“It is strange that the Bible is our most treasured book, and yet it seems so difficult that we don’t find it very helpful. Perhaps we have expected the wrong things of it; we have asked of it what it cannot do. We have expected the Bible to keep promises that it has never made to us. The Bible cannot be a good luck piece to bring God’s blessing. Nor can it be an answer book to solve our problems or to give us right belief. So the first question about reading the Bible is what can we indeed expect of it.” – Walter Brueggemann, The Bible Makes Sense

1. Why can’t the Bible be a good luck piece?

The Bible isn’t a magic book. It did not fall from heaven; it’s origins are not beyond understanding. It is revelation that resembles Christ himself – human and divine. Christ himself came into our world through divine means, but he was physically born in exactly the same manner as all of us. There is divine influence on the Bible, but it was written in same fashion as other ancient books. This does not diminish the role of Scripture or its holiness in any way. God is certainly involved, but so is the community of God’s people who read and live out the words of God.
The Bible is not a talisman charged with heavenly magic. It is communication and narrative. Before it was a book, it was a scroll, and before it was a scroll it was a word spoken and a word heard. Parts of it were song, parts of it were news – good news even.
When Bibles are treated like Holy Relics, they aren’t read. Good luck charm or magic totem is not the intended purpose of the Bible. It is meant to be read and internalized.

2. Why can’t it be an answer book?

Approaching the Bible as a quick reference for an answer to our questions is often frustrating because we ask the wrong questions.
An often told tale concerns the man who wanted to know what God wanted him to do today. He flipped the pages of the Bible and with eyes closed he jabbed his finger on to a page at random. It landed on Matt. 27:5 – “Judas went and hung himself.” Thinking that this must have been an error he tried the same process again and landed on Luke 10:37 – “Go and do likewise.”
The Bible is not a Ouija Board or Magic 8 Ball, and even though we do not always approach the Scripture that way, too often we have our preset questions and we squeeze from the Bible something that seems like an answer for our question. “It is very difficult to find biblical answers to unbiblical questions.” – Everett Ferguson, The Church of Christ: A Biblical Ecclesiology for Today.
Examples of questions that defy a simple biblical answer. These are some of the most popular questions I am asked:

Does the Bible say it is okay to get a tattoo? – Leviticus 19:28, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. I am the Lord.”
Does the Bible say it is okay to be cremated? – For those adamantly opposed to cremation, 1 Cor. 15:33-55 is brought up. It specifically mentions burial, therefore burial is the only method of funeral practice authorized. But is this what 1 Cor. 15 is really about?

The Bible should shape and frame our questions. Reading Scripture humbly and submissively may not answer all of our questions, but it will always give us better questions to ask.

3. What to expect from the Word of God:

Thus Saith the Lord . . . . Long before all the Bible was written and certainly before it was thought of as a book, the Word of God was proclamation.

The Message and The Story vs. The Blueprint, the Contract, the Constitution or Dogma . . . There is a wholeness to the Bible’s revelation that gives us perspective, meaning, and imagination. Imagining is not pretending; it is the ability to see the world through God’s eyes. To imagine new possibilities and realities that are not given to us by the dogmas of government, sciences, and self.

One single Scripture from Genesis can be apply to various situations. When we are critical of ourselves, the word of God reminds us that we are created in God’s image. Yet, when we are conceited and self-centered the word of God reminds us that we are created in God’s image.

The Words We Live By . . . God’s word is a collected wisdom and vision for the way we ought to live with one another as his people. The King was required to do this with God’s law:

Deut. 17 – When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the Levitical priests. ¹⁹It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees ²⁰and not consider himself better than his fellow Israelites and turn from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel.

Building Better Humans . . . Paul wanted Timothy to keep preaching and keep reading the word of God to the church. He believed that this is what the word of God did.

