Missed it by that much

From the Preacher's Desk:

"Missed it by that much."  These words were made famous by Agent 86, Maxwell Smart in the TV series "Get Smart."  That man could get into all kinds of trouble, and frequently the trouble centered around the gadgets that really made him famous.  In the episode "I Shot 86 Today" he brought out a phone disguised as a golf shoe.  In 1969 everyone laughed at the idea of a shoe being a phone.  Now, in 2015, the possibility of a watch becoming a phone is on the verge of becoming reality.

We can communicate with one another by phone, by computer, by text, and by video.  Social media has gone from novelty to mainstream to necessity.  (Business advisors are now telling their clients that survival is almost impossible without a social media presence.)  We are now capable of being more "in touch" with one another than ever before.  This is only my personal experience, but I talk (or text) with my son and my parents almost every day and I get to video chat with my niece a couple of times a week.  My love for them is enhanced by the aid of all these gadgets, but FaceTime is never going to beat face-to-face time, and chatting by text will never beat actual conversation.  Gadgets are great for what they do, but at the end of the day you can still be left feeling like you "missed it by that much."

Most importantly of all, while applications may be of certain benefit, we will never be able to gadget our way to God.  We know this because it has already been tried.  In the history of man, the very first "app" can be found in Genesis 11 when the inhabitants of Babel said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens..." (verse 4).  But that "app," the tower, could not replace them doing what God had told them to do.  If you want to draw closer to God, He has told you how to accomplish it.  Like the people of Babel, when we try to change or improve upon God's prescribed manner of doing things, in actuality we are revolting against Him.  The people of Babel may have put forth a mighty effort, but in the end they "missed it by that much."

In Matthew 25, Jesus condemns a group whom He said did not do what needed to be done.  Their response was "Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?" (Matthew 25:44).  I believe these people earnestly desired to do the will of God, but something, somewhere went wrong.  It is evident, though, that their attention was on something other than what God wanted them to do.  On the Day of Judgment, you do not want to hear Jesus say, "You missed it by that much."

From the Preacher's Desk:

Humility.  Perhaps the most elusive of all godly characteristics.  If you do not have it, then you know you need it, and if you think that you do have it, then you probably do not and need it even more.  David, in his despair after his sin with Bathsheba wrote, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise" (Psalm 51:17 NKJV).  David got there, but oh, how great was the cost!  James wrote, "But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: 'GOD RESISTS THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE'" (James 4:6).  It follows, therefore, that since grace falls into the "have-to-have" category, then humbleness must likewise be placed into that same category.

Jesus said:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3).  

"Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:4).
"If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all" (Mark 9:35).
"Whoever desires to be great among you, let him be your servant" (Matthew 20:26).
"And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Matthew 23:12).
And, "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.  Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him" (John 13:15-16).

So how do we pursue something that we have to have, obviously the more of it we have the better, yet at the same time, the more that we know that we have it, the greater the likelihood that we will lose it to the pride that comes with possessing it?

First, seek a broken spirit and contrite heart through the acknowledgment of God's grace and our own sinfulness.  Our place in God's scheme of redemption is always--always--as a recipient.  We can never allow ourselves to think that God owes us anything (see Romans 4).

Second, seek to be a servant, not for the sake of service, but for the sake of the Master.  Again, our role in God's scheme of redemption must be remembered.  Many servants serve for the hope of gaining something themselves.  Our service for God and for one another, however, must be because we know that we are not our own masters!

Third, seek to be the publican and not the Pharisee.  I am afraid sometimes that it is easier for us to relate to the Pharisee than it is the publican.  We start telling ourselves how good we are because we are not doing so many different sinful things that we see others around us doing, and we end up using those around us as our measuring stick instead of Jesus.

 "Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13). 

Jacob's Return to Esau

From the Preacher's Desk:

In Genesis 32 and 33, Jacob is heading back to the land of Canaan after having been gone for twenty years.  He had ran away for fear of his brother Esau after he had stolen Esau's blessing from his father Isaac and lived with his kinsman Laban for that time.  Now, as he approaches his home, he hears that his brother is coming out to meet him.  Once again, he is afraid.

