely fascinating. Here are a few reasons why:

1. It proclaims our identity as God's people, the church. Brother Woodson understood what it meant to be a child of God. He knew everything there was to know about various groups within the world's concept of "Christendom." He knew the difference between Biblical, undenominational Christianity, and everything else. There is a great distinction between "our people", of which Brother Woodson himself became a part, and the rest of the people. This phrase explained how much it meant to him to be a member of the church that belongs to Christ.

2. It couples us with our predecessors. I have always respected William Woodson a great deal for his loyalty to great leaders of the past. He found out what made the people of the restoration great. He not only defended their efforts, but he sought to imitate their greatness and pass it down to the rest of us. He knew more about the development of the churches of Christ then perhaps anyone else living. The more he studied, the more he was convinced that those who helped us find our way back to the New Testament church had it exactly right.

3. It states that we are brethren. It was more important for William Woodson to be in God's family, than to be in any other family, group, or organization. He truly loved his brothers and sisters in Christ with a love that surpasses any other. I believe that he served his whole life in the church out of sincere humility, and also with tremendous pride. His humility was found in his diligent service and labor of love to his Creator and the church. His pride was the confidence of his own salvation, and the blessings he knew were his because of the knowledge of the truth.

I love William Woodson dearly. He was, and still is, and will always be, a great friend. I love him most for his love for God and the church. I could think of no greater honor than to carry on an understanding of this wonderful phrase, and be identified along with him throughout eternity, as one of "Our People."

"We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren." ~ 1 John 3:14

Missing Out

2011-08-23T09:56:00.004-05:00

I could not hold my tears back. I tried. But they were from my heart and they represented everything I believe and dream and think. So when Kent O'Donnell was finishing his presentation at Willow this past Sunday night - as he ended with the picture of he and his family, I cried.

People may not understand this, but when you work as a preacher you share a close bond with all preachers and their families. You are on the same team. You understand the sacrifices. You have the same goals and dreams for the church and for every soul in the world. You know there is someone else out there that wants other people to be saved so badly, they are willing to make it their life's mission.

I honestly feel deeply sorry for any Christian who cannot sympathize with at least part of what I am talking about. You see, in order to get to have these feelings, you have to put something into your realtionship with God and the church. If you have never been on a mission trip, there are some things you cannot understand. If you have never been a worker in the church, there are some things you cannot understand. If you have never allowed youself to get close to God's people, there are some things you cannot understand.

As Christians, we know that the greatest joy is having a relationship with God, being a part of the kingdom, and knowing we are among the saved because God loves us and has forgiven us at great cost. But second, and I am telling you it is right close to the first - is the joy that comes from a very close personal relationship and love for the people of God.

If you cannot cry from time to time, with appreciation for some of these relationships, then you are truly missing out.

"We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren..." ~ 1 John 3:14

Let Jesus Do What He Came To Do

2011-08-15T22:45:00.002-05:00

Two verses from the gospel of John have recently made me ask the question, "Why are so many people keeping Jesus from doing what he came to earth to do?"

Here they are:

John 3:17 - "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."

John 12:47 - "If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world."

Without taking what is said by Jesus in these two verses out of context, let's simply understand the basic themes of these two passages. Jesus came to save the world! He came to redeem every sinner and provide an avenue of forgiveness. He came to do the will of God and teach the human race how to live. He came so that we all could live in heaven with God eternally.

It is also very apparent from these two passages, that Jesus has no pleasure in the thought of having to condemn even one person to hell. This does no mean that Jesus will not judge every soul and divide the sheep from the goats (Matt. 25:32). But it does mean that Jesus didn't leave heaven and die on a cross so that one day he could sentence us to everlasting punishment. He made the sacrifice to save our souls.

It seems so strange to me that many people think of God as being so harsh; as nothing but a rule-making, law-enforcing Master. The wrath of God is just, due to our rejection of the Savior. The justice of God is perfect because he is a loving, impartial, gracious and merciful Father.

Look at your life and ask yourself whether or not you are living in such a way that allows Jesus to do what he came to the earth to do! He died to save you, not to condemn you. He loves you and wants you to be forgivien and to have the best life possible for both now and eternity.

A close and honest examination of the Scriptures should lead you to this simple conclusion: If heaven is not your final and eternal destination, it is not because God desires such. If you remain unsaved, you have nobody to blame but yourself.

"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." ~ 1 Tim. 2:3-4

Nameless

2011-08-09T09:23:00.009-05:00

Last Saturday I was treated to a country breakfast in the middle of nowhere. Actually, it was in a little town that prefers to remain nameless - Nameless, TN. I remember while at Freed-Hardeman, Dr. Dowell Flatt used to speak of being from Nameless. He went to school there. I never knew that years later I would be invited to breakfast at the old general store next to where one of my mentors grew up.

How did Nameless get it's name - or how did it become Nameless? One version of the name's origin holds that when residents applied for a post office, the place for a name on the application was left blank, and the U.S. Post Office Department returned the application with "Nameless" stamped on the form. Another explanation was that residents there decided to call it "nameless" after one of them said "This here’s a nameless place if I ever seen one, so leave it be." Bill Flatt, Dowell's brother, was once told that there were three families that wanted to run the store and post office, but they all wanted it to be named after their own family. So the compromise was to give the store and the town no name at all. In any event, that little stopping post in Jackson County will probably remain forever, "Nameless."

When it comes to the human population, God chose to give us a name. It was to be an everlasting name, better than that of sons and daughters (Isa. 56:5). It was to be a new name, for both Jew and Gentile, coming directly from the mouth of God (Isa. 62:2). The Father of spirits had a plan to adopt every human being into His spiritual family. He does not want us to be homeless, hopeless, or nameless.

Therefore, how sad it is that many within the realm of religion prefer to remain nameless! Sadder still is the fact that many of God's people, though blood bought and gospel taught, never choose to tell others about the glorious name by which they are called. It is not nostaligic for Christians to remain nameless. Such is left only for quaint country stores in the heartland of America. The church is not a museum! It is the living, breathing, body of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Thank you, Lord, for giving us a name that is above every other name! Be patient with us, Lord, to do everything in your name and for your name, giving glory and honor to You!

"And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." ~ Acts 11:26

Goad Kicking

2011-08-01T12:14:00.004-05:00

Certain problems demand the proper tools in order to fix them. Not every solution is easy or pleasurable. Sometimes, we just need to be prodded.

The "goad" or "oxgoad" was a traditional farming implement used to spur and guide livestock. It was useful in rounding up cattle, as well as motivating any animals pulling a load. The device goes all the way back to ancient Egypt, and has become iconic as a way of explaining any needful urging that one may receive in life - the prick of your own conscience, your mate's constant nagging, or any wise words that you might not want to hear in the short term. According to Thayer's Greek Lexicon, to "kick agaist the goads" means to "offer vain and perilous or ruinous resistance."

In the book of Acts, Saul learned a valuable lesson about goads - "As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?' And he said, 'Who are You, Lord?' Then the Lord said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads'" (Acts 9:3-5). Saul found out that in rejecting Jesus he was hurting his only chance for solving the answers to all of life's problems. In presecuting the church, Saul was doing more than just turning a deaf ear to Christ. He was shaking his fist at God! He was kicking against the goads!

How many of us kick against the goads? When your spouse sees something lacking in your attitude or behavior, how do you respond to their advice? When a friend shows concern for the path on which you are traveling, do you appreciate it, or do you think about "unfriending?" When the preacher states clearly from the Bible than sin is sin, do you ignore it when it applies to you? Let's face it, we all do some goad kicking. But the goad is still needed, and all we are doing in kicking is hurting ourselves.

The next time you hear something that is true, that you don't like to hear, that may call for a change in your life, act accordingly. Don't get mad at the messenger. Don't despise the truth. Realize that goad kicking is to be left to the uneducated, unwise, untamed beasts. It is not an activity that is characteristic of a child of God. It is hard for you to kick against the goads!

"The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd." ~ Ecclesiates 12:11

Eggs and Rice

2011-07-26T10:47:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday evening at Willow we were treated to a mission report from India by Brother Ratnam and his grandson. Although it took an extra effort to understand their accents and sometimes we did not hear every word, the words that we did hear were powerful. It is important for us to be reminded that we are in the mission field all of the time.

One thing in particular that stood out to me was what Brother Ratnam's grandson said about the people in India and their giving. When they had no money to give to the Lord, they still gave something. If it was only a bag of rice, they gave it. If their chicken layed an egg, they gave it. Even though they were hungry, and they could have eaten the rice, and they wanted the egg, they said, "No, we are giving this rice and this egg to the Lord!"

The attitude displayed in this type of giving exemplifies what it truly means to be a child of God. Once Jesus is Lord, he is Lord of all. He is not just Lord of Sundays. He is not just Lord of our free time. He is not just Lord of what we have that we do not need. Jesus is Lord of every breath we take, every thought we think, every feeling we feel, and every deed we do.

The giving of eggs and rice also reminded me of the fact that the church should be first in everything. Christians must put their own selfish concerns aside and constantly think about what is best for the kingdom of God. When we put the church first unity is accomplished, God is glorified, and souls are obedient to the will of God. We should all come to an understanding that the best decision we can make for our own personal interests is to put ourselves last.

This Sunday, when the offering plates are passed, I will be thinking of eggs and rice. I will give cheerfully and thankfully to my God, who has given me everything - not even sparing his only Son for my soul.

"...and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" ~ 2 Corinthians 10:5

An Exemplary Church

2011-07-18T13:51:00.001-05:00

When Paul wrote to the Corinthian church about the offering that was being gathered by the churches for the struggling saints in Judea, he used the Macedonian churches as an example - "Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God" (2 Cor. 8:1-5).

This is one of my favorite texts in the New Testament. The reason is simple: It is obvious that Christianity was real and was being acted out by some of the churches in an extraordinary way. Paul felt the need to implore some churches to be like other churches, when other churches excelled in areas where the church he was addressing was obviously weak. I have thought about this many times and used it in preaching. I will continue to do so. I like to make comparisons between the local church of which I am a member and minister, and other churches in the brotherhood.

For example, this week I have been preaching a gospel meeting at the Bethlehem church of Christ in Henry County, TN. Although their regular attendance is around 30 on Sunday morning, we had 64 yesterday morning for the first day of the gospel meeting. Sunday night we had about 80. In my opinion, this is extraordinary. This little congregation, located way out in the country, has taken their meeting seriously. How many of our churches merely get a speaker and put an ad in the paper and that is it? How many of our churches attend the gospel meeting better than they do regular worship services? How many of our churches double the attendance of Sunday morning for every night of the meeting? This does not happen by accident. The Bethelehem congregation has served as an example to me this week, and to other churches, as to how the preaching of the glorious gospel of Christ should be a priority to the children of God.

One question for you, today: If your local congregation were to serve as an example to other churches, for what would it be known? Would Paul use other churches to stir your congregation up, or could he use you as an example to the brethren to stir them up? The example you choose to set as a church for the saints and for the world is entirely up to you.

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." ~ Eph. 3:20-21

What it Takes to Win the Race

2011-07-12T10:32:00.006-05:00

There are many references in the Bible to winning the race, obtaining the prize, achieving the goal - we are talking about heaven of course. We must run to obtain (1 Cor 9:24); we must run with confidence (1 Cor. 9:26); we must not run in vain (Gal. 2:2); but we must run well (Gal. 5:7). But I think there is one factor in running to win that is most important - endurance.

What is lacking in the spiritual race most people are running today is effort. People want the road to be easy. They want the sacrifices to be minimal. They want the stress to be less. They want to get there, but they just don't want to try very hard.

Jesus said about the way that leads to eternal life - "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it" (Matt. 7:13-14). The way to heaven is not easy. It is a difficult way. It is going to take sacrifice, effort, endurance, hardship, pain, faith, patience, and much more.

Unless you have been a runner, you may never understand what it means to run in such a way that you may obtain the prize. Since I started running a few years ago, my running has helped me to spiritually see what the Bible has been trying to teach me all of this time. Every time I run, there are bad spots that I have to push through. Every time I run, it is difficult, and there are times when I want to quit. Every time I run, it would be easier to do something else. Every time I run, it takes patience, endurance, effort, pain, and faith in myself and my Creator.

Last Sunday night, at about 9:30, I headed out my door to run. My friends could not go, so I ran alone. I was tired from preaching and church work that lasted all day long - I had not gone home all day. I had to wait until the kids were asleep, and it was not blazing hot outside. But I ran my 5 miles, and as I was running I was reminded of what it really takes to win the race.

You see, friend, it just takes wanting it enough to make the sacrifices necessary to be successful. Every runner has thought to themselves at some point, "You know this is crazy. It would be easier not to run or work so hard." But every runner, when the race is over, feels the satisfaction of victory. They would do it all again: No matter how difficult the journey, no matter how many others were running, no matter the sacrifices that had to be made.

Heaven is a goal we can all achieve. It will not be easy, but it will be worth it. It is a race you must finish, regardless of the cost. We have this great consolation: Our Savior is running with us, and our God is cheering us on at the finish line.

"...and let us run with patience the race that is set before us" ~ Hebrews 12:1

"Put Your Finger on the Verse."

2011-07-05T11:04:00.006-05:00

Shortly after I came to Lawrence County, Tennessee, I met an older preacher named Fulton Smith. Fulton was a man with a lot of experience. He really loved the Bible and he loved the souls of men. What impressed me most about the times I was able to spend with him was his passion for preaching the truth. He was very plain in his preaching - no minced words. He was not going to negotiate. His message was Biblical, lots of verses, not too many poems or stories or time wasted on "warm and bubbly" religion. If you just wanted a man to tell you the truth about the doctrine, and give it to you straight, Fulton Smith was the man to see and hear.

He and his wife, Jo Ann, loved to go to Friday night singings everywhere. They had a great marriage and she was fully dedicated to his work. Most of the time I spent with him was when we would share duties for a funeral. I always appreciated working with him. He respected me even though I was young and inexperienced. I think he allowed for my mistakes because he looked past my inadequecies and saw where my heart was. Younger preachers need older preachers. They need to be told by the older generation that their preaching is sound, that their heart is pure, and that their work is effective. Fulton Smith did that for me. Fulton passed from this life in 2010. He was a great man.

A week ago I was back in Lawrence County for a funeral. While there I went to the nursing home to see a good friend, Bob Belew, who is brother-in-law to Fulton's wife Jo Ann. Jo Ann and her sister, Martha Belew, were also there, and the four of us had a good visit. We talked some about Fulton. In a few minutes Jo Ann went to the car and returned with a very special gift. It was a copy of Fulton's sermons, which she had typed out this year and put into print in his memory. The title of the book is, "Put Your Finger on the Verse." This was a phrase coined by Fulton that he used in his sermons. The emphasis was simply, if you can't find it in the Bible, if you can't put your finger on the verse, then why practice it? There is great wisdom in this approach when it comes to us and our relationship with God.

We need to be a people who know what the Bible actually teaches. We need to be a people who practice what the Bible actually teaches. We need to be a people who preach and teach what the Bible actually teaches. We need to be a people who will not just sit on a pew and let the preacher preach to us without opening our Bibles. We need to be a people who will put our fingers on the verse.

"If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen." ~ 1 Peter 4:11

One More Sermon to Preach

2011-06-28T13:51:00.005-05:00

Message found on a note in an aging preacher's office:
"One of the great joys of my life - Preaching! As for 'talent' I don't even compare to some! (But) as for 'appreciation' - No one is more grateful than I! God blessed me and I'm thankful! God's allowed me to preach 35 years, found a place for me in service, used me..."

This note belonged to Charles K. Burgess, a preacher in the church for the last 50 years. He gave his life in service to the Herren's Chapel church of Christ for the last 42 years. As I attended his funeral today, I thought about how I want to be remembered. I thought about what type of life I want to lead. I thought about faith, family, and fellowship within the kingdom of God.

But above all, I thought about one person's deep and endless love and devotion to God. Those who are not preachers may not know it, but preaching the gospel is really nothing more than a person's public celebration of their relationship with God. Although I was never blessed to personally know Charles Burgess, I feel like I do know him in a very personal way. We share the same goals, dreams, and wishes for here and eternity. He loved God and the church, so do I. He loved his family, so do I. He loved the lost, so do I. He had a passion for preaching, so do I. He prayed Hezekiah's prayer when he first contracted cancer, so did I.

The litmus test for a person's love for God is their life's work. I think it is safe to say that if you simply looked at the life of Charles K. Burgess, the most natural reponse would be, "That man loved the Lord." And after all, when all is said and done, what could be better? Jesus said this is the first and greatest commandment (Matt. 22:37).

This Lord's day morning, I am honored to preach one of the great sermons first preached by Charles Burgess. This is his outline, but the words and ideas belong to our God. I know I can't preach it like Charles could. But I believe he and I share the same passion for the message, and hope for the results.

My favorite point in his outline, is the last one. It is the one I truly want to share from my heart to yours today. It is powerful if you will receive it, and I think that as we honor Brother Burgess, we can see the benefits of its message:

"We have but one life to live; how are we living it?"

"...through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks." ~ Heb. 11:4

Jars of Clay

2011-06-20T11:56:00.003-05:00

This week I am a counselor at Short Mountain Bible Camp. I have the new campers, ten-year-old boys. Yes, it has already been a very interesting experience. I am here primarily because this is my oldest son's first time at camp. I have not been back in years. Being here, although work, is a great blessing.

My campers need me. They are lost up here. It is quite overwhelming at times. As I look at these young, innocent boys, I think about how fragile they are and how much potential they have. At this point in their lives they can still fall either way. I recognize the burden upon all of those who will impact their lives in the short term to raise them up to be children of God.

One verse that I have noticed up here on the mountain over and over again is found in Matt. 19:14, Mark 10:14, and Luke 18:16 - "But Jesus called them to Him and said, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.'" I recall this being painted on the wall of the orphanage we visited in Ascuncion, Paraguay. Every child is so special to God. Jesus knew how to have a pure and peaceful relationship with children. His kindness to them was natural, and His affection for them was real. I think I have seen a little bit of what Jesus sees, while I have been looking at these children this week. It makes me feel better about myself, both in heart and in mind.

Our kids need us. They need a relationship with us and with God. Let's not forget it. They are clay, waiting to be molded by our hands and by the hands of our Father. Take some time out of your life to make a difference in the life of the child. I think I am beginning to understand, that to do so would be the most Christ-like thing any person could ever do.

"But now, O LORD, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand." ~ Isaiah 64:8

Father Time

2011-06-14T10:19:00.003-05:00

Upon initial glance at the title, one might think they are about to read of the mythical person, elderly and bearded, dressed in a robe, and carrying a scythe and an hourglass. But this article is not referencing the abstract symbol of the constant one way direction in which time is moving. It is however, a reminder of 1. The brevity of life, and 2. The small amount of time we have to make an impact on our children.

One of my favorite illustrations on parenting comes from Silas Shotwell, written in the periodical Homemade, September, 1987: "Charles Francis Adams, the 19th century political figure and diplomat, kept a diary. One day he entered: "Went fishing with my son today--a day wasted." His son, Brook Adams, also kept a diary, which is still in existence. On that same day, Brook Adams made this entry: "Went fishing with my father--the most wonderful day of my life!" The father thought he was wasting his time while fishing with his son, but his son saw it as an investment of time. The only way to tell the difference between wasting and investing is to know one's ultimate purpose in life and to judge accordingly."

This Father's Day, I am thankful for the great blessing God has afforded me to be able to hear the words, "Dad" and "Daddy" from my three sweet, wonderful children. No minute I have ever spent with them in my lifetime has ever been wasted. Time and experience in family counseling has also taught me that the most important thing that you can give your children is your time. If you couple this with the natural, affectionate love all parents should have for their children, and finish it off with the gift of knowledge concerning their heavenly Father, then you have done everything that God expects a parent to do for a child.

According to Dr. George Rekers, a well known minister and psychologist, "A positive and continuous relationship to one's father has been found to be associated with a good self-concept, higher self- esteem, higher self-confidence in personal and social interaction, higher moral maturity, reduced rates of unwed teen pregnancy, greater internal control and higher career aspirations. Fathers who are affectionate, nurturing and actively involved in child-rearing are more likely to have well- adjusted children."

