Posted by David on April 4, 1999 under Bulletin Articles
The story is ancient. Only the episode is new. People have hated and killed people since Cain hated and killed Abel.
We are mystified when one people hate another people for hundreds of years. Most of the world’s enduring hatreds are centuries old. One wonders if anyone consumed by these hatreds knows why he or she hates. Most enduring hatreds are older than our nation, culture, and society. Not even our hatreds are that old.
Hate exists in America just as it does anywhere else. However, the hates that Americans commonly hold and express are quite young when compared to the centuries old hates that other cultures hold to. We “understand” the “relevance” of our “young hatreds” because “there is reason to hate.” We don’t understand centuries old hatreds–to us they exist without reason.
Horrible images from Kosovo flow through our televisions. Mass executions. Villages bombarded and burned. Women, children, and the elderly fleeing. People who lost everything. No refuge. No hope.
“How dare anyone slaughter people! How dare anyone treat women, children, and the elderly in such inexcusable ways! How dare anyone be so barbaric and unjust!”
Saturday a Christian brother from Belgrade, Yugoslavia, shared his experience beneath the NATO bombs. As you would expect, he spoke of suffering, destruction, and death. But he spoke of more. He spoke of eight Christians praying Friday night for fog and rain so the bombing would temporarily stop. He spoke of trying to stabilize the inner walls of their place of worship with tent pegs. The next day was Sunday. He spoke of Christians afraid to assemble because they might not be able to return home. Transportation is terrible. Bridges could be bombed next. And the mere vibrations from bombs would cause the building to collapse. Should he encourage Christians to come? He would pray Saturday night and call them early Sunday morning.
He began, “Hope is in God.” He ended, “Our only hope is in Christ…” He looked to the Lord of all, our Shepherd, King of kings, and Lord of lords. Senseless slaughter might terrorize people into heartless submission. Bombs might blast people into grudging submission. But as both continue, the fibers of centuries old hatreds grow stronger. The injustices might stop, but hatred will live and grow.
Political change cannot destroy hate. Neither can bombs. Only one change can destroy hate: changed hearts. The Christ changes hearts. A hundred years from now, will your love or your hate live on in the hearts of others?
Posted by David on March 28, 1999 under Bulletin Articles
God succeeded! His intention became reality! His “plan of action” became an accomplished fact! God made us in His own image. God knew what He would do if we used our free will to rebel (1 Peter 1:20, 21; Ephesians 1:4). And God did it!
When evil entered human life, God set His plan in motion. He was determined to succeed! Nothing would stop Him! Reconciliation to God would become fact!
Satan’s best efforts could not stop God! Mankind’s worst wickedness could not stop God! Nothing could make God quit! Not the absolute wickedness of Noah’s day! Not the problems in Abraham’s family! Not the family problems of Abraham’s extended family! Not Israel’s faithlessness in the wilderness! Not Israel’s horrible wickedness in the time of the judges! Not Israel’s unthinkable idolatry in the time of the kings! Not the Assyrian captivity of northern Israel! Not the Babylonian captivity of southern Israel! Not the crucifixion of Jesus! Nothing stopped God!
God succeeded! He did what He intended to do! Nothing stopped God from making Jesus the Christ! Because Jesus is the Christ, God’s every intent became reality!
Peter announced God’s success. “Let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ–this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36). In making Jesus the Christ, God did three things. (1) He kept His promise to Abraham [Genesis 12:3]. (2) He kept His promise to restore the nation of Israel [Ezekiel 39:25-29]. (3) He produced the means to recreate every person in Christ [Colossians 3:8-11].
On March 14, I shared the lesson, “Who Are You?” I suggested that many of the problems and trials that we experience in life and in the church exist because we have not understood the meaning of Jesus being the Christ.
The Elders asked me to focus on differences produced by understanding the meaning of Jesus being the Christ. Last Sunday’s focus: Understanding of the Meaning of Jesus Being the Christ determines the way we understand the world, life, self, and death. (1) It teaches us that life is about God, not about “me.” (2) It teaches us to let God define “who I am.” (3) It creates in us a godly conscience.
