Posted by David on July 9, 2000 under Bulletin Articles
Have you ever been astounded? Have you been so shocked that you were speechless? Has something happened so unanticipated, so unimaginable that your mind spun in silence as you tried to grasp the happening?
If God changed us as a congregation in any way He wished, every one of us would be astounded and shocked speechless. As God announced His desired changes, the unexpected and unimaginable would fill His announcement. Christians would whisper among themselves. “God does not even like that! I know God!” “God condemned that! I know God!” “That deeply offends God! I know God.” As God announced His desires, we would shake our heads in shocked silence.
Every member [man or woman] and every age group [young, middle aged, or elderly] would be astounded. No one would say, “I told you!” The more certain we are about God’s preferences, the more astounding we would find His desires.
Our priorities tend to stress organization, structure, money, buildings, aesthetics, personal preferences, local concerns, area priorities, or regional issues. We tend to measure faithfulness by acceptance of our conclusions and convictions. Our logical conclusions and necessary inferences receive the status of clear Bible principles.
God’s priority is people–people who need compassion, mercy, grace, forgiveness, saving, atonement, redemption, justification, sanctification, and such like. Jesus was impressed by a wealthy tax collector, a Roman military officer, a prostitute, a divorcee, and a dying thief who trusted him. He was not impressed by experts in the technicalities of the law, rich rulers who kept the law, financial successes who built bigger barns, or people who tried to commit without counting the costs.
God wanted basic changes in congregations at Rome, at Corinth, in Galatia, at Ephesus, at Philippi, at Colossae, at Thessalonica, and in Asia Minor. God’s priorities: (1) total trust in Christ; (2) personal behavior consistent with godliness; and (3) respectful, loving treatment of people. Be assured that He wants changes in us. Be certain that His priorities have not changed.
Remember Jesus’ parable of the judgment in Matthew 25:31-46? Those who heard, “Come … inherit the kingdom,” were astounded. So were those who heard, “Depart from me, accursed ones …” The Lord’s priority? Respect for and treatment of the least of people. Astounding! Shocking! Unimaginable!
Adult Studies for the Summer Quarter
Ignorance cannot and does not lead to God’s mind and heart. Apathy quickly becomes ignorance. An hour of worship cannot prepare us to walk with God for a week.
Our adult studies build faith in Jesus, open lives to God’s Spirit, build relationship with God, and encourage behavior based on God’s moral teachings. All adult class teachers received this message: this quarter’s lessons require class members to study.
To assist students, each lesson is posted on our Web site with access to the teacher’s guide. Suggestions for the busy:
- read the lesson Monday;
- read the texts Tuesday;
- think Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday;
- review the lesson Saturday;
- participate in class Sunday; and
- record your impressions in lesson 13 on Sunday after class.
Learn, and allow God to help you with life.
Posted by David on July 2, 2000 under Bulletin Articles
Among the ungodly heart and mind conditions Hosea condemned in Israel was this one: Israel failed to include God in their decisions (Hosea 8:4). Brad, Ted, and I asked the elders to designate 24 hours as a time of special prayer for the congregation. God must be the foundation and the heart of our decision as we select additional elders. We request that members be at the building for a continuous 24 hours of prayer from 6 a.m. Friday, July 7, to 6 a.m. Saturday, July 8.
Room 100 (off the foyer) is designated for mixed groups (men and women) with men as audible prayer leaders. Room 106 (off the foyer) is designated for groups of women who wish to pray together. A sign-up sheet will break this 24-hour period into 30 minute segments. We ask for people to sign the sheet for specific 30 minute segments. This only means that you agree to be at the building at that time and will be in one of the rooms as coordinator. Anyone may come at any time and stay as long as they wish. You do NOT have to sign this list to attend. It is a “come and go” situation.
The prayer time may be used as those present wish: silent prayer, one group leader, multiple group leaders, chain prayers, or a mix of approaches to God in prayer.
Focus this prayer period on the congregation, its spiritual needs, and its spiritual growth and development. Some focus thoughts:
- Praise God for the blessings He has given the congregation.
- Thank God for the privileges enjoyed in being His people.
