Posted by David on April 19, 2009 under Bulletin Articles
God called Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3), and Abraham listened. By God’s action, Abraham had Isaac, Isaac had Jacob, Jacob had 12 sons, and from those 12 sons came Israel. Through Israel God sent Jesus who, by God’s intent, brought a blessing to all humans. That was God’s intent from the call of Abraham (see Genesis 12:3b, 22:18, Acts 3:25, and Galatians 3:16).
God solved a problem: the problem was produced by human rebellion that perverted His good creation. Nothing is the same since that rebellion! We could not “fix” the results of human rebellion! The human inclination continually seems to be toward evil, not God’s purposes! Too often we exploit God’s goodness as we are motivated by greed and an insatiable appetite for pleasure. What was impossible for us to solve of ourselves, God, in His incredible love, solved for us with mercy shown in divine forgiveness.
For what purpose? Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the 12 sons, and Israel served God’s intent. Jesus served God’s purpose. So did the 12 apostles, Paul, John Mark, Timothy, Titus, Acquila and Priscilla, the early church, etc. What about you?
To be God’s people is bigger than a clique, a group, a society, or even a nation. To be God’s people means God is allowed to work through us to bless our relationships- family, friends, the unknowns we meet, jobs, neighbors, the church, society, the nation, and the world. Because of God working through us, all we touch is blessed because of our relationship with God. Our reason for existing: to proclaim His excellencies because He enlightens our lives. You are a Christian because you are dedicated to God working through Jesus Christ in your life. That good is produced by nothing else!
Nowhere should that be more obvious than when people blessed by divine mercy assemble to worship the patient God who gave us Jesus Christ. Do you exist to allow your life to proclaim His excellencies? Or, do you exist to attempt to use God? Can people see the benefit of belonging to God by observing your behavior and your worship? Is God’s goodness obvious in your life as you worship and as you interact?
Posted by David on April 12, 2009 under Bulletin Articles
Last weekend was, in specific ways, a difficult time for Joyce and me. For one thing (speaking for me), I felt very old. When I am among people ten years older, and I am the “decrepit” one, I tend to feel old! When older people feel compelled to assist me [and I need it], I tend to feel old! When people who were kids when I was a young adult have retired, I tend to feel old! Who knows-maybe I am old, even if I refuse to admit it! [No way-when I am old, I will know it (maybe)!]
It was a difficult time because three friends died. One was a friend for 35 years with no children, a husband who died years ago, and no siblings. The second was a friend who blessed us for 47 years. He left a family who loved him dearly. The third was someone we only had known 12 years, but we loved and appreciated deeply-as did many of you!
We were not surprised at Wilma Brummet’s death.
Dr. James Carr, at 95, was one of those persons you expect to keep living.
Retha Wood was a shock! She died so quickly! She blessed us so much with her faith, her humor, and her kindness. She was the type of person you want to say, “No! You can’t die! All of us need you too much!”
One of the difficult things in physical life is saying “good-bye” to people we love and appreciate. Nothing makes that easy-not words, not distractions, not anything. The more we love and appreciate, commonly the more difficult death is.
Years ago I heard of a person who spent hours catching wasps and taking their stingers out in order to play a practical joke. He scared some people silly who imagined they were in danger.
In Jesus’ death and resurrection, God took death’s stinger out-no joke! Death is a time of grief for the physical. However, death leads to resurrection for those who die. Never forget we focus on life! Never forget we are resurrection people. Bottom line, that is why we place our hope in Jesus Christ! The danger was real, but God took care of it.
Posted by David on April 2, 2009 under Bulletin Articles
The choices we make in life are critical. Often what appears as a simple choice of no consequence becomes an important choice of multiple consequences. Choices made early in life seem insignificant because numerous options seem to be a part of living. “After all, we always seem to have numerous options that come with most of our decisions. If we choose poorly, big deal! We will just make another choice.”
Choices are not as easily undone! (a) A choice resulting in an addiction [regardless of the kind of addiction] rarely is simple to abandon because it is powerful. (b) Choices that require an investment of resources often devour those resources. Would you use your credit or savings differently if five years ago you saw the recession coming? (c) Choices which require time do not return time if abandoned. Time spent is life lost!
As life diminishes, one’s choices diminish. As time and life pass, the person is reduced to living from the choices he or she has made. How often have you met a person over fifty years of age that does not wish “I could go back and do this differently.” Fortunate is the person who has only one such thing! What we all discover is this: “I can change me right now, but I cannot change how I used the past.” Even if we have the joys of changing “now,” we still have the “sorrows” of a lost past. The joys of “now” are real, but so are the “sorrows” of a misused past.