The next two lessons: “God’s Good News” (March 28th) and “God’s Called-Out People” (April 4th).
Posted by David on March 21, 1999 under Bulletin Articles
In past decades Christians enjoyed a favorable status. Any “church” endeavor in a community received special consideration. Commonly, preferential treatment was extended, “red tape” was “cut,” opportunities were created, and help was offered.
The community considered spiritual values to be an asset. Our moral values and ethical principles were “good.” Christians were a community asset to be encouraged.
To an extent (depending on the geographical area) that is still true. However, it is a shrinking reality. In our society, growing numbers do not regard Christian influence to be a community asset. Christian moral values and ethical principles are increasingly regarded to be contrary to the “best interests” of society.
Certainly, the existing situation is complex. Oversimplifying it is not to the spiritual benefit of Christians or to the best interests of society. Many (who are unquestionably devout in their convictions) send distressful messages to society. The first Christians never used destructiveness or lawlessness to defend or preserve Christian values.
Christians are in conflict with our unspiritual society. This is not just a war for minds and thinking. It is a war that assaults Christian values and emotions. It assaults our feelings as well as our lifestyle. It challenges our standards and attacks our principles. It seeks to turn our priorities upside down.
For generations we existed with society’s blessing. This opposition confuses us. We are “the good guys.” Why assault “the good guys”? This opposition also angers us.
We want to reclaim what we think is “ours.” We do not want to be controlled by those who oppose us. Yet, controlling those who reject our faith and life seems desirable.
Christianity began in a hostile society. It became a world movement in a hostile world. In both it not only survived, it flourished. We are not Christians because it is convenient. Spiritual success does not depend on ideal conditions in favorable circumstances. We are Christians because in our trust of God we belong to the Christ. The war will not be won by controlling an unbelieving society. It will be won by allowing the Christ to be our Lord.
“I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).
Posted by David on March 14, 1999 under Bulletin Articles
In the 1960s our society altered the concepts of sexual morality. The 1970s made living together while unmarried an acceptable lifestyle. The 1980s altered the basic concepts of integrity and character. The “political correctness” of the 1990s has erased the “archaic, meaningless” distinctions between “good” and “bad,” “right” and “wrong,” and “moral” and “immoral.”
Many people who grew up with these altered concepts accept them as verified truths. Accountability has nothing to do with personal behavior. Personal choices should not produce consequences. “Fun” determines “right” and “good.” Only irresponsible prejudice declares anything to be “wrong” or “evil.” If the individual is valued, there can be no judgmental responses. Society is unimportant; the individual is all important.
The Monica view: catastrophic consequences do not result from the irresponsible conduct of “poor,” “unwise,” or “wrong” behavior. Catastrophic consequences are the result of getting caught. If a person is not caught, no problem exists. The “wrong” is not in the behavior; the “wrong” is in getting caught. The “real” problem is not about the person, or his/her choices, or his/her behavior. The “real” problem is about things “personal and private” becoming public. “It is so unjust and unfair! No one else should know! How can people be so mean to those who just had fun?”
Many who do and do not live by religious principles are astounded to hear such views freely embraced about personal decisions and actions that resulted in monumental national consequences. Why are those who are and are not religious astounded? We are seeing and hearing the end product of forty years of altered concepts.
Do we hear and see nothing else? How often are Christian teens and adults deeply concerned about the consequences of getting caught, but unconcerned about the consequences of what “my life” has become? How often are Christians embarrassed by “public knowledge” of happenings, but not concerned about “my life”? How often is the concern focused on justifying the occurrence instead of redirecting the life?
If we think that the tragedy of altered concepts is society’s problem, we are deceived. Once, because of evil deeds, people loved darkness instead of the light. Those who practiced evil did not want the light to expose their deeds. Those who loved truth came to the light to expose their deeds (John 3:19-21). We need to be Christ’s light of hope instead of blending into the darkness of despair.