Beyond all of this. I know why I want to spend time with my kids. Because they not only make me a better person, but they give me more satisfaction than anything I could do alone. Second only to salvation, children are the greatest gift any person can receive.

As a Father, I know how much I love my children. It is one of the simplest truths in my life. I have a heavenly Father who feels the same about me. He wants to spend time with me. He gave His only Son to prove it.

"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." ~ Eph. 6:4

Make A Difference

2011-06-09T09:45:00.000-05:00

Dear Brethren,

Greetings and blessings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May God continually bless you in the good things you do for the church in His name.

As briefly as I can, I want to make you aware of a situation in the church that needs some urgent attention. Last year I preached a gospel meeting at the Marshalltown church of Christ in Marshalltown, Iowa. This is a church I have been associated with for about 12 years. It is a mission point that leans heavily on the aid from churches all over the United States.

One of the deacons, Reggie Holt, from the Pulaski St. congregation in Lawrenceburg, TN accompanied me on the trip last year. He is an electrician for the Lawrenceburg Utility System. As we looked at the building they are about to purchase, we saw that they needed a new heating and air-conditioning unit. They are going to buy the building for a song if we can get the heat and air fixed. When I preached the meeting last June, we met each night in 95-98 degree weather with no cooling system. They have found a way to worship in these conditions for over a year now. How many of our members here would show up if we had to do the same? How could we grow the kingdom in such a situation?

If we can raise $15,000.00 through every contact we have, they will be able to get a new system and also buy the building. It is on the main drag in town, and will make them a viable church in their community. There are over 50 counties in Iowa that no longer have a church of Christ in them. The group in Marshalltown is the most faithful, hard-working, dedicated group of Christians I have met. We need to help them.

We are asking for 150 people to give $100 each. We will take any assistance from any church or individual we can get. When the money is raised we will not ask for a dime over $15,000.00. If you can help in any way in this special effort, we would appreciate it so much. If you have any questions about anything concerning this work I am more than happy to tell you everything I know. I have visited and worked with the church there on many occasions over the last 12 years. Please help!

This is not for us. This is for souls. This is for Christ. This is for our God.

In the love of Christ,

Jeremiah Tatum
Work: 931-432-2333 Cell: 931-629-5585 Fax: 931-432-2338
Email: jeremiahtatum@bellsouth.net
Websites: www.backtothebible.blogspot.com, www.willowcoc.com

Please make your check payable to:

Marshalltown church of Christ
23 ½ South Center St.
Marshalltown, IA 50158

You can memo the check A/C Unit

If you want to send via paypal, you can send it to jeremiahtatum@bellsouth.net and I will deliver the funds (this method was suggested by a friend who pledged some money for this cause).

PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOUR NAME AND HOW MUCH YOU CAN DO SO I CAN KEEP TRACK UNTIL WE RAISE THE TOTAL AMOUNT!

The Unfinished Symphony

2011-06-07T10:37:00.002-05:00

George McDonald writes in his book, Restoring Your Spiritual Passion - "It is said of one of the famous composers that he had a rebellious son who used to come in late at night after his father and mother had gone to bed. And before going to his own room, he would go to his father's piano and slowly, as well as loudly, play a simple scale, all but the final note. Then leaving the scale uncompleted, he would retire to his room. Meanwhile the father, hearing the scale minus the final note, would writhe on his bed, his mind unable to relax because the scale was unresolved. Finally, in consternation, he would stumble down the stairs and hit the previously unstruck note. Only then would his mind surrender to sleep once again."

Our Father in heaven is not only the Father of spirits, and the Father of creation, He is the master composer of the music of our lives. I cannot but think sometimes about how He wants to make our lives beautiful, but be because of our own rebellion, we refuse to allow some of the necessary notes He has written to be played. The parts of His will we leave out disrupt the direction and flow of the music. Before long our lives scarcely resemble anything worthy of admiration. Rather than being a soothing source of comfort to our Father, our lives becomes a source of His frustration. His patience and mercy keep Him from intervening, but because of His nature He eventually will have to make an adjustment.

Franz Schubert's Symphony No. 8 in B minor is commonly known as the "Unfinished Symphony." People have searched for the remaining portions of this musical work for nearly 200 years. It has been debated that some of his other works were actually the completion of the symphony, but no evidence can support this for sure. What can be said without a doubt is simply this - the music is incomplete, and nobody knows why!

Take a look today at the song of your life. Are there notes God has written that you refuse to play? Is there something missing in the music, because you are leaving out the section that will make it complete? The power and beauty of your life is wholly dependent upon the finishing touch. Nobody will complete your song like Jesus. For those who truly love God, the Savior is the last line of the symphony. Christ Jesus is the strength of their song.

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation." ~ Isaiah 12:2

My Friend, Thomas

2011-05-20T01:04:00.003-05:00

Funeral for Thomas Monroe
(written by Jeremiah Tatum and read by Shane Hughes)

Let me begin by saying that I am heartbroken that I cannot be here in person on this occasion. Thomas is one of my very closest personal friends. I made a solemn commitment, that along with Andy Brown, I would conduct his funeral if God’s will allowed for it. I love Thomas and I would do anything for him. Every time I have visited him over the past few months, he has reminded me that he wanted me to do is funeral, and to make sure to get Andy, too. When I have come back to Lawrenceburg since moving to Cookeville, going to see Thomas was as important to me as going to see my own parents. As I am away for two weeks in New Zealand on a mission trip, this letter is the only way I can keep my promise. Of all the funerals I have conducted over the last 15 years, there is none I am more honored to be involved in than this one. There is only one Thomas Monroe.

I was not just Thomas’s preacher over the last 8 years. I was his companion. We counseled each other. We went fishing together. We ate breakfast quite often. We sat and visited all the time. He taught me about commitment, kindness, patience, goodness, honesty, hard-work – and just about everything that involves the fruits of the spirit.

Thomas would talk about his wife of more than 40 years. He told me about how when they got married they had a bed that was made from straw they had gathered and put together on their wedding night. Times were tough and they had to make due. But they loved each other and they were totally committed to each other. They worked hard and gave their children the best life they could. He loved her so much. When she passed so suddenly it was the toughest moment of his life.

He would talk about Iva Dean, to whom he was married after his first wife’s death. When I first met Thomas, his life consisted of getting up and going to see Iva Dean in the hospital. She was suffering from Alzheimer’s. He would go in the morning and brush her teeth and hair. He would feed her. He would sit with her. He would go home for lunch and return and take care of her until the evening came. He took care of her that way every single day for 5 years until she passed away. It never bothered him because he loved her no matter what. When she passed away I still remember all of the nurses that came from NHC Brink to see him. They loved Thomas and they saw his love for his wife every day. They respected him.

I remember a couple of my favorite stories from early on in his life. When he was about 15 (during the depression) he went to a music contest down at a little crossroads between Lawrenceburg and Pulaski. It was opened to the public with the grand prize going to the winner. He played his harmonica. He made it sing and the people loved it. He won the grand prize! – It was a brand new pair of socks! He was very proud of them at the time. He was probably the only person anywhere around during those difficult times who had new socks!

A few years later when he was playing in a band with some of his friends, they played for a big shindig and got paid $10 (not each but the whole group). That was so much money. They all bought new clothes, and ate at a nice restaurant, and had money left over. They thought they had hit the big-time.

No man worked harder than Thomas Monroe. He took extra jobs. He traveled for jobs. He picked cotton and worked the fields for years. No man could stand a chance of picking more bushels of apples in one day than Thomas. He could climb the tops of trees and pick apples just like a monkey. I am convinced that his longevity had a lot to do with all of his years of honest labor and honest living. He did not smoke. He did not drink. His words were pure and good and seasoned with salt. If he borrowed something, he would return it back sooner than he promise and in better shape than when he borrowed it. If he owed any rent he would pay it early and he would track you down to make sure you got it on time. If you wanted to model yourself after a good man, if you wanted to see Christ in a man, you need look no further than Thomas Monroe.

We had a lot religious conversations. We talked a good deal about the Bible. Thomas knew about the true church, the plan of salvation, and what it meant to be a Christian. He had become a Christian the way the Bible says. He worshiped the way the Bible says. He lived the way the Bible says. He especially loved the New Testament. Over the last few years of his life he read through the New Testament several times. I remember one visit where he told me he was feeling really bad about his spiritual life because at that time he had not been reading the Bible like he should. He asked me to pray with him that God would forgive him for that and so I did. He recommitted himself to reading it. He was 89 at that time. I was reminded to be recommitted myself. If an 89 year-old Christian still understood that he had more to learn, and that he could be closer to God than he already was, then certainly a 34 year-old preacher could do the same.

As I write this from Wellington, New Zealand it is 5:49 PM on Friday here. I am thinking about something very personal that would like to share with all of you. What brought Thomas into my life, is the same thing that keeps me from being present today at his funeral. And this is why I am literally half-way across the world. It is not enough in life just to be kind to people, you have to truly love them with all of your heart. It is not enough just to wish the best for people, you have to love their soul enough to make a difference in their eternity. So what I am saying is don’t afraid to extend yourself and don’t be afraid to build close personal relationships with people. Thomas and I became knit together life David and Jonathan. We shared things together that only people with a very close relationship can share. We will keep special things between each other that nobody can understand or know. Thomas allowed me to have a friend like no other friend I have ever had. I know what to means to be his friend, and how honored that we both felt to be special friends to each other.

Thomas, I am sorry cannot be there today. I can assure you that you have been here with me. I have shed many tears over the last several days. I know I still have many more to shed because I will miss you. I want to say thank you for making every visit not be church work – but instead it was a pleasure and I always looked forward to seeing you. Thank you for exhorting me and encouraging me as a preacher. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for the very special way that you trusted in me. Thank you for laughing with me when we talked about life and for telling me stories. Thank you for crying with me when things were not going so well for one of us. Thank you for showing me how to treat others like Jesus would. Thank you for showing me that the greatest and most noble life involves hard-work, humility, and commitment. Thank you for mornings at Hardees and Taste of the Town. Thank you for going fishing with me. Thank you for always being at worship even when you didn’t feel like it. Thank you for sweet words and smiles whenever you talked about my wife and kids. Thank you most of all Thomas, for being the very best friend a young man could ever have. I love you and I will miss you very much. But by the grace of God I know I will see you soon.

I could think of 1000 verses of Scripture that could capture something about the kind of man Thomas Monroe was, but one verse I believe sums it up the best. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way” (Psalm 37:23).

Heaven is going to be sweeter because Thomas Monroe will meet me there. Thomas was not just a good man, he was a good Christian man. And he was not just good, but I think ------he was great!

Coming Home

2011-05-09T14:11:00.001-05:00

This Sunday marks our first ever "Coming Home" at the Willow Avenue church of Christ. The idea originates from my grandfather, who has been preaching the gospel for 62 years. He saw the need, whenever he began a new work, to invite back all of the people who once worshiped in the church where he had recently become a minister.

In a local congregation things are going to change. People may leave and go to other churches. They move away for jobs or for school. Sometimes they leave and go into a false hope. Sometimes they just allow life to get in the way and they find themselves not going anywhere anymore.

This "Coming Home" is happening for a reason. It is an opportunity for our members to invite their family and friends to worship. It is an opportunity for the church to welcome back all of those who were once members who are not with us anymore. But above all, it is a reminder that God loves us and wants to be our God. Like parents whose children have grown up and moved on with their lives, nothing makes Him happier than to see His family together.

I may not know your current spiritual situation, but I do know one thing. I know that I love you, and that I want you to enjoy the life God has given you and the life He wants to give you eternally. I want you to know, from the bottom of my heart, that I believe the Willow Avenue church loves you, and wants you to be a part of this family.

We are not perfect, but we are cleansed by the blood of Jesus. We are simply trying every day to learn and live and teach what the Bible truly teaches. We want to know what it says. We want to live what it says. We want to be a blessing to others. We want to glorify God.

A great gospel preacher I knew used to say, "In order to go to heaven I must..."

1. Become a Christian like the Bible says
2. Worship like the Bible says
3. Live like the Bible says

I believe this. This approach glorifies God and it allows us to sincerely be His people.

I want to thank you, today, for coming home. God loves you. He sent His Son to die for you. He was raised so that you could come home forever. May we ever have as our most sincere and earnest possession, a heart that longs to be at home with God.

"And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him." ~ Luke 15:20

How Should A Christian Respond?

2011-05-03T10:16:00.007-05:00

Osama Bin Laden is dead. He was a terrorist of the worst kind. He was a murderer. He was a plotter. He was a deceiver. He was enemy number one to America and arguably the majority of the world for the last ten years. His execution was warranted. His demise was a blessing. But in the midst of it all, how should people who wear the name of Jesus respond?

1. The initial reaction should be relief. When Nero died, I imagine this is how early Christians felt. He opposed God and the church. He wanted to kill every person who exalted the name of Christ. He lit his gardens at night with burning Christians. There can be no doubt that early members of the Lord's church were relieved when this terrorist in their lives was no longer able to hurt them or their families anymore.

2. The secondary response should be sadness. Osama Bin Laden died outside of Christ. Even worse, he made himself an enemy of God. The first Scripture that came to my mind, when I saw people dancing in the streets in Washington D.C. was Ezekiel 33:11 - "'As I live,' says the Lord GOD, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live'..." I found other friends of mine soon writing about and thinking about this exact verse. There is nothing wrong with people who are in the military, or who have family in the military, or who have lost someone on 9/11 being jubilant over a victory that has cost them so much. But when common people, who regularly show their disdain for America and sometimes for God, decide to party at the death of a person who has lost his soul, how can our loving and merciful Father be pleased? How can such a reaction show the world that we are a people who love souls and desire peace?

3. The third feeling should be that of thanksgiving. This thanksgiving should not be misplaced. We should primarily be thankful to God, who has proven once again that He will destroy every work of darkness and work by His providence in our lives. We should next be thankful to the people in our military, who sacrifice a normal existence, are separated from their families, and who daily put their lives on the line so we can be free. No politics, please. No Christian will ever seek an advantage at the cost of another. If we are ever to boast in any death, let it be in the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I will admit it. I am so thankful that Bin Laden is gone. But I pray to God that my reasons for these feelings are pleasing to Him. I know that the real enemies we face are the spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places (Eph. 6:12). I know that other terrorists abound.

May God help us to be a people of love, joy, and peace.

"But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." ~ Galatians 6:14

Marvelous Faith

2011-04-26T10:22:00.008-05:00

The words "marvel", "marveled", or "marvelous" are found 66 times in the Bible. The root word refers to something that causes amazement, or that is striking, extraordinary, or surprising. The works of God are "marvelous" (Psalm 9:1). Men often "marveled" at the miracles of Jesus (Matt. 9:33). When early Christians began to turn from the pure gospel to false teaching it caused Paul to "marvel" (Gal. 1:6).

Jesus, during his earthly ministry, also marveled. Upon entering Capernaum, he met a centurion who had a servant who was paralyzed. The centurion came and pleaded with Christ to heal him. But rather than have Jesus come to his home, the centurion said, "Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it" (Matt. 8:8-9). Verse 10 continues, "When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!'"

What a great statement! It is hard to believe that there could be something a man could do that would amaze the Son of God. But our faith can be surprising, striking, and even extraordinary. When we allow our spiritual man to dominate our thinking and behavior it is marvelous in the eyes of our God.

But Jesus also marveled because of man's lack of faith. Jesus was not accepted in Nazareth, his home town. "Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching" (Mark 6:5-6). How tragic that "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him" (John 1:1)! People who do not believe in Jesus or his work are wasting his sacrifice. They are limiting the impact he can have on their lives. Those to whom Jesus has appeared who remain unbelieving, unhappy, and unsaved have nobody to blame but themselves.

The life and works of Jesus Christ are undeniable. He is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Our response to Christ can cause him amazement. When Jesus sees your life, does he marvel at your faith, or your unbelief?

"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." ~ 1 Peter 2:9

The Greatest Event in History

2011-04-19T14:37:00.006-05:00

There are good days and there are bad days. One may contemplate what they consider the greatest day or the worst day of their life. Personal experience will determine what was the best or worst day for each person.

Historically, a debate could also be waged concerning the most significant event since the world began. Was the best event creation? Was the worst event the great flood? Was the best event the birth of Jesus? Was the worst event when the first atomic bomb exploded? Arguments could be made and some good evidence could support whatever event was being proposed for whatever reason. But can there be any doubt, that God Himself trumped every argument when by His power Jesus was raised from the dead?

In the movie City Slickers, Mitch asked Ed, "What was your best day?" Ed replied, "I'm 14 and my mother and father are fighting again... y'know, because she caught him again. Caught him... this time the girl drove by the house to pick him up. And I finally realized, he wasn't just cheating on my mother, he was cheating us. So I told him, I said, "You're bad to us. We don't love you. I'll take care of my mother and my sister. We don't need you any more." And he made like he was gonna hit me, but I didn't budge. And he turned around and he left. He never bothered us again. Well, I took care of my mother and my sister from that day on. That's my best day." Then Ed was asked by another character named Phil, "What was your worst day?" Ed replied, "Same day."

The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus was both the worst event and the best event in human history. It thus became the greatest event of all time. It is an event that demands a response. It is an event that makes life after death possible. It is an event in which we can all rejoice in the manifestation of the power of God and the love of God.

Your best day ever has already been determined by the greatest event in history. Christ's resurrection has prepared you for your own. Jesus was raised from an earthly tomb so that you could be raised from the watery grave of baptism. Have you had your best day ever? If not, then may I ask, "What are you waiting for?"

"Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection" ~ Rom. 6:4-5

Apt To Teach

2011-04-11T13:26:00.012-05:00

"A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach" (1 Tim. 3:2 - KJV).

"And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient" (2 Tim. 2:24 - KJV).

I like these two verses. It is not just because they are inspired by God. I like them because they remind me that there are certain things God expects from elders and preachers - and really from all men who want to serve in His kingdom. The common thread for preachers and elders in these two passages - that they be "apt (or able) to teach." Paul explained to Timothy, "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Tim. 2:2).

Christianity is a learned religion. It must be communicated. The only way people can know what they need to know about God is through His communication to man and our relaying of the same message.

I think it is obvious to us why it is that preachers need to be able to teach. I mean, that is what they do, right? That being said, some wonder why it is that elders must also be apt to teach. Let me give you a few reasons why it is absolutely crucial for elders to be teachers in the church:

1. They need to know what the Bible says, in order to properly serve in their God-given role.
2. They need to be able to defend the Bible and the church from those who wish to attack from the outside.
3. They need to know how to both exhort and rebuke people in the right way and with the right tools.
4. They must be able to determine whether or not what the preacher is preaching to the congregation is God's pure and true gospel.

I could come up with a multitude of additional reasons, but I would like to emphasize one more: 5. Elders need to be teaching classes so that their lives stay in the Word! Too many elders have retreated to only "business matters." When elders don't spend enough time in God's book, they lose their way. Many elders have forgotten what shepherding is, and have forgotten what the members need. There is no better way to be in tune with the needs of the church than to constantly refer to the only book that God used to talk about it.

I encourage all of us to be "apt to teach." The world needs the gospel.

Daniel Webster observed - "If we work on marble it will perish. If we work on brass, time will efface it. If we rear temples, they will crumble to dust. But if we work on men's immortal minds, if we imbue them with high principles, with just fear of God and love of their fellow-men, we engrave on those tablets something which time cannot efface, and which will brighten and brighten to all eternity."

"holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict." ~ Titus 1:9

Limiting Our Success

2011-04-05T14:36:00.005-05:00

When the Prophet Elisha was about to die, Joash, King of Israel, visited him and wept (2 Kings 13:14). During this visit, the prophet told the king to take out a bow and some arrows. As Joash put his hand on his bow, Elisha's hands covered the hands of the king. He then told Joash to open a window and shoot. When he shot the first arrow, Elisha explained that the arrows represented deliverance from Syria, one of Israel's enemies.

Elisha then told Joash to take a few more arrows and strike the ground with them. Joash struck the ground three times with the arrows of God's deliverance, but then stopped. Elisha was puzzled and angry with Joash. He said, "You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have struck Syria till you had destroyed it. But now you will only strike Syria three times" (2 Kings 13:19).