- Seek God’s guidance as we select additional elders.
Ask God to:
- Guide our hearts in our actions.
- Shape our motives in our choices.
- Work in the hearts of godly men to make this sacrifice.
- Help us do everything with great sensitivity.
- Encourage and uphold the wives of the men who agree to be considered.
- Help us avoid creating pain and grief for these brothers and sisters.
- Use this occasion to move the congregation to a higher level of love and caring.
- Help the choices made advance His purposes in the congregation.
- Help this congregation be what He wants and do what He wants.
- Help us be a people who genuinely reflect the love and compassion of Jesus.
Posted by David on June 18, 2000 under Bulletin Articles
“Faith” is one of our “religious words.” Christians have a “religious vocabulary.” We took common words with ordinary meanings and made them religious words with special meanings. Consider an example. When do we have faith in our husbands or wives? in our children? in our parents? in our God? Is our concept of faith in God different from our concept of faith in a person?
The best word in current English language to accurately reflect the concept of faith is trust. When do we trust our husbands or wives? our children? our parents? That which expresses trust in key human relationships expresses trust in God.
How do we measure trust in human relationships? What do we mean when we say, “I trust you!” How can someone determine our trust exists and measure it? In that same manner, trust exists and is measured in relationship with God. God determines if it exists and to what extent it exists in the same way we determine a person trusts us.
If a person tries to reduce trust to words and good intentions, we are not impressed. Forgetfulness and empty words attack trust. Deceit and exploitation destroy trust.
We expect of God what we cannot expect of people. When we reduce trust to words or good intentions, we expect God to be impressed. When we are forgetful, deceitful, use empty words, use acts that exploit, or even say to God, “I do not trust You in this matter,” we still expect God to “understand” that we believe in Him.
How does God measure our trust? In the same way we measure another person’s trust. The truest measure of trust is not demonstrated when we are secure within ourselves. The truest measure of trust is demonstrated through our insecurities. Trusting when we know that we can “make everything okay” cannot measure our confidence in God. Trusting when we are vulnerable and afraid powerfully measures our confidence in God.
Trust is inseparably linked to the feeling of security. We prefer to trust when security is not in question. However, when our security is not in question, little or no trust is required or expressed. Great trust expresses itself in the face of great insecurity. Trust in that which is trustworthy creates peace in the face of insecurity.
We cannot demonstrate great faith in God “when we have it covered.” We demonstrate great faith in God when we trust Him while everything declares we are insecure. When God is our source of security as we confront our vulnerability, we trust God.
Posted by David on June 11, 2000 under Bulletin Articles
Exaggeration can be impossible. Consider a simple illustration: the choice of a college or university for your child. “The importance of that decision is obvious! It determines your child’s career preparation.” As important as career preparation is, the importance of that decision goes far beyond occupation and income.
Commonly, that decision determines who becomes your child’s spouse. That marriage determines the quality of your child’s life for over fifty years. It determines the quality of his or her adult spiritual life. It determines who your grandchildren are. It is the primary decision that affects what happens in your family the next generation. That decision determines far more than job opportunities and earning potential.
In the immediate future our elders will initiate a process for selecting additional elders. This process will differ from our last process. The decision will be yours. The elders want you to participate. They want your interest and your active involvement.
The importance of this decision cannot be exaggerated. Men who serve as elders serve for several years. More than anyone else, elders’ ideas, concerns, and interests determine the direction and involvement of a congregation.
The single greatest physical asset a congregation can have is an eldership filled with godly men who combine spiritual minds with loving, kind hearts. The greatest single physical obstacle a congregation can have is an eldership filled with men who are obsessed with control and addicted to power. The Bible acknowledges God looks at hearts. As we select men to be shepherds, God must show us how to look at hearts.
As our elders begin this process, let nothing distract your prayers, thinking, and actions from God’s purposes. We want men who will help us come closer to God. We want men who will help us be spiritual people. We want men who will focus us on God’s purposes. We want men who will encourage us to allow God to rule this congregation through the lordship of Jesus Christ. We want men who will help us be a compassionate, forgiving congregation that draws its life from God’s mercy and grace.