As Jacob found out, running from sin, problems, or even anxieties is not going to make them go away.  Even though of the two brothers Jacob was the one whom God had chosen to perpetuate the promises made to Abraham, Jacob's behavior was not without consequences.  As a matter of fact, Jacob had every right to be afraid of Esau because of the way he had treated him.  Although reading Genesis 32 proves that Esau's anger had diminished and his attitude had changed, that did nothing to take away the  responsibility of Jacob for his actions.

Genesis 32 and 33 show also that Jacob had experienced a change of attitude toward his brother.  Jacob was in possession of both the birthright and the blessing which rightfully should have belonged to Esau, but as he approached his brother, instead of being haughty or demanding he came with humility.  He offered to Esau both possessions and obeisance to demonstrate his change of heart.

Finally, although reconciliation was achieved, Jacob decided to keep his distance from his brother.  Their parting was accomplished in complete peace and brotherly love, yet Jacob decided that the best course of action was to not get too close.  The Bible does not tell us exactly why Jacob did this.  It may have been that he did not trust his brother, or he may not have trusted himself.  Whatever the reason, Jacob judged it to be wise to just stay away.

The lessons to be learned from these chapters are many.  First, the situation which Jacob found himself in was of his own creation--as he fully understood.  Jacob did not try to blame Esau, his mother, or his father, nor did he try to blame God.  Such is true with man and sin.  The things we decide to do or not do are going to determine our relationship with sin.  When we succumb to temptation, there will be no one to blame but ourselves.

Second, as Jacob was responsible for his actions, so must we be held responsible for our actions.  Solomon wrote, "For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:14 NKJV).

Third, running from sin is not the answer.  Look at what happened to Jonah as he tried to flee from God when commanded to go to Nineveh.  Look at what happened to David when he tried to cover his transgression with Bathsheba.  Look at what happened to Peter when he tried to hide his association with Jesus by denying him.  Moses told the tribes of Reuben and Gad, "...and be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23).

Fourth, our attitude toward sin can make all of the difference.  Repentance is frequently defined as a change of mind brought by a change of heart which results in a change of life (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:10).  No change will ever occur until we decide to bring it about, but the desire alone is not enough.

Finally, stay as far from sin as you can.  At some point we have to admit that we cannot ever trust the devil to do what is right.  Sometimes, we have to admit that we cannot trust ourselves.  Regardless of the situation, the farther we stay from sin, the better off we will be.

Faith and Fear--Mark 5

From the Preacher's Desk: Faith and Fear

If you are following the January Bible Reading Challenge, then this past Thursday you should have read from Mark 5.  On his way to heal the daughter of Jairus, a ruler of a synagogue, Jesus encountered yet another person in need of help.  A woman who had a discharge of blood for twelve years decided that enough was enough, and she was ready to do something about her terrible situation.  But what to do?  She had no money, for she had already spent all she had trying to get better.  She had been to doctors who had run tests and had even tried experimental treatments, but she just kept getting worse and worse.  Jesus was her last hope.  But how to get help from him?

Herein, though, lies the first twist to the story.  This woman, whose name we do not even know, did not look to Jesus in desperation.  As a matter of fact, as she thought about what to do, she never said "maybe," as in "maybe Jesus can do something," or "maybe I can get a little better."  No, if her hope in Jesus was a hope of desperation, she would have stopped Jesus in the middle of the street and probably acted kind of like Naaman did with Elisha, thinking Jesus should call upon the name of God, wave his hands around, and put on a show.  Instead, this humble, faith-full woman said, "If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well" (Mark 5:28 NKJV).  The only "maybe" she had was wondering whether or not she would be able to do what she needed to do!

