Posted by David on November 23, 2003 under Bulletin Articles
In a country in West Africa, Joyce and I were second generation missionaries. [Please understand I fully realize that mission efforts in different cultures and societies are unique — we must be cautious when we are tempted to form universal mission principles from single culture experiences.] We really wanted to do mission work!
I was on campaign to that area about a year prior to our move. Four missionary families had all details arranged for the thirteen campaigners to visit for three weeks. Villages received us enthusiastically! Excited crowds listened and discussed for hours! Many were baptized! Evening meetings with missionary families were enthusiastic events! Four families and thirteen visitors are a big crowd in any home!
Before we moved, I envisioned lots of evangelistic activity. About thirty congregations existed when we arrived. Shortly there were fifty. In less than two years, there were eighty. At “leave time,” there were one hundred ten known congregations. They sprang up spontaneously through neighbor, family, and friendship evangelism.
Never were there more than six missionary families (and that rarely!). Some did not have one convert who read or understood worship. Few Bibles, no printed lessons, and no study aids existed. Virtually every congregation was composed of spiritual infants. Immediately the overwhelming need was stabilization of infant converts and congregations. How do a maximum of six missionary men with no preacher training school stabilize fifty-plus congregations? Baptisms were easy, but nurturing spiritual infants was demanding! To allow Christians and congregations to die is failure, not success. If the mortality rate almost equals the birth rate, little is accomplished!
Spiritual maturity is a journey, not a destination! From believing in Jesus to a determination to repent is a journey. From both to the desire to enter a covenant relationship with God through baptism is a journey. Faith, repentance, and baptism merely produce a spiritual infant. At that point the journey truly begins!
The path to spiritual maturity is marked by “Jesus-guided” changes in behavior. Victory is not achieved by sitting down on baptism’s banks, but by walking the path of godly living 24/7. A Christian man or woman never stops walking that path!
Did you view your baptism as a destination, or beginning a journey? Did you sit down on baptism’s banks, or did you start walking the path of godly living? Is your spiritual goal maturity in Christ, or do you plan always to be a spiritual infant?
Baptizing is simple! Nurturing is demanding! Sitting is easy! Following a rock-filled path is hard! Do not sit down! Help others! Convert, but encourage believers to live godly lives!
Posted by David on November 9, 2003 under Bulletin Articles
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”
How do you react to Paul being “disqualified”? Unthinkable? Not to Paul! Paul understood the distinction between “knowing” and “being.” Unfortunately, it is not difficult to encounter Christians who do not understand that distinction.
“Knowing” enables us to do many things. We can judge–declare others lacking, inferior, deficient, pathetic, ungodly, unrighteous, or outcasts. We can teach–“here is how you need to change!” We can criticize–“you need to know, to realize, to focus, to redirect!” If we are not extremely careful, we allow what we “know” to serve as the foundation of an “authoritarian complex.” That complex frequently declares decisions God did not declare or establishes criteria that God did not present.
Paul frequently challenged Christians to evaluate their lives and their motives. However, Paul also did two other things. (1) He made it quite clear that he genuinely loved those he challenged. (2) He was very open about his own weaknesses and struggles. Paul “knew” in order that he might “be.”
He did not say, “You need to run with God’s goal clearly in mind.” He said, “I need to run with God’s goal clearly in mind.” He did not say, “You need to stop fighting the air and calling it boxing.” He said, “I must not flail at the air and call it boxing.” He did not say, “You must discipline your body!” He said, “I must discipline my body.”
Why that emphasis? He understood he could present a needed message to others and experience no personal benefit. Paul “knew” in order to “be.” Regardless of what he knew, if he did not use “what he knew” to “be,” his knowledge did not profit him.
Never forget you do not “know” to teach, but to “be.” The foundation of what we teach must arise from what we are instead of what we know. When we belong to God, we never “arrive.” Instead, we always mature and grow toward God’s nature and character.
Philippians 3:12 “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.”
Why did Jesus Christ “lay hold on you”? Are you pressing on?