2 Tim. 3 – Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.

We are believers in education, but knowledge without application is useless. It becomes trivia or teaching to the test. A well-rounded classic education produced a certain kind of character in those who sought it. This is why we use the term “spiritual formation” sometimes. We believe that a God’s word not only informs, but it shapes and equips. What we believe leads to what we do. We should be hearers and doers of God’s word.

Dangerous Truth . . . Why are we so disenchanted with the news and politics these days. We can point to many reasons, but they all go back to a single notion: we aren’t sure that we are ever hearing the truth.

Hebrews 4:12 – “the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Traditional and/or Biblical

Posted by Chris on August 5, 2012 under Front Page Posts, Sermons

Wednesday, August 1 was interesting. It was called Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day by Mike Huckabee, but there was much more than appreciation for chicken sandwiches involved in that day. Friends sent me the images from the long lines. Standing in line to get chicken obviously represented more than buying lunch. Who posts images of what they are having for lunch on an ordinary day?

I won’t rehash the events of the day. That has been done by others. I will offer this observation: I was encouraged that a conversation was taking place about the things that people believe. I do not agree with critics who declared the entire day was only an exercise in mass hysteria. Regardless of whether one appreciates Chick-Fil-A or not, one has to agree that there were expressions of belief about multiple topics. For example, there were discussions about free speech, free enterprise, the definition of marriage – those were the obvious topics. But there were also discussions about love, hate, hunger and poverty. I am sure there were examples of bad behavior, but critics will have a hard time trying to claim that everyone involved was mean spirited and hysterical. There are examples of good behavior and goodwill from both protestors and supporters. What makes the good behavior exceptional is that it took place around a confrontation of belief and a conviction that some things are right and some things are wrong.

Since the first century, Christians have been most like the Lord when they express conviction through words and deeds and do it without resorting to fear, anxiety, name-calling, or compulsion.

1 Peter 3:13-16 — ¹³Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? ¹⁴But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” ¹⁵But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Biblical is sometimes Traditional, and sometimes it is not.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we believe and strive to live out His vision for marriage – among other things. As disciples of Christ, I prefer that we make his vision our standard rather than saying that our standard is “the traditional view.” I mean no disrespect or disagreement to anyone who has used those terms. In most cases, I think I know what they mean. I admit to quibbling here, but the sources matter and traditional and biblical are not always the same thing. I believe the followers of Christ must point to the teachings of Christ and the revelation of God. For, in some cultures “the tradition” of marriage does not always resemble Christ’s vision for marriage. In some societies, the traditional view of marriage is one in which a man has many wives. That is their tradition. In some societies, the husband completely dominates the life of his wife – that is the tradition. Tradition does not always equal Christ’s vision.

That was the case in the first century in at least two situations:

1. Ephesians 5 – Paul and the household code. Teaching Christ’s vision for relationship – creation and gospel or the “traditional cultural view” . . .

The traditional view was the Greco-Roman household instructions, such as those promoted by Aristotle. In that view husbands and fathers are the paterfamilias and therefore like the ruler of a small city-state.
The biblical view introduces a new concept based on the gospel. That is submitting to one another (v.21). The role of husband and wife is informed by the Genesisstory, the gospel, and the example of Christ and church

2. Pharisees (Matt. 19:1-12) – Traditional had gotten in the way of truth. (And this was among the so-called “People of God”):

The traditional view included the provision for the Bill of Divorce (Dt. 24:1) and the rabbinical debate on the definition of indecency.
The biblical view (Jesus’ View) included creation, the disposition of one’s heart (Mt. 5:28) in matters of indecency, the option of celibacy or marriage as God calls and empowers (19:12).

Family Lines — August, 2012

Posted by Debbie on August 2, 2012 under Bulletins, Front Page Announcements

Family Lines — August 5, 2012

Family Lines — August 12, 2012

Family Lines — August 19, 2012

Family Lines — August 26, 2012

Maturity in Christ: Affirming New Deacons

Posted by Chris on July 29, 2012 under Front Page Posts, Sermons

Click Here For Audio

We began our assembly today sharing in the dreams and hopes of a young couple who wish to see their child grow into a servant of God. We continue that emphasis on service as we call upon two of our brothers who are using their gifts to serve the church.

