Each One Win One 2008

12/17/08

Only 14 Days Left In 2008!

Well, this year is almost history.  There are only 14 days left, and 2009 will be upon us.  Where has 2008 gone?  I wonder what the New Year will bring.  In a historical fashion, we will have a new president and a new cabinet.  We will, I know, face the challenges of a struggling economy.  There looms, menacingly, over us the possibility of an additional 7 or 8 billion dollar bailout of the auto industries.  I thought it was humorous, to say the least, that the UAW while asking for 7-8 billion dollars of our money, absolutely refused to make any wage concessions to Congress.   The truth of the matter is, in my humble opinion, UAW and other similar organizations are one of the primary reasons that out economy is in its current condition.

I certainly would not like to see any of the retirees lose their pension(s) as I know of at least one dear brother in Christ that is retired from GM.  In an email he wrote, “If the bailout does not go through and my pension has to be cut, it will materially affect what I can do for the Lord and the ministry that I am currently involved in.”  I have prayed for this brother and the outcome of the request for help from the auto industry. 

But alas, all is not as bleak as it could be, for our God is in control.  God is sovereign, great, and good and will use our current circumstance and leadership as He so desires to the best of and to the good of mankind.  Of this I am certain.  Pray for the upcoming year, the effect we might have in our community, our new building process and progress, and especially our soul winning efforts.

Willia Jones advised me that she and Herbert are beginning a study with Merle Green’s nephew.  This is wonderful.  Pray for this study and pray for Merle also.  Kevin Mosby has come to live with Merle and help care for her.  Merle has some severe health problems, and like all of us, I am sure she needs our encouragement.  Pray for Willia and Annie as they continue the study. 

“I would also hear the man myself.”

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to have lived when Jesus was here on earth?  Have you ever even considered what it might have been like to have heard, in person, His wonderful Sermon on the Mount and other lessons?  How about one of the apostles?  What would it have been like to have sat at the feet of Peter or one of the other apostles?  We might say and think that we would have done everything He or they said to do.  This however, was not the case 2,000 years ago. 

Paul was being held in custody by Festus.  Remember, Festus wanted to please the Jews and asked Paul if he would go to Jerusalem and stand trial before him.  Paul objected and appealed to Caesar.  Festus said, “Unto Caesar you shall go” (Acts 25:12).  In the meantime, King Herod Agrippa II, the son of Agrippa I, came to Festus and he (Festus) told King Agrippa of Paul’s imprisonment and the charges against him.  Agrippa was, to say the least, intrigued by the apostle Paul, and we find these words, "Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. Tomorrow, said he [Festus], thou shalt hear him" (Acts 25:12). 

What did Agrippa want to hear from Paul?  Did he want to hear about how Paul was a Jew among Jews or how he had studied at the feet of Gamaliel?  I think not.  The scripture text seems plain that he wanted to hear about this Jesus that Paul was proclaiming and how he (Paul) came to be in such dire straits.  Agrippa did not want to hear the criminal charges that had been brought against Paul, as he knew and understood that he would have no jurisdiction over Paul because of his appeal.  This is evidenced by what Agrippa said; "Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian" (Acts 26:28).

We know what Paul said to Agrippa.  The Bible has recorded the very words of Paul’s defense.  Beyond the words recorded in Holy Scripture one does not know what other words that Paul spoke to Agrippa, but it seems apparent, at least to me, that these recorded words may not have been the totality of what was said (John 21:25).  Whatever the other words spoken, they must have been powerful and persuasive.  Paul must have revealed the story of Jesus and the will of God because Agrippa knew that he (Paul) had the truth about Jesus and that he (Agrippa) had heard them.    

What then may we learn from this encounter?  We may learn that there are people in our lives, friends and neighbors, loved ones and acquaintances, who want to hear the words about Jesus.   The words are no less powerful today than they were 2,000 years ago.  We have the words of the Man Himself, and there are those who would hear those words.  There are those who would not only hear the words, but would believe them and be obedient to them.  If we would but ask, I wonder how many would say to us, “I would hear the Man myself.”   

These are the folks we must find, identify, and share the gospel message with.  When we have visitors in our worship services we must ask ourselves, “Why are they here?”  I can tell you why they are here: “They have come to hear the Man themselves.”  When they leave the worship service, they should be able to say, “Not only did I hear the Man myself, but I saw the Man also living in his followers.” 