There was nothing at all wrong with her faith.  As a matter of fact, Jesus would proclaimed to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well" (Mark 5:34).  His power healed her, but through her faith.  Or I suppose you could just as well say that her faith healed her, but through His power.  Regardless, without her faith, determination, and action she would not have been healed.  And herein lies the second twist to the story, for with the woman's faith came a measure of fear.  She wasn't afraid because she had gotten what she needed, that is, because she had been healed, nor was she afraid that she had done something wrong, but her faith had brought with it a measure of accountability.  She knew what she had done and she knew what her faith had done.  Now, because of her faith and because her faith worked, it was time for that faith to be brought out into the open.  And I don't care who you are, that can be a little bit frightening.

Faith is going to bring some fear.  There will be times when you are going to fear that you do not have enough faith.  When that happens, are you willing to ask?  The disciples would tell Jesus, "Increase our faith" (Luke 17:5).  In Mark 9: 24, the father of a child possess with a devil is going to tell Jesus, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"  Don't let fear keep you from asking.  Too often, though, it is not faith in God that is lacking, but faith in your ability to act upon your faith that is lacking.  As with this woman, it is not Divine power that you are afraid will fall short, but your own power.  It is entirely likely that this woman was terrified from start to finish, but she did it.  James says that if any lack wisdom, let him ask for it, but with this caveat: "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting!" (James 1:5-6a).  How will you do that?  The Hebrews writer says you have to run your own race, but keep looking to Jesus to get you through (Hebrews 12:1-2).

What happens when your faith is there, your strength to act is there, it all comes together as it should, and your faith has worked?  Very rarely will this be the end of your fear, or the end of your need for faith.  This woman's faith and fear led her to falling down at the feet of Jesus and confessing what she had done.  What started out as a humble action on her part was brought before the entire crowd!  Her faith now had the opportunity to impact everyone who was there and even you today as you read about her.  Faith working will often bring with it the chance for even more to be done, and faith working will very rarely be an end of any story, but will be the opening of doors for many other opportunities.

Don't be afraid of those opportunities.  The story in Mark 5 ends with Jesus telling this woman, "Go in peace" (vs. 34).  Where did she go?  What did she do?  Whose faith was helped because she had let her faith overcome her fears?  Faith has gotten you to where you are today, will bring you to where you need to be--if you let it, and will allow you to depart in peace to where you need to go next--again, if you let it.  So let your faith work, let the fears that may come with your faith be overcome, and get ready to go in peace.

Dogs Will Be Dogs

I love my old dog.  We got her as a pup almost 11 years ago.  Now she has arthritis, is overweight, has battled cancer, and is almost deaf.  She still enjoys going for rides and barking at squirrels, but now she does it at a much slower pace.  She has basically raised our children and thinks of herself as one of the family.  She loves to go pick the kids up from school, loves to sleep by my bed (or under my desk during the day), she knows when it is time for the kids to come home, and she gets upset when one of them spends the night away.  We think of her as part of the family, too.

Sometimes we forget, but she is still a dog.  The other day I let her go to the dumpster with me (another of her favorite past times).  Usually she trots alongside, sniffing constantly to see who has been around.  But not that day.  That day she took off out of the gate like a shot and ran straight to the neighbors.  She stopped just outside the chain of the neighbor's Rottweiler, turned, and marked her spot.  Then as the other dog was sniffing that spot, she ran inside the chain and did it again, right in the middle of the other dog's territory.  I ran over there yelling for her to come.  I would like to think she did not hear me but I am afraid she chose not to in this instance.  Finally, brazen as can be with head held high, she trotted back over to me with a smug look of satisfaction on her little doggy face.

All I can say is, dogs will be dogs.

Jeremiah uses the example of a leopard's inability to change its spots to illustrate the inability of the Jews to change their ways (Jeremiah 13:23).  Peter uses the illustration of a dog turning to its vomit and a clean pig rolling in the mud to show how some will turn from the truth and go back to their old sinful ways (2 Peter 2:20-22).  It is very frustrating when people take these passages and try to justify sinfulness, rebellion, or worldliness.  They try to make you think that they just can't help it, that they were born that way, or even that they weren't ever saved to begin with!