Brent Evans has used his gifts for music and song leading for countless Sundays. Above all of that, he demonstrates a passion for worship that includes leading others into the presence of God through worship. He shares the passion for worship with Christians of all ages and in settings as diverse as Soulquest, Wednesday Night Class, Green Valley Bible Camp, and various singing groups.

Kevin Hesslen has used his gifts for teaching and leadership to help this congregation in various ways. Most recently, he has been asked to help this congregation fulfill its responsibilities to ensure the safety of children. It is a new area for churches, but Kevin’s commitment to the children and youth ministries has given our leaders and this congregation the confidence to know that the work is being seen to rightly.

Both of these men have excelled in service, but also in character. That is why our elders asked you to consider if they were worthy to be affirmed as deacons.

Deacons are among the roles of service that God gives the body of Christ to enable healthy spiritual growth. Deacons not only serve the body, but they serve as models of leadership; the sort of servant leadership that is unique to the body of Christ.

We believe that God has prepared and equipped Kevin and Brent for their works of service. We believe that the Holy Spirit is working in all of us to affirm his work among us.

Ephesians 4:11-16

¹¹He is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. ¹²Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ, ¹³until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.
¹⁴Then we will no longer be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us something different or because someone has cleverly lied to us and made the lie sound like the truth. ¹⁵Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. ¹⁶Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

The Body is held together by Christ (also the head of the body)

We grow – to become like Christ – the truth and love nourish us (v. 15)
We are connected – Christ fits us together (v. 16)

As each part does its work . . .

God has given gifts to the body (v. 11)
He does it so that:

members are prepared for works of service (v. 12)
we can achieve unity of faith and knowledge of Christ (v. 13)
members may be mature in the Lord (v. 13b)

Maturity is a worthy goal. It makes possible stability, assurance, truth and love. (v. 14-15)
Mature Christians serve the church with their gifts and this helps the church grow and become healthy and more loving. (v. 16)

So, God has equipped us with leaders who are gifted by the Spirit to help the body grow so that we might become a healthier and more loving church.

Maturity in Christ is not something that elders and deacons alone may achieve. Every part of the body works to bring out maturity in every other part of the body. In the body of Christ, everybody is looking out for everyone else.

Gifts of the Spirit are not something that only a few in the church have. God’s gives gifts to the members of the body of Christ. The gift of the Holy Spirit is given to all believers when they are baptized. But it is a gift that is meant to be used for the sake of the church, which is in the world for the sake of the world’s salvation.

Here is the invitation: If you have been baptized, what gift do you have to use for the church? I simply will not accept the argument that there are those who have no gift at all. There are some who have buried their talents, but that is not the same thing. The leaders of this church are inviting you to use your gifts and to grow as you use them. We are committed to giving you the training the support and the permission you need to use your gift for the glory of God and the building up of the body.

If you have not been baptized, do not miss out on the blessed life. We welcome you to come and be like Christ. Receive a gift and be added to the church: a healthy, truthful, loving fellowship where you will be built up and use your gifts to build up others.

25 Years of Mission

Posted by Chris on July 22, 2012 under Front Page Posts, Missions, Sermons

1987 – 2012

West-Ark began its current era of mission efforts in 1987. Of course, there were notable mission efforts before 1987; and the two congregations that merged to become West-Ark (College Terrace and Windsor Drive) certainly have their own histories of mission efforts. Yet, we mark 25 years from 1987 since that was the beginning of the West-Ark “Mission Committee” and a significant time for a new period of growth in West-Ark’s overall approach to reaching out around the world and across the street.