Folks, brothers and sisters, these individuals who would “Hear the Man for themselves,” are all around us.  Some may have never heard anything, some may have heard a perverted gospel message (Galatians 1:7), and some may be anxiously awaiting someone to bring them the truth.   Dear brothers and sisters, I assure you they are out there, and I assure you that it is our job to find them. 

Remember these words.  Seeking the lost is not what we do, it’s who we are.  Soul winning is not what we do, it’s who we are.  Evangelism is not what we do, it’s who we are.  Taking the gospel to a lost and dying world is not optional.  It is not something that we can choose to do or not to do.  We cannot consciously choose not to do it and still be acceptable to our God. 

Will you read these words today and say to yourself, “Well, that’s just Bill and you know how he gets.  He thinks everyone ought to be a soul winner and do Bible studies and go out and talk with folks about Bible studies.”  Or, will you be motivated to take action for Christ.  Will you talk with someone about a Bible study?  Will you set a personal goal for 2009 something like this?  “I will ask 2 non-Christian people each week to study the Bible.  If I cannot study with them myself, I will find someone who can.  I will set aside one night a week for evangelism, either to visit with the sole purpose of setting a Bible study or conducting one.”  Or, will you simply say, “Bill, I don’t want that much religion.”  The choice is entirely yours; however, I would close with these words from Joshua, "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15).

Until next time, think souls (Proverbs 11:30).

12/3/2008

2008 Is Almost Gone

It is indeed difficult to really believe that 2008 is almost gone.  When you read this, there will be less than 30 days remaining in the year.  The question I might ask of each and every one of us, including myself is, “What have you accomplished for God and His Son this year?”  How many people did you ask to study the Bible with You?  The question is not even “How many people did you study with?” but, “How many did you even ask to study?” 

May a Christian Woman Ever Teach a Man?

By Wayne Jackson

The pattern is common in Christian history.  A religious leader will craft doctrine that coincides with his theological perspective (based on a misunderstanding of a few Bible texts).  Once a proposition is formulated, zealots forage through Scripture collecting passages that conflict with their theory, mercilessly twisting them into submission.

Born out of misdirected defense of New Testament teaching related to “women’s role,” a fairly new idea has evolved within our brotherhood. It contends a woman may never, in any “didactical” (from the Greek didaskos) way, instruct a man in biblical matters (Fox 2006, 140ff). 

The underlying error in this theory is in assigning a static definition to the term didasko (rendered “teach” in 1 Tim. 2:12).  Such reveals a failure to recognize that words may be employed variously in different contexts.  For example, there is a sense in which a woman is forbidden to “speak” (lalelo) in the church assembly (1 Cor. 14:34, and yet at other times she is authorized to “speak” (laleo) when singing (Eph. 5:19).  Who would contend that women may not sing in church?

Accordingly, a few in the church are insisting that because a Christian woman is forbidden to assume an authoritative teaching role, by which a man is subordinated to the formal student status, there is never a circumstance where a woman might converse with a man in a context where she “teaches” (didasko).

Some allege she may not “teach” (didasko) a man in an ordinary conversation or answer his questions.  A Christian woman is not permitted to “teach” her unbelieving husband the gospel.  She even is forbidden to grade a correspondence course in which she writes “informational comment” which “teaches” an adult male.

Didasko (To Teach)

The Greek term didasko is found ninety-seven times in the New Testament.  In the King James Version, it is rendered either “teach” or “taught,” and is employed in several ways.  Frequently it indicates a formal teacher-student relationship.  At other times, however, with a more general import, didasko constitutes informal instruction, or simply a lesson conveyed.

The word frequently is used of the authoritative instruction of a formal teacher (Mat. 4:23; Acts 5:25).  However, the verb can signify merely a general lesson, such as conveyed by “nature” (1 Cor. 11:14).  It can denote the nurturing instruction new converts are to receive (Mat. 28:20).  It can even signify the reciprocal edification of Christians singing in a worship service (Col. 3:16), with no “authority” exercised.  The context, combined with complementary information, prohibits a woman from arrogating herself to the formal role of “the teacher” in an assembly where men are subordinated to the status of students (cf. 1 Cor. 14:24-35).

