Road Tripping with the Chorus

To make a short story long, the church at Stuart, FL has supported Georgia Christian School for many years.  Several months ago, Deland decided the chorus needed to go down there and tell them thanks.  A date was set; a date was changed; but finally, the date arrived.  On Saturday morning, 22 members of the chorus, Deland, Bonnie, and Jim set off in the bus, with Stacy, Emma Jean, and me following (we were transporting the risers).  It was a beautiful day and a beautiful drive, and we arrived in Stuart about 5:00 that afternoon.  The reason that I had been tagged to go along was because I had gone to Stuart and spoken last summer for their Vacation Bible School, and the preacher there, Terry Frizzell, is one of my lifelong friends.  The chorus did a wonderful job, but more importantly, they represented the school very well.  Afterwards, we had a time of fellowship (meaning food) and fun.  I am sure that the first impression of Randall Hunter, the youth minister there ("this guy is a complete idiot" -- ha ha) was changed in retrospect ("this guy is brilliant"), for he did a magnificent job of bringing the many cultures present together, both young and old alike.  Yes, his games were corny, but everyone not only participated, they all had a good time.

When I was in Stuart last summer, I came home and told everyone who would listen that if you want to see a church which knows the meaning of the word "hospitality," Stuart is the place to go.  They did not let me down.

On Sunday morning, Deland spoke about Georgia Christian during the Bible class hour.  A lot of Deland's passion for the school comes from literally generations of association.  I am afraid that many take the school for granted, and it is even possible that sometimes the word "Christian" in its name is added as an afterthought as people get wrapped up in the daily grind.  But Deland's presentation served as a vivid reminder that while "school" can be found almost anywhere, "Christian" is a rare commodity, indeed.

As plans were being made for the trip, we kept looking at the map and looking at the clock, and we realized that the possibility of making it back to Dasher in time for worship services was going to be marginal at best.  So, we called upon our friends at the Lake City Church of Christ.  They were not only agreeable to us stopping there for worship, they presented the opportunity for the chorus to sing there, as well.  Again, the chorus members did an excellent job of representing the school.  We thank Lake City for their hospitality and for the wonderful meal they threw together for us, as well.  (I say "threw together" because the congregation was not aware of our coming until Sunday morning.)

It was a special weekend for me, because I had the opportunity to spend time with two of my dearest friends, Terry Frizzell and Ryan Tuten, who preaches at Lake City.  But really, that almost became a side note to the weekend, for I spent considerably more time renewing the acquaintances of Christian friends I have made over the years within those two cities.  I was reminded of the deep bond that is shared in the blood of Christ, and I believe we all need such a reminder from time to time.

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God" (1 John 4:7).

With One Accord

From the Preacher's Desk:

In the earliest picture of the church, the Christians are described as such: "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart" (Acts 2:46). It is important to us to have this image of the church, for it gives us an intimation of what the church was feeling, what the church was doing, and what the church was expecting. With that in mind, we can see what the church today should be feeling, doing, and expecting.

The key not only to this verse, but to the complete aura surrounding the early church, is the phrase "with one accord." If there should be a common goal of the church in this or any age, it should be to conduct ourselves about the Lord's business "with one accord." It is very sad indeed that much of the division within the church today is a direct result of failing to ask, "What does God desire?" and "What is best for God's kingdom?" When one examines the early church, it becomes evident that Paul was not alone in expressing the sentiment of Galatians 2:20: "I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live…." Being a Christian in any age requires an emptying of one's self, setting aside one's own desires to the accomplishing of the will of God. When you look around at the turmoil of our present day, it might seem an impossible task. However, if we will but do as the early church did, it can be done. "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul…" (Acts 2:42-43). There is our recipe for success.

To me, this is a rather curious verse, because there are two phrases within this one passage that have to do with eating. Why is this so, and to what was Luke referring?

The first phrase, "and breaking bread from house to house," uses words similar to that of the Lord's Supper. To the Hebrews, "breaking bread" was an hospitable gesture of intimacy and friendship. (Their bread was commonly thin, hard, and brittle, making it difficult to cut.) I realize this is not a perfect example, but think having an old friend come to town to visit, and taking them to a nice restaurant to eat. But this is the intimacy behind the idea.

It should be evident from this how great is the symbolic important of the unleavened bread in the Lord Supper. This intimacy and friendship is shared between Christians and the Lord every first day of the week in this breaking of bread.

However, in Acts 2:46, Luke does not seem to be referring to the Lord's Supper. He carries this picture of closeness and familiarity into every home of every Christian. This was being done "from house to house."

The second phrase, "did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart," implies to us even more than that. This was not a special hospitality being shown, but a common meal! The word translated as "meat" means provisions or rations and refers to their sustenance. The implication is that such wonderful feelings of hospitality and unity did not stop at the temple; they did not stop with the obvious situations of fellowship; they extended to the day-to-day activities of these Christians, even to the most basic requirements of living. But let us notice one more aspect of this: they were doing so together with gladness and singleness of heart. They were happy to do such and happy because they were doing such. Their unity in purpose, love, and hope allowed them to be one in all things.