Why was Elisha angry? He was angry because Joash had been given the power of God to defeat Syria completely, but Joash did not take full advantage of such power. Joash should have been so moved by the prophecy, that when he was asked to strike the ground, he would have done so with passion, excitement, and courage. Elisha should have had to beg him to stop striking the ground with the arrows of God!

The church of today needs to heed the advice of Elisha. We are limiting our own success. We have the power of God in our hands, but are afraid to use it. We don't read and study the Bible enough. We don't take the Bible to our community. We don't get excited enough about what it can do. We don't defend it with our lives like the church once did. We need to stop "tap, tap, tapping" the arrows of God upon the earth! God wants the victory to be complete. The power is available - but we need to gird up our loins and find some courage to strike the earth with conviction!

In my mind and heart, this prayer for the church of Jesus Christ continues - "Father, restore in us your plea. Give us the nerve to change the world. Give us the courage to renew our priorities. Give us some arrows! Help us to make them count!"

"The Lord will appear above his people; his arrows will fly like lightning!" ~ Zechariah 9:14

The Last Mile of the Way

2011-03-27T16:50:00.002-05:00

This is a repost of an article written three years ago. I used it as an illustration in a sermon Sunday night. I am posting it again in Brother Kelly's honor. I want to thank him for his faith - "by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh" (Heb. 11:4)

When Woodrow Wilson Kelly passed away this past week at the age of 96, my heart was saddened. He was my friend. He trusted me. He was good to my family. He was faithful to worship.

At the funeral one song chosen was "The Last Mile of the Way." As the song was played in A cappella format I couldn't help but think about Brother Kelly's last mile. I can still close my eyes and see him coming slowly up the aisle on his walker as all the members stood during the last verse of the invitation song. This past Sunday morning I thought I saw him again. I looked for him but he was not there. But the image of his willingness to follow Christ hasn't left my mind.

Only a small number of people have been blessed to witness the walk of a penitent sinner from a preacher's perspective. It is one of the most beautiful sights this side of eternity. There have been a few confessions made on the front pew during my lifetime that were so pure and perfect that I believe they rang the bells of heaven. Brother Kelly was one who wanted to do the will of God so much that he saw a need to approach the throne of grace with regularity.

As he aged, and his mental faculties began to waiver, I am sure many questioned his plea. But I don't care about that. When I see a tenth of the humility in the nay-sayers that W.W. Kelly displayed I will listen. He was a man who had lived his early life outside of Christ. His obedience in his mind was long overdue. I am confident that he would have obeyed even if it meant death. He was willing to give heart, soul, mind, strength, and every earthly possession to God.

The last mile of the way for brother Kelly was a mile of resolution and victory. He was not a perfect man, but his final example made him one of my heroes. Following Jesus is about heart. When hearts are open anything is possible. It is even possible for a man once taken in by the world and its pleasures to give up the temporal things at all costs. I imagine that by the end of his life Brother Kelly walked the aisle of repentance for a full mile...the last mile of the way.

"But as for me, I will walk in my integrity;
Redeem me and be merciful to me. My foot stands in an even place;
In the congregations I will bless the LORD." ~ Psalm 26:11-12

Carrying Out Our Will

2011-03-26T23:22:00.004-05:00

While studying for a sermon I came across an astounding statement about King Saul in 1 Samuel 22:19 - "Also Nob, the city of the priests, he struck with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and nursing infants, oxen and donkeys and sheep—with the edge of the sword."

Ahimelech was a priest at Nob, who unwittingly aided David in his attempt to flee Saul's wrath. David was not totally honest about his business in Nob, and so Ahimelech helped him. But Saul did not care about Ahimelech's innocence. His anger was hot against David and anyone who would be associated with him. So Saul used Doeg, one of his servants, to kill 85 priests at Nob, including Ahimelech. Then he set to the slaughter of the rest of the city.

What is stifling about 1 Samuel 22:19 is the completeness of Saul's judgment. Compare this to what God had commanded Saul to do to Amalek in 1 Samuel 15. Saul refused that utter destruction at God's command - yet when Saul was determined to exercise his own will, he had no problem carrying out the same kind of terror.

I wonder if we are like Saul sometimes. Do we struggle at doing what God says when we have a better idea, and then at the same time execute similar plans when we feel our actions are justified? How miserably inconsistent!

Although no person can question any of the Creator's decisions, we can certainly see that God had good reason to remove the kingdom from Saul. Beyond the fact that Saul was disobedient, he was one who considered his actions valid based upon his feelings. No man can be a great leader who allows his own will or emotions to dominate his decision making.

To truly be God's people, let's all be determined to pray for this help daily - "Less of self, and more of Thee!"

"I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments." ~ 1 Samuel 15:11

What Does Your Arguing Prove?

2011-03-22T10:02:00.009-05:00

On March 13, 1904, a statue of Jesus was placed on the border of Argentina and Chile. Known as "Christ of the Andes" - the monument stood for peace between the two countries. But the confrontational, self-preserving nature of man soon reared its ugly head. The Chileans began to protest that they had been slighted because the statue had its back turned to Chile. Thankfully, one Chilean newspaper saved the day. One of its columnists wrote an editorial that not only satisfied his countrymen, but made them laugh. It read - "The people of Argentina need more watching over than the Chileans."

Isn't it ironic, that even a statue of Jesus turned into a seed of contention between two countries? It reminds us that whenever we bring our own will into religion, we are destined to fail. Job made an excellent point in Job 6:25 when he said, "How forceful are right words! But what does your arguing prove?" The truth itself is more than enough to convict the soul. When we add any spirit of disagreement to the truth, it seems less desirable and is quickly rejected.

A major barrier to evangelism is often the attitude by which the gospel is communicated. By grace, God has been patient with us and given us the opportunity to understand the Bible. Once we do understand it, we can be so excited by what we have learned that sometimes we have a hard time allowing others enough time to learn the truth as well.

Remember these important steps in reaching out to others with God's word:

1. Have enough compassion for the souls of others that you will be willing to communicate what you have learned.
2. Keep from arguing with others about the Bible. Start talking in areas that you have in common and let the Bible guide you together.
3. Always be willing to change your views, if they conflict with the teachings of Scripture.

Remember, God erected His own symbol of love, peace, and reconciliation. The cross of Christ remains as a reminder that all men can be united with their Creator and with one another. But how we view that symbol, and how we communicate it to others, is up to us.

"And that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity." ~ Ephesians 2:16

Emmaus Poem

2011-03-20T00:17:00.005-05:00

I wrote this tonight to illustrate the account from Luke 24 - when the resurrected Jesus appeared to the men traveling on the road to Emmaus.

A Lesson Learned on a Dusty Road

A dusty road, Emmaus bound,
Two men both searching through heart and mind,
Another Man the same path found,
Unknown to them, almost as blind.

“What is this news that makes you sad?”
Said stranger to the traveling friends.
“Have you not heard or are you mad?”-
The men replied, “Where have you been?”

“Jesus was the chosen one:
A prophet mighty in word and deed,
Some even said, God’s only Son.
We thought all Israel would be freed.

But evil rulers of our land,
Rejected him, beat him and took him away.
Drove nails into his outstretched hands,
Spear in His side before Sabbath day.

Three days have passed and now this news,
Some women came to tell today,
That when they visited his tomb,
The sealing stone was rolled away.

His body was not there, it seemed,
And angels shining like the sun,
Proclaimed a resurrection scene,
They said He promised this would come."

“Oh foolish men and hard of heart,”
Said stranger to the traveling two,
“This suffering death was just the part
That Christ had come to earth to do.”

Beginning at the Scriptures, then,
The stranger talked of Jesus’ fate,
Arriving home - the day now spent,
They gathered in the house and ate.

And as the bread for them He broke,
And thanked their God for grace to man,
They knew Him not by what he spoke,
But by the scars upon His hands.

He vanished quickly from their sight,
They marveled at what had occurred,
It was the Son of God Himself,
Who made their hearts burn at His word!

A dusty road, Emmaus bound,
Two men searching through heart and mind,
Another Man the same path found,
To preach salvation for all time.

LETTING IT GO

2011-03-15T17:25:00.007-05:00

It was a pay-day a few years ago, when I cashed my check, and gave my wife $100 dollars to do some shopping. While she went out, $90 of that money was stolen from her purse. She was very upset. The heartache for any person who is robbed goes far beyond the loss of the money or merchandise. First, there is the second-guessing and the thought of what might have been done to prevent the incident from happening. Then there is the feeling of rejection when one realizes another human being would do something to them to cause personal harm.

I remember the thievery that occurred during my son’s 4th birthday party when his grandmother’s purse was stolen and hundreds of dollars were lost. Also taken were old, sentimental pictures, the checkbook, and every important credit and personal identity card. When other people hurt us it leaves us with a feeling of pain and emptiness that is very hard to shake. We may lose our confidence in others and even the confidence we have in ourselves.

When Jesus came into the world, he too experienced moments of rejection and loss. His teaching was challenged. He was called a liar and a blasphemer. Sometimes people begged him to leave their country, even when he had done marvelous things (Mark 5:17). Ultimately, mankind crucified the Son of God. Did it hurt him? Immensely! Did he feel alone? Incredibly! And then deep from within his broken heart the words came gently, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

When others sin against us we can overcome the heartache through forgiveness. I have often heard people say that we shouldn’t forgive others unless they ask to be forgiven. If we take this approach we will not forgive many, peace will be absent from our lives, and we will not have the heart of Christ. It is easy to forgive those who ask to be forgiven. The greatest things we accomplish spiritually are the very hardest to do.

We are bound for the land of Canaan. So whatever happens to us here in this wilderness should not have dominion over us. We can be victorious when we let it go.

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” ~ Matt. 5:44

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33

"Coney" Island

2011-03-07T14:13:00.014-06:00

I have always wanted to visit New York. I hope to visit all 50 U.S. states at some point in my lifetime. One point of interest could be Coney Island, a peninsula in southernmost Brooklyn, with a famous beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Coney Island was a major resort and site of amusement parks that reached its peak during the first half of the 20th century.

The word "coney" derives from a Latin word which means "rabbit." Its background can take one all the way back to Proverbs 30, where it is listed as one of four little creatures which have great wisdom. One Bible version reads, "Coneys are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags" (Prov. 30:26). This animal which is feeble is praised because of its elusiveness. It cannot protect itself, so it cunningly makes its home in the rocks. When danger comes, it will flee to a place no enemy can penetrate. Because the coney has no power to save itself, it hides in the place where help can be found.

God is trying to tell us something very important through this quiet creature. We all need to visit "coney" island. We need to remember the source of our salvation. We cannot defeat Satan alone. We ALL need somewhere to hide. We need a power greater than ourselves. We need to go to a place where no evil can touch us.

In the middle part of the last century, the true Coney Island was a get-away from the terrors of world wars and changing times in our nation. But once our country began to prosper it was forgotten. This happy place endured years of neglect until it was finally refurbished. It occurs to me, that in our own pride we have forgotten our "coney" island also. We have neglected our "refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psa. 46:1). We have ceased to remember that "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" (Rev. 7:10).

Coneys may be small and weak, but the Bible says they are "exceedingly wise" (Prov. 30:24). I cannot think of a more noble or practical idea, than for sinful and feeble men to flee to the God of strength, hope and deliverance.

I want to go to "coney" island. I want to build my house on the Rock. I want to place my feeble self in the saving arms of Jesus! Will you go with me?

"No one is holy like the Lord, for there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God." ~ 1 Samuel 2:2

"Standing Ovation"

2011-02-28T11:07:00.015-06:00

In the middle of the 20th century, a woman by the name of Shin'ichi Suzuki developed a philosophy geared to achieve high ability and beautiful character in children who want to play an instrument. Within the guidelines of a nurturing environment, the Suzuki method takes a child through small steps that allow for individual growth on their instrument of choice through immersion, encouragement, and an unforced timetable. Most often the Suzuki method is used with children who want to play the piano or violin. Now a world-famous approach, this method has helped thousands of children attain an advanced level of musical achievement.

For children who play the violin, the first two steps of the Suzuki method are ingenious. The first step is to learn the proper stance. Standing correctly is the basis for success for every violinist. I am reminded how the great basketball coach, John Wooden, routinely took his UCLA men's team through their first practice teaching them nothing more than how to wear their socks correctly and how to tie their shoes.

The second step in the Suzuki system for violin players, is to teach them how to bow. How many times have we gone to concerts and not known exactly when to applaud? When there is a pause, is the music over? Was a mistake made? Unless you are familiar with the music, you really don't know. So children in the Suzuki system are taught to stop and bow. The automatic response from the audience is always applause. This gives positive reinforcement to the performer and an opportunity for supporters to express their gratitude.

It occurs to me, that in the Lord's church we need these two principles. We first need to teach people how to stand in the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-4). If we stand correctly then everything else can also be done correctly and we will be pleasing to our heavenly Father. Second, we need to appreciate each other more. We should not have to wait for people to bow before we praise them. We need to exhort one another all of the time (Heb. 10:25). How important it is for every Christian to participate in edification! No Christian can ever be encouraged "too much" in matters that deal with the development of their faith.

I am interested in teaching my children to stand correctly. I am interested in applauding their efforts. I believe most parents are interested in these things. If we will apply these interests to the life of every child of God, our music will be more beautiful, our offering more sweet, and our lives more blessed.

"Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification." ~ Romans 15:2

Chained to the Pulpit?

2011-02-25T10:12:00.010-06:00

"...for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ" ~ 2 Cor. 10:14

In defending his ministry, Paul makes a point that every preacher should take to heart. He and his companions had traveled a long way to bring the gospel to people. They endured hardships, persecutions, and experienced diffculties that Christians today cannot even imagine. Read Paul's list of things he had suffered in order to help people come to Jesus (2 Cor. 11:23-28).

My question for you preachers out there is simple: When was the last time you took any risks to teach the Bible to anybody? I am sorry to have to say some of this, but many preachers need to hear it. I did not grow up in a culture of "pulpit ministers." I was raised in a area of our country where we were lucky to have one true church in a town of 50,000. Pulpit preaching alone just didn't cut it. The only way people came to Jesus Christ was when Jesus Christ came to them. Many preachers and Christians alike need to repent immediately and start beating the pavement.

Would you be ashamed if you had to honestly answer concerning how many Bible studies you have tried to set up in the last five years? If you are wondering why your ministry is suffering - check and see when you last changed your schedule or cancelled a hobby to study the Bible with someone. And shame on churches and their leaders for turning preachers into elders and deacons - who have to spend so much time shepherding and serving tables that they cannot focus on evagelism. Read Acts 6 and see if the apostles would ever allow people to be lost in order to make the church members happy.

We have oft ridiculed and chastised the denominational world for chaining the Bible to the pulpit. Certainly these accusations are warranted and documented. But at the same time, we need to look in the mirror. Many of us have also chained it. When the gospel rarely leaves our church buildings we need to rethink our plea. Or maybe we should consider whether or not we still have a plea.

I love the church. I love the leaders and I love every member. But I love the lost just as much. So I am going to continue to speak up on this issue. I will not allow my ministry to be limited to a pulpit. No preacher should ever live from Sunday to Sunday. May God help us to get down from the pulpit, and to get out of our offices, and take the gospel to a lost and dying world!

"For which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained." ~ 2 Tim. 2:9

Trouble in the "Audit"-orium

2011-02-21T12:00:00.003-06:00

Have you ever audited a class? Have you ever audited a relationship with God? Seriously - there are too many people who are just filling a pew. Consider the danger you may be in spiritually if you are doing nothing more than sitting in the "audit-orium."

1. When auditing, you are not required to take any tests.

People who are not going to be tested are less likely to study. The reason many church members don't know the Bible anymore is because they are not being tested on its contents. If you share your faith, you will be tested. If you are tested, you will have to study and prepare. Tests are healthy and make for a stronger faith in Christ.

2. When auditing, you are not going to receive credit for taking the course.

You do get to listen, and you can learn some things, but at the end of the semester you are going to be in the same place as far as your degree in concerned. People who only sit in the auditorium and do nothing else are not making good progress. They may not even have any spiritual goals they have determined to meet, and so they end up wasting away.

3. When auditing, you are not accountable for your attendance.

The reason why assemblies fluctuate so much in attendance is because there are many people who are not invested deeply enough in their relationship with God. There has always been an attitude out there with some people that missing the assembly is no big deal. I am glad I do not understand that mentality. When we don't come to class, how can we expect to pass? It makes sense to link the level of our dedication with the probability of our being pleasing to the Lord.

4. When auditing, you don't receive a grade.

Maybe this is the main reason why people audit their religion. They may be afraid they are a C- Christian or worse. We need to remember that God is going to pay each and every faithful person the same wage. Yet some folks would rather not be graded at all. They would rather not hear how they are doing. The ultimate problem of course, is the fact that God IS going to judge our souls and either count us as His child, or as one who belongs to Satan.

Every time we come together as a church, we will gather in the auditorium as a family to worship God. What a wonderful opportunity! It is a place of love, fellowship, family, grace, peace, joy, and many other spiritual blessings. Let's not let the auditorium become the "audit"-orium. May God help us to be Christians who are fully dedicated to the Lord and His church!

"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." ~ James 4:7

My Papa is Also My Hero

2011-02-19T10:40:00.005-06:00

On February 27, 2011, my grandfather will preach his last regular Sunday morning lesson as an every Sunday gospel preacher. This post is dedicated to his 63 years of preaching and evangelism...I could write novels, but this will have to do today.

Those of us who are currently preaching or who plan to preach in our family can easily say that it is because of Papa Bill. I first remember going to Ramona, CA as a kid to see Grandma Barbara and Papa Bill. I remember their Christmas tree. I remember “storm the fort” in their yard. I remember playing football or basketball at their house. I remember 100 more other things (at least) about Ramona. I remember VBS there and helping my Papa lead the singing. That was the first time I ever remember doing anything in front of other people as far as church service goes.

I was so blessed to have my Papa as my preacher in Turlock. From age 12-20 he was the one I was able to learn from. I remember helping him with Bible drill. I remember how much I looked forward to his Bible class when he was teaching. I remember learning more in his Bible class than any other. I remember sound, loving lessons. I remember singing at weddings and funerals and learning how to conduct them by watching Papa. I remember his warm, comforting presence when people needed him.

I also remember church picnics, three-legged and sack races, softball games and tug-a-rope. Papa knows how to have fun with God’s people. I know his chuckle. I can see him putting his hand to his forehead because he missed a shot just barely. I can see him slapping his knee and laughing whenever he won. I think that everybody who had Papa as their preacher knew they were lucky. They knew what kind of man he was and still is. Preachers come and go, but Bible men who walk like Jesus are rare, even in the church.

If there is one thing above all in preaching I have learned from Papa, it is a love for souls. He has a passion for saving people – a love for the gospel that could seldom be matched by anyone. I have always understood what has driven him to work so hard for the kingdom – the Bible is too great a message not to share. I have always had the idea that what makes him wake up in the morning is the possibility of a new Bible study, or a new contact with someone who needed God and the church.

Some of my favorite moments include fishing trips, eating licorice in the car on long drives, singing with Papa and Grandma while cleaning the kitchen at the restaurant or while in the car, playing cards or dominos, ping-pong, watching sports with him on TV, going to games, golfing, and so much more. I remember once when he was in his 60’s he was conducting a Bible study at one home where there were two teenage boys. They were outside playing basketball as he was walking in. He took the ball at the 3-point line and made his first 18 shots in a row. Then he went inside and conducted the study. Papa is a good athlete!

How do you say in a few short words thank you for the man who is your hero? I could talk for hours about very vivid memories and the things I appreciate about him. There is nobody I know who I want to be like more than Bill Watts.

Today, my Papa still helps me even though we live across the U.S. from each other. As a preacher, there are a few things I want to make sure I do the way he has always done them. 1) I want to be humble. My Papa is the humblest preacher I have ever known. 2) I want to be loving and also sound. Papa has always told the truth in God’s word in a way people can know he loved them. 3) I want to be a soul-winner. I have always understood that the main thing Papa was trying to do was get people into heaven. All of the other things that come with preaching are just there so you can do the main work. 4) I want to be kind when mistreated. I have watched my Papa be so good to people who were determined to be his enemies. All I saw in his response was quiet compassion. 5) I want to live every day, like Jesus. Beyond everything else I see in my Papa Bill – I see Jesus. He is the most Christ-like man I have ever known.