In 1 Tim. 2:12, the grammatical construction of Paul’s prohibition clearly indicates that the term “teach” (didasko) in this setting is the type associated with exercising “authority.”  The woman is not to teach in a situation wherein she exerts “authority” as “teacher.”

In my commentary on Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus, I have discussed this in detail (Jackson 2007, 60-78).  In my research, I consulted dozens of scholarly works pertaining to 1 Tim. 2:12.  Not once did I discover a scholar, in the church or out, who contended that this text indicates a woman can never teach (didasko) a man.

Affirmative Argument

Is there any New Testament evidence that a woman, under proper circumstances, could instruct a man scripturally?  How much evidence would be required?  Would one example be sufficient?  How much documentation is needed to establish the fact that early Christians communed on the first day of the week?  Is there anything beyond Acts 20:7?

The Priscilla Case

While Priscilla and Aquila were in Ephesus (Acts 18:18ff), they met a Jewish convert named Apollos, who though “mighty in the scriptures,” was lacking in an understanding of certain gospel facts.  When this couple heard him, “they took him unto them, and expounded (plural) unto him the way of God more accurately” (v. 26b).

The term “expounded” (ekithemi – “explained,” ESV) is used in Acts 18:36, 11:4, and 28:23 in the sense of “to convey information by careful elaboration, explain, expound” (Danker et al. 2000, 310).  It was a “deliberate and detailed narrative” (Robertson 1930, 152).

The term carries the meaning of presenting “Christian truth with painstaking thoroughness,” and “suggests an extended one-way presentation” (Bromiley 1982, 248).  McGarvey says they “took the powerful and zealous preacher to their own home, and taught him the truth on the subject” (1892, 148).

In his book, The Role of Women, one brother incorporates thirty-six pages attempting to establish his theory that Priscilla was not involved in teaching gospel truth on this occasion.  The major point is supposed to be that Apollos was provided no “new information” (Elliott 2001, 136-152).

Unfortunately for the writer, Luke disagrees, stating that Apollos’ teaching was less than accurate because he did not know that John’s baptism was obsolete (vv. 25-26).  He needed “new information,” namely that Jesus died, was resurrected, ascended, and a new regime was in place.

The Unbelieving Husband

In his first epistle, Peter provides instruction to Christian wives.  One aspect relates to the difficult situation of a Christian woman whose husband has not obeyed “the word” (with the article), i.e., the gospel (1 Pet. 3:1).  The expression “obey not” reflects a strong Greek verb that conveys the idea of refusing to believe and obey (Thayer 1958, 55).

It implies the man had been taught the truth, but he stubbornly resisted.  Who had taught him the gospel?  Quite obviously his wife, for the apostle continues by suggesting that she might even yet, “without a word” (no Greek article), win him to the Lord by her Christian behavior (see Davids 1990, 116: Woods 1959, 87).

An Ad Hominem Point

The adhominem (“to the man”) argument frequently is used to expose the inconsistency of one who espouses an erroneous position.  Jesus employed this sort of refutation frequently (Luke 14:5).  The advocates of this new doctrine contend that the term “teach” (didasko) is never used to depict a situation in which a woman can instruct a man (Fox, 36).  Supposedly, it always involves an “authoritative” type of teaching involving the official role of a teacher who is over his student.  This is an error; there is nothing intrinsic to the word that demands a role subordination.  Only context can indicate that.

Paul wrote: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God” (Col. 3:16).  Note the word “teaching.”  In the Greek Testament it is the present tense participle form of didasko.  Paul is describing the reciprocal instruction in which Christians engage when they worship God collectively.

If didasko always denotes teaching that excludes women, it necessarily follows that women are not permitted to sing in the church assembly.  A leader of this movement devotes more than twenty pages in attempting to avoid this conclusion, mostly based upon a punctuation difference in some modern versions (Fox, 118-139; yet as Prof. Melick observes: “The specific vehicle for teaching and admonishing is song,” [991, 305].)

Conclusion

This doctrine that a woman may never “teach” a man is new, void of genuine evidence, and divisive.