The Israelites knew many blessings from God: the ten miracles that released them from slavery, the crossing of the sea, the sustaining and guidance in the wilderness, and the gift of Canaan. Yet, they either took God for granted (“Look at how important we are!”), or they rebelled against God (“We will do things our way!”). The result: centuries later their descendants continued to pay for their ancestors’ bad choices.
Choose soberly and wisely-you and your descendants will be affected powerfully by the choices you make. The more God is incorporated in your decisions, the more good choices you will make!
Posted by David on March 19, 2009 under Bulletin Articles
The world we live in is constantly attacking us. No matter what front of life we examine, there is stress-not “run-of-the-mill” inconvenience, but hard, gut-wrenching, attacking self-worth stress! Whether it is maintaining relationships, keeping the “roof over our head,” having a job, producing a lifestyle, or struggling to “keep it together,” it often seems there are more problems than there are answers.
In an attacking existence, we are prone to be distrustful, resentful, and filled with self-pity. If we react to the stresses in our lives by going in these directions, we become very “me” centered, very self-centered in our considerations. The more “me” centered we become, the less Christ-centered we are. The less Christ-centered we are, the less people-centered we are. We grow more into “existence” than into “helping.” The end result: we do not attract those who are interested in Jesus because we are more concerned about “us” than we are concerned about representing Jesus.
People who represent Jesus are known for humility, gentleness, patience, and tolerance. “But these are not the days for humility, gentleness, patience, and tolerance!” Correct–or so it seems. Neither were Jesus’ death and resurrection a time for humility, gentleness, patience, and tolerance. However, His attitudes prevailed and still exist 2000 years later!
Christians do not do things because what they do is a “fix.” They do what represents Jesus’ objectives-fix it or not! Christians do good because it is the righteous, godly thing to do, not because of the time’s influence or the stresses endured.
Christians are committed to Christ’s mind. The humble mind is Jesus Christ’s mind. The humble mind endures both good times and bad. The prideful mind becomes increasingly selfish, resentful, and “turf” centered.
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. (Philippians 2:5-7)
Posted by David on March 12, 2009 under Bulletin Articles
The above passage is about the Jewish Christian Barnabas. Before Acts 10, evangelistic work concerning Jesus Christ was done among Jewish people. The Jerusalem congregation was the first congregation of Christians, so it, with its leadership, was considered the “source” congregation. When new developments occurred, the first question was, “What does the church in Jerusalem think about this?”
In Acts 11 the first gentile congregations were formed (that we of today know about). Not all Jewish Christians approved of Peter’s work with Cornelius and his friends in Acts 10. The hot issue: was Christianity a Jewish reform movement only for Jews and proselytes, or was Christianity a movement that included non-proselyte gentiles as well? To recognize that this decision was a pivotal moment in Christianity is an understatement!
A truly special Jewish Christian must be sent to the gentile congregation in Antioch. He must observe and encourage. He must not alienate or judge; he must not be hostile; and he must not say the wrong things. There were more Jewish Christians NOT equipped for this delicate task than Jewish Christians equipped for this challenge.
Who was sent? Barnabas. Why? He was capable of rejoicing when he witnessed God’s grace working among the gentiles-he did not feel threatened for Judaism or question gentile commitment. He could encourage gentile Christians to remain committed to the Lord-he understood the difference between faith in a Savior and faith in a system. How could he have this understanding? He was a good man who was full of the Holy Spirit and faith in Jesus. He could be committed to Christ instead of defensive for Judaism.
Because Barnabas was committed to Jesus when many Jewish Christians were hostile, in a few years there were more gentile Christians than Jewish Christians. A problem became opportunity. The majority of the Roman Empire had opportunity to respond to Jesus because a Jewish Christian was committed to the Lord rather than his heritage.
Can God use you fully in delicate situations because of your commitment to Jesus Christ? Are you better as a spouse, a parent, a child, a worker, a citizen, and in a congregation because you grasp God’s meaning of Christian commitment?
Posted by David on March 5, 2009 under Bulletin Articles
Most people have experienced THAT moment. What moment? The “Why in the world did you do THAT?” moment. Every parent has experienced it. Good neighbors have experienced it. Dear friends who witness a married couple with marital problems have experienced it. Employers and employees have experienced it. Sports fans have experienced it as have team members. In fact, who has not experienced that moment?
Sometimes it is called by other names. Like what? “What were you thinking?” or “Did you really do that?” or “What did you expect?” or “Duh” moments. This moment involves such obvious consequences that you wonder why the person did not see the obvious downside. Did the person simply not think? Was the person too stubborn to know he (she) would hurt self? The confused observer mutters, “How would you NOT see that coming?”
All of us are guilty of doing stupid things and making silly decisions. The victim later asks, “Why did I do that? What was I thinking? That was a classic ?DUH’ moment!”