Posted by David on November 2, 2003 under Bulletin Articles
1 Peter 3:14-16 “But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.”
In the past we were able to live in the isolation of “nothing bad will happen to me (us)” mindset. “Bad things” happened to others, but not “me” (“us”). “I” am protected! Being a Christian, or an American, or a Southerner, or a “law abiding citizen,” or an asset to the community protects “me.” “Our security is provided by ‘who we are’!”
When we felt a sense of security in the past’s “isolation,” our worlds were pretty simple. Every family in our neighborhood knew each other. Life was confined to work [always local], home, church, and community. Some even remember when little was locked, sharing was common, and most everyone knew the name of every family in the community. You were not afraid to invite a stranger in your home, pick up a hitchhiker [or be one!], and trust [without questioning] that someone was “down on his luck.”
Times have changed! Drugs and alcohol invade all our extended families. Laughable “pranks” were exchanged for deadly incidents of rage, hate, and greed. Businesses open in late night or early morning hours increasingly are robbery targets. Robbery easily escalates to murder. Jobs unexpectedly end. Careers are quickly redirected. A loved one has a life-threatening illness, or loses a job, or faces difficult times, or has his/her “personal world cave in.”
Seemingly the world gets smaller daily. American deaths in Iraq are on our morning news programs. Details of a suicide bomber’s moment of horror in the Mid-East are on at 5:30 p.m. Europe’s natural disasters are our headlines. Our loss of jobs is related to the economies of third world countries. Much of what we consume comes from places we have not visited — and never intend to!
Our hope is not some imaginary shield built by isolation. It is not based on the false confidence that “bad things” never happen to us. It is not obvious to our circumstances. It is produced by a risen Savior who teaches us that “now” is temporary but “after death” is permanent. We endure “bad things” when they happen to us with the assurance of hope and the patience most are unaccustomed to seeing.
From Christianity’s beginning, those who caused suffering were amazed. After the suffering, they asked, “How did you do that?” The Christian patiently, gently, respectfully explained Jesus Christ gave, nurtured, and sustained his/her hope.
Be ready to explain! Without doubt, we will have many opportunities!
Posted by David on October 26, 2003 under Bulletin Articles
A few days ago I was part of a group conversation. The topic: recent discouraging contacts with retail/service outlets. The focus: frustrations occurring because of unhelpful, unresponsive service personnel. Numerous incidents were used to illustrate frustrations. Why were people frustrated? The reasons included (1) no help was offered; or (2) service personnel showed no interest; or (3) a customer with a specific request was ignored; or (4) there was no awareness of the customer’s time restraints.
Certainly, I realize it is a “two way” problem. Expectations may be unreasonable. One may bring his/her frustrations with him/her. Patience may be in short supply. A legitimate business problem may exist that prohibits the anticipated response. The service personnel may have no “people skills” and interact poorly with people.
I have no interest in debating the problem. I hope we have interest in learning from the problem. When caring people show real concern and appreciation for others, it makes a lasting impression. That impression creates future opportunities.
A congregation is in “the people business.” We are not in that “business” to sell, or to exploit, or to manipulate, or to “fake” concern. We are in that “business” to bring people closer to a caring God. People are touched by God’s caring when they are touched by our caring. When people worship with us, the last thing we should want is to be anonymous. The next to the last thing we should want is for a visitor to leave feeling anonymous.
Chris Benjamin arrives November 3rd, and his family moves later that month. The elders want him to focus on getting acquainted with you. Help him and Karen! Wear your name tag EVERY time you come.
You do not have a name tag? Tell us! We will make you one. You lost your name tag? Tell us! We will make you one. You have not placed membership? We would love to have you! We will wear name tags for you if you will wear one to help us!
We need two things. (1) Names for making tags. (2) Members who wear name tags. This Sunday we will have people stationed at each exit to receive names of those needing tags. If you do not have a name tag, give one of those persons your name. We gladly will make the tag! Please wear it!
Do it for Chris and Karen! Do for each other! Do it to reflect our God who cares!