Do you remember the phrase that was touted about a couple of years ago? "The family that prays together stays together." Could not, should not this principle be applied to the church? Where do our feelings of oneness with the church cease? Do they stop at the "temple"? (Sadly, with some, it would seem that those feelings never even make it into the place of worship.) Do those feelings stop with our obvious exhibitions of communion and fellowship with one another? Or do they extend to our day-to-day lives as common servants of the Most High God?

Let us awaken each new day with the desire and intent of being "with one accord." The blueprint for unity is before us. Do we really desire to build?

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

(Ephesians 4:1-3)

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Is Your RADAR On?

From the Preacher’s Desk:

On February 12, 1935, Robert Watson-Watt, who is credited with developing RADAR, sent a memo to Great Britain’s Air Ministry, claiming that with radio waves, he could detect flying aircraft. This was an earth-shaking revolution at the time. Britain was rapidly approaching a war with Germany, and the memory of bombings during WWI was still quite fresh. Two weeks later, on February 26, the first RADAR was tested successfully. An early warning system had been born.

From an historical perspective, it is evident how valuable it was (and is) to have adequate time to prepare for an attack. How might American history have changed if such warnings had been received? Would Lincoln have dealt differently with Fort Sumter? Would December 7 be remembered as the original “Day of Infamy”? Would 9/11 hold any significance to the American public? We will never know, because history is a very harsh and unforgiving instructor. History also teaches us, however, that having an early warning and heeding such warnings are entirely two different things. For example, it should have been evident that the Confederates were serious in their blockade of Fort Sumter. Painfully so, history tells us that ample signs of warning were present regarding Pearl Harbor and the terrorist attacks of September 11.

Wouldn’t it be fantastic if God provided an early warning system for when the devil is going to attack? That would be such a tremendous help to a Christian who is struggling with sin. Some might be critical, asking how God could have been so neglectful. But wait—maybe God already has…. Let us look at what we know from the Bible.

The devil is ready to attack. Peter wrote, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). It is definitely to our advantage that God has clearly informed us of Satan’s intentions and abilities.

The devil’s places of attack are spelled out for us. John describes the areas of temptation for which we should prepare: “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (1 John 2:16). Granted, those three areas cover most everything we can say and do in life, but as we bear these “areas” of potential weakness in mind, it enables us to fortify our defenses.

The devil’s methods of attack are known. Note the words of Jesus in John 8:44: “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” How is Satan going to attack? Well, first he is going to lie to you. His aim is to get you so wrapped up in that lie that you are no longer able to distinguish reality from his fantasy, even to the point where you are lying for him. Next, he will try to kill you spiritually. Finally, he will try to make you one of his own, his offspring, so that he is your father.

The devil’s pattern of advancement is known. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:13-15). Do we as individuals have weaknesses? Yes, if we are honest, we will admit that we do. Satan will seek out and exploit those weaknesses with no compassion or mercy for our souls.

The devil did NOT make me do it. Even with as much power and influence as the devil possesses, there is nothing that he can make me do without my consent. He can lie to me, but I do not have to believe it. He can tempt me, but I do not have to enter into sin. He can vex my soul with every pain imaginable, but I do not have to bow the knee to the likes of him.

These warnings are evident to us from the Word of God. We know without doubt who our enemy is, the level of preparation of our enemy, and the capabilities and methods of our enemy. And even armed with all of that knowledge, we can still allow ourselves to be overcome! We have all seen it happen to others…perhaps even to ourselves…and we shake our heads and ask, “How did they miss it? How could they have not seen that coming?”

Perhaps our spiritual RADAR needs to be left in the “on” position.

or

?

To most of the believers of either of these symbols, the idea of the other even being a feasible alternative is simply ludicrous. The advocates of Evolution and Creationism alike are often firm in their convictions. To many, there is simply no room for compromise.

In recent years, however, compromise is exactly what has been sought. The idea that perhaps God was the "prime mover" of all existence has prompted some to attempt to squeeze millions of years into the opening chapters of the book of Genesis. On its surface, this sounds appealing. The Creationists get to keep their God, and the Evolutionists are satisfied with their theory of who, why, and what we are. Everyone walks away happy. In a grand spirit of unity, the question is asked: Does it really matter?

But the discerning mind will quickly conclude that this cannot be. The true Evolutionist realizes that their theory leaves little or no room for God, just as the true Creationist realizes that the biblical account leaves little or no room for macroevolution. At some point, these walls of compromise will come tumbling down. When that begins to happen, the Creationist must begin to ask, "Why does it matter?"

• It matters because our children, from the classroom to the television, are constantly being bombarded with evolutionist propaganda.
  
• It matters because if the foundations of the Bible are allowed to be eroded, the remainder of biblical content will also become subject to compromise.
  
• It matters because the terminology of Genesis 1-2 does not leave the necessary time for macroevolution to have occurred.
  
• It matters because the words "evening" and "morning" are used with the Hebrew word yom ("day") over 100 times in non-prophetical literature, always referring to a 24-hour day.
  