Paul experienced that moment when the gentile Christians at Galatia allowed Jewish teachers to convince them that God’s gifts in Jesus Christ were unavailable to them. “We are physically descended from Abraham. We are special-consider what God did for us in Egypt, at the Red Sea, in the wilderness, and in Canaan. God gave us the Law, scripture, and the prophets-what has He given you? Listen to us; we understand God! We have answers-you don’t! We know your shortcomings! All you need to know now is how desperately you need us! Without our knowledge you cannot possibly understand Jesus Christ! If you are serious about understanding God’s accomplishments in Jesus Christ, listen to us and follow our instructions.”
Paul was deeply confused and anguished. Galatian Christians understood what God did for them in Jesus Christ at their conversion. What happened? Why now put their confidence in human acts instead of divine achievements? Why now think the key to relationship with God was found in human acts instead of divine achievements?
Wonder how often God looks at us and says “DUH!” The key to grasping how much God loves you is found in understanding Jesus Christ. The key to understanding how much God wants salvation for you is found in understanding what God did in Jesus Christ. The key to knowing relationship with God is found in understanding what God did in Jesus Christ. Avoid “DUH” moments by understanding Jesus Christ!
Posted by David on February 26, 2009 under Bulletin Articles
Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. Galatians 3:7
These two passages affirm the incredible thing God did for all people through Jesus Christ. In the Roman Empire of the first century, Jewish people were at times envied by non-Jewish, religious people because the Jews had (1) a preserved heritage that spanned a lengthy time, (2) a values system that honored their people instead of exploiting them, (3) scriptures available to the entire nation, and (3) prophets who urged high ethical commitments. At times Judaizing teachers (Jewish teachers committed to preserving Judaism) disheartened non-Jews who sought relationship with God outside of Judaism (see Acts 15:1-5 as an example).
Paul, who had been a “Jew’s Jew” (see Philippians 3:4-7) before he entered Christ, declared non-Jews who came to God through what God did in Jesus Christ had nothing to apologize about. God’s plan before any Jews existed was to seek people of faith who wanted to be God’s people (see Genesis 12:3b and note “all families of the earth.”) The descendants of Abraham (both Jews and non-Jews) are people who dare to be people of faith-just as Abraham dared to be a person of faith. It is these people-both Jews and non-Jews-who are citizens in the nation God wanted for himself. It is not human deeds that restore relationship with God, but it is God working through Jesus Christ that makes relationship with God possible (see Colossians 2:9-14).
Paul’s statements (here and elsewhere) are not statements against obeying God. Paul spoke of the reason for obedience. Do you trust what you have done, or do you trust what God did for you in Jesus’ death and resurrection? Is it basically, “God, you owe me because I did ?X’!” or is it, “God, I appreciate so much all You did for me in Jesus’ death and resurrection!” Which is it? Do you attempt to obligate God through your deeds, or do you appreciate all God did and does for you in Jesus’ death and resurrection? Is your confidence placed in your acts or in God’s acts on your behalf?
In the distinction of those two attitudes is the distinction between citizenship in God’s kingdom and the citizenship of physical existence. Abraham trusted God, not the physical. Those who are members of God’s kingdom share in Abraham’s faith. Do you seek to be a righteous person because you trust God-as did Abraham?
Posted by David on February 19, 2009 under Bulletin Articles
When we moved here, an Oxford [Mississippi] friend gave us a needed, new, wooden garbage container. It was beautiful on the outside, and it smelled like pine. For 12 years we have used the gift for its intended purpose-it holds a lot of garbage! Sometimes we have to “air it out” and spray it because it smells like garbage. It stopped smelling like pine long ago. Now, when we can smell garbage, it is time to attack the odor. It is still made of pine, but now it commonly smells like what is inside.
The word “Christian” is rare in the New Testament. It occurs twice in the singular form, and once in the plural form (in the NASV). Jewish people often referred to those we call “Christian” as “the Way.” New Testament writers often used the gentile designation: holy ones or saints. Gentiles who followed the resurrected Jesus were sanctified through Him and lived differently because of Him. They were the “Christ followers.”
There was a period in our Southern culture when the word “Christian” referred to many things-from bookstores to plumbers. The inference: if Christian appeared in the name, people who were Christians should give special attention to the enterprise.
Now “Christian” seems to be associated with habits. “They don’t do that.” Explanation: “He (or she) is a Christian,” or, “The person goes to church.” In the minds of many non-Christians, Christian habits seem to be associated with don’ts or church attendance. If, to non-religious people, a weird behavior is “Christian,” that is a full explanation of the unusual conduct.