We will accept the excuse to celebrate what God has been doing among us for a quarter of a century! In the months ahead many stories will be told of how God has worked through different mission efforts and how he continues to work in amazing ways. The story of missions at West-Ark is not institutional or programmatic. Though there is serious attention to budgeting, fundraising, equipping, and other logistics, the story is organic, just like the story of any family. This story is about the growth and development of people who are caught up in God’s adventures. We believe that God has a mission, and that the mission has a church (rather than saying “the church has a mission”). We believe that God is at work in the world and we must join him in that work.

I have three general observations regarding West-Ark’s 25 years of mission efforts. Looking back, I hope to indicate how God has been at work within West-Ark. Looking forward, I hope to suggest some ways that we might build on this legacy and encourage future generations to follow God’s leading.

1. West-Ark is a congregation that encourages and equips its members to join in God’s work. There is an impressive list of our people who have been nurtured and encouraged by this congregation over the years to serve God. Over the last 25 years we have had individuals and families, members of this congregation just like any of us, who have made the decision to leave their profession and home country to devote themselves in serving God’s church where they might be needed most. That trend continues and even now we are involved in preparing couples who originally came to the Fort Smith region to work and start a family here.

Concern that this process weakens the local congregation by sending our best and brightest away from us is understandable but unfounded. The departure of families to serve God in other countries and cities has never left our congregation weaker. There is no instance of this ever being the case in 25 years. Even if it were true, we must remember that the mission of God is not to preserve our congregation. If West-Ark truly desires to be a congregation that follows Christ, then we must take his example seriously. Christ did not seek to preserve himself. He recognized that what might appear as loss to those who are concerned with self-preservation and establishing their own institutions is gain in the kingdom of heaven.

“Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” – John 12:24-16

In the last 25 years, West-Ark has let go of the anxiety of self-preservation. As a result, we have been inspired by our involvement in the lives of various missionary families. Kernels of wheat have fallen to the ground but many more seeds have been produced.

I want to encourage every member to consider how God is calling you. I hope that each of you will at least get involved even in a short term trip before the end of 2013. God has prepared good works for you to do. Don’t look to West-Ark or its staff to do it – you are the church and you are West-Ark. Whether you have been here since 1980 or just placed membership today, you have a calling.

2. West-Ark has been and must continue to be a regional and international resource for missional faithfulness, awareness, and support. Before I came to West-Ark in 2003 I was inspired by West-Ark’s involvement in the mission. I was preaching at Lake Jackson in 1998 when there was news about trials and challenges for some of our missionaries. The story of their faithfulness and resolve inspired me and the congregation in Lake Jackson.

I believe that God has prepared and equipped this congregation to influence and encourage other congregations. We have partnered with other congregations and included individuals from other congregations in our region in our mission efforts. We are a regional steward of the mission of God.

We must continue to have this vision and be intentional about supporting others who are also involved in God’s mission. This congregation will not grow if we only concern ourselves with “our own affairs.” We have been too richly blessed and we are too mature to simply turn inward.

3. If we want the congregations that we directly support in our mission works to be faithful, then we had better be faithful too. One of our missionary families working in a challenging field sent us this message recently: “Please give our love to all there. Encourage them to make the most of their freedom for His glory!”

What are you doing with your freedom? Not just your freedom as an American, but your freedom in Christ. We can thank God that we are not persecuted as some of our brothers and sisters in other countries are persecuted. We can and should thank God that we have freedom of worship in this nation. But even if we did not, we have the freedom to pray to the Creator of the Universe and the Sovereign over all the earth. Governments on earth can only acknowledge that freedom; no government on earth can bestow that freedom or take it away. The Lord of Heaven and Earth has invited us to come and make our petitions and requests known to him.

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Worship and Class Times

Archives

Jonah – Part 1

Blue Jeans Sunday

The 10% and the 90%

My Cup Overflows – Travis Campbell

Family Lines — September, 2012

What You Should Expect of the Bible

Traditional and/or Biblical

Family Lines — August, 2012

Maturity in Christ: Affirming New Deacons

25 Years of Mission