Here's the problem with that.  You aren't a dog.  If you are a Christian, you are not even that old person any longer.  Paul speaks of putting to death those old things (Colossians 3:5).  He speaks of rising to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).  The old man is gone.  Long live the new man (Colossians 3:10)!  You have been given the choice.  Too many today want to hang on to or in some cases to even resurrect that old man. However, you have got to move on and leave that old man behind.

A dog will always be a dog.  You must always be you.

If you could build a god....

If you could build a god….

If you could build a god, when would you build it?  Would you wait until you were in trouble?  Would it be done in a panic?

If you could build a god, what would you have your god feel?  Would it be insensitive or would you rather it be caring?  Would you build a god that listened to you anytime, anywhere?

If you could build a god, what would you have your god do?  Would you have a god of randomness or purpose?  Would you have a god of action or of inaction?

If you could build a god, what would you call it?  Would you choose a name that inspires terror?  Would you call it by what it was capable of doing?

If you could build a god, where would you keep it?  Would you keep it close to you or out of sight?  Would you lock it away somewhere safe?  Would you make it accessible to others or keep it to yourself?

If you could build a god, would you build the one you already have?

Jehovah God doesn’t have to be created.  As a matter of fact, He is eternal in His nature.  He is the God of creation (Genesis 1:1), the God of the fathers (Exodus 3:6), and the God of all flesh (Acts 17:25).  There has never been a time when He did not exist, nor will His existence ever cease.  Abraham at Beersheba “called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God” (Genesis 21:33).  Moses wrote, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God” (Psalm 90:2).  Who needs to create a God when One already exists?

One of the traits that people look for most in others is listening.  People like people who will hear them when they speak.  That same characteristic is one of Jehovah God’s greatest attributes.  “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil” (1 Peter 3:12).  Jehovah God is already listening and already cares (1 Peter 5:7)!

Too often we find ourselves reacting to situations.  All too frequently we are looking for solutions to problems that crop up from day to day.  Let’s face it: it is difficult to address problems that we don’t even know exist.  How many times through history has God been on top of things while man was still trying to figure out what had gone wrong?  For example, God heard the cries of the Israelites in Egypt and sent Moses as a deliver.  The biggest problem of all however is sin, and God has been working on that from the beginning (Genesis 3:15).  Isaiah prophesied of the deliverance that God would provide (Isaiah 9:1-2).  The whole scheme of redemption was a result of God’s action when man was still trying to figure out what the problem was (Romans 5:8).  How much more proactive could God be than to send His only begotten Son to die for us?

As you look at the Bible you come will come to realize that the names of God within the Scriptures are actually a collection of His attributes.  One of those names, however, stands out more than any other.  “For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Exodus 34:14).  At this point we begin to realize that we did not name God: He did.  Because of that, His name is to be honored and revered (Psalm 111:9).  In the Ten Commandments God said, “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain” (Exodus 20:7).  Jehovah God already has a name and He cherishes it dearly.  It is not a name to be taken or used lightly.

You don’t have to worry about where to keep Jehovah God.  “Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 23:23-24).  This characteristic of God is often called “omnipresence,” describing His ability to be not just anywhere at any time, but everywhere all the time.  We don’t have to worry about losing Jehovah God or having Him stolen away.  On the contrary our greatest concern should be going away from Him.  “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12).

If you could build a god, would you build the one you already have?  Jehovah God cannot be replaced or surpassed.  He can, however, be ignored, misused, and blasphemed.  You will never be able to make a god whose love is greater, whose forgiveness is wider, or whose care is as deep.  Don’t try to improve on perfection!  Keep the God you have!

The day I almost quit preaching

I know it has been quite a while since I have blogged, but I have decided to get back into it.