Posted by David on October 19, 2003 under Bulletin Articles
This past weekend Joyce and I were part of the homecoming in a former congregation in Oxford, MS. It was an enjoyable, encouraging, uplifting experience. That congregation fashions its homecoming around its campus ministry. They plan their homecoming to coincide with homecoming at the University of Mississippi. The result is the return of some former students. We not only saw many friends who continue living in Oxford, but we also unexpectedly saw some friends who attended the university.
Every homecoming is filled with memories of the past. All such occasions are filled with memories, reminders, and lessons. For thirty-six hours, I had a heavy dose of all three.
Some were light-hearted and humorous. Several told me that humorous “lie”: “You haven’t aged a bit!” Because I look in the mirror daily as I shave, I know better! I suspect the problem is more one of “eyesight” than of a “fountain of youth”!
Some existed in the silence of my heart. Mark Parker (of Harding Graduate School of Religion) coordinated an auditorium Bible class devotional. Along with the songs and readings, he requested sharing centered in realizations of past blessings received through that congregation. As some shared, I quietly thought of those now dead but who profoundly touched and blessed me and my family. Though dead, they still speak to me.
There were many lessons! They included reminders of lives blessed by God through His use of you; reminders of your own humanity and weakness; reminders that God can use you but does not depend on you; reminders of the incredible ways your life was blessed; and reminders that one’s influence continues to live in one’s absence.
The past is the past. One cannot live in it–either in its successes or failures–without wasting the present. No matter how appreciative one is of the past’s good and blessings, it is never (ever!) a substitute for the present. Allow the past to bless the present, but never allow it to place a curse on the present. Be grateful, remember blessings, and be encouraged, but keep moving forward. Always be certain to do this: let your memories from the past clear a pathway to humility, not to arrogance.
Philippians 3:13,14 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Pray for Chris and Karen Benjamin and sons. Chris hopes to arrive November 3.
Posted by David on October 12, 2003 under Bulletin Articles
Acts 10:38 You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
Peter made this statement to Cornelius in awkward, difficult, uncomfortable circumstances. He did something unique. “And he said to them, ‘You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a man who is a Jew to associate with a foreigner or to visit him; and yet God has shown me that I should not call any man unholy or unclean'” (Acts 10:28). God did a lot to convince Peter this was the right thing to do. Peter’s past said this was not what God wanted because Cornelius was the wrong kind of people.
The crucified Jesus changed everything! Peter needed to understand the change! No longer was an “Israelite” determined by birth, but by faith in God’s work in Jesus’ resurrection. As Paul explained to non-Jewish Christians in Galatia, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise” (Galatians 3:26-29).
It took a lot for God to convince Peter to see His concern for all people. Even after a vision [seen three times] (Acts 10:9-16), vocal instructions from the Spirit (Acts 10:17-20), and an encouraging report about Cornelius (Acts 10:22), Peter did not know why he went to Cornelius’s home. He did not understand why Cornelius wanted him to come (Acts 10:28, 29). He had no idea about what to say in that situation!
Then he understood! “Opening his mouth, Peter said: ‘I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him'” (Acts 10:34,35).
Please note: (1) Peter told Cornelius about Jesus. (2) He confirmed Jesus’ identity. (3) He wanted Cornelius to understand that “Jesus went about doing good,” that he provided healing to those oppressed by the devil, and that God was with him.
Do people ever need to hear this message: (1) Jesus used His life and abilities to do good. (2) He has the power to heal those oppressed by the devil. (3) God was (and is!) with Him in what he did and does.
Who needs to hear this message? Those who conclude there is only evil in the world. Those who think there is no hope. Those oppressed by the devil. Why? They need to know Jesus can be their source of goodness and hope. They need to understand that God Himself is behind the good Jesus does and the hope Jesus gives.
If you belong to Jesus, use your life to do good. End your oppression to the devil. Depend on God who sent us Jesus. Share the freedom and the hope.
Posted by David on October 5, 2003 under Bulletin Articles
1 Corinthians 15:12-19 “Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.”
What are the benefits of trusting the living God Who: (1) sent His son to earth; (2) allowed His son to stress His priorities and purposes during the son’s ministry; (3) sacrificed His son through execution; and (4) raised His son from death?