There are going to be so many people in heaven because of Bill Watts. If you ask me, that is what defines a successful life. Every time I ever reach anybody, his hand is in it. He would only say that it was the work of God, and of course, as always he would be correct. So this man, who is not a “big name in the brotherhood” – is in my opinion, the greatest preacher I have ever known. He has lived the great commission. He has done so without ever neglecting his family. He has given us a living reflection of Jesus Christ. He has given me a walking, talking hero to emulate.

Papa, I hope you know just how much you have done, and how much you continue to do – for the world, for the church, for the family, and for me. Thank you for loving me the way every child dreams their grandfather would. Thank you for being my hero, just by being Papa Bill.

I love you more than words or deeds will ever tell.

Jeremy

"He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked." ~ 1 John 2:6

What Makes it all Worth While

2011-02-17T14:32:00.006-06:00

I received a card this week from a friend. I have received many cards over the years, and have appreciated every one. There have been thank you cards from funerals, visits, baptisms, and sermons. There have been birthday and anniversary cards, holiday wishes and more. At one time I counted over 2,000 get well cards I had received through my battle with cancer. I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH CARDS! But I have never received a more meaningful card then the one I received this week.

Sometimes your life in preaching does not work out just like you had planned (welcome to life in general). We recently moved from our wonderful congregation in Lawrenceburg to another wonderful congregation in Cookeville. Anytime you leave one work to go to another - the hardest thing to leave behind is people! I am talking about relationships and dear friendships. The people you leave behind have become the most important people in your life.

Preachers have some special blessings that most elders will never experience. Because elders in the church do not shepherd enough as a whole, the blessings that come to shepherds are usually deferred to preachers. People that you have sat with in hospitals, or studied the Bible with into the late hours of the night...people you visited when they welcomed a new baby into their family - will appreciate you and love you in a special way. You baptized them. You conducted their family funerals. You married their children.

While there are times that elders have frustrated preachers because they were primarily "business meeting" elders, every preacher would also admit that they are thankful that people love them as their preacher in a special way for the shepherding they do.

The man who sent me the card is in his 80's. When I first came to town, this man had been worshiping in this congregation for 50+ years, but he had never obeyed the gospel. When his Christian wife contracted lung cancer, I began to spend a good bit of time with them. At the end of one visit, after we had prayed for her, I asked this man if there was anything I could do for him...He said, "Well, you can take me down to the church building and baptize me!" We could not get there fast enough! God had worked on his heart for many years. Preachers had come and gone and they had worked on his heart with the gospel message. His wife, through her silent but humble obedience to God's will, had worked on his heart by example.

I will never forget that day. I got to call his two Christian sons down to the building, so they could see their father, nearly 80, be baptized into Christ. They had to get over the shock first! But they were so thankful to God.

When the baptism was over we gathered to pray. His wife asked to be restored as well. I remember as he sat down on the front pew, he let out a loud sigh and his shoulders dropped about 2 inches. He said, "I should have done that a long time ago."

Within a year's time, his wife passed away from lung cancer. For the next 7 years I enjoyed being his preacher. He was always there. He was always happy. He was always singing!!! A simple and soft spoken man, he never communicated much. But I knew that we loved each other. And that was enough.

I left that congregation a few months ago. But he found my new address, and I received his card in the mail. Inside, the card had these words, written by the manufacturer:

"I always thank God for you..." ~ 1 Cor. 1:4. "I just got to thinking how blessed I am to have a friend like you. All the thoughtful, loving things you do mean more than words can say."

He did not write anything in the card himself. He just signed his name at the bottom. He didn't have to write anything. I understand exactly why he sent it.

You see, it does not matter how many times people ridicule you for what you preach. It does not matter how many times people question your activities or your motives. It does not matter how many false accusations may come. It does not matter that people sometimes misread you, misrepresent you, or misuse you.

All that matters, is that there will be people in heaven one day because you loved them enough to help them get there. The costs cannot be compared with what can be gained.

I have a special friend in Lawrenceburg, TN. We have touched each others' lives. God's providence brought us together. This is what makes life worth living. This is what makes everything I experience in ministry worth while.

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." ~ 1 John 4:11

"How Do I Get In?"

2011-02-14T15:11:00.003-06:00

Everybody wants to know the answer to this question. Jesus was once asked, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17). He responded, “…if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments” (Matt. 19:17). Christ also said, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matt. 7:13-14).

Robert Frost once wrote about two roads which diverged in a yellow wood. He knew he had to make a choice to take only one. He concluded:

I shall be telling this with a sigh,
Somewhere ages and ages hence
Two roads diverged in a wood
And I took the one less traveled by
And that has made all the difference.

The direction the Son of God gave mankind also deals with a road less traveled. It is a road of compassion, forgiveness, righteousness, selflessness, obedience, sacrifice, and truth. It is a road of kindness, gentleness, patience, temperance, fruitfulness, faithfulness and hope.

The narrow road is the road the world refuses to take. It is not as appealing to the flesh as is the broad way. There are fewer companions who will walk with you. It is a longer journey. It is filled with obstacles. It is at times dark and lonely. But notice that Jesus still says, “Enter” by this road (Matt. 7:13).

Believe it or not, the greatest consolation to the decision one makes to take the road less traveled is not discovered at the end. Frost points out in his poem that it was not the final destination, but the experience found in the journey that changed his life. Jesus, as He lived on this earth, took the narrow road. When we choose to walk in the steps of Christ, not only do we purify ourselves through His sufferings, we become more like Him with every step we take.

So maybe the greatest question is not, “How do I get in?” Perhaps the better question – “Which way am I going?”

“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and not be able” – (Luke 13:24).

Holding Back

2011-02-13T17:09:00.003-06:00

When the church was just beginning, the sin of Ananias and Sapphira served as the ultimate object lesson about the need for faithfulness. Acts 5:1-11 tells all about their great lie. Peter said to Ananias, “You have not lied to men but to God” (Acts 5:4). To Sapphira he replied, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the spirit of the Lord?” (Acts 5:9).

Actually, they had lied to men as well as God. They had deceived the church into thinking they had done all they could. Peter was simply pointing out that nothing is worse than dishonesty to the Creator. To think that one could somehow fool God is ridiculous. To believe that person could justify partial obedience is not in harmony with God’s commandment. To “seem religious” is an abomination in the eyes of He who weighs the hearts of men (Proverbs 21:2).

Though Ananias and Sapphira committed a great sin before the Lord and His people, perhaps their greatest mistake was in what they did not do. They “held back” (Acts 10:2-3), while making it look like they were giving all. God knows about everything we have. Is there even one physical or spiritual possession, talent, or blessing that exists that He did not bestow (James 1:17)? Therefore, when the Master wants to visit concerning our progress, we should realize no hole is deep enough to bury our talent from His eyes (Matthew 25:25-27). There is no excuse at work or play, asleep or awake that will make holding back from God acceptable. God wants all or none, hot or cold, because in-between makes Him sick (Revelation 3:15-16).

The biggest barrier to church growth is the church itself. God has given every provision to the church. He has given His word, His Son, and His everlasting promise. He has equipped the saints for the work of ministry and edification (Ephesians 4:12). He has given abundantly that the church may reach “the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13).

Holding back is for the Christian the most dangerous of sins. It attempts to disavow the promise one makes when obeying the gospel. It hurts the church because the world is observing the church’s level of dedication. It hurts individuals because they are deceived into thinking partial service is obedience. It weakens faith. It breeds apathy. It gives Satan a place to stay. It is sin punishable by death (James 4:17; Romans 6:23; Acts 5:5, 10).

When Ananias and Sapphira died, “great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things” (Acts 5:11). This fear led to the purification of the church, and to the glory of God. People stopped holding back, at least for a little while.

If God punished today the way He did then, who would be alive? Who would be dead? Who would respectively respond in obedience? Who would dare continue to “test the Spirit of the Lord” (Acts 5:9)?

“By myself I have sword, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son, ‘in blessing I will bless you...’” (Genesis 22:16-17).

"Wait for the Lord" - Zeph. 3:8

2011-02-11T10:39:00.004-06:00

(a few people have asked for my chapel address in written form - of course this is not verbatim, but these are the notes I used)

What are you supposed to say to a family who is watching their most beloved patriarch slowly die in the hospital? The doctors perform multiple surgeries and procedures in an effort to save his life, but he remains unconscious for weeks. Prayers have been lifted up to God for him by half of the brotherhood, but still no resolution. Nothing but a shadow of your hero attached to a breathing machine remains. And so, you wait.
What are you supposed to pray for when your grandmother resides at the nursing home alone? Her husband of 60 years has passed away. She has lived a full life. She has no prospects here. Every time you visit her tears roll down her face while she asks, “Why won’t God just take me home?” She is longing to die. She wants to be with God and with her husband. But there is nothing you can do but hold her hand. And so, you wait.
What are you supposed to take consolation in when you are a young person striving to find that special someone? You see all of your other friends pairing up. You have been patient, not willing to sacrifice your faith for a relationship. You have ended other relationships you knew would not be a source of strength for your future. Yet you find yourself falling further and further away from your dreams. And so, you wait.
What are you supposed to understand when you and your spouse have been trying to become parents for years, while others in the world abort their pregnancies? You read in the newspaper about another newborn left in a duffle bag at the airport. Friends of yours who are parents constantly complain about the rigors of child-rearing, and yet you would give anything to experience that kind of challenge. You have prayed. You have seen doctors. You have exhausted all of the pregnancy methods and fertility technology. The years are passing, and your time is running out. And so, you wait.
What are you supposed to believe when you get a phone call that shakes your entire world? You are still young, but the doctor says that dreaded word, “cancer.” You have a wife and small children who are depending on you to guide and support them. There are no promises from the medical field. You endure surgeries, tests, radiation treatments, and more tests – a cycle that never seems to end. How do you adjust to the reality that you are not in control? You try to live from day to day with hope, yet no guarantees for your future can be granted. And so, you wait.
“I waited patiently, and…then He turned to me and…” (Psalm 40:1-4)

THE SITUATION IN JUDAH
But Judah was not trusting in the Lord. The nation of Judah had been sinning for decades. The southern tribes of God’s people were 60 years removed from the reign of Hezekiah, having been led most recently by the wicked kings Manasseh and Amon. The Biblical record states, “So Manasseh seduced Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to do more evil than the nations whom the Lord had destroyed before the children of Israel.” (2 Chronicles 33:9) Of Amon it is written, “But he did evil in the sight of the Lord, as his father Manasseh had done; for Amon sacrificed to all the carved images which his father Manasseh had made, and served them” (2 Chronicles 33:22). Now, in the place of these ungodly men, a mere child by the name of Josiah is placed upon the throne. In this difficult time God called Zephaniah, one of King Hezekiah’s descendants, to prophesy to Judah.
One Bible Survey suggests these 3 major doctrines being presented in the book - 1) God is sovereign over all nations. God is still above the Jews who have become complacent and think that God will not act (1:12). God is still in power and a time will come when no comfort or deliverance will be found in silver and gold (1:18). God will humble, even to desolation, every society that boasts securely that they have arrived, who say there is nobody else but them (2:15). 2) The wicked will be punished and the righteous will be vindicated on the day of judgment. 3) God blesses those who repent and trust in Him. (2:3) – “Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth, who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the LORD's anger.”

Zephaniah’s message was not pretty. Chapter One is a proclamation of God’s fierce judgment upon the whole earth (1:2-3) – “"I will utterly consume everything from the face of the land," Says the LORD; I will consume man and beast; I will consume the birds of the heavens, The fish of the sea, And the stumbling blocks along with the wicked. I will cut off man from the face of the land," Says the LORD.” Specifically, God pronounces his punishment upon the nation of Judah for their idolatry and iniquity. The priests had attempted to straddle the fence, calling upon Jehovah and upon Molech. They had decided to worship nature and the constellations..the political leadership in Judah was completely corrupt...and so The day coming to Judah is thus described, “That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of devastation and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day of trumpet and alarm…” (Zephaniah 1:15-16a).
Chapter Two extends the coming judgment to the nations surrounding Judah. God was going to make the heathen pay for their influence among his people. God points West, East, South, and then North…Zephaniah’s prophecy includes the picture of these godless cities being laid waste to the point that in the near future birds would build nests and wild herds would find a place of rest where their capitals and pillars once stood. Note specifically these words from Jehovah, “The Lord will be awesome against them; for He will famish all the gods of the earth, and to Him shall bow down, each in its place, all the lands of the nations” (Zephaniah 2:11 [English Standard Version]).
In the final chapter of this short book (3:2), Zephaniah explains the four reasons why Judah had fallen. Jerusalem should have been righteous, but she was rebellious. She should have been pure, but she had become polluted. She should have been a blessing, but instead she was oppressing. Preach this sermon..WHAT’S WRONG WITH JERUSALEM?(Zeph. 3:2) (this is our current culture) One, it was a problem of duty, she had not obeyed the voice of God. Two, it was a disregard for discipline, she had not received correction. Three, it was a refusal of dependence, she had not trusted the Lord. Four, it was an absence of desire, she had not drawn near to her God. (from back to front, we can note the progression of falling away) If we have no desire for God, and thus no relationship, how is it that we will ever trust Him? If we do not trust God as a Father, how can we ever receive His loving discipline? If we refuse God’s direction for our lives, there is no doubt that we will never come close to being His obedient children.
“She has not obeyed His voice, She has not received correction; She has not trusted in the LORD, She has not drawn near to her God.”(3:2)

ZEPHANIAH’S CONSOLATION
By the time of Zephaniah’s prophecy, Josiah had most likely made his initial reforms. The description of the sins in the book point to a date of writing that preceded Hilkiah’s discovery of the Book of the Law. Notwithstanding Josiah’s influence, it was too late for Judah. The nation soon turned back to the ways of the last two generations of evil.
But listen! According to his abundantly merciful nature, up from the midst of his impending discipline God offers a message of consolation and hope. Although the inhabitants of Judah are going to be taken captive for a season, Jehovah will eventually deliver his people from the hand of the enemy. The hinge on the door is 3:8 – it is the dividing point between devastation and deliverance, between wrath and restoration, between horror and hope. “‘Therefore wait for Me,’ says the Lord, ‘Until the day I rise up for plunder; My determination(ordinance, justice, decision of the court) is to gather the nations to My assembly of kingdoms, to pour on them My indignation, all My fierce anger; all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of My jealousy’” (Zephaniah 3:8).
The fallout from God’s wrath upon the enemies of Judah will result in their ultimate return to their God: They will once again call on the name of the Lord (3:9). They will bring their sacrifices to God (3:10). They will humble themselves before Jehovah (3:11). They will trust in the name of the Lord (3:12). They will speak the truth and refrain from iniquity (3:13). They will be glad and rejoice at the presence of God (3:14). They will be gathered together by the Lord and he will make for them a name among the inhabitants of the earth (3:19).
THERE FOR WAIT FOR ME, SAYS THE LORD!

What is it, may I ask, that each one of us is really waiting for? We ARE ALL WAITING!
As I look out to this group of people…I know you have gathered for a reason, a reason deeper that maybe even you have considered…but you have been drawn in attempt to fulfill a need…

For years, mankind has proposed and tried to argue for an idea that we have inherited something from Adam…we know it is not sin (Ez. 18:20) – “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.”
•Ever since Adam and Eve were cast out of the garden, something was missing…
•930 years of the garden’s call – did he ever try to go back?
•A remembrance passed from generation to generation…the gap between man and God being understood in actuality by God’s people, and reached for by godless forgetful people in diverse ways, seeking to fill the void in their lives.
Romans 8:19-23
Acts 17:26 – “And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.”

What we are really waiting for is heaven…
An indescribable place…count up all of the joy and peace and happiness in your life, every special moment, every perfect feeling, all of the laughter, all of the love, all the comfort – now multiply this by infinity and understand that you have not even begun to comprehend what it will be like to live one second in God’s eternal home – full fellowship with God and even better than what Adam once knew – for His love will be ever more sweet being understood in its completeness as we gather ‘round the precious Lamb of God and praise Him forever!

And yet we keep waiting in this life…and the world is a land of many disappointments. But day by day we are learning that they are disappointments we so desperately need to experience.
•Two kinds of people, those who are humble, and those who will be humbled…

Until one has been tested, one cannot know true faith. Until one has been defeated, one cannot know genuine victory. Until one has been devastated, one cannot know of the activity of God’s providence in their life. Until one has been humbled, one cannot be raised to the higher plain of God’s eternal habitation.

Every tear you have ever shed, every moment of suffering you have ever endured, every struggle you have ever overcome, every painful moment in both body and spirit you have ever suffered, is only a reminder of the fact that you are waiting for something better that cannot yet be attained…

As long as the earth remains, we will wait in hospitals until our loved ones take their last breath. We will wait for unrealized dreams to come true. We will wait for relationships to develop that never materialize. We will wait for test results and get bad news that will cause us to number our days. We will wait for the continuing storms of our life to pass over until there is a temporary calm and the clouds begin to gather once more.

While we wait for these things…let’s not forget to WAIT FOR THE LORD…may we put our trust in God, and consider again what it is we are really waiting for…

Rom. 8:18 – “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Zephaniah’s message is the reality of God’s judgment upon all men. For those who deny Him and live in sin, His anger will be justified, and the execution of His wrath will be complete. But for those who WAIT for Him there is a promise that is so great, no tongue can describe it. It is a promise so divine that the WHEN of its fulfillment does not matter…

Zeph. 3:17 – “The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One will save. He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."
GOD IS HERE NOW!!!!!AND WHAT WE ARE WAITING FOR IS SO FAR BEYOND OUR COMPREHENSION…
1 Cor. 2:9 – “But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him."

Adam’s desire is our desire. His promise is our promise. His hope is our hope. This is what we are waiting for….Heaven remains in our future…the WHEN of its fulfillment is irrelevant. The Lord your God is in your midst. The Mighty One will save…

WAIT FOR ME, SAYS THE LORD! WAIT FOR ME!
And so, we wait…

If I Were Every Christian…

2011-02-04T09:03:00.000-06:00

In the church, every Christian has a job to do. When Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, he described the variety of functions that exist within the body of Christ – “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…” (Eph. 4:11-12).
Knowing that we each serve in the kingdom in a different way gives each member of the Lord’s body a sense of belonging and worth. However, we often will use this idea as an excuse not to do things, because we say we can’t do it, we’re not good at it, or that it is somebody else’s job. What if I were every Christian? How would the body of Christ function? Would God be glorified? Think about the following statements and apply them to your spiritual life:
• If I were every Christian, how many children would be without a Bible class teacher?
• If I were every Christian, would the building be open on Sunday and Wednesday nights?
• If I were every Christian, how many would be added to the church annually?
• If I were every Christian, could the church afford to have a minister, support a missionary, or keep up the building?
• If I were every Christian, could the church be characterized as people who know the Bible?
• If I were every Christian, how many home Bible studies or correspondence courses would the church be doing?
• If I were every Christian, how many Christians would drink alcohol socially, or light up a cigarette as soon as services were over?
• If I were every Christian, would there be praise during the song service, or just silence?
• If I were every Christian, would there be anybody to lead the worship service?
• If I were every Christian, would people know that they were missed, get a call or card when they were sick, or be alone at the funeral home?
• If I were every Christian, would there be anything to eat at the fellowship meals?
• If I were every Christian, could the church do local benevolence?
• If I were every Christian, would my hometown know about the Lord’s church?
• If I were every Christian, would the church stand against homosexual marriages, abortion, and other practices the world is currently accepting?
• If I were every Christian, would there be any evangelists, pastors, or teachers?
Paul continued– “…till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13). Although we have different jobs to do, we need to be united in Christ. There should be no job that we are unwilling to do for the Lord. This is the example Jesus set for us. If every Christian truly lived like Christ, just imagine how different things would be.

“When Goliath was Little…”

2011-01-31T10:20:00.005-06:00

A few years ago I was reading to my 3 year-old son the story of David and Goliath. He was familiar with the story already, but as most children he was willing to be read to anytime I was willing. We talked about the size of the giant, his defiance of God and Israel, and David’s bravery and trust in God. As we finished the story, which ends with David slaying the blasphemous giant, my son said to me, “But when Goliath was little, he was NICE to David.”