²²²²²²²²

Until next time, think souls!  (Proverbs 11:30)

11/26/08

Thanksgiving

What are we thankful for?  I suppose, in general, that we are probably thankful for most of the same things.  These things might include our families, friends, God’s Son Jesus and the way that God has blessed us over and over again.  We are thankful for the sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf so that we might inherit eternal life in heaven with the Godhead three; and rightfully so.  On a personal level perhaps we are thankful that God has given us His care and protection.   We thank God that He has kept us safe from harm and has given us His blessing of peace.  God is good, and it is right that we should be thankful to Him. 

In fact, it is a sin to be unthankful. Paul wrote these words, "For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away" (2 Timothy 3:2-5).  Notice, please, that right in the middle of this horrible list of sinful activities we find, “Unthankful[ness].”

Often I feel that we miss something when we speak of being thankful to God.  My question is this.  “Are we thankful to God for the blessing he has bestowed upon us to share the gospel message about His precious and beloved Son?”   You see, at least to my thinking, it is a blessing and a privilege to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15-16).  Are we ever thankful for the opportunities he has given us to teach others right here, right now? 

During this holiday season of thanksgiving to our God we should speak as the apostle Paul spoke and say, “. . . I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. . . .” (Romans 1:16).  Strictly speaking, when we come together on a national day of thanksgiving is it not to thank our God for all the wonderful things and wonderful ways He has blessed our nation and us as individuals?  People’s minds have turned to thankfulness to God and if not God, to whom or to what are they thankful?  Do you not think that millions of prayers on this particular day are being offered around the world to God in thankfulness?    Therefore, should we not be thankful for the opportunity to speak with our family, friends, and neighbors about the love of God and how He sent His Son to save us from our sins?

Yes, we should be thankful for our opportunities to share with others the salvation of Jesus. We should be thankful when we recognize these very opportunities, and we should be thankful when we have the insight and courage to act upon these doors of opportunity that have been opened to us. 

Perhaps we should even be thankful for the opportunity that God has given us to correct some of the religious error that is being taught today.  Just about every television program (not all, for there are some fine brotherhood programs) is teaching some sort of error that cannot be found in the Bible.  Unfortunately, the masses have believed this error and are falling headlong into perdition because they have believed a lie (2 Thessalonians 2:11). 

Well, enjoy the holiday.  Watch a little football, eat some turkey, catch a nap, and be thankful for the opportunities that God provides for us to study with others.  Be thankful enough to ask others to study the Bible with you.  Be thankful enough to share God’s redemptive plan through His beloved Son with all who will allow you to do so.  Be thankful enough to never let the opportunities that God has given us pass by without capturing them. 

The sum of this matter is simply this.  If we are indeed thankful for what Jesus has done for us, that is redeemed us (bought us back from sin—paid the ransom), provided us the opportunity to live forever in heaven with the Godhead three and helped us to defeat the sting of death, how can anyone or anything constrain us from sharing that love with others?  Seize the moment—seize the opportunity—seize the challenge and be a soul winner. 

I hope everyone, depending upon when you read this, either will have or has had a happy thanksgiving. 

North Alabama Christian Children’s Home

Our brother Don Williams from the North Alabama Christian Children’s Home (NACCH) spoke with us on Wednesday evening.  He made an excellent presentation about NACCH.  His job, of course, is fund raising for the home.  There is always a need for money when it comes to the care of orphans.  Don pointed out that all of the children there are orphans indeed (they have no one at all). I do not know what, if anything at all, Cold Harbor Road can do to assist, but I certainly hope that we shall be able to help in some way.  In the meantime, Don left us some coin cans to take home and fill up with our change.

If you did not get a coin can, please pick one up.  They are on the back table on your right as you enter the rear of the auditorium.  The entire amount of money placed in the cans is tax deductible and may be added to your charitable contributions for the year.  Please, do not simply take a can home and leave it sitting around filled with good intentions only.  The home cannot buy food or pay bills with good intentions ( :-o ).  If you so desire, you may take the can and simply put a check in it.  However, sometimes with the smaller children it is a great opportunity to teach them about helping others by allowing them to put money in the can, similar to putting money in a “Piggy Bank,” only this time for the orphan’s home. 

As we think of the Thanksgiving holiday, let us remember that we are soooooo blessed and that this is not necessarily the case for others.   I took my sweetheart of forty-five years out to dinner the other night at “Red Lobster.”  The bill with tax and tip came to about $40.00.  Alas, the price for just one night out, and we did not even have to pay a babysitter. 