Who knows all the definitions people who are not Christians have of “Christian”? I have heard some pretty wild ideas associated with “Christian.” (Did you know “Christians” do not eat wild meat?) I have wondered about the origin of the “extreme concepts” of “Christian.” Those concepts range from pitiful ignorance to unbelievable inconsistency. Often those ideas are held so firmly that words or affirmations will not and cannot change the incorrect definitions or concepts associated with “Christian.”
If you are a Christian, do you understand what basic misconceptions of “Christian” often mean? When words or affirmations do not challenge misconceptions, examples must challenge wrong concepts. When words are ignored, genuine examples are noted. A person who never listens to words often considers examples. Never has it been more important to live it because you believe it and are committed to it.
When someone is near, what do you “smell” like? You “smell” like what is within!
Posted by David on February 12, 2009 under Bulletin Articles
For years I have been going to a gym to physically work out. Through the years my reasons for going have changed (to deal with stress, to address a cholesterol problem, to add strength so work schedules can be addressed, etc.), but the experience remains basically the same. The experience: determine a routine, commit yourself to the routine, go regularly, and exert yourself. Is going to the gym boring and tedious? For me, the answer is, “Yes!” Then why go? Simple: you like the way you feel because you go.
Over time some things become obvious. For example, usually there is a noticeable increase in gym attendance in January (New Year’s resolutions) and a corresponding drop off in attendance in February (“Forget that-who needs self-induced pain!”). Often, those who begin invest in a workout outfit-the shoes, the clothes, and the accessories. However, acquiring an outfit does not substitute for commitment to a lifestyle change. One can go to great expense to “look the part” and not follow through to his or her objective. It takes much more than outward appearance to achieve one’s objective.
The simplest part of being a Christian is submitting to baptism. Why? Baptism is an expression of faith in God’s work in Jesus Christ which leads you to a desire to turn your life around. The decision to be baptized may be difficult, but the life that follows is more demanding. It quite literally involves a change in lifestyle on the deepest level of existence. There are new definitions of good and evil or right and wrong. There is a commitment to being a righteous person. There are new temptations. There are attacks by Satan.
Then why do it? For two basic reasons. (1) You profoundly appreciate what God and Jesus did (and do) for you. (2) You find your fulfillment in being a righteous person. You appreciate God, and you respect what Jesus did in allowing you to become a godly person. When you compare the “old you” to the “new you,” you have zero desire to revert to the “old you.”
When you become a Christian, do more than just invest in the outfit. (Do more than “go to church,” appear in the directory and on the mailing list, and claim “rights” as a member.) Embrace your new lifestyle. Be the new person 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, wherever you are. Do the outward things because of the inward changes.
We are not Christians to eliminate life’s twists and turns. We are Christians to cope with life’s twists and turns. Always remember the Cross was one of the “twists and turns of life” for Jesus. Also remember Jesus Christ shows us the way to God.
Posted by David on February 5, 2009 under Bulletin Articles
I once lived in an area where, if you looked up, you were surrounded with beauty, but, if you looked down, you were equally surrounded with filth. A person was constantly challenged to make a choice-look up or look down.
If the person looked up, he saw endless green trees, blue skies that stretched forever, mountains that took his breath away, and sunrises and sunsets that were too magnificent to describe. If the person looked down, he saw rotten mud, waste beyond description, and the breeding ground of diseases he did not know.
Hanging between were people who had the choice of focusing life on the “up” or the “down,” but often had been taught to see only the “down.” It is difficult to escape the smells, the waste, or the diseases and look up. The “down” powerfully captures a person’s focus. It seems it is always easier for humans to look down instead of up.
Last week was a challenging week for many. It was so easy to complain! The ice and the weather robbed so many of convenience and of too many things we all take for granted-until those things are removed. A person had so many reasons to look down and see destruction, misery, inconvenience, and tragedy. However, the person could also look up and recognize countable blessings. What the person saw often had more to do with the person than the circumstances. It had to do with focus.
Physical life is not perfect and never will be. Certainly, the “down” is real, but so is the “up.” The physical reality of both is constant. Daily, one is challenged to look down and to look up. Daily, every person is reminded that he or she is suspended between a focus that looks down and a focus that looks up. Daily, a choice must be made.
What forms your physical reality? Do you constantly look down as you live in grief, fear, and misery? Do you force yourself to look up and count blessings? Do you only “see” what seems natural for the moment? Do you spend life feeling sorry for yourself?
Your focus is your choice! “Down” always will be there no matter how much you focus on it. “Up” always will be there no matter how much you ignore it. What you see is not dependent on your circumstances, but on your choice to look up or down. You can focus your gaze down and live in misery, or you can use life to teach people to look up and see blessings. One is perpetual misery, the other perpetual hope. It is not the challenge to ignore the real, but to see all that is real, and to see it in perspective!