Are they seen in an ideal physical life? Christ’s cross says, “No!” The apostles’ deaths say, “No!” Christian martyrs say, “No!” Poverty stricken Christians say, “No!”
Are they seen in material advantages? Jesus’ teachings said, “No!” (See Matthew 6:19-34.) Paul said, “No!” (See Ephesians 4:28.) James said, “No!” (See James 5:1-6.)
Are they seen in incredible housing, unimaginable vehicles, secure retirements, or lavish inheritances? Everything above says, “No!”
Are they seen in a wonderful spiritual insurance policy that protects physical life? Death from natural causes, devastating disease, horrible accidents, random acts of murder, the enterprise of war, the terrorists’ merciless acts, and the ravages of poverty all say, “No!” Christians die, are diseased, experience accidents, physically suffer when war occurs around them, are victims of violence, and can lose material security.
Then what possibly are the benefits of faith in the living God? Consider some biblical understandings. We understand: (1) evil perverted all God’s intentions in physical existence; (2) the physical realm is so tainted by evil that God can never achieve His complete purposes in physical existence; (3) God will achieve His purposes and we will have our fulfillment when we live with Him; (4) physical death is not an end to life, but a transition to life as God intended it. Therefore, we confidently use this life for God in the expectation of experiencing life with God.
Why? We trust God’s resurrection of Jesus. If there was no resurrection, there is no reason to be a Christian, no benefits of faith in God. If that is the case, Paul said we are pitiful people who were deceived by lies.
The peace, joy, hope, and strength Christians have now are built on the foundation of Jesus’ resurrection. His resurrection is the foundation of our resurrection.
Posted by David on September 28, 2003 under Bulletin Articles
The first thing you must know is this: Chris and Karen were content where they were. The elders recruited Chris. Chris and Karen responded to their approach. The Benjamins hope to move to Fort Smith as a part of this congregation and its staff in late October. They are working diligently toward that objective as they prepare their house in Lake Jackson, TX, to be placed on the market this week. When they arrive in Fort Smith, they plan to rent for a while.
Chris and Karen met in Razorbacks for Christ at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, as sophomores. Chris attended UA all four years. Karen spent a freshman year at Harding University and three years at UA. As a freshman, Chris participated in a mission trip to Scotland as an outreach in Razorbacks for Christ.
Though Chris graduated as an outstanding student with a degree in art, he and Karen [then married] moved to Abilene after graduation. Chris spent the next four years in the ACU graduate program acquiring a Master of Divinity degree. With that degree, he, Karen, and Wyatt moved to Russellville, AR. There he worked for three years with the West Side congregation as a campus minister at Arkansas Tech University. In late 1997 they moved to Lake Jackson, TX, where Chris has worked the past 6 years as their pulpit minister. He is close to finishing his Doctor of Ministry degree at ACU. [Classwork is finished.] In addition to his class and congregational work, Chris has served in a leadership capacity on several boards and has spoken at several lectureships.
Chris and Karen’s roots are in Arkansas. Chris was introduced to the church through Center Street’s bus ministry in Fayetteville. Home is Winslow, AR, where his parents live and his father is an elder. Karen’s parents live in Hot Springs, AR, where she spent some of her pre-teen years and all of her teen years.
Karen is quite involved also. Besides encouraging Chris in his work and studies, she is active as a leader in women’s and children’s ministries [including church pre-school and women’s prayer ministries]. She is primarily a homemaker for Chris, Wyatt, and Ethan.
A significant comment was made by one of his elders to one of our elders. He declared that the congregation at Lake Jackson regarded themselves to be part of the universal church. If God’s purposes are better served by using Chris and Karen’s talents here, God’s will be done. While that congregation deeply regrets their leaving, they obviously continue to love and appreciate Chris and Karen.
The transition for the Benjamins will not be small! Keep them in your prayers and give them your encouragement. It is our blessing to have them. May we all live and work together to bless God. Help them move from love to love!