Today, as I write this, I ask myself, could not Jewell and I have forgone this pleasure and given this amount to the orphans at NACCH?  Of course we could have and not at any great sacrifice either, but think of the good that it might have done for the children.   Would you be willing to give up Coca-Colas or a night out to help the children at NACCH?  Of course you would.  Remember, helping the children at NACCH is an evangelistic opportunity also.  Don reported that several of the older children had become Christians.

OK!  Take a can home with you, fill it up, and I will collect them the last week in January.  I will see Don at the FHU Lectureship and give him all the monies we have collected.  Until next time, think souls (Proverbs 11:30).

11/19/08

“I Remember Momma”

I wonder how many readers are devotees of the early days of television?  If there are any, do you remember an old black and white TV program called “I Remember Momma”?  One of its stars was Dick Van Patten, and he was about sixteen or perhaps seventeen years old when he starred in this program.  I have no remembrance of anyone else who starred in the show, but I do remember it was a series about a family, their concerns, activities, and the love of the mother for all in the family. 

You may wonder why I started the Each One Win One this particular way.  You may even ask, “Who cares about Dick Van Patten and I Remember Momma?”  Perhaps this is an acceptable question, but here is why I thought of that.  It was the announcement made Sunday that all those who were not going out of town for the Thanksgiving holiday were invited to come to the building and share a Thanksgiving meal together. 

We are a family.  We sing a song by the same name, “We’re part of the Family.”  Indeed, the announcement bought memories of years gone by so, “I remembered Thanksgivings.”  It carried me back to a time when we were smaller, a time when I could name every member and each and every member of their family, children, spouse or anyone else living in the home, for all the brothers and sisters here at Cold Harbor Road.  No, it was not a black and white television program; it was just a time of great fellowship and sharing a common meal (Acts 2:46).  I remember all the good food that was brought and sampled.  Without fail, someone would plug up an old TV set and turn on the football game.

I remember a time we had to commune together: to talk with one another, to share stories together, and to speak of the things that were going on in our lives and with our families.  And I remember a great many people who shared in this time of joy and food who are not here any longer to participate, having either gone on to their final reward or having moved away.  Perhaps it might be good to stop, occasionally, and think of all the great Christians, friends, and loved ones with which we were able to share our Thanksgiving meal. 

There was always turkey, dressing, sweet potato pie, pecan pie, green bean casserole, potato salad, cranberry sauce, and hot bread (rolls or biscuits). It was absolutely wonderful, and I am glad to see us doing it again this year.  This may be a new experience for some, but come and enjoy if you can.  You know, if you have planned a big meal at your home and are having all of your family over, everyone understands that, but if not come and share with us.

This is not a treatise on being thankful, although we should always be thankful for Jesus and all the blessings of this life that God provides us.  There is a bluegrass song entitled “Cabin On The Hill.”  It was written and sung by Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs.  One of the lines in the chorus says, “Just to be with those I love, it would give my heart a thrill, just to simply wonder back to my cabin on the hill.”  That is what I think of when I think of sharing our Thanksgiving meal together, “Just to be with those I love.”  I hope I will see you there.  See Lisa Bishop if you plan to come and find out what she would like you to bring.  I’m sure it will be announced again before Thanksgiving Day.

Bible Studies In Progress

Currently, to my knowledge, we do not have any ongoing Bible studies with non-Christians.  I am disappointed that this is the case, but we just have to keep looking.  There is someone out there who is willing and wants to make things right for their soul.  All we have to do is find them, right? Right!  Sometimes, I am afraid, we are too timid.  We think things such as, “I need to wait for a more opportune time” to ask someone to study.  My initial reaction to that might be, “That is a mental error and a mistake.”  I know that I preach and teach, “Timing is everything,” and this is true; however, one just has to use his best judgment on these matters.  Just because we do not believe the timing is right does not mean that the person we want to study with is not ready or feels the same.  

I know Ryan and Kelly are trying to follow up with Trisha and Larry Harding, but so far they have been unsuccessful.  Ryan said he had called them, but had to leave a message on their answering machine.  So far there has been no response, but he is going to attempt to contact them again this week.  Pray for this effort. 