This statement made by one so young really struck a chord with me. We don’t have any details about Goliath when he was little. I would venture to say that the reader has probably never thought about it before now. We know about the man from Gath who was six cubits tall and a span (1 Sam. 17:4). We know about the man whose coat of armor weighed an estimated 125 lbs. (1 Sam. 17:5). We know about the man who defied the armies of the living God (1 Sam. 17:10, 26). But nobody knows about Goliath, the child.

There are some very valuable lessons here. First, much of our behavior is learned behavior. Goliath was probably never small compared to the rest of those his age. The attitude that caused him to take advantage of others because of size, however, was perhaps something that had been encouraged by his family, those of his tribe, or Philistine men of war who wanted to use his brute strength to their advantage. Goliath could have been a “gentle giant” under different circumstances.

Second, most of what we believe is also learned. Why would Goliath defy Israel? Why was he an enemy of David rather than a friend? Why would he not have faith in the true God of heaven? Adults who were responsible for his training and education taught him otherwise. He was raised to hate Israel, be an idol worshiper, and give his life for a lie. Had he been put in a room with David as a little boy with no preconceptions, they would have played together.

Third, we would be doing ourselves a favor to remember the days of our youth. Not only does our child-like innocence often escape us, but we forget what it was even like to feel the compassion and love in the heart of a child. When Solomon wrote, “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth” (Eccl. 12:1), he was not just emphasizing the importance of service to God during healthy years. He was implying that learning to love God as a youth will prepare one for continued obedience as an adult. Children have qualities all adults need. God has given us to them at an early age so that they will not escape our memory.

Being a parent is one of God's greatest blessings in this life. What becomes of our children will have more to do with our influence than we often think. There are little ones all around you that could become a David or a Goliath. Physical size matters not. But the size of hearts, both ours and theirs, will determine the final outcome.

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord” – Psalm 127:3

Go to Bat, Swinging

2011-01-25T09:13:00.014-06:00

Mike Hareholser. That name struck fear in the hearts of every 7 year-old at the Little Lake Little League. My friends who were on his baseball team were so glad they didn't have to face him. He was taller than the rest of us. He had matured faster. His arm was like a sling shot. His body fell towards the plate. He had a rising fastball. He threw harder than any person on the planet - or so it seemed.

And so, I admit it. I was afraid of him. The first time we faced the Cubs that year and Hareholser pitched, I struck out looking every time except once - when I drew a walk. But the bat never left my shoulder. I was going up there ready to bail. It was the classic - watch the kid step out of the batter's box as the ball approaches. This was not what my parents had come to see.

My father, my biggest supporter and fan, tried to help me not be afraid of the ball. He played catch with me, pitched to me, and encouraged me in the correct ways. He was not the overbearing type. He was not the crazy parent who made everybody else roll their eyes. He was not the guy who argued with the umpires from the stands. Dad, if you are reading this, let me say, "Thanks."

But the second time we were to play the Cubs, my father simply said, "Jeremy, if you don't go to bat swinging, I will not stay to watch you play. You have to try. You don't have to hit the ball. But you cannot hit it unless you try." Perhaps the greatest disappointment of my early life was that game. I came up to the plate. Three pitches, straight down the middle. Three called strikes, and my bat never moved.

As I walked back to the dugout, I looked toward the stands. Then I looked toward our house, that was located directly behind the ball field. All I could see was my father's back, as he slowly but decidedly walked home. It was not his fault. He was a man of his word. He had never missed any of my games or at-bats that I could remember. I knew I had blown it because I simply didn't have the courage to try.

We may not be great public speakers. We may not have great talents. We may not be the best at personal evangelism. We may be afraid of failure when it comes to spiritual opportunities and growth. But ever since that day, I decided within myself that even if I struck out miserably, I would go to bat, swinging. I have applied this to preaching and soul-winning, and I believe it has made all of the difference.

If you are my friend, please listen to me. You have a heavenly Father who loves you and who will accept strike outs. But He will not accept you when you refuse to try.

The last time I ever faced Mike Hareholser, I hit the hardest line drive I have ever hit in my life.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." ~ 2 Timothy 1:7

The Man Who Had to be Good

2011-01-18T11:20:00.002-06:00

Jesus once told a parable in response to the question, “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29-37). This story is so widely known today, that if one hears the expression, “Good Samaritan,” it is immediately associated with one who does good deeds.
The core of the parable concerns the willingness of one human to help another in distress. In this case, the man who had been injured and robbed was a Jew, and the man compelled to offer assistance was a Samaritan. Perhaps the greatest tragedy of the episode concerns the two men, a priest and a Levite, who passed the half-dead victim and refused to give aid. Although they should have considered the man their brother, they overlooked his need and selfishly continued on their journey.
Because of the Samaritan, however, the parable changes from a moment of disappointment to one of hope. Hope for the spirit of love and brotherhood. Hope for the lost and afflicted. Hope for the outpouring of the God-given soul. Not only does a man deemed a half-breed by the Jews help a Jew, but the Scriptures say “He had compassion on him” (Luke 10:33). Having bandaged his wounds, used costly oil and wine, and carried the man on his own animal, the Samaritan brought the troubled man to an inn, to take care of him (v. 34). Having departed the next day, he left plenty of money for the innkeeper for an extended stay for the stranger and pledged to repay him for any extra care that was needed (v. 35).
I have often wondered about the motive of the Samaritan in doing so much good for a man who in a public or private setting would have probably either scoffed at him or looked the other way. I realized that something deep within the heart of man sometimes drives him to do the most unthinkable thing. Jesus once said – “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:43-45).
This Samaritan had one quality that separated him from others. He had to be good! There was a strong desire within him to be kind, compassionate, and caring, that conquered all social stigmas, base emotions, and prejudices. It was an attitude so pure and altruistic, that as Jesus questioned the lawyer about which of the three men was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves, the answer was clear – “He who showed compassion on him” (Luke 10:37).
The parable of the “Good Samaritan” not only touches the human spirit, it teaches us about the love of its Author. All of us have been or will be victims on that road: naked, wounded, near death. But the compassion of the One who could not help from being good leads to safety, even though, “He was despised and rejected by men” (Is. 53:3). Kindness and love know no circumstances. Mercy and grace describe the heart of our God.
And as I think about what motivated my Savior to hang at Calvary for me I am brought back to that one truth. Jesus had to be good. It was His nature. He simply couldn’t help Himself.
“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do like wise’” (Luke 10:37).
~ Jeremiah Tatum

Relationships

2011-01-11T09:52:00.002-06:00

We need relationships. We need friends. We need love. We need communication.

Joe Trull recounts, "A rather crude and cruel experiment was carried out by Emperor Frederick, who ruled the Roman Empire in the thirteenth century. He wanted to know what man's original language was: Hebrew, Greek, or Latin? He decided to isolate a few infants from the sound of the human voice. He reasoned that they would eventually speak the natural tongue of man. Wet nurses who were sworn to absolute silence were obtained, and though it was difficult for them, they went by the rule. The infants never heard a word -- not a sound from a human voice. Within several months they were all dead."

Our very desire for life is associated with the need for love, affection, self-worth, and purpose. Relationships fulfill these basic needs in human beings. Our mental and physical health depends largely on our social interaction. For years, studies have shown that the Japanese are among the healthiest people in the world, largely in part to their social, cultural and traditional ties. Because they have more social ties, their health rate is better and their death rate is lower. Studies also support the fact that the more an individual is isolated, the more health problems they incur and the sooner they die.

With these thoughts in mind, consider God's purpose in the church. He has given us a loving family. He has given us the best kind of friends - people that care about us and who are dedicated to godly living. He has given us a sense of worth, proving our value through the death of His Son. He has given us a purpose, to communicate a saving message to a lost and dying world.

The more ties we have within the church, the healthier we will be. Consider the differences between the Sunday-only worshiper and the involved Christian. Who is spiritually stronger? Who is more eternally secure? Who is apt to receive more spiritual blessings? Who is making a bigger difference in the spiritual lives of others?

We not only have been called into the body of Christ, but we have an opportunity to make this calling very special! So challenge yourself to attend every service and Bible class! Challenge yourself to enjoy every opportunity for fellowship! Challenge yourself to build relationships within the church! Challenge yourself to speak to those outside of the church about the glorious body of Christ!

People are dying everyday, who have never heard that heavenly language. They need someone to speak to them, someone to care for them, some one to build a relationship with them. If we don't build that relationship, if we don't speak God's language...who will?

"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: 'Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?' Then I said, 'Here am I! Send me'" (Isaiah 6:8)

Doing it Over is Doing it Better

2011-01-04T11:54:00.004-06:00

Centuries ago there was a Greek artist named Timanthes who studied under a well respected tutor. As time passed, Timanthes produced some beautiful paintings and was beginning to make a name for himself. After finishing one particular work which he considered his very best, he became so moved with the painting that he did nothing but admire it, day after day.

One morning, he came in once again to admire his work and found that it had been blotted out! Who would do such a thing? He ran in anger to his friend and tutor, who quickly admitted that he was the one who had destroyed the painting. The tutor explained that his love for that piece was retarding his overall progress as an artist. The painting had been ruined for his own good. Timanthes was encouraged to start over and see if he could improve. Taking the advice he had been given, Timanthes was able to produce Sacrifice of Iphigenia, which is regarded as one of the finest paintings of antiquity.

One of the great lessons of each new year is that we can always do better. There may be things that we have done well, and things that we have not done so well. We could spend all of our time either admiring past accomplishments or sobbing over failures. But the best thing for our overall progress is to blot out our former works and concentrate on the latest works that our hearts have inspired.

Paul's theory in ministry and life involved, "...forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead" (Phil. 3:13). Jesus reminded one aspiring disciple, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). We cannot waste time gazing upon our past success. We are cheating ourselves, others, and sometimes even our Creator when we forget that our greatest work remains in our future.

Begin this year, thankful for all of your prior blessings and victories. But give the glory to God by using these gifts in service to bring about a brighter future for His church.

The Hebrew writer states, "Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation" (Heb. 6:9). I am confident that for each one of us, our very best is yet to be. Our deepest faith, our most sincere hope, are greatest sacrifice, and our purest love, can still be accomplished. May God help us realize that doing things over means doing things better!

"Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me." ~ Philippians 3:12

Two Turtle Doves

2010-12-20T11:23:00.010-06:00

This is the time of year when lights are in windows, stockings are hung by fireplaces, and the smells of candies and cookies fill warm houses on cold winter days. This is also the season of musical melodies seldom heard at other times of the year. Whether you hear "Deck the Halls" or "Jingle Bells" or "White Christmas" - you get used to those songs that have become a part of your yearly December experience.

Anytime a person hears the expression "two turtle doves," no doubt their first reaction is, "and a partridge in a pear tree!" Everybody is familiar with "The Twelve Days of Christmas." It is a part of our culture. We can probably all recite the 12 days, even if we transpose the days of the "Lords O' Leaping" and the "Drummers Drumming."

Let me for one moment, give you something else to think about, that may change your first reaction to "two turtle doves" forever. Though many know it, few think about the fact that the real reason these birds were chosen for the song, surround the actual events of Jesus' birth.

According to Leviticus 12:2, a Jewish woman who gave birth to a male child was unclean for seven days. She was not allowed to enter the temple for forty days (Lev. 12:4). At the end of the forty days, the required sacrifice to the Lord for her purification, which would also serve as a dedication of the newborn to Jehovah, was "a lamb a year old for a burnt-offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtle-dove, for a sin-offering" (Lev. 12:6).

Leviticus 12:8 ends the chapter this way - "And if she cannot afford a lamb, then she shall take two turtledoves or two pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. And the priest shall make atonement for her, and she shall be clean."

Now consider this section of Luke's account of the birth of Christ - "Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord"), and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, 'A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons'" (Luke 2:22-24).

In a time of year, filled with giving, good cheer, and physical blessings, I am most thankful for the reminder that Jesus - God in the flesh, King of Kings and Lord of Lords - was born into the poorest of families, and placed in a dirty feeding trough meant only for livestock on the outskirts of Bethlehem. It reminds me of genuine value and true riches. It tells me that humility was never so expressed in any moment in time - as was seen in the birth of our Lord.

I can never doubt how much God loves me, and what He is willing to do for me. All I have to remember, is "two turtle doves" - and be thankful.

"who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men." ~ Phil. 2:6-7

Blessed is the Man who Trusts the Lord

2010-12-07T09:47:00.003-06:00

"I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord. Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust..." ~ Psalm 40:1-4a.

From these four verses we are reminded about the grace and deliverance of God. Anytime you seem to be in a rough spot, it is important to be patient and trust in God.

1. Because he hearkens. To hearken is more than just to hear. To hearken is to listen with great care. The word "inclined" in verse 1 means - "To stretch, to extend, to reach out, to bend or bow." What an amazing thought that God would make such an effort to help our pitiful state. When you cry out to the Lord, he will move from where he is to where you are. You will no longer be alone.

2. Because he helps. The "pit" and the "miry clay" in verse 2 describe two places of desperation from which there seems no possible deliverance. The pit is likened to something man has made - a dungeon, a cistern, a well. Sometimes we are cast into difficult places by others. The clay is, on the other hand, a natural calamity, that we probably ventured into in our own foolishness. But God will take us from the gutter to greatness; from sinking sand to solid stone.

3. Because he heals. How many of us have lost our song? How many of us have lost our desire? How many of us have faith that has grown cold? While we have lost our sense of spiritual self, God has stayed the same. He can heal hardened hearts and remind us again of the goodness of his grace. Christians need to let God put a new song in their hearts that exits their lips in praise to their marvelous God. Let God do this great work in your life - no matter how long it has been since you first obeyed!

Remember that God hearkens, helps and heals. Let this reminder turn into praise for God in your life that will cause others to fear and respect the Lord. The psalmist offers this wonderful promise - "Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust..."

"But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You." ~ Psalm 5:11

Thanksgiving Thoughts - Milton Perry

2010-11-26T09:26:00.015-06:00

Last Summer I was asked to speak on a Summer series at the Graymere church of Christ in Columbia, Tennessee. After the service, an older gentleman came to talk to me. His name was Milton Perry. Mr. Perry was 96 years old at the time that I met him. We talked for about 15 minutes and I know he would have talked longer if I could have stayed. He told me about the beginning of the Graymere church, his presidential appointment to postmaster in the Post Office, and his years of preaching the gospel.

A few weeks ago a friend of mine handed me a newspaper article that contained Brother Perry's obituary. On the back of the paper, his grandson had used a full page ad to print the final letter Milton had sent to him. Here is what it said word for word:

"Today is the day proclaimed by the Massachusetts Governor of the Plymouth Colonies, Gov. William Bradford, as a day of Thanksgiving on December 13, 1621. On November 26, 1789, President George Washington proclaimed it as a National Holiday. This day was when everyone in the U.S. were to give God thanks for their many blessings.

Today I am both mindful of, and thankful for, the many blessings that He has bestowed upon me. Foremost among these blessings is the gift of such a remarkable, loving and caring grandson. My life would have been truly a dismal abyss without you. Every moment spent with you has been a joyous occasion. I well remember the many trips that you have provided me to such places as Nantucket, Bermuda, Cancun, and various other enjoyable resorts, that I probably would not have been privileged to enjoy without you. Since the days of your infancy and teen-age years, you have been a ray of sunshine in my life, always flashing a big smile, an optimistic outlook on life, and a winning personality, befriending everyone you meet. I suppose the greatest joy that you afforded me was when you made the decision, at an early age, to obey the gospel and be baptized into Christ. I pray that you may always remember that your "Priority" must be (Matthew 6:33) and live by the two "Greatest Commandments " as stated by Christ in (Matthew 22:36-40). Then, finally abide by the admonition: "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Rev. 2:10).

To me, heaven would not be a true utopia for me if you were not there. So resolve to "Meet me in the morning" where we'll live forever where there will be no heartache or sorrow and no parting. This life is but a proving ground to qualify us for heaven.

My prayers are with you always. May God richly bless you."

I LOVE YOU

Papaw (signed Milton Perry)

On this November 26, 221 years to the day after George Washington proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving that inspired Milton Perry's letter, I would like to offer some Thanksgiving thoughts of my own:

I am thankful that we still live in a nation where we can rejoice about someone obeying the gospel in a full-page newspaper article.

I am thankful for Pawpas who love their grandsons enough to give them a Christian heritage.

I am thankful for meeting Milton Perry, and the opportunity I had to talk with him on a Wednesday night after services in 2009.

I am thankful for the fact, that as I begin a new preaching work, there will be more people out there like Milton Perry who will become a part of my Christian family. I can't wait to meet them.

I am thankful for the lesson Milton Perry taught the rest of the world, simply by living the Christian life, and loving God and the church more than anything else.

Thank you, brother Perry - I will "Meet you in the morning..."

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them." ~ Rev. 14:13

From Realizations to Responses

2010-11-16T20:37:00.003-06:00

Do people really know who God is? I am not asking if they know that he exists, or that he created the world, or that he sent Jesus to die for mankind. I am simply asking, do people realize just how big God is? Do they understand his omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence?

Most people cannot see God or be changed by God, because their knowledge and comprehension of his true being is too small. In order to illustrate this example, let's go back in time and visit the scene on a ship once headed to Tarshish.

The first chapter of Jonah gives the account of the prophet God selected to preach to Nineveh, but who chose to be a deserter instead. He boarded a boat that was heading in the opposite direction from his divinely appointed destination. God responded with a storm so terrible that it caused the ship's crew to eventually locate Jonah and demand some answers.

When Jonah was pinpointed as the cause, he told his shipmates about the God of heaven, the creator of both land and sea. He discussed his own disobedience to God's command. He finally got the men to cast him overboard in a last ditch effort to save their lives.

With Jonah gone, the sea immediately calmed down. Here we find the response to their realization. Jonah 1:16 reads, "Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows." This is a fascinating verse. It brings to mind what people do naturally when they get a true understanding of the nature and power of God.

This reminder from the Bible should cause us to ask ourselves a few questions and reflect...Do we need more storms? Do we need more calm? Do we need more Jonahs? What needs to happen before we realize how great God is? What needs to happen before we properly respond?

"For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe." ~ Deuteronomy 10:17

Soul Winning

2010-11-09T00:03:00.005-06:00

Have you ever been asked to define yourself...to use words to represent who you are and what you believe in? Have you ever been asked to describe your dreams, and tell everyone what matters to you most?

If I were asked these questions, it would be very easy for me to answer them.

Where I live is inconsequential. How much money I make, not important. What people choose to think or believe about me - only significant as far as the gospel needs the proper support to make a difference in lives. Fame is completely irrelevant, because it is vanity and I know I will be forgotten eventually.

I want to be defined as a soul winner. When people think of me, I want them to know that I care enough about their salvation to help them work theirs out while I work out my own. I believe in the Bible. I believe in its saving power. I believe in God. I believe in His plan. I believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who accomplished the plan. I believe in the church. And, I believe in people. I believe they are changeable. I believe they need Jesus.

My dreams are simple. I want to affect eternity. I want to go to heaven, and I want everybody to go with me.

That, in my opinion, is the description of soul winning. And, if you ask me, I think it is the only thing that matters.

"For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!"
~ 1 Corinthians 9:16

Persistence

2010-10-25T17:25:00.006-05:00

The former U.S. President Calvin Coolidge once said - "Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race."

Persistence is defined as "the quality of continuing steadfastly in spite of obstacles." Synonyms for persistence include endurance, perseverance, and adherence. In our walk with God, Satan is going to try to doing everything he can to stop us. We will also, in our weaknesses, put some of our own problems in the way.

The Old Testament paints a great picture of what life is really like. The Jew's Egyptian bondage can be compared to the slavery of sin. Moses serves as a type of Christ, a savior and deliverer appointed by God. The Red Sea is an example of the salvation experience, pointing to the necessity of baptism in the New Covenant. And yet, once the Israelites began to experience their freedom, they still had a wilderness to negotiate. This is life: a wilderness! Even though we have been set free in Jesus, we still have a need to mature and choose God every day.

The Hebrew writer therefore wrote to the church, "Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end" (Hebrews 3:12-14).