Posted by David on March 7, 1999 under Bulletin Articles
Each letter Paul wrote to congregations addressed serious expressions of evil. No congregation (ever!) has escaped serious expressions of evil within. Evil is the basic reality of the human state and existence. Each group of Christians stand before God by grace. No congregation stands before God in sinless godliness.
Though Paul addressed their problems, he let them know that they were a powerful force of encouragement to him. “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all…” (Romans 1:8). “I thank my God always concerning you…” (1 Corinthians 1:4). “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you” (Philippians 1:3). “We give thanks to God always for all of you…” (1 Thessalonians 1:2). Often Paul gave personal reasons for congregations uplifting his spirits.
Virtually every week this congregation moves my joy and amazement to a new level. They are at a level I never expected to experience. Because this congregation is composed of “superior” Christians? No. Because no member has problems? No. Because this congregation has active ministries devoted to doing good? We certainly have that, and that gives me great joy. But that is not the reason for my amazement and joy.
Sunday evening in our congregational family meeting I easily could have cried tears of gratitude. “Why? We were discussing uninteresting ‘nuts and bolts’ matters no one enjoys considering. Finding leaks, fixing water damage, painting, and hauling dirt are not typical topics of spiritual inspiration.”
It was not the subjects. It was not the suggestions. It was not the plans of action. “Then whatever was it?” It was the heart. It was the attitude. It was the spirit. It was the fact that we are a community of people who are increasingly devoted to the heart and mind of Christ. I knew that there were differing views and opinions. But it was so obvious that it was never “me” versus “you” or “us” versus “them.” I could sense the mutual trust. That powerfully encourages me! How blessed I am to be a part of a community of believers who nurture trust in each other as they deepen trust in God!
As long as we physically live, evil will be a huge part of our reality. We are sustained and will endure through God’s goodness. Sinless perfection will never be an option. Yet, with Jesus’ heart, godly attitudes, a Christ-like spirit, and devotion to nurturing love and trust, we ceaselessly encourage each other as we all struggle against evil.
Posted by David on February 28, 1999 under Bulletin Articles
An officer in the Roman Army met Jesus when he arrived in Capernaum (Matthew 8:5-13). The officer had a paralyzed servant in great pain. He asked Jesus to heal his servant. Jesus agreed to come heal him. The officer said “no” to Jesus coming. “I am unworthy of having you enter my house. All you need to do is command that my servant be healed, and it will happen. I know what it means to have authority. When I command one of my soldiers to do something, he does it.”
This officer was astounding. He was not a Jew. He did not have the advantages of a life spent in the synagogue. It is unlikely that he knew about God’s interaction with Israel through the centuries. But he recognized power and authority when he saw them. He saw Jesus’ miracles for what they were. He accepted them for what they were. Many Pharisees, Sadducees, and Jewish scribes never saw what he saw.
This officer cared about his servant. He cared that he was paralyzed. He cared that he suffered. How much did he care? He was an officer in an occupation force that was hated for what it did and what it represented. He dared make a request of a Jewish man. He did not command, order, or threaten Jesus. He asked Jesus. He risked ridicule, rejection, and contempt because he cared about his servant.
This officer was truly a humble man. Roman military officers were not known for humility. The officer not only recognized power and authority when he saw them, but he also recognized position when he saw it. I do not know what identity he ascribed to Jesus, but I know what he thought of Jesus. Though the officer commanded one hundred fighting men, he knew that Jesus was infinitely superior to him. How superior? He felt unworthy for Jesus to enter his house–true humility, not false modesty!
This officer was a man of incredible faith. His servant’s health did not depend on Jesus’ presence. Nor on Jesus’ proximity. Nor on having Jesus speak to or touch the servant. It depended on nothing more than Jesus’ command. If Jesus said the servant was healed, when the officer returned home the servant would be well.
Jesus had not found that much faith in a single Israelite. Not even Peter, Andrew, James, and John who had the trust to leave everything to follow Jesus had this faith.