Pray. Be informed. Focus on God’s purposes. Be an example of love and kindness.
Posted by David on June 4, 2000 under Bulletin Articles
The spirit, attitude, and closeness within this congregation are encouraging. We want to grow and mature as we increase our effectiveness in meeting needs. Special needs always will create unique challenges. Our goal is to be special instruments in God’s hands. We seek mature love for God and each other, not impersonal procedures.
We are growing in our ability to love and care. This is a time of complex transition in our society. We are beginning to understand something God knows. People are extremely different. But God wants to save all of them. And Jesus wants to forgive all of them. And God wants all of them in His kingdom as a part of His family.
We are establishing new avenues to advance and strengthen closeness in this spiritual family. One important avenue is our monthly meal fellowship.
In each four Sunday month: the meal fellowship will occur the fourth Sunday evening. That evening our assembly will focus on singing, praying, and reading the Bible. Following that assembly, we will meet to eat and visit in the Family Life Center.
Last Sunday evening’s worship and fellowship meal were wonderful! Some of the small groups chose to come to the Family Life Center following their group meeting to attend the meal fellowship. The association was great! This informal setting provides new members and visitors an excellent opportunity to establish relationships. All of us have opportunity to strengthen our relationships. We encourage everyone to make it your goal to meet and spend time with people you have not met or do not yet know.
In each five Sunday month: the meal fellowship will occur the fifth Sunday evening. That night we will share a “Celebration Evening.” It will begin with a meal that we share before worship. That evening, worship will be devoted to praise. Everyone, including all the groups, will meet at the building for the meal and worship. Immediately after a praise assembly, we will have our “family meeting.” The “family meeting” will continue to have the same two basic objectives. The first is to allow the congregation to provide the elders input. The second is to allow the elders to provide information to the congregation. Questions and viewpoints, as always, are welcomed.
The objectives of “Celebration Evening” are simple: to praise God, to build closeness, and to stay informed. When a member of West-Ark attends a “Celebration Evening,” he or she will know, “I was part of something important in the life of this congregation!”
Posted by David on May 28, 2000 under Bulletin Articles
Peace is wonderful! The world wants it. Nations want it. Societies want it. Congregations want it. Families want it. Individuals want it. Only those enslaved to anger do not want it. (The truth: even anger’s weariness produces the denied yearning for peace!)
Ask a troubled world, nations at war, or societies struggling with hate, “Do you want peace?” Ask troubled families or torn individuals, “Do you want peace?” Ask, and all give the same answer: “YES!!!”
If peace is so wonderful, why does it not exist? If everyone wants it, why do we not have it? We do not have it! Finding a person or a family genuinely at peace is rare. We never expect to find a congregation, a society, a nation, or the world at peace.
Why? We fear peace! We do not trust people. “They could trust me, but I could never trust them.” We fear because we distrust. We have little confidence in faith. “They could believe in me, but I could never believe in them.” We fear because we disbelieve.
We consider evil’s power to be greater than good’s power. “I would embrace good, but they would pursue evil.” We fear because we consider good inferior to evil. We refuse to replace injustice with compassion. “I would bury my anger, hate, and contempt, but they would not.” We fear because we consider justice strong and compassion weak.
We do not want to change. “I would have to address my anger, hate, and contempt.” We fear our role in the problem. We cherish the convenience of “life as it is.” “I cannot change! I am who I am!” We fear any alteration of self.
Jesus’ coming made it possible for people “with whom God is pleased” to have peace (Luke 2:14). He gives peace by giving “soul rest” to those who bring him their burdens (Matthew 11:28-30). He gives rest by reconciling us to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-21).
The key to peace in “me” is accepting God’s reconciliation. The key to peace in families is peace in the persons. The key to congregational peace is peace in families. The key to peace in society is peace in people ruled by God. The key to peace in the nation is peace in society. The key to peace in the world is internal peace in the nations.
“You mean that world peace begins with me?” In reality, yes. But too many “me’s” fear peace. They will not face their burdens. They will not learn how to change self. They will not trust God. They will not commit to good’s power. So, troubled families, congregations, societies, and nations continue.