We may think it would sure be nice if we had no worries once we became Christians. But a relationship with Christ is not a promise that worldly struggles will immediately cease. Instead, being a Christian means that we now have what it takes to overcome the world through faith. We have the cleansing blood of Christ to take away our sins. We have the motivation of heaven to endure hardship. We have the good news for others to make a difference along the way.

There may not be a more important word for the Christian than "persistence." In the end, it will be the difference between eternal life and eternal condemnation.

"For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise" ~ Hebrews 10:36

When Grown Men Pray

2010-10-19T10:39:00.004-05:00

This week has been a great week. We had a very successful gospel meeting that was well attended. Many people responded and the church was encouraged. The weather has been perfect. We enjoyed fall break. To top it off my grandparents came from Arkansas and we celebrated my grandmother's 80th birthday.

But there was one signature moment for me from this past week. It meant more to me than anything else has in quite a while. Sunday after services we went to eat at my parents' house. Before the great meal my mother prepared, my grandfather Tatum led a prayer. He thanked God for the privilege of worship. He thanked God for our family. He simply talked to God. It is hard for me to describe to you, just how much it means, as a 37 year-old man, that I still get to hear my grandfather pray!

Although it may be hard to believe, many people will go their entire lives without hearing their parents or grandparents pray. I have spoken to people who have watched their father become a Christian in his old age, and tears streamed down their cheeks when they told me that until that time they had never heard their father pray! Prayer in the home is one of the most powerful and meaningful lessons any child will ever experience. When children hear their superiors talk with God, it brings comfort, joy and peace into their lives.

Parents, you may think it does not make that much difference whether or not you pray at the table, or in the living room in a family devotional, or before bedtime with your children. I am telling you from the bottom of my heart, it makes all of the difference in the world.

God will bless us in a very special way, when we talk with Him. He will watch over and protect our families. He will forgive our sins. He will console our hearts. He will heal our land.

"...At that time people began to call upon the name of the Lord." ~ Genesis 4:26

Conformity

2010-10-11T12:22:00.002-05:00

When one chooses to become the same as that which is generally accepted, this is conformity. Conformity is to act in accordance with the rules. It is the agreement to behave like and believe that which is conventional. It is being a mirror-image of the standard.

There are times in which conformity can be a bad thing. Paul wrote in Romans 12:2 - "..and do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind; that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Christians do not want to be like the world, because it is sinful and evil and passing away (1 John 2:15-17). It would be wrong for one who has been called out of the world and into the church, to be a copy of the very things he has rejected (Phil. 3:7).

There are also times in which conformity can be a good thing. When it comes to our citizenship and the laws of our government, it is easy to see why conformity is necessary. If we do not obey laws and respect authority we will sentence ourselves to a life of conflict and trouble. We will be punished, because there are consequences to rebelling against the standards of social responsibility.

There is one specific time in life, when conformity takes on a beauty that cannot be matched. Romans 8:29 explains, "For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son..." God chose from the beginning that we would be given an image to copy. This image is our perfect Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When a person makes a decision to be a Christian, this is the main thrust of what they are doing. They are deciding to look like, talk like, act like, love like, forgive like, sacrifice like, and be like Jesus!

Near the main entrance to the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, there is a portrait of James Butler Bonham, a man who died for the sake of freedom. But the inscription explains that no real picture of Bonham exists. Rather, the portrait is actually of his deceased nephew, who greatly resembles him. The picture was posted, to allow the public to get the best impression possible of a man who died so they could be free.

There is no picture of Jesus Christ for the world to see today. The portrait Jesus chose to leave of himself, is us! If we are living like we are supposed to live, people will be able to see the One who died for their everlasting freedom. The world is depending on us to look like Jesus. We must be conformed to him!

"who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." ~ Philippians 3:21

SHOE POLISH

2010-09-20T15:10:00.009-05:00

This past Sunday morning I did something that I rarely do. I polished my shoes before worship. I don’t polish my shoes often because I am disorganized and somewhat lazy when it comes to shoes. But I have some fairly new brown dress shoes, and I have noticed that they had already faded a little. So I went to the laundry room, reached above the washing machine, and found the brown shoe polish. Then I went to work.

There is no dress code for the worship assembly. There is no tie and jacket rule. We always need to be careful about judging by appearances, or making the world feel unwelcome or unfit for the kingdom of God. Every single person who enters the church building should be loved the same, welcomed the same, and given the same spiritual opportunities. We have an obligation as Christians not to draw attention to ourselves, whether it is that we have not clothed ourselves enough, or we have clothed ourselves too much.

Back to the shoe polish. What is the point? Why did I polish my shoes? I remember as a young boy, getting ready for worship on a Sunday morning. I never had to worry about whether or not I had something to wear. In fact, my parents always let me wear special clothes. They were clothes that were different than anything else I would wear that week. Kids don’t wear button up shirts and ties except on special occasions. But every Sunday was a special occasion for me.

Wearing my best clothes to worship on Sunday has never been about a dress code. It has never been about looking a certain way for others. It has never been about trying to set myself apart from the person who may wander in from the street and into our assembly. It has never been about the fact that I happen to be the one speaking from the pulpit. This past Sunday morning, I polished my shoes because I was getting ready for God. I was getting ready to worship him. I was determined that he was deserving of my very best.

I don’t know what you wear when you assemble with the brethren. I can tell you that on the subject of dress, modesty is the key. Just remember, that God is not only worthy of our effort, he is worthy of our best effort. There is not a more important day on your calendar than the first day of every week.

"'and now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land which you, O LORD, have given me.' Then you shall set it before the LORD your God, and worship before the LORD your God." ~ Deuteronomy 26:10

Communication

2010-09-13T14:58:00.007-05:00

Cleveland Amory tells this story about Judge John Lowell of Boston: One morning the judge was at breakfast, his face hidden behind the morning paper. A frightened maid tiptoed into the room and whispered something to Mrs. Lowell's ear. The lady paled slightly, then squared her shoulders resolutely and said, "John, the cook has burned the oatmeal, and there is no more in the house. I am afraid that this morning, for the first time in seventeen years, you will have to go without your oatmeal." The judge, without putting down his paper, answered, "It's all right, my dear. Frankly, I never cared much for it anyhow." ~ Bits & Pieces, March 4, 1993, p. 23

One of the most important responsibilities humans share is that of communication. One would think, in this time of mass media, internet, cellular phones, and other technological tools of information, that people would be experts with regard to communication. Actually, the opposite is true. On the whole, instead of taking quality time to spend with a small group or an individual, we attempt to spread ourselves thin on the surface of the whole world all in one day. This has led to a lack of communicating what is on our hearts and in our minds. We have become so distracted by the speed at which we are moving, that we cannot really see where we are going or why.

How do couples live their whole lives together, and not really know each other? How do people work together every day, and not understand each other? How do Christians worship for years together, and not even know their brother's first name? How do next-door neighbors spend 20 years 100 feet from each other without ever becoming friends? How do people go through life on the earth God created, and not identify with the One who made all things?

It all has to do with communication. It is not that the information is unavailable. Your wife wants you to know her dreams - have you asked her? Your co-worker wants to understand what makes you tick - have eaten lunch with them? Your neighbor could use a friend - have you knocked on their door? Your brother wants a spiritual relationship with you - have left your pew to visit theirs? Your God wants you to know Him and love Him - have you opened His word?

"And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles..." ~ Galatians 2:2

"Our People"

2010-09-07T09:30:00.008-05:00

I met Brother William Woodson formally while preaching in Kentucky several years ago. I had listened to him during various lectureships and meetings. I had read many of his writings and certainly had a good knowledge of his influence in the brotherhood for decades. Over the past 8 years I have come to know him as a mentor and a close friend.

It would be impossible to state in this brief article, my appreciation for all that I have learned from this gentleman from Walker County. But there is one phrase, that in my mind, has meant a great deal to me over the past few years. It is a phrase I have often heard him use in the pulpit or in a Bible class. I have read it many of his writings.

Brother Woodson affectionately liked to refer to the church, as "Our People." I think this concept, though somewhat simplistic, is actually in reality quite profound and extremely fascinating. Here are a few reasons why:

1. It proclaims our identity as God's people, the church. Brother Woodson understood what it meant to be a child of God. He knew everything there was to know about various groups within the world's concept of "Christendom." He knew the difference between Biblical, undenominational Christianity, and everything else. There is a great distinction between "our people", of which Brother Woodson himself became a part, and the rest of the people. This phrase explained how much it meant to him to be a member of the church that belongs to Christ.

2. It couples us with our predecessors. I have always respected William Woodson a great deal for his loyalty to great leaders of the past. He found out what made the people of the restoration great. He not only defended their efforts, but he sought to imitate their greatness and pass it down to the rest of us. He knew more about the development of the churches of Christ then perhaps anyone else living. The more he studied, the more he was convinced that those who helped us find our way back to the New Testament church had it exactly right.

3. It states that we are brethren. It was more important for William Woodson to be in God's family, than to be in any other family, group, or organization. He truly loved his brothers and sisters in Christ with a love that surpasses any other. I believe that he served his whole life in the church out of sincere humility, and also with tremendous pride. His humility was found in his diligent service and labor of love to his Creator and the church. His pride was the confidence of his own salvation, and the blessings he knew were his because of the knowledge of the truth.

I love William Woodson dearly. He was, and still is, and will always be, a great friend. I love him most for his love for God and the church. I could think of no greater honor than to carry on an understanding of this wonderful phrase, and be identified along with him throughout eternity, as "Our People."

"We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren." ~ 1 John 3:14

You Have Time

2010-08-31T08:32:00.007-05:00

Saturday evening I attended the benefit dinner for Heritage Christian University. The guest speaker was former first lady, Laura Bush. I do not consider myself a political person, but I always vote and do my part as a citizen for for my country and for Jesus' sake. I was not there to be political. I was there to support the university and see what a very important person in the history of our nation had to say.

After her speech, she was asked several questions. One question in particular was, "What is something about your husband that you appreciate, that perhaps would not be known by the American people?" Her answer to this question, I believe, was the most meaningful statement of the evening.

Laura Bush stated that her husband has read the Bible completely through, from Genesis to Revelation, every year since 1987. I don't know about you, but I think that is absolutely fantastic. There are two main reasons why:

1. It is good to know when the leader of your country reads and studies the Bible. We pray for the president all of the time. We pray for the leaders of the world to seek the face of the Creator. We should be comforted when our leaders have not forgotten God.

2. It is humbling to consider that the man who is arguably the busiest man in the world still has time to read the Word of God. We excuse ourselves from the reading of the Bible because of all that is on our plate. We always promise that we will get around to studying, tomorrow, next week, or next month. If the president of the United States has time to read the Scriptures, so do we.

The key to our future, as a nation, and as a church, is knowing and obeying the will of God. If we do not read our bibles, how can we succeed?

"All the kings of the earth shall praise You, O LORD, When they hear the words of Your mouth." ~ Psalm 138:4

The Power of the Word

2010-08-24T09:37:00.008-05:00

Sydney Harris, once said, "I am tired of hearing about men with the 'courage of their convictions.' Nero and Caligula and Attila and Hitler had the courage of their convictions--but not one had the courage to examine his convictions, or to change them, which is the true test of character."

There are people in this world, however, who do have the courage to examine their convictions, and even to change them. This being the case, Christians need not be too concerned about the long term spiritual status of people with an open mind. Our concern instead should be about getting the Bible into the hands of people who have not fully studied the will of God.

When I was a younger preacher, I used to worry about my Bible studies. I would concern myself with whether or not someone would obey the truth, and when it would happen. If it was not soon enough for me, I might find myself being pushy with the progress of the person who had already humbled themselves enough to study.

As time has passed, I have let that go. The reason is simple. The word is powerful. It will not return to God void. What we need to do is enjoy reading it, and teach it, and simply let the Bible do the work. What will eventually happen is exactly what needs to happen. People will be converted to Christ by the teachings of the Lord, rather than being converted to us.

When you study with someone, avoid being confrontational. The Bible will confront a person plenty. Assist and guide with patience. Show how the word of God is changing you. Allow the plan of salvation to unveil itself before the reader's eyes. The time will come when you will not have to ask the student about baptism. God's holy word will have them coming to you pleading, "here is water, what hinders me from being baptized?" (Acts 8:36)

"But the word of God grew and multiplied." ~ Acts 12:24

The Preacher the Church Needs

2010-08-16T16:05:00.005-05:00

What kind of man does the church need to be their preacher?

1. He must be a man who loves God.

First and foremost, the preacher must love the Lord. He must love the Lord so much, that when there is no motivation to preach from the human standpoint, he will still be motivated to proclaim the great gospel of God. If the preacher has a strong love for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, he will aim to do the will of God, and the commandments of God will not be burdensome (1 John 5:3).

2. He must be a man who loves people.

I once heard a young man say that he wanted to be a doctor because he did not want to have to deal with the common people. That made me laugh! What did this boy think doctors are supposed to do? The church is like a spiritual hospital. The hospital needs a good doctor. Jesus is the great physician because he cares for us and has the remedy for our sin. Preachers must want to save and heal souls. When preacher sees a person, he should see God's child. To him, there are only two kinds of people: Christians and potential Christians.

3. He must be a man of the book.

A preacher is a Bible man. Perhaps Paul's greatest statement or instruction to the young preacher, Timothy was simply - "Preach the word!" (2 Tim. 4:2). People cannot worship or have a relationship with a God that they do not know. The God of heaven has left his greatest information about himself in the pages of the Bible. His character is found there. His will is found there. His plan is found there. People desperately need to know the God of the Bible. There is no other God.

4. He must be approachable.

The greatest downfall of preachers over the years has been that when they leave the pulpit they don't know what else to do. Your preacher should also be able to be your best friend. You should be able to relax with him and tell him anything and see him as your closest relative. Young preachers need to know that the majority of their ministry will have nothing to do with public speaking. It will be about caring, building relationships, and genuinely loving people and the church. Preachers are not meant to have authority, that is where the elders come in. They simply need to be the kind of men that every person wants to know and love.

"And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will." ~ 2 Timothy 2:24-26

Satisfied

2010-08-10T10:41:00.004-05:00

This past Sunday morning a very profound statement was made by one of our young people as he led the closing prayer. In reference to our opportunity to worship God, Bobby Hendrix prayed to our God, "We hope you are satisfied." Since that moment this statement has been in my mind and it has found a place deep in my heart. It is an incredible statement by a young man who has learned something of great importance.

The majority of humanity is fixated on self-service and self-fulfillment. Even in the church, many are misled by the false concept that worship is for man. Because of this, people are constantly struggling in their relationship with God and His church. People will shop for the church that they like. People will go where the doctrine being taught pleases them. People will look to worship in a congregation that appeals to their senses more than their inner man.

That being said, nobody can deny that doctrine is important. The Bible is the only religious doctrine that is truth. Worship that is heartfelt and uplifting is also necessary for the edification of the body. But the bottom line is that, as the song says, "we gather together to ask the Lord's blessing." When we come together as a church, if we are not gathered to worship and please the Creator, Sustainer, and Savior of the world, we have missed the mark.

How beautiful that one of our young people gets it! How wonderful that he is coming to worship to satisfy the desires of his God! In a time of people wanting to change what the Bible says or simply serve their own wishes with regard to worship, I am refreshed by the prayer I heard this past Sunday.

Each of us should think about why we come together as a church. Each of us should ask ourselves every time we have come, "Did I satisfy the God of heaven?" If we have this on our hearts and in our minds, and if we obey the teachings of the Bible, it will be a blessing to know that the answer to our question will always be, "Yes!"

"We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him." ~ 2 Corinthians 5:8-9

Do Yourself a Favor

2010-08-03T09:08:00.007-05:00

If you were going to do the best thing you could possibly do for yourself, what would that be? If there is one thing in life that you could have over anything else, what would it be? These two questions are not exactly the same, but they are very closely related.

Sometimes the thing we want the most may not be the best thing we can do for ourselves.

Once a man approached Jesus as he was walking along the road. The young man ran to him and knelt at his feet and asked, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" (Mark 10:17). Jesus responded to him appropriately by telling him to keep the Law of Moses. This was the law that was still in effect during the life of our Savior. The young man stated that he had kept the Law of Moses from his youth. At this point, Jesus challenged him concerning genuine faith:

"One thing you lack: Go your way sell whatever you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; and come take up the cross and follow Me." (Mark 10:21). The young man did not obey this command of the Son of God. He went away in sorrow. But why?

The reason is simple and applicable to each one of us. Until we come to a willingness to give up what matters in life to us most, we cannot be disciples of Jesus. Jesus himself proclaimed, "So likewise whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:33).

It seems fair, that the one who gave up heaven and separated himself from God on the cross with our sins would also require a similar sacrifice. We are only Christians when we follow in the footsteps of Christ. A servant is not greater than his master.

If you want to do yourself the greatest favor you could ever do, then forsake everything you have and follow Jesus.

The second favor is like unto the first. Build relationships with people who care primarily about your soul.

"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." ~ Matthew 16:25

"For What is Your Life?"

2010-07-27T13:08:00.004-05:00

Last night it was my privilege to attend a VBS as guest speaker. As I was listening to the announcements they were asking prayers for a family whose child had recently drowned. That was the fourth family this summer that I had heard of in this area that had lost a child to a drowning accident. After that announcement of course, the rest of the evening proceeded as planned.

When I was in the middle of thyroid cancer treatments I thought about death quite often. One of the main things that kept coming to me was the fact that if I died, life for everybody else would go on. Some people might be sad for a while, but life is meant to be lived, and people are going to do just that.

So I have been thinking about these families who are so devastated by the loss of their children, realizing that the rest of the world is going to go about their business.

We need to remember that the time to make our mark is today. Most of us are not going to rewrite history. We are not going to be remembered outside of our families and local communities. In 200 years, our own families might not even know we existed, and they may never visit our graves. This is why the impact we are supposed to be making is an eternal one.

A few decades from now, your job will not matter. The ball games your children played in will not matter. Where you went on vacation will not matter. A good number of the things that occupy the majority of our time will not matter. We need to ask ourselves if the energy we are expending at this hour is really going to make a difference in the end.

James wrote, "For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time, then vanishes away" (James 4:14). Because life is so short, the difference that we are making MUST be an eternal difference. We have a great responsibility, to not only make our calling and election sure, but also to change the eternal destination of someone else.

Is your life about this world, or about heaven? Are your efforts all for here, or all for there? Are you making an impact that is going to last forever?

For what is your life?

"While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." ~ 2 Corinthians 4:18

Forgive and Forget

2010-07-20T11:14:00.003-05:00

Some say it is impossible to forgive and forget. Some say, "I will forgive you, but I will never forget it." Some say we are supposed to remember in order to learn some kind of lesson from whatever we have suffered, even if we have forgiven the one who has wronged us. Some say that unless you have tried to forget, you have never really forgiven.

This subject could be debated for a good while. I will first tell you that I have thought about the idea of "forgive and forget" for years. I have studied this issue for lessons, articles, and sermons. I have spent time in counseling with people who have suffered wrongs. I have spent no small amount time of trying to figure out, through God and Christ's example, exactly how we are to go about forgiving others. From this, I would like to offer a few observations.

1. People who have a hard time forgiving others do not like to talk about it. Whether it is an control issue, or a matter of the need to hold on to something, people who hold a grudge want to feel justified for doing so. If they let go of the animosity they have for the person who has caused them pain, they are taking a big risk. They feel safer to harbor their ill-will then to let it go and forgive.

2. People who do not have a hard time forgiving other people are sometimes considered weak. This is especially true when it comes to the non-forgiving crowd. The people who do not like to forgive feel that they are more shrewd then the forgivers. If there is a disadvantage to being a forgiving person, it is the possibility that you may be hurt over and over again by people who love to empower themselves.

3. The capacity one has to forgive is equivalent for the capacity one has to love. People who are not forgiving are missing out on one of the greatest facets of love. In some sense, they are shutting a part of the love of God out of their lives. Jesus said about the woman who washed his feet with her tears, "...her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little" (Luke 7:47).

4. We will forgive more when we daily contemplate how much God has forgiven us. His mercy and grace in spite of our sins should be on our minds always. If it is not, we will be judgmental, hard-hearted, and display the pride of fools.

Jesus was not only open to forgiveness, he mastered the art. He did not see it as a weakness, but a strength. It was not a risk, it was an opportunity. It was not a struggle for him, because of the capacity he had to love humanity.