This is the true story of the day I almost quit preaching.  I know it was on a Wednesday afternoon in July, but I can't tell you what year.  I think it was 2007, but I'm not sure.  Anyway, I had been to South Georgia Medical Center to visit one of our members.  This Christian lady was both, through and through: a Christian and quite a lady.  As a matter of fact, I don't think she ever knew this side of eternity just how much she meant to me.  I had spent about 2 hours that day in her hospital room just talking to her.  Even though she was in the hospital and was suffering from a variety of ailments, I left her room so encouraged.  We hadn't talked about anything special. She had not said or done anything special.  She was just being herself: a Christian lady.

As I left the hospital and was walking through the parking lot I was overwhelmed emotionally.  There I was, "the preacher."  I was supposed to be doing the encouraging, yet I was the one leaving encouraged and consoled.  I finally decided that the emotion I was experiencing was guilt.  The reason for the guilt was not that I had done anything wrong, quite the contrary.  All that I had done as "the preacher" was what I could have-would have-SHOULD have done as a Christian.  Why should I, "the preacher," be special, feel special, or be viewed any differently from any other Christian?  Half the members at Airport made (and make) hospital visits, send cards, bring food, and do any number of little things that no one ever sees.  Just who did I think I was?  I walked away that day with the realization that I did not have to be "the preacher" because I was not doing anything that I would not have been doing otherwise.

That day helped to emphasize to me that being a Christian is as much or more about the little things we do.  Being a Christian isn't about recognition, but it is about being recognized.  A true Christian is going to act like one just as much on Monday as they do on Sunday.  A true Christian is going to act like one whether they are the one in the hospital bed or they are the one sitting in the chair by the bed.  A true Christian isn't going to have to tell anyone with their mouth, because their actions are going to show it.

Well, obviously I didn't quit preaching.  But in this age of budgets, resumes, and committee meetings, I have come to change my "job description," at least in my mind.  I am not "the preacher," just honored to try to be a full-time Christian who happens to stand in the pulpit.

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).

Prayer Request

Everyone please remember Hood Wisenbaker today. He went in for surgery a couple of hours ago. And remember Mrs. Faye, also. She is still recovering from getting a pacemaker on Thursday.

Another Theory

It is my theory that the offense taken from speeders is inversely proportional to the size of the town. (For example, Morven, GA, Berlin, GA, Tyronza, AR). No, I have NOT had the opportunity to personally discuss my theory with any law enforcement personnel recently, but 13 hours on the road gives you lots of time to think about stupid stuff like that.

DRIVE SAFELY!!!!!!!!

A Friend Indeed…

From the Preacher's Desk: A Friend Indeed…

Just for the sake of curiosity, I went to a major bookseller's website and searched for books on relationships. The result: 30,876 hits. Are you kidding me?!!! 31,000 books on relationships on this one site alone! That rather quickly told me two things: first, a lot of people are interested in reading about this topic; and second, a lot of people think that they already know a lot about it.

I looked through the search results at the titles of the books. Sadly, the Bible was not among them.

The truth is, however, that the Bible is the original book about relationships. The primary purpose of inspired Scripture is to instruct man on how to draw nigh to God. A secondary purpose is to help man to relate to his fellow man. Oftentimes within the Bible the relationship between husband and wife is addressed, but another relationship that too frequently is overlooked is that of friend to friend. It is sort of taken for granted that people just automatically know how to be friends, but sadly, that is often not the case.

When one opens the Word of God to examine relationships, what would you expect to find? A lot about love? A lot about tolerance? A lot about forgiveness? Yes, those things will be found and much, much more. For example, consider just a few passages of Scripture:

• Proverbs 11:13: "A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter." Sadly, not all friends know when to be quiet.
  
• Proverbs 17:9: "He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends." A friend must learn to forgive and forget.
  
• Proverbs 17:17: "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Too many are fair weather friends who become veritable strangers when times get tough for you.
  
• Proverbs 18:24: "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." And people thought Emerson was smart when he wrote that "the only way to have a friend is to be one." I wonder where he got that idea.
  