It is simple: “I cannot produce peace if I am not at peace.” It is terrifying: “I am not at peace because I fear.” Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). Mature love of God creates peace because it destroys fear.
Posted by David on May 21, 2000 under Bulletin Articles
How often have you said, “If I can do anything to help, let me know”? I seriously doubt two things. I seriously doubt any adult knows how many times he or she has said that. Is there even one of us who has never made that statement? All of us say that to a friend when he or she is in unusual need, circumstances, pain, or loss.
Would you say that to this congregation? Would you say to the elders, “If I can do anything to help, let me know”? Many have. Many do. Many would.
If they asked, “Can you give $1,000,000 to help the congregation address this situation?” many of us could not. If they asked, “Can you be a missionary in Southeast Asia?” many of us could not. If they asked, “Can you take full responsibility in coordinating Sunday morning’s children’s worship?” many of us could not. If they asked, “Can you assume full responsibility in a public teaching role?” many of us could not.
When we make that offer sincerely, we willingly will do anything within our ability. When asked to do something not within our ability, we sincerely regret that we cannot help. We want to help, but we literally are not able to respond to the request.
If you were able to do something significant that blessed the health and life of the congregation, would you do it? If the congregation or elders asked for something (1) easily within your ability, (2) of no personal cost to you, but (3) of immense value to this congregation, would you do it?
Two things are within everyone’s ability, of no personal cost, and of immense value to the health and life of this congregation.
You, or you and your family, can have your picture made for the directory. A new member or new convert wants and needs nothing more than a pictorial directory. We all need and want it. The more complete it is, the more useful it is. It cannot be complete without your picture in it.
We can all pray for God to guide us, our process, and our elders as we seek additional shepherds for the congregation. We can all pray for God’s Spirit to work freely in our hearts. We can all pray for God to guide us to the leaders that He wants.
“If there is anything I can do to help the congregation, let me know.” Have your picture made for the directory. Pray fervently for God’s guidance as we seek shepherds.
Posted by David on May 14, 2000 under Bulletin Articles
Saturday morning, May 6, the elders and staff met with about thirty deacons and ministry leaders. After enjoying breakfast together, the group spent about two-and-a-half hours discussing the strengths and needs of this congregation.
Approximately half that time was spent in group meetings. Four small groups each met with an elder and a staff member to discuss three questions. “What are West-Ark’s four greatest strengths?” “What are West-Ark’s four greatest weaknesses?” “What four things can West-Ark do to stimulate spiritual and numerical growth?” The ideas and discussion came primarily from those who were not elders or on staff.
Each question was discussed independently. Each member in the group wrote each of his four answers on a “sticky” note. All answers were placed on a large sheet of paper. The group then collectively considered all the answers and formed a consensus on four suggestions. Many answers fell in common areas of thought.
Approximately half the time was spent in a general meeting of all the groups. A spokesman from each group presented his group’s consensus answers to the questions. (Amazingly, each group’s conclusions were quite similar.) Then collectively the whole gathering discussed the greatest strength, the greatest weakness, and the number one thing that needed to be done (with emphasis on the doing).
We closed the gathering by each man getting on his knees and praying as Cliff Casey led our prayer. It was an incredible, meaningful, encouraging morning of thinking, discussion, and prayer. The spirit was phenomenal. The love for God was powerful. The sense of mutual devotion to Christ and his kingdom was visible.
The group consensus was that the congregation needed to find more shepherds to help the four elders we have. This was not the mere suggestion that more men be added to the eldership. It was the desire for men to shepherd. It was the desire to see that more of the “business matters” be given to responsible deacons to free elders to spiritually shepherd the congregation. The group wants the congregation to pray that God will guide us in finding such men and freeing them to shepherd.
A companion consensus was the need for every Christian to pray more and to increase his or her faith. We need to be a people who depend on God in prayer and faith.
Please pray for God to guide us as we seek more shepherds. Please pray for God to guide us as we seek to free these men to be shepherds. Please pray for God to help us grow to a new level of faith as individuals and as a congregation.