I wish that Jesus could look at us and say, “Wow! How they trust me! I have not found that much faith among Christians in the USA!” Why would I wish that? So we would be superior? No. I wish we were that caring, that humble, and that trusting.
Posted by David on February 21, 1999 under Bulletin Articles
How long can we survive on one third glass of liquid a day? What if our eating and drinking together provide our bodies never more than four ounces of liquid a day? Anyone would dehydrate and, in time, die. The physical body cannot function for long on so little liquid.
How long can we live on one small meal a week? Two? Three? Even four? Such starvation quickly becomes the gate to anorexia. Anorexia is the path to death. The physical body cannot function indefinitely on so little food.
We recognize physical dehydration and anorexia when we see them. Without being told, we know the seriousness of both. Can you identify spiritual dehydration in yourself or your family? Can you recognize spiritual anorexia when it occurs in your life or your family?
Paul told the Christians at Corinth, “I spoke to you like babies in Christ, not as spiritual adults. I fed you milk. You could not digest anything you needed to chew. Unfortunately, you still cannot” (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). They had multiple, devastating, spiritual problems. Paul knew how to help them. But they knew so little that Paul could not teach them what they desperately needed to understand.
The author of Hebrews addressed Christians considering renouncing Jesus Christ. Their current problem? They repeatedly laid their spiritual foundation over and over again. They never matured (Hebrews 6:1-8).
Jesus promised that people who hungered and thirsted for righteousness would be satisfied (Matthew 5:6). He promised that he would be the bread of life who could eliminate spiritual hunger (John 6:35). He told a woman that he could give her living water that would eternally destroy thirst (John 4:7-14).
We can listen to exceptional sermons twice a week and be anorexic. We can even add a couple of classes and still starve. We can spiritually dehydrate by exclusively fixing our focus on the church and not depending on the Savior.
Because regularly “listening to good preaching” is bad? No. Because attending Bible classes is bad? No. Because thinking about the church is bad? No. Because all of that is not enough to prevent you or your family from spiritually starving or dehydrating.
Will your appetite allow Jesus to fill you with righteousness? Will your thirst allow Jesus to fill you with living water?
Posted by David on February 14, 1999 under Bulletin Articles
Our concepts and realities rarely are the same. Commonly, when we discuss concepts, we discuss “abstract thoughts.” When we discuss reality, we discuss “facts.”
The concept and reality regarding “good marriage” are quite different. The focus of the concept is ideal husband and wife behavior, behavior that rarely exists. The focus of reality is on “keeping it together” to avoid divorce, the “real” concern of the majority.
The concept and reality of a “good job” are quite different. The concept focuses on a job with excellent pay, reasonable responsibilities, wonderful benefits, generous time off, and no life controlling demands. The focus of reality is on earning enough to support our lifestyle regardless of hours worked or responsibilities assumed.
Nowhere is the gulf between concept and reality as wide as in our view of eternity. Physical life is real. Right now is real. Physical circumstances are real. Physical needs are real. Caring for our physical future is real. Discussing the physical (life, now, needs, or the future) is discussing the “factual.”
The eternal is conceptual. Death is not “real.” Life after death is not “real.” Death will become reality in the distant future–if that ever comes.
In an instant, death occurs, our life “turns upside down,” and our awareness of reality totally changes. Instantly death is permanent and physical life is temporary. Death is real and “now” is meaningless. Death is definite and physical needs are insignificant. Death terminates physical futures forever. The person is gone; only the body remains– temporarily.
Years ago a good friend and I lost a mutual friend to death. The friend who died had been a part of our lives for many years. To us, the world had changed. The next morning my friend drove slowly through town. He called me and said, “Nothing changed. Today is like every other day.” He profoundly realized his own insignificance. We all think, “The world can’t continue without me,” but it does.
Everything “real” while I am physical is not eternal. Eternity begins the moment I cease to be physical. Satan deceives us about the “important” in life. Death is brutally honest about the eternal.