I challenge all our evangelism students to find someone to study with.  We spoke of this in the evangelism class this past Sunday.  Go to a non-Christian friend and tell them you are learning how to teach Bible studies and ask them if they would help you by allowing you to study with them.  When you speak with these folks, do not use the words “practice,” or “practice study,” because although it may be practice for you, it is the “real thing” for them.  We want God to have their soul. 

Think in terms of friendship evangelism.  Everyone needs to sit down and make a list of all their friends that they would like to see become members of the Lord’s church and have all their sins forgiven.  Then go to these individuals and ask them.  It is called “aggressive asking.”  We have spoken of this before. All of us have friends, and we all have influence.  Therefore, let’s use that influence for the cause of Christ.  You may invite your friends to church, and this is a good thing, but you must also be very specific and ask them to study with you.  If you need I will go with you on the study, we will critique it afterwards, and I will help you prepare for the next study. 

What is it that motivates us to do these things?  What is it that motivates one to ask another for a Bible study when our heart says we cannot do this thing? The soul winner is motivated and driven by the love of God.  We are motivated because we understand the sacrifice of Christ.  For a while there was a saying going around and it anagrammed the letters “WWJD.”  This stood for “What Would Jesus Do.”  I suggest; however, to the soul winner a better anagram might be “WDJD4M?’  This stands for, “What Did Jesus Do For Me.” If and when we reflect on this anagram and observe what Jesus had to go through, how He suffered, and the sacrifice He made for me, it should be sufficient motivation for any Christian to speak with and set up a study with a non-Christian. 

Here is what the apostle Paul said, "For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf" (2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NASV).    The question then becomes, “Will I live for myself or for the one who loved me and did so much for me?”  We must realize that God feels the same way about others as He did about us before we became Christians.  Apart from Christ these folks are all dead, spiritually, and will be lost eternally.  God does not desire that any should perish; however, He depends upon you and me to see that they receive the message. 

Until next time, ask some to study the Bible with you and continually think souls (Proverbs 11:30).

11/12/08

Lectureship After Action Report (As I See It)

Officially, Ryan’s sermon on Sunday evening was the last unit of our lectureship.  In his sermon he was lamenting; “There does not seem to be many good songwriters today, at least not as in years past, who write words and music for songs of worship” (slightly paraphrased).  He went on to say that we need folks today who will write the poems that others can put to music.  After the service was over, eight year old Caleb Carter brought me a piece of paper upon which he had written a poem.  It is as follows:

You Are In My Heart.

You are in my heart.  You are the one that I love.

You are in my heart.  You are the one that is powerful

You can make [the] wind blow.

You can make the world . . .greater and better

So we [can] have a great home.

I suppose that the message for us in this poem is twofold.  One, we should never think because children are little that they are not listening to what the minister is saying.  Second, we should never think they do not understand the message or what is being said.  Think for a moment about how this eight year old understands the greatness of God, His love, and His power.    Think also about his feelings of the importance of having a great home.  Thank you Caleb for sharing these words.  Not all of your poems will be published I am sure, but this one says much about your young mind and your understanding of God.  God bless the ones who have helped you to understand God’s greatness.  Thank you for reminding Mr. Bill that the prophet Isaiah said, “. . . .a little child shall lead them” (Isaiah 11:6).

There were so many other good things that occurred during our lectureship.  We sold many books for this year’s lectureship on singing, and many from our previous year’s lectureships.  It seems that our clearance corner was “clearanced” out, if you know what I mean.  Just a reminder to CHR members, our previous years books have been greatly reduced in price and with the holiday season fast approaching they make excellent holiday gifts.  Think of it this way, it is a gift that keeps on giving as long as one can read them and glean the messages contained in them.  Why not buy a case now and give them to all your friends and families for the holiday. 

We missed the book store, this is true, but it was not the demise of our lectureship.  We had plenty of display material, and perhaps next year we may want to give some of these folks a little more notice and allow more of them to bring more of their display materials.  Perhaps we could invite all the schools of preaching to bring and set up their displays.  Many of the speakers, like Gary Hampton, have authored numerous books and would be more than glad to bring them and offer them for sale.

What an effort the folks of the kitchen brigade put forth.  Their general, General Bishop, was commander and chief of the efforts to put