• Proverbs 22:24: "Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go." If we become a friend for someone else's convenience, we shall certainly become an associate of the consequences.
  
• Proverbs 25:17: "Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee." Sadly, not all friends know that there is a time to leave their friends alone.
  
• Proverbs 25:19: "Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint." Benjamin Franklin said it well: "Be slow in choosing a friend; slower in changing."
  
• Proverbs 27:6: "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." Although the words of a true friend may not be readily received and may even hurt, the true friend still has your best interest at heart.
  
• Proverbs 27:14: "He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him." Good intentions are not always enough.
  
• Proverbs 27:17: "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." Friends can either increase or decrease our personal effectiveness. A true friend will challenge intellectually, as well as spiritually and emotionally.
  
• Proverbs 27:19: "As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man." The true friend will reflect the desires, emotions, and heart of the other.
  

As one reads over these verses, it is readily evident what one should be looking for in a friend. Obviously, the more of these qualities one can find in a friend, the better, and the truly ideal friend would possess all of them.

So what kind of friend are you? If these passages comprised a checklist, how would you have scored? If you are lacking anywhere, could you improve? Or are you more interested in having friends and not being one?

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to lift him up." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

From the Preacher's Desk:

As I was giving the announcements Wednesday night, it occurred to me that there were two things I had never heard announced at church. First, I have never heard anyone say, "That is one ugly baby." Second, I have never heard anyone say, "That food that was served at the fellowship meal was just awful." (There used to be three of those, but I have now heard someone say that the singing didn't sound very good.) And so I got to thinking: if (notice that I said "if") the food had not been good at the fellowship meal Wednesday night, would I have said so?

No, of course not.

It is understood that tact requires some things not be said. Using our completely hypothetical situation of the food at a fellowship meal being less than appetizing, it is likely that the best course of action would have been to have said nothing at all. Truthfully, there are some things that do not need to be said. But occasionally, we do not follow that good advice, and we end up complimenting or even praising those things that we despise. We end up smiling while gritting our teeth, and hoping that our insincere attitude is not discovered. Unfortunately, there are two biblical principles that apply to such situations. One is called lying and the other hypocrisy.

In most such instances, there is not an initial intent to lie. But it frequently happens that when you desire not to hurt someone else's feelings that our tongue just sort of takes on a mind of its own. You might start out by frantically thinking of something, anything nice that you can say, and then the flowery, flattering words just begin to spill out. And for some reason, you can't seem to stop. And before you know it, in your innocent attempt to bolster someone's spirits, you have condemned your own. You are in a bad situation, not really sure how you got there, and certainly unsure of how to get out.

How, you might ask, does this make one a hypocrite? The common definition of a hypocrite is somebody who says one thing, but does something else. Sure, it is bad enough when we end up lying to someone for whom we care, even if it was done with the motive of sparing them pain and anguish. But too often it does not stop there. Too often, these indiscretions become a topic of conversation among others of like mind. And too often, as we enter into these conversations, our tongue once again takes on a mind of its own. Whereas earlier one might have stretched the truth to compliment, later the truth gets stretched to condemn. If we tell friend A how nice they look, then tell friend B how horrible friend A looked, that makes us: a) liars; b) hypocrites; and c) just a bad friend all around.

We all remember the advice given to us by our mothers and grandmothers: "If you don't have anything nice to say, say nothing at all." As with most advice, it is more easily spoken than practiced, but practice it we should.

You Are Great

From the Preacher's Desk:

"The 7 December 1941 Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor was one of the great defining moments in history. A single carefully-planned and well-executed stroke removed the United States Navy's battleship force as a possible threat to the Japanese Empire's southward expansion. America, unprepared and now considerably weakened, was abruptly brought into the Second World War as a full combatant." (www.history.navy.mil)

The event that is remembered on this day is one of the most controversial in American history. From a purely military point of view, the attack made by the Japanese was a brilliantly planned and executed maneuver. From another perspective, it was a despised act of cowardice which entangled America in a long and bitter struggle. But some of the greatest fallout from this event came from within. Questions were asked as to how such a thing could have happened. How had they managed to gain such strategic and tactical surprise? Where was the warning? Why hadn't we seen it coming? The navy fell under extreme criticism and many of the admirals were relieved of their duties. Meanwhile, the country had no choice but to grieve its extreme losses.