• It matters because evolution cannot answer the origins of morality, altruism, sex, gender, language, consciousness, or for that matter, laughter.
  
• It matters because evolution causes young and old to devalue human life.
  
• It matters because the theme of the Bible from beginning to end is the redemption of man. If God did not create as He said (Genesis 1-2), what meaning is the promise of a Savior (Genesis 3:14-15)?

Does it matter to you?

For more information, contact us at airportcoc@bellsouth.net, or visit us at Airport Church of Christ, 2267 Copeland Road.

Phones in Church

Sorry, but I couldn't resist sharing this one….

A man in NYC decided to write a book about churches around the country. He started by flying to San Francisco and started working east from there. Going to a very large   
church, he began taking photographs and making notes. 

He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued with a sign which read: "Calls: $10,000 a minute."  Seeking out the preacher, he asked about the phone and the sign.
  
The preacher answered that this golden phone was, in fact, a direct line to heaven and if he paid the price, he could talk directly to GOD.

The man thanked the preacher and went on his way.  As he continued to visit churches in Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis, Chicago, Milwaukee, and around the United States, he found more phones, each with the same sign, and always the same answer from each preacher.

Finally, he arrived in Georgia, and upon entering a church in Valdosta, behold--he saw the usual golden telephone.  But this time, the sign read: "Calls: 35 cents." 
  
Fascinated, he asked to talk to the preacher.  "Preacher, I have been in cities all across the country and in each church I have found the golden telephone and have been told it is a direct line to Heaven and that I could talk to GOD, but in the other churches the cost was $10,000 a minute. Your sign reads only 35 cents a call. Why?"
 
The preacher, smiling benignly, replied, "Son, you're in the South now. This is God's Country.  It's a local call."

Take a Look Around

From the Preacher's Desk:

The arrival of a new year means different things to different people. With each passing day, there are things about the past we would rather have avoided, as well as things we wish could have been prolonged. Accordingly, some will cling to the past with longing, and others will eagerly immerse themselves in what is to come.

However 2008 treated you (or how you treated 2008), the time has come to take a look at 2009. A new year with new opportunities and new challenges awaits us. If it is anything like 2008, it will be a busy year. At some point we need to ask: are we ready for this year? One of the best ways to know is simply to stop and look around us.

Look behind and what do you see? It has been well stated that those who fail to take note of history and doomed to repeat it (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:11). Whatever the past, it has brought you to where you are and made you who you are today. Most importantly, there are lessons to be learned to help make us who we need to be tomorrow. Have we set goals in the past andreached them? Let us make note of what made the difference. Where have we failed? Let us learn and move ahead.

Look forward and what do you see? Basically, there are three outlooks of the future. There are those who look at the future with dread, fearing those things that are to come. Others look at the future hoping to maintain the status quo. Others still are anticipating that good things can and will be accomplished. Whatever your outlook of the future, there is one thing assured: you cannot avoid it! For the child of God, the future should be filled with preparation for that which is to be the Christian's ultimate reward.

Look to the side and what do you see? Occasionally we sing "Onward, Christian Soldiers!" As we enter into spiritual battle, who will be beside us? Do we strive to keep Christ as our side? Too many want to keep Jesus in a backpack or a glove box, close at hand if needed, but not letting Him be seen or heard otherwise. Are our closest companions striving to enter heaven as diligently as we are? Can we truly depend on those who surround us? Do we truly believe that the words of Paul apply to us, or are they only reserved for our young people? "Be not deceived: evil companionships corrupt good morals" (1 Corinthians 13:33).

Look down and what do you see? Peter speaks of Jesus himself as being a stone of stumbling to those who are disobedient (1 Peter 2:8). Are you confident of the path down which you are travelling? How frightening is the description Jesus gives of the hypocrites who were as the blind being led by the blind (Matthew 15:14). Can you trust the one who is leading you? The way before us needs to be well planned (John 14:6) and well lit (Psalm 119:105). How sure is your footing?

Look under and what do you see? You will surely recall the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:15: "Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house." Is there something we are attempting to hide? On the one hand, perhaps our "little Christian light" is not being displayed as prominently as it should. On the other hand, is there sin in our lives we are trying to conceal? Regardless, is God receiving the glory that is due Him?

Finally, look up and what do you see? As we head into this New Year, above all, let it be a year of prayer. You may have noticed signs in construction zones warning the workers of overhead power lines. Have you thought of the irony of the need to warn the professionals of such a seemingly obvious danger? And yet, are we not the "professionals" in God's service? Are Christians not the ones who should know better and not to forget that which should be obvious? Despite that knowledge, far too many Christians will forget to "look up." When a construction worker fails to look up, the results can be catastrophic. How else would you describe the end of a Christian who forgets to do the same? Let 1 Thessalonians 5:17 be a motto to us.

There is no reason at all that 2009 should not be counted as a great year. Without doubt, it will be much greater if we as God's servants will take a good look around us.

"I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him" (Ecclesiastes 3:14).