Posted by David on May 7, 2000 under Bulletin Articles
Would you like to begin a fascinating discussion? Ask this question: “What is life’s purpose?” Ask it in a nonreligious setting and situation. Ask it when you are unlikely to receive Bible class responses. Ask it to a group of Christians who are open and talkative. Then listen to the responses and the discussion that follows.
“Life’s purpose is to be successful.” “Life’s purpose is to create a secure future for yourself and your children.” “Life’s purpose is to survive.” “Life’s purpose is to improve your lifestyle.” “Life’s purpose is to acquire.” “Life’s purpose is to achieve significance.” “Life’s purpose is to build enduring relationships.” “Life’s purpose is to love and be loved.” “Life’s purpose is to be responsible.” “Life’s purpose is to live in joy.”
Aside from Bible class discussions, does God have a basic bearing on life’s purpose?
Do I believe that it is impossible to understand life’s purpose without growing in my understanding of God? Do I believe that the better I understand God, the better I understand my life? Do I believe that closeness to God increases the meaning of and the fulfillment in my life? Is it my relationship with God that makes it obvious that I believe these things?
Do I believe that physical existence is merely a stepping stone to eternal existence? Do I believe that physical joy and gratification are only a dim shadow of eternal joy and gratification? Do I believe that my death will only be a door that permits me to enter the better life that exists only in God’s presence? Is it my relationship with Christ that makes it obvious that I believe these things?
Do I believe that I grasp the significance of life only by understanding my insignificance? Do I believe that the holy, pure God patiently accepts me as His child because of His grace, not my accomplishments? Do I believe that God holds the man or woman who humbly serves the least significant people in His highest esteem? Does my relationship with God’s Spirit make it obvious that I believe these things?
Do I believe that the church is no more and no less than the men and women who are spiritually alive because of the atonement of Jesus Christ? Do I believe that the men and women who are in Christ exist to be Christ’s fullness on earth? Do I believe that a basic purpose of my life is to help build up Christ’s body by preparing Christians to serve? Do I believe that I become useful to God’s purposes through serving others? Does my relationship with God’s people make it obvious that I believe these things?
Is what I believe limited to what I say, or are my beliefs obvious because of the ways that I use life for God in my service to others?
Posted by David on April 30, 2000 under Bulletin Articles
The summer of 1996 the elder who called me was Sam Roberts. After visiting on the telephone, he asked me to send a resume for the elders to consider. From that time, Sam was my “contact.” He worked with me as Joyce and I made arrangements for our visits to West-Ark. He was personally and directly involved in our decision and arrangements to move to Fort Smith.
Sam was a pleasant discovery when I began to work with you. He was the first full-time elder I had known who had an office at the church building. When Joyce and I moved to Fort Smith, Sam’s health was good. He was able to do the things he enjoyed doing, and he was in his office, as a volunteer, for at least part of the day Monday through Friday.
Sam cared for many matters and details that typically fall in a preacher’s lap. So many situations that come to the church office by telephone or personal visit need immediate attention and consideration. It was wonderful to have Sam care for details and make necessary decisions. He had the ability to say yes and no in the spirit of Christ.
In Sam the congregation enjoyed a special blessing. He spent most of his career as a personnel manager for major companies. He developed his “people” skills to help people and to resolve misunderstandings. He used those skills to bless this congregation. In my years with Sam, he used a good attitude, a warm smile and spirit, and a listening ear to encourage and help many. Even when he disagreed, he was pleasant.
Sam’s health was good but not excellent when I came to be part of you. Several months ago health problems increasingly caused him a lot of discomfort. Those problems continued, and he was able to serve less and less in the ways he so enjoyed. In recent months, health problems prevented him from being active. He and Lucy also anticipate a move to Tennessee in the near future.
Sunday Sam resigned from serving West-Ark as an elder.
Sam, I miss our frequent visits and discussions. I miss your smile, your pleasant disposition, and your sense of humor. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for all the personal help you gave me. On behalf of the congregation, thank you for the many ways you served God’s purposes among us.
May God continue with, bless, and guide you and Lucy. May your lives be renewed with joy as you find strength in your faith. May your move to Tennessee bring you many blessings. May your memories of West-Ark warm your hearts and bring you smiles.