"I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake." ~ 1 John 2:12

"Baptized Into Moses"

2010-07-13T11:28:00.011-05:00

When Paul wrote his first epistle to the Corinthian church, one of the warnings he issued was the danger of backsliding. He was writing to Christians, many of whom had left paganism and worldliness to follow Christ (1 Cor. 6:9-11). Within his discussion on the possibility of forfeiting liberty (1 Cor. 10:1-13), there is a gem worth keeping.

The first four verses read, "Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ."

The idea of the Israelites being "baptized into Moses" is fascinating. Why have we missed this in our efforts to teach the truth about what constitutes salvation today? When one studies what Paul is implying, there can be no argument about the necessity of baptism for salvation in the Christian age. Consider the following:

1. Paul was not exalting Moses. He had already dealt with the issue of those who were bragging about who baptized them (1 Cor. 1:10-17).

2. Paul was reminding the Corinthians about their commitment. Matthew Henry wrote that the Israelites being baptized into Moses was another way of saying the Jews were "brought under obligation to Moses’s law and covenant, as we are by baptism under the Christian law and covenant."

3. Paul was discussing how God saved His people. How did they leave the slavery of Egypt? What moment initiated their freedom from bondage? It was when they were "baptized into Moses" through the waters of the Red Sea!

4. Paul was explaining how Moses was the vehicle. "Baptized into Moses" indicates that Moses was the man God chose to deliver His people. Moses was a type of Christ in the Old Testament. Peter also made this connection (Deut. 18:15-18; Acts 3:20-26). Today, we are "baptized into Christ" to receive the remission of our sins and obtain a spiritual hope. "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Gal. 3:27).

5. Paul was telling these Corinthian Christians that they needed to stay faithful. He alluded to their baptism as their pinnacle moment, and yet reminded them that the Israelites did not receive the land of promise just because they had a similar baptism. Those who died without the inheritance serve as examples for the need of endurance.

There is more to be said about this passage. But the main point is to ask ourselves the question, "Why did Paul choose the imagery of baptism to make his point?" He did so because people in the first century knew when they had entered into the new covenant with Christ! It was when they were baptized into Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins!

"For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free - and have all been made to drink into one Spirit" ~(1 Cor. 12:13).

Retrospect

2010-06-21T14:20:00.008-05:00

Since 2004, we have included in the end of the year bulletins the year in retrospect. That is, we have listed our births, deaths, baptisms, and those who have placed membership with us in the past year. This week I gleaned from those bulletins some thoughts about people who have passed on from Pulaski St. since I have been here. This list does not include everyone, but these are just some personal thoughts.

I miss Bill Powell's stories.
I miss James Tripp's smiling confidence although bedridden.
I miss Foster Lee's advice.
I miss Bim West's hunting trips.
I miss Ivan Warren's gentleness with my children.
I miss Odus Campbell's singing voice.
I miss Jean Kyle's support.
I miss Charles Heffington's positive attitude.
I miss M.D. Moore's humility.
I miss Virginia Boyd's friendship cakes and phone calls.
I miss William Potts' preaching tips.
I miss Thelma Reeves' little chuckle that reminded me of my grandmother.
I miss Wilson Boyd's critiques of my sermons.
I miss Frances Green's educated suggestions.
I miss Joan Smith's strawberry pies.
I miss Nelson Gunnell's strengthening presence.
I miss Evie Springer's Christian example.
I miss Ellen Warren's kindness.
I miss Hushell Spann's quiet respectability.
I miss Jessie Mae Rigsby's mountain moving faith.
I miss Roy Smith's love for the Lord.
I miss Ruth Trammell's love for my children.
I miss Bill Jackson's Sunday suits.
I miss Willard Wells' friendship.
I miss Audrey Wiley's spunk.
I miss Woodrow Kelly's walks of repentance.
I miss Grace Kidd's laugh.
I miss Bettye Brewer's mothering of me.
I miss "Red" Mitchell's gentlemanly Christianity.
I miss Bob Reeves' political opinions.
I miss Dot Jackson's independence.
I miss Joann Ward's hunger for worship.
I miss Elizabeth Ratliff's sincerity.
I miss Martha Dean Belew's dependability.
I miss Lelton Davis' compassion.
I miss Betsy Roberts' encouraging praise.
I miss Edsel Goff's trust in God.

These are just some of the things I am thankful for from these friends and fellow Christians that have gone on to their reward. There are so many others not mentioned here for whom I am also thankful. One thing that you can count on when you reflect on the lives that have touched your own - Heaven is going to be a wonderful place!

"Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' " "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them." ~ Revelation 14:13

Hide it under a bushel? No!

2010-06-14T13:43:00.007-05:00

Rob Cutshaw owned a little roadside shop outside Andrews, North Carolina. He was a rock gatherer, though he knew little about rocks. He knew enough to pick up ones that he could sell, and he allowed the collectors to appraise the rocks and decide their value. He would sell enough rocks and do enough wood cutting to make ends meet.

While digging several years ago, Rob found a rock he described as "purdy and big." It was a blue rock, certainly different enough and attractive enough to sell. But he had no success at selling it right away. He thought, with the right buyer, he might get as much as 500 dollars. He was willing to sell it for less if it meant paying the bills in a pinch. But instead, he just hid it for a while in the closet and sometimes under his bed.

In the end, Mr. Cutshaw almost made a huge mistake. What he might have sold for a few hundred dollars was discovered to be the most valuable sapphire ever found. The blue rock that Rob had abandoned to the darkness of a closet for two decades -- now known as "The Star of David" sapphire -- weighs nearly a pound, and could easily sell for close to 3 million dollars!

Unfortunately, it often happens that the greatest discoveries in life are not given a chance to shine and show their true value...

1. Have you undervalued your talents, your knowledge of the gospel, or your relationship with God?

2. Have you allowed anything of potentially great value slip through your fingers without further investigation of its true worth?

3. Have you given up on something that you first recognized as beautiful, and allowed your greatest and most valuable possession to remain hidden, unseen, and unused?

Remember the words of the Lord Jesus Christ - "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5:14-16)

We have the true "Star of David." Everybody should hear Him. Everybody should see Him. Everybody should know Him.

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us." ~ 2 Corinthians 4:7

"We Have Forsaken All!"

2010-06-07T10:45:00.008-05:00

The rich young man had gone away sorrowful. The disciples had been watching and listening. Jesus had been asked by the young man what was necessary to obtain eternal life. When he was challenged by Christ to give up his riches he refused to make the sacrifice. It was at this point, that Peter decided to speak, "See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?" (Matt. 19:27).

How interesting that Peter would make such a statement. Peter assumed that he, along with the other 11 apostles had truly "left all." He was mistaken.

1. Peter had not yet forsaken his pride. After all, it seems that he felt justified and better in this moment than the rich young man. That Peter was asking what he was going to receive in exchange for his sacrifices illustrates the immaturity of his discipleship.

2. Peter had not yet forsaken his own ideas. As Jesus revealed more about God's ultimate plan, Peter argued about it. When Jesus told the apostles that He was going to suffer and die, the Bible says that, "Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!" (Matt. 16:22). Jesus told Peter in this instance that he was not mindful of the things of God, but of the things of men.

3. Peter had not yet forsaken his relationships. Why did Peter deny Christ three times? Peer pressure! Why did Peter have problems with hypocrisy and prejudice in the first days of the church? Because he could not stand to be unpopular! Jesus had stated that discipleship demanded loving God more than any other person, period (Matt. 10:37-38).

4. Peter had not yet forsaken his own will. After the resurrection, Jesus commanded Peter to feed His sheep. He then went on to tell Peter how many things he was going to have to suffer for Christ (John 21:28-29). Peter's response, was, "What about John?" Peter could not allow himself to accept God's will for his life. He was still involved in the art of misdirection.

Interesting, isn't, that Peter would make the statement to Jesus, "See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?" Peter was following Jesus, but he really hadn't sacrificed anything yet.

Is this a fair description of your discipleship? Or can you say you have forsaken all?

"For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin." ~ Hebrews 12:3-4

Vacation Bible School, 2010

2010-05-25T09:51:00.004-05:00

I don't know about you, but when I was growing up I could not wait for VBS week. As I recall we mostly did this in the mornings, but these days it seems that evenings are best and more people get involved this way.

I have great memories of VBS from the past. I remember asking every kid on my street to go with me, and my mom shipping everybody throughout the week so that I could win that brand new Bible for bringing the most friends. I remember learning new songs that taught me about God and His Son Jesus Christ. Not only was I learning about God's love, I was learning about His word and His plan in these songs. I remember crafts and refreshments. I remember puppet shows and prizes I got to take home. Most of all, I just remember how fun it was to be a young person who knew about God and who had some direction and guidance. VBS made me realize how much I mattered!

I want to give to you an illustration that I feel is very powerful that comes from my own house. The other day, when I had my sons in the car, we were talking about how school was almost over and how VBS was right around the corner. Daniel, who is five, immediately chimed in, "Rememeber last year when at the puppet show that puppet said, "I got my ba-a-a-at! I got my ba-a-a-t!? That was really funny!" Luke pointed out that was a skit they did on Thursday night. This conversation reminded me that our children are very perceptive and impressionable. They are listening to everything we say and do, and they are getting memories right now that will last them for the rest of their lives.

My three children love VBS. I want to tell you that as I write this there are tears in my eyes. This is my dream come true. That my children would want to be at church services and that they would be in a congregation that loves them the way this one does is more than I could ever hope for or want. So in advance, I want to thank my church family for the way you love all of our children.

It is my opinion, that our love for our children and for God's will in their lives is what makes our VBS the greatest VBS I have ever known. We are doing something great here, and I hope we realize just how important it is.

If you are looking for a way to make a difference - VBS at Pulaski St. is the answer.

June 6-10, every night at 7 p.m. SEE YOU THERE!

"But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.'" ~ Matthew 19:14

A Body of Evidence

2010-05-18T11:05:00.007-05:00

Australian mountain climber Duncan Chessell is beginning his final ascent today to the top of Mount Everest. This mountain in the Himalayas boasts the highest peak in the world (29,002 feet; 8,840 meters). It has been scaled by some 2,700 individuals over the years, and by the end of 2009 in these efforts 216 lives have been lost.

Chessell's mission, this being his third time to attempt to climb Everest, is to find evidence on the mountain that may prove that the summit was first reached in 1924. As of now, credit is given to New Zealand's Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, who are acknowledged as the first to conquer Everest in 1953.

In 1924, Briton George Mallory and fellow countryman Andrew Irvine perished somewhere near the summit of the great mountain. In 1999, Mallory's body was finally recovered, but the camera equipment has still not been found. Chessell is hoping to discover Irvine's body, and along with it photographic evidence that these two men did what was absolutely unthinkable in 1924. If everything goes with the plan, Chessell will reach the peak sometime this weekend.

This fascinating story brought to my mind the value of what each one of us may leave behind. One day, we too will have reached the summit of this life. Our lives will be only memories for those who will carry on. Will we leave something in ourselves worthy of another man's discovery? Will our contribution to this world be hidden in some distant land, unattainable for those who need the evidence of our journey? Or will we make sure that the scope of our life was much more than just a climb, but rather a victory of the highest degree?

The truth of God's word allows us to stand upon mountains. We have the banner of hope that we can drive into the highest peaks of our land and declare victory and possession in the name of our Savior and Lord. We have the greatness of the church, the kingdom of God in this world that we can bring to other people. We cannot let this evidence die with us - for the gospel is the greatest story ever told.

If you have gained such a victory - If you have scaled such a mountain - Than say so!

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7

"Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy" ~ Psalm 170:2

The Greatest Gifts of Graduation

2010-05-10T13:17:00.004-05:00

I recently came across an illustration that reminded me of what really matters for those who are graduating...

A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted. As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car.

Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautifully wrapped gift box. Curious, and somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the Box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embossed in gold. Angry, he raised his voice to his father and said, "With all your money you give me a Bible?" and stormed out of the house.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things.

When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. His father had carefully underlined a verse, Matthew 7:11, "And if ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father which is in Heaven, give to those who ask Him?"

As he read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible.
It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words PAID IN FULL.

When I read this illustration, it reminded me that our graduates need to remember one very important truth. Whatever gifts you receive at this hour from your parents, or any person in your life for that matter, none can be so important as the knowledge they have wanted to share with you about God.

If you have Christian parents, make sure to thank them for the greatest gift they have given you. Until you have given your life to that same Creator, no diploma will have qualified you for a successful life in this world.

"Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." ~ Ephesians 6:2-3

The Last Will and Testament of Jesus Christ

2010-05-03T13:07:00.006-05:00

While listening to a sermon this past week I began to think about the title of this article. I am sure I am not the first to think of it, and I will definitely not be the last. But I believe, if you will give me a minute of your time, it is worth your consideration.

Since God came in the flesh (John 1:14), it seems that His time here on earth would be most significant. And since He exited this realm after only about 33 years, it seems even more important that if He left something behind that mankind would be even more obliged to listen. This is, of course, where the value of the New Testament comes in.

When do men write their wills? They write them during their lifetime. In fact, they basically live their will until the time comes to draft the document that will continue their wishes long after they are gone. So Jesus Christ, the Son of God, wrote the initial remarks of His will during His lifetime. We can see this in the work of the four gospels. We can see how the preliminary teaches of Christ set the precedent for the complete will that would be read aloud afterward to the human family.

When are the terms of the will articulated to the beneficiaries? They are communicated after the benefactor's death. This explains the time and the content of the rest of the New Testament. It makes perfect sense, that the complete terms of Christ's will would only be disclosed after His death, burial and resurrection. Jesus left the Holy Spirit behind to continue to unveil the terms of His will until the reading of such will was completed. These terms are now documented in the pages of your New Testament.

What is different about Christ's will that separates it from all others? Most wills deliver physical blessings to those who are qualified and who will meet the terms and conditions that are found therein. The inheritance is only temporary, and eventually whatever one receives will either decay or be given to someone else. Christ's last will and testament delivers to each person an incorruptible inheritance, reserved in heaven, which will never fade away. There is not another will; past, present, or future, that can bless men eternally.

The New Testament is much more than an historical document. It is more than a guidebook for Christian living. It is more than an ethical foundation for a peaceful society. The New Testament is the last will and testament of the one and only Son of God. It makes sense, then, that we would make sure to be present when the terms and blessings of His will are being publicly disclosed.

There will be a public reading of the last will and testament of Jesus Christ this Sunday at 247 Pulaski St., Lawrenceburg, Tn, 38464. I hope to see you there!

"For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive." ~ Hebrews 9:16-17

"And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." ~ Heb. 10:10

Under-appreciated Faith

2010-04-27T09:22:00.013-05:00

As I looked back down West End Avenue, all I could see was a ocean of people. Over 32,000 had gathered to run the Country Music Marathon and Half-Marathon. All I can tell you is, "That is a bunch of human beings!"

The start was staggered, with 33 different corrals going off one at a time. This was done in order to give more space to the runners and to help the race go smoothly. Every participant was measured by a special race chip on their shoe to record the actual time it took them to complete the race.

Even with all of this organization, it was still quite chaotic. For many it was hard to move without bumping into other people. With that many people on the streets of Nashville, you can imagine there were some who got sick, some who needed medical attention, and some who simply could not finish what they started.

Looking behind me from the third corral, just before the race began, one thought came into my mind: The Israelites crossing the Red Sea. I began to think about what it took for the estimated two million people to travel together in unfavorable circumstances. We were only 32,000! We only had racing gear and bib numbers. These people had all their livestock and were moving their every possession.

Hebrews 11:29 reminds us about God's chosen people - "By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned." We only think about the mumbling, the doubt, the fear, and the backwardness of this nation during the exodus. Have we ever considered what kind of faith would have been required to walk two million people and all they had through the long miles of that miraculously walled-up sea?

Maybe some faith is under-appreciated. We champion the faith of great ministers of the gospel, but what of the men who preach in anonymity? We celebrate great accomplishments, but what of the simple daily tasks that summon the same courage? We call to mind great lessons taught to us by famous men, but what about the lessons we have learned from little, elderly women?

We need to give the common Christian more credit. It takes an uncommon measure of faith to enter the spiritual race, and more to finish. You have to believe that God will offer safe passage. You have to keep going when you want to turn back. You have to believe that the end is going to be better than the beginning, and that the entire process will be worth all the effort.

It is going to cost every person the same price to cross over - Faith! "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith" (1 John 5:4).

"But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle." ~ Exodus 13:18

"Welcome Home!"

2010-04-20T08:59:00.006-05:00

He was at the end of his rope. He was disillusioned. His plans that once seemed so perfect were now only broken dreams. His friends had left him. He had disrespected his roots. He was now alone in a strange place and was struggling to survive.

This story is a story once told by the Savior of men. Many people can identify with it in a spiritual sense. We want to make our own decisions, and to find our own way. Sometimes the search for ourselves has caused us to abandon who we were raised to become. Then, with some distractions and failures we find ourselves so far away from home that we wonder if we can ever get back. We wonder if our lives will ever be fulfilled and special. The answer comes to us in the same way it came to man in this parable.

Luke 15 tells us that the prodigal son came to himself. He realized an essential truth always present in his life. It was the nature of his father. Even if in his own mind he felt like he deserved not to be forgiven, he knew that his father would take him back. This is the confidence that took him from doubt to determination, from heartbreak to home. "I will rise and go to my father.'

The prophet Isaiah reminds us, "All we like sheep have gone astray..." Although each of us have left our Father in our own way, God has called us all back in the same fashion. He made the ultimate sacrifice. He reinstated us fully. He rejoiced at our return.

Do you ever ask yourself, "Can I really go home again?" If you do, you are not alone. But our guilt is not as great as our God. Our grief is not as gripping as His grace for us. God not only wants us to come home, He is waiting for us, longing for us, and looking for us.

So today, if you are thinking of making a return, we humbly say in the name of our Father and our Lord, Jesus Christ, "Welcome Home!"

"'It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.'" ~Luke 15:32

Significant Stones

2010-04-13T09:02:00.004-05:00

Some rocks are just nothing more than rocks. Others have great value. They may be valuable in their natural state - whether it be a ruby or a diamond or some other precious stone. They may be valuable because they were a gift...people receive rings set with stones for engagements, and anniversaries, or just as a symbol of a relationship. They may be valuable because of a special occurrence. I knew a man who once led his girlfriend out on a picnic to a rock on which he had engraved his marriage proposal.

About 3500 years ago, God and Israel were united by some of their own significant stones. The Israelites had just miraculously crossed the Jordan river on dry ground, even though it was the flood season. At God's command, as the priests who carried the ark of the covenant entered the mighty river, the waters stood still. By a mighty hand God had delivered his people from slavery and had brought them into the land that he had promised to Abraham.

Joshua was then commanded - "Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from every tribe, and command them, saying, 'Take for yourselves twelve stones from here, out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests' feet stood firm.'" (Joshua 4:2-3). He later explained - "that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?' Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever" (Joshua 4:6-7).

These stones were significant in their natural state. They were created by God to exist in the midst of an important river. It was the river which constituted the boundary of their freedom. It was the river of Naaman's cleansing through obedience. It was the river where the Son of God was later baptized.

These stones were significant because they represented a gift and a relationship. More than any diamond has ever told a bride that her husband loved her, twelve river stones declared - "Lord God of Israel, there is no God in heaven or on earth like You, who keep Your covenant and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts" (2 Chron. 6:14).

These stones were significant because of a special moment in time. As the years passed, these stones reminded every Israelite about the goodness and providence of God in their lives. Perhaps this is why just a little while later the prophet Samuel set up a stone during a great battle and said, "So far the Lord has helped us" (1 Sam. 7:12). He understood that God had delivered them, and would deliver them all the way.

As Joshua once did, we should leave behind symbols that remind us of our God. We need to do this for ourselves. We need to do this for our children. After all, God has left a most precious Stone behind for us.

"Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: 'Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation...'" ~ Isaiah 28:16

"And all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ." ~ 1 Cor. 10:4

Evangelism

2010-04-06T12:34:00.004-05:00

In the work, "Evangelism, A Biblical Approach," by Mike Corcoris, evangelism is defined as - "communicating the gospel of Jesus Christ with the immediate intent of converting the hearer to faith in Christ, and with the ultimate intent of instructing the convert in the Word of God so that he can become a mature believer." This is a good definition. Evangelism is more than just preaching. The end pursuit is to help people develop a deep and personal relationship with God

When one looks into the original word, evangelist means "bringer of glad tidings" or "bearer of good news." The fact is that evangelism is effective because of the message. It covers such a wide variety of blessings: salvation, hope, forgiveness, peace, joy, and ultimately eternal life with God in heaven.

Every Christian should understand that the work of evangelism must be a priority in their life. We have such a great story to tell. It is not a fable or a fantasy, but the real and historical fact of the death, burial and resurrection of the only Son of God. Who, being truly saved can keep from sharing the news? God has smiled on us. He has been so good to us.

If you are Christian, I want to make an appeal to you to tell others about what God has done for you. Jesus made this same plea to the man he healed amongst the tombs - "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you" (Mark 5:19). With the coming of spring as a reminder of the life that God has freely given to us, people are already thinking about God's blessings. What better time is there for us to invite them to worship or to study the Bible with us?

Let's count our blessings! What a great and wonderful God we have who has freely given to us all things! It should be on our minds to extend these same blessings to others. People need the Lord. We have the opportunity to give to others the most important message they will ever receive. Let's go!

"And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." ~ Mark 16:15-16

What God Believes

2010-03-30T09:19:00.010-05:00

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1). We have heard this definition of faith all of our lives. We understand that faith has substance, and evidence, and yet at the same time it is trusting in something without all of its physical attributes present.

How you ever thought about what God believes? You might think that this is not a Biblical idea. After all, if faith involves believing in something that you cannot see, and God sees everything, how could God believe in anything?

I submit to you that God does believe in many things, if indeed we are discussing His will. In fact, I am quite convinced that the whole human experience has something to do with us believing in that which God believes, or allowing His will to become our own.

We have abused faith. We have made it too much about us personally and not enough about God. So I am asking you for a minute to consider what God believes, and to ask yourself if you believe the same:

1. God believes in people – do you? Elijah had given up on people in 1 Kings 19, but God had to remind him about Elisha and 7,000 more.
2. God believes people can change – do you? The apostle Paul learned that John Mark could change for the better. The man who was once worthless in ministry in Paul's eyes later became useful to him (2 Tim. 4:11).
3. God believes in complete and total and continual forgiveness – do you? Peter had to be taught that there was no limit to true forgiveness (Matt. 18:21-22).
4. God believes in impartiality – do you? If we are partial we commit sin and convicted by the law as transgressors (James 2:9).
5. God believes in longsuffering and patience- do you? We account that the longsuffering of God is our salvation (2 Pet. 3:15). Because of the Lord's mercies we are not consumed; his compassions fail not, they are new every morning (Lam. 3:22-23).
6. God believes in loving people when they are unlovable – do you? Jesus died for us when we were at our weakest. Christ's death in the midst of our sin is the supreme demonstration of God's love (Rom. 5:6-8)
7. God believes in life after death – do you? Paul learned how to believe in heaven and embrace death (2 Tim. 4:7-8)
8. God believes anything is possible - do you? (Matt. 19:26; Phil. 4:13) The anser to the question in Gen. 18:14 - "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" is..."NO!"
9. God believes that the definition of love is making the ultimate sacrifice – do you? (John 3:16-17; Matt. 16:24-26). If we are going to be disciples of Christ, we have to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him. To save our life we must lose it. To gain everything we must give everything.

Do you believe in that which God believes?

"Jesus said to him, 'If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.' Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, 'Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!'" ~ Mark 9:23-34

WHAT YOUR CHILDREN WANT

2010-03-22T12:42:00.005-05:00

As I was recently studying for a lesson on parenting I came across an older book by J.J. Turner that included the following information:

In a study conducted nearly 50 years ago by British author and psychologist R.F. Hertz, 100,000 children between the ages of 8-14 in 24 different countries were asked to make a list of ten rules for their parents. This was the final list that was compiled.

1. Do not quarrel in front of your children.

2. Treat all of your children with equal affection.

3. Never lie to a child.

4. There must be a mutual tolerance between parents.

5. There should be a comradeship between parents and children.

6. Treat your children's friends as welcome visitors in the house.

7. Always answer children’s questions.

8. Don’t blame or punish your children in the presence of their guests.

9. Concentrate on your child’s good points; don’t emphasize his failings.

10. Be constant in your affection and in your mood.

It is an interesting concept to consider what our children are thinking about us. If we want to have a good relationship with them, and be a powerful influence in their lives, we will listen to what they are saying.

Parenting is more than handing down rules and being a disciplinarian. What most parents are missing out on is relationship building.

Our children want our time, our affection, fairness, the truth, and a good example. They want to be able to respect us for all the right reasons. They want to know us, share with us, and be proud to call us theirs.

It is a documented fact that children are always wanting to know whether or not they are pleasing to their parents. Maybe it is time for some parents to ask themselves whether or not their behavior is pleasing their children.

"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." ~ Ephesians 6:4

Answering Questions Concerning Fasting

2010-03-16T09:28:00.004-05:00

Did anybody really fast in the bible? How about Moses, David, Elijah, Esther, Daniel, Anna, Jesus, Paul, the apostles, various nations including the Israelites, and the New Testament church?

What about fasting in the Old Testament? There was actually a commanded day of nationwide fasting for the Jews. It was the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:29-31: 23:26-32; Num. 29:7). The purpose was to remind the Jews of the sins they had committed, and God’s grace in spite of their lawless deeds. The removal of food was for the afflicting of the soul. It was a purification process. It forced God’s people to realize that they depended on Him for everything, both physical and spiritual. If one were to fully examine fasting in the Old Testament, they would find several instances in which individuals or groups did so and various reasons why: wartime, illness, enemies, death, forgiveness, uncertainty, and remembrance.

What about fasting in the New Testament? Jesus was questioned about fasting, and he taught about how to do it properly (Matt. 6:16-18, 9:14-17). He fasted for forty days before his trial in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-2). He assumed his disciples would also fast (Matt. 9:14-15). The primitive church engaged in fasting regularly (Acts 13:1-3; 14:21-23). Paul mentions it as something he engaged in often (2 Cor. 11:23-27). Reasons for fasting in the New Testament include: performing miracles, obtaining peace of mind, help in marriage relationships, missionary journeys, overcoming temptation, requests for boldness in preaching, and many more.

Why should I fast? This question seems to paramount for most people. What is the purpose? Is it commanded? If I do not fast, is it a sin of omission? The true purpose of fasting in the spiritual sense is to humble oneself. The Psalmist said, “…I humbled myself with fasting, and my prayer would return to my own heart” (Psa. 35:13). When we take away the physical, we force ourselves to depend on the spiritual. We remember that God alone can give us what we need. Fasting gives birth in the Christian to a spirit of contrition and humility which God promises to bless (Isa. 57:15). It is not a question of whether or not one must fast, but rather and understanding that one should.

For how long should I fast? There is no exact time-frame for the execution of purposeful and meaningful fasting. There are biblical accounts of one day, three day, seven day and even forty day fasts. A similar question frequently considered: How often should I pray? It seems that the one who asks for a time-table is in essence working to quit. Fasting becomes effective in the same manner as does prayer. It must be done to be fully discerned. The best way to do anything effectively is to do it often. Ultimately, the frequency and length of fasting is up to the individual. But limiting fasting will not help one to understand it.

What is fasting, really? The present culture misunderstands fasting on many fronts. People rarely take the time to practice spiritually what the bible demands. When people discuss taking something away to begin a spiritual revival of self, what do they offer up? There were no reasons in the days of Christ to fast for health’s sake. People did not fast to cleanse out their digestive tract or to remove toxins. The entire concept of dieting was not present in their society. Fasting, then, was taking their sustenance away. It was not saying no to Krispy Kream donuts for a month. The biblical doctrine of fasting, as with all doctrine, becomes meaningful when it is done according to the divine scheme. One must study and observe it in its original state, practice and evaluate and try again.

Is it okay to pronounce a fast? Christ reminded his followers that fasting is not for show (Matt. 6:16-18). On the individual level, it should be between the person and God alone. But there are numerous examples in which both nations and kingdoms fasted, requesting divine involvement. Visionary leaders will realize the continued need for the church to fast today and ask for God’s providential and intervening activity. We pray for such. Fasting adds to our prayer fervent dedication toward our goal. It raises the stakes. It demands that we prove our desire for that which we are praying. It helps us take an active part in God’s solution.

Whose responsibility is it, to fast? Fasting cannot be a ritual. It cannot be forced or demanded. It is not something done to be seen of men. It takes no effect without repentance as an attachment. It remains as a spiritual opportunity. While it is not an ordinance commanded by the church, it can be of great spiritual benefit to those who are willing to make the sacrifice. The spiritual giants of the past fasted. The Son of God fasted. The early church fasted. The word of God is quick and powerful, and the Holy Spirit continues to sound forth his living message from ages before our own. Are we listening?

Difference Makers

2010-03-08T21:43:00.004-06:00

In the heart of every person, in the very essence of their being, is the need to matter. Some people want to be loved. Some people want others to know they are loved. Some people just want to do things that will ensure they will not be forgotten. In some way or in some fashion, we all want to make a difference.

You can make a difference in words. Words of encouragement in their proper time change lives. When a young man gets up for the first time to serve in worship, the right recognition of what he has done will make him want to do it again. Most preachers will tell you that the reason why they are preaching has much to do with people who voiced a belief in their ability to minister.

You can mae a difference in actions. One of the greatest things that was ever done for me was actually done for my father. When he first lost his ability to see well, two of our neighbor's boys showed up at our house, and without even knocking, they mowed our yard. I will never forget that act of kindness. It reminded me that we had friends, and that my father was not going to go through his adjustment alone.

You can make a difference in example. People are often mistaken in thinking that you have to be well known, or somehow very prominent for your example to matter. But I can tell you that people who have had the greatest influence in my life by way of example are people who the majority of the world will never know. The person who is always kind...The person who nevers misses worship...The person who does what they say they are going to do...The person who has never and will never say something negative about somebody else...The person who is unselfish.

When I think of the passing of Jim Bill McInteer this week, I am reminded that he was a difference maker. He changed the world and helped to shape the church for the better. He did it with the right words, with the right actions, and with the right example. "...Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel?" (2 Sam. 3:38).

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men." ~ Matthew 5:13

Proofreading

2010-03-01T13:57:00.009-06:00

As I was driving Sunday evening down the main highway that runs through our little town, I read a billboard for a local business that made me laugh. It said, "SMART CARDS, BUY ONE GET OEN FREE." That was not my typo. That is exactly what the sign said. It was a glaring mistake. So far, to my knowledge, the sign has not yet been changed. It made me wonder if anyone has seen that sign yet and decided to purchase a "smart card."

We are human. We make many mistakes. As a preacher, I sometimes misquote a Scripture. Sometimes I use poor grammar. Sometimes I just call out the wrong text. When I write articles, the good people who work here in our office help to make them better through proofreading and adjusting. I proofread everything I write several times, and still some of the worst mistakes get through.

Being a Christian does not imply perfection. Christianity as a whole is just the opposite in some senses. Claiming Christ is a declaration of dependence. It is a recognition of one's own individual guilt. It is a plea for help, and mercy, and grace!

A large part of what it takes to be a Christian is the humility to let other people proofread your life. Elders, friends, parents, spouses, and others who truly care about you will take the time to look over the book you are writing and help you make some corrections. I used to hate when my mother would look at my schoolwork and tell me I did something wrong. Part of my problem was that I was too lazy to do anything twice. Another part was that I was too proud to accept my imperfections, or that I could try harder or do better.

As time has passed I have learned that being under authority is not a hindrance, but rather a safeguard for my soul. Our God is the chief proofreader of our lives. He is here to make what we think, what we say, and what we do, more excellent. He is helping us to write a better story.

"...I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people." ~ Jeremiah 31:33

Apathy

2010-02-23T09:15:00.006-06:00

Apathy (def) - "a state of indifference, or the suppression of emotions such as concern, excitement, motivation and passion."

Not caring is not normal. God created man, and in doing so he gave him a moral conscience (Acts 17:26-27). The apostle Paul even discussed the moral code sometimes obeyed by people who are ignorant of the law of God (Rom. 2:14-15). So it is expected that certain things matter to us: How we conduct ourselves, how we see others treated, right and wrong, causes worth making sacrifices for, et cetera.

This is why apathy is unhealthy, and in many cases, just plain sinful. In doing a study on apathy, one will find that it exists more often in people with mental illnesses. It is commonly associated with depression, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, schizophrenia, Schizoid Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and other diseases. This should tell us, that when a person does not care about the things that everyone should care about, something is wrong upstairs. Now it is one thing to have a disease that you cannot control which causes you to be apathetic, and it is another thing to choose not to care. Perhaps we could describe the latter condition without the letter "a", "pathetic."

With regard to the Christian life, there are some things for which every child of God should care. One should care about faithfulness to God, the unity and direction of the church, humanity's ideas and treatment of the Godhead, the Bible, their personal relationship with God and man, sin and its consequences, those who are less fortunate for any reason, and one should care when they see another person being mistreated.

The list could be longer, but the point is that it is important to remember what matters and what things should affect us.

Plato once said that, "The penalty that good men pay for not being interested in politics is to be governed by men worse than themselves." If this has some truth in it, what about the spiritual state of Christians who stop caring...who is governing them?

Are you bothered with being bothered, or do you still have the type of conscience with which God would be pleased? God wants a people who have a heart for Him, who care about what He cares about. Be very careful and guard you heart! Satan isn't just looking for people who are set on evil, he is looking for people who are too lazy to care!

“So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man." ~ Acts 24:16

WET PAINT!

2010-02-16T00:49:00.003-06:00

You saw the sign. It said, "WET PAINT!" So, naturally, you had to take a closer look. "Yeah," you thought, "It does look like it is still wet." But, you wondered if it had dried completely. Perhaps it would not rub off at all. You could not contain yourself. You just had to touch it and find out! Just you had suspected...you have paint on you now! As my five year old likes to say, "Well, duh!"

Human beings are hard to figure out sometimes. If we see someone staring up into the sky, we look up, too. When we stand waiting for an elevator, it is never enough that someone has already pushed the "up" button. We have to push it, too. We just can't leave well enough alone.

Why are we this way? No matter how independent we may be, there are times when we are going to be followers. If this were not true, we could never hope for heaven. Our salvation rests on the very principle of discipleship. Since we are followers, worshipers, and disciples...signs matter! Friendships matter! Commandments matter! Choices matter!

In one of Christ's discussions with the apostles, referring to the religious error of the Pharisees, he said, "Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch" (Matt. 15:14). Jesus was relating the simple principle that reminds us don't have to learn the hard way.

It is our stubborn pride that often leaves us walking away painted. We were unwilling to listen. We were unwilling to yield. We were unwilling to consider the inevitable direction of the path we were walking down. When our lives seem to be filled with more questions than answers, rather than do our own thing, the better solution would be to trust in God. Our way is the wrong way. God's will has been given to us so that we will not fall so far and hurt so much.

So consider the purpose of the sign, and make the application. "WET PAINT!" means "WET PAINT!"

"And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts." ~ 2 Peter 1:19

What is Written

2010-02-08T18:31:00.002-06:00

There are some things in life that are often taken for granted. A sunset. A meal. Our health. It is not that we don't appreciate them, it is just that we are so used to them being there for us. Yet, at any time, if any of these underated blessings were instantly removed from us, there is a good possibility that would be devastated.

Among these great blessings, often forgotten, is God's written word. Again, it is not that we do not love the Bible. It is not that we never read the Bible. It is not that we don't know that it is what saves us and what will judge us in the end. It is simply that we do not contemplate often enough the power and the influence of the Holy Spirit's written word.

In the realm of religion the Bible is used, but by the majority this use is abuse. The Bible is used for speculation. The Bible is used to justify human activity. The Bible is used to support causes. The Bible is used as a spare tire, only when people are in trouble. The Bible is used like an epiphany, a genie, and a myth.

What I am finding, day by day, is that the simple and unchanging word of God has become my strength. The commands have built my fortress. The accounts of its history have become my heritage. The love of God, communicated within its pages has become my heartbeat. The story of Jesus has become my theme.

There is nothing more important in life, than to take some time to read what God has written. There will be many things I will regret doing in my lifetime. But one thing I know for certain, I will never regret even one second I have spent in God's Holy Word.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." ~ Romans 1:16-17

Just Where Do You Think You’re Going?

2010-02-02T08:10:00.002-06:00

When Paul wrote to Galatia he immediately addressed a problem many still have today: walking away. He said in Galatians 1:6, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to another gospel.” During this time, Judaizers had come into the church at Galatia to persuade the members to trade in their new-found Christian liberty for the old bondage of the law. It seems as though they were having success, appealing to those who were still babes in Christ to turn back to the familiar comforts of the law.
In essence, Paul asked the Galatians, “Just where do you think you’re going? Why are you going back to an imperfect way?” Paul reminded them that salvation was founded through the grace of God in Christ Jesus. God had constructed a plan through his love and grace to redeem mankind, because the law was insufficient, temporary, and only a tool to bring Israel and the rest of the world to the time of the saving Messiah (3:24,25). Justification came through faith and obedience to the plan God worked through Christ. The new and living way was to be the only way!
Sometimes don’t we act just like the Galatians? Isn’t it true that although called by the gospel we often end up obeying laws of imperfection that once left us condemned? How often do we commit sins that we’ve committed once before? How often are we persuaded to live according to worldly concepts that we should have once and for all abandoned for Him?
How sad God must be when one who has obeyed the truth falls back into sin and fails to reestablish a relationship with Him. Such are like the thorny soil (Matt. 13:22), who let cares and deceitfulness choke out the message of salvation. Also as the rocky soil (Matt. 13:20,21), some may receive the word with joy, but endure only for a while. When tribulation and persecution arise they leave the faith, because the word had not taken root in their hearts.
Why do we seek for help in the wrong places (Matt. 6:33)? What do we think we’ll solve if we leave the Lord? During Christ’s ministry some of His disciples went away and walked with Him no more (John 6:66). Jesus then asked the twelve if they wanted to leave as well. Peter said correctly, “To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (v. 68).
If we are going to live eternally with our God we have to grow ever nearer to Him. The only way is in Jesus (John 14:6). God has left us the means to stay in that way (John 14:4). If you choose another path, just where do you think you’re going?

The Abyss

2010-01-26T09:41:00.008-06:00

In Proverbs 15:11 we read, "Hell and Destruction are before the Lord; So how much more the hearts of the sons of men." The writer is making a point about what God is able to see in us, but a closer word study reveals something even more amazing.

The word for "Hell" in the Hebrew language in this text is "Sheol." This was the grave, or the abode of the dead. Solomon is first pointing out that God's vision of us reaches even into the realm beyond the grave.

The word for "Destruction" here in the Hebrew language is "Abaddon." This is considered to be the darkest and most far reaching places of death. It is known as the place of destruction or, "the abyss." The root from which this word is derived literally means "to perish." Parallel passages include Job 26:6; 28:22; and in the book of Revelation this abyss is presented as a "bottomless pit."

In Revelation 9, the word is "abyssos." This is where we get the transliterated form, "abyss." The Greek word abyssos is a combination of the letter alpha, and the word "bythos," which means "the depths of the sea." This all adds up to present the abyss as one lexicon describes, "a very deep gulf or chasm in the lowest parts of the earth used as the common receptacle of the dead and especially as the abode of demons."

During Christ's ministry, he encountered Legion, a conglomeration of demons which from multiple gospel accounts had entered and possessed at least two human souls. When Legion recognized the Son of God, "...they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss" (Luke 8:31). In Jesus' mercy he cast them instead into a herd of swine, which immediately ran off violently from a steep cliff and drowned in the sea.

Later Romans 10:6-7 say "But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, 'Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?' " (that is, to bring Christ down from above) or, " 'Who will descend into the abyss?' (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead)." This poses a very intriguing thought. Jesus, our Savior, was willing to go where demons begged not to! He went there for us, to remove sin and death forever. Jesus descended into the deepest realm of death, so that he could completely free us from our human bondage!

What a wonderful Savior we have!

"I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death." ~ Revelation 1:18