Posted by David on February 7, 1999 under Bulletin Articles
Countless encouraging things are happening at West-Ark! Members speak of the encouraging spirit and attitude in the congregation. Visitors and newcomers talk about the friendliness. A recent visitor attending a Church of Christ for the first time said, “This is the first time I remember attending a church and feeling better when I left.”
Sunday morning Bible study attendance is increasing. More young families are placing membership. The Discovery Dinners coupled with sponsoring families is producing the results of love and personal interest. Our first annual teachers’ appreciation banquet was excellent. Jackie Chestnut shared valuable, encouraging insights. The bonds for the Family Life Center are sold. Construction has begun in earnest. CURE delivered a large truck load of cleaning supplies to the Beebe congregation to help in tornado relief/recovery.
Be prepared for the lion to roar! It is time! Satan has one primary goal. Everything he does targets the destruction of Christ’s earthly objectives. God threw him out of heaven and confined his activities to earth. He lost the heavenly war, and he is furious!
Satan despises God. The depth of his hatred is seen in the crucifixion and all the events surrounding it. On earth, he opposes God in every possible way. He challenges Christ in every conceivable situation and context.
Because he despises God, he despises any person who loves God. Only people who love God and trust Jesus Christ are an earthly threat to Satan. Satan must threaten, intimidate, abuse, and resist these people with every resource at his disposal. AND HE WILL! He who is responsible for Jesus’ crucifixion will not smile harmlessly at those who live for Jesus.
The “tests” will come. The trials will come. Expect challenges to the congregation, to your family, and to yourself. Satan never surrenders a part of his kingdom or work without a fight. With all his being, Satan opposes anyone who dares challenge evil.
In love for God and faith in Christ, we dare challenge evil. The power of that challenge is not found in us. It is found in the God who gives forgiveness and life. Have no doubt! Satan is responding to our challenge! But do not be afraid. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).
Posted by David on January 31, 1999 under Bulletin Articles
How many visits were made to the West-Ark congregation in December? I do not know the number of visits made to our building. Not all of our visitors fill out a card. In December many of us had family and friends visiting. Visits to our building? Maybe 300 for the month?
Thousands made 96,025 “visits” to West-Ark by visiting our Internet Web site (www.westarkchurchofchrist.org). People in at least 53 countries made “visits.” Some “visited” several times. Many “visited” every week.
Sunday evening we shared and illustrated the types of information and study aids available to “visitors” to our Internet Web site. So much is available that (literally) a person cannot read it all in a week. Of those who “visited,” fifteen enrolled for a Bible correspondence course by e-mail. A Wisconsin lady studying with one of our teachers completed the course. She visited a congregation near her, had a wonderful experience, is studying further, and plans to be baptized this weekend. Others, here and abroad, studying with our teachers have been baptized.
New material is placed on our Web site every week. Each Sunday’s sermons are placed (in full text) on our Web site the following Monday. We want every possible person to know about the opportunities and information found at our Internet address (www.westarkchurchofchrist.org). Help us spread the news! Share the address!
E-mail is used to this congregation’s advantage in many ways. When we are informed about a sickness, an emergency, or a need, that information is forwarded to every member with an e-mail address (100 plus households). John Fowler had a major heart attack Friday about 6:30 p.m. By 11 p.m. those with e-mail received the news and a statement about his current condition. They received further updates Saturday. Do you have urgent news the congregation needs to pray about? Contact Myra Flippo (the office) in the day, or Michael Cole in the evening.
When Meg and Jerry Canfield were imprisoned in Laos, e-mail was our information lifeline. As the plight of our Laotian brothers and sisters evolved, e-mail was our lifeline. As worldwide concern developed, e-mail was powerful. Information about the eight still imprisoned is available and updated.
Our Web site does something that no Christian can do: provide information 24 hours a day. Will it replace a teacher? Never. Will it become a powerful, incredible teaching tool that “touches” people around the world? It already has.