How many times has history repeated itself in that sense? A seemingly unforeseen problem arises. Later, it becomes evident that all the signs were there, but the consequences still have to be dealt with. The sad truth is that hindsight is always better than foresight, and that great men make greater mistakes because of their greater responsibilities.

At this point, many will say how happy they are that they are no greater than they are. But how great are you? One can judge how great they are by the responsibilities they have been given. If you are a parent, your responsibility is tremendous, therefore, you are great. If you are a friend, the responsibility enjoined to you is great, therefore, you are great. If you are a Christian, extreme responsibility has been entrusted to you. You are great because your responsibility is great.

But, you might say, those things are all common. There are many parents, friends, and Christians. How can I, in the midst of so many, possibly be great? Friends, do not think that such responsibilities are unimportant because they are common to so many others. Likewise, do not think that mistakes that are made in relation to our families, our friends, or our God are any less great just because they may be commonplace. It may be that neither our successes nor our shortcomings ever find their place in the annals of history. We cannot, however, let our successes—but especially our failures—become lost in the obscurity of the actions or inactions of others. God has made us great! God expects greatness of us (cf. 1 Peter 2:5). God has given us great responsibility. We must begin to live up to those expectations!

[This article appeared in our bulletin on December 7, 2008]

From the Preacher’s Desk: The Wrong Side of the Road

As I was driving home from Dasher last night on 41, you would never believe what happened: I met a car. What, you will ask, is so amazing about that? Well, this particular car happened to be travelling southbound in my northbound lanes. Evidently, the driver thought he was either in the correct lane or thought he was on a two-lane road, but he was not. For me, no harm was done. I called the sheriff's department and alerted them and I drove on. I assume that all turned out well, not having heard word to the contrary, but it could have been tragic! A horrible accident could have occurred, and it would all have been an avoidable, wholly senseless calamity.

I do not know if the driver was alone or had passengers with him. If the driver were alone, if he were inattentive enough to have turned into the wrong lane to begin with, the chances of figuring it out on his own were pretty slim. If he had passengers, the truth is that many times those who are "along for the ride" are quicker to pick up on mistakes like that than is the driver. (I am NOT trying to encourage "back-seat drivers" here.)

But let's assume he had someone with him. Imagine this conversation taking place inside that car. "Honey, I think you're on the wrong side of the road." "No I'm not. This is the side of the road I always drive on." "But Honey, all of the signs are facing the other way." "What signs? I don't see any signs." Final plea. "But Honey, the yellow line is over here on the right instead of on the left where it should be." "Yellow line? What yellow line? Oh, that one. Well, I never could remember what the white lines and yellow lines meant anyway." It could have been the classic "leave me alone; I know what I am doing" syndrome.

Jesus warns us about getting on the wrong road to salvation. In Matthew 7:13-14 he said:"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." What we must come to realize is that yes, it could happen to us; yes, the result would be calamitous; and yes, it can be avoided!

Have you ever talked to someone who was on wrong path of life? Were you met with the "leave me alone; I know what I am doing" syndrome? The truth is that there are warning signs designed to help us to know if we are travelling on the right road or not. As we open up the word of God, it is literally full of admonitions to caution. To those who "pick up on them," it seems so obvious which way one should be travelling.

But what if you are the one in the wrong? Do you have someone who loves you who will help you to see the signs? Will you bull headedly say, "Leave me alone; I know what I am doing"? Slow down and take a look around. Notice the path you are travelling. Examine your life in the light of the Word of God. Heed the warnings. You do not have to meet the calamitous end of eternal damnation.