Posted by David on September 14, 2003 under Bulletin Articles
Few things are wanted more by individuals than an inner sense of personal peace. Since so many value and want this sense of personal peace, we might decide that it is commonly experienced. With that reasoning, we might conclude that many want it because they see it in others and “want what they see.” Not so!
Few have the peace for which so many search. It is sought in many, many ways: over-involvement, escapes, pleasures, achievements, addictions, isolation, money, resignation, etc. The search for inner peace is common because the vast majority sense this uncommon inner peace can be found and should be experienced. In their search, most people could finish this statement: “I would have genuine peace of mind and heart IF…”
The IF usually focuses on changing a personal situation or condition believed to be the culprit that destroys inner peace. In this conviction, reasoning often proceeds in this manner. “I would have peace IF I were married” (but many of those who are married do not have peace); “IF I were single” (but many who are single do not have peace); “IF I had children” (but many who have children do not have peace); “IF I had no children” (but many who have no children do not have peace); “IF I had money” (but many who have money have no peace); “IF I had less money” (but many who are poor have no peace); “IF I had health” (but many who have health do not have peace); “IF I lived in America” (but many who live in America have no peace); etc.
All of us frequently are reminded that an inner peace of mind and heart are not dependent on things or external conditions. Two realities frequently remind us of this. (1) Many who have the things or are in the external situation we claim is the “key” to peace live with an enormous emptiness. (2) Some who do not have things or “desirable” external situations do find inner peace. Obviously, the “key” to peace is not a matter of having. One may have much and still possess an empty life, and one may not have much but find peace.
This is not irrelevant! A primary objective of God: provide those alive in His son with an inner peace. One way Christians reflect God’s light in a dark world is through reflecting God’s peace in their lives. Why should anyone become Jesus’ disciple if he or she will experience greater guilt, increased anxiety, and a larger inner emptiness? What attracts people to Jesus Christ more than the assurance of genuine peace of mind and heart?
Consider two statements Jesus made to his twelve disciples less than a day before his death. After reading these statements, reflect on your personal concept of inner peace.
(John 14:27) Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
(John 16:33) These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.
Posted by David on August 31, 2003 under Bulletin Articles
I specifically remember times as a teen when I would watch the setting sun and hope to return the world to God. That was quite a dream for an insignificant country boy on small mountain top farm. Though I dreamed, I had no clue as to how big the world is, how complex cultures are, or how many people have no interest in God.
Perhaps that was a significant motivation when Joyce agreed that we should move our young family to West Africa. The naive country boy learned enormous lessons in West Africa, lessons he fervently prayed God would never let him forget.
I learned how big the world is. I learned how powerfully people are defined by their cultures. I learned how complex we all are. I learned the meaning of faith in Christ. I was introduced to the relationship between patience and faith. I was made aware of the deep, incredible link between having faith in God and having the desire to repent. I learned that we can use religious motivations and agendas for many different objectives. I learned how much of America’s culture and social values are incorporated in the American Christians’ concepts of God’s will and faithfulness.
I was greatly humbled by another understanding. God’s intent was never to Americanize the world. God’s intent was (is) to offer the world salvation in Jesus Christ.
No human can change the world. That power resides only in God, and He offers that change through Christ. Only in Christ resides the power for change.
Each generation accepts or rejects God’s offer. Each parent learns that truth! Frequently we are reminded not even our own children may accept Christian values and concepts!
In each age our power is to model the value and privilege of God’s molding. We knowledgeably share our faith in Christ. We prayerfully hope our children, friends, and world see in us the value and privilege of serving God. We earnestly, genuinely hope our children, friends, and world will see the reality of eternity. Yet, we grieve realizing many refuse to see the reality of eternity. These prefer “now” to “then.”
If in Jesus’ world many were not impressed with him, why should all in this world be impressed with him? Pessimism? No! Acceptance! Those rejecting repentance never recognize God. The greatest tragedy: many who could see God, respond to Jesus, and repent, either (a) never hear or (b) are blinded by Christians with good intentions but little faith.
Hebrews 11:13,14 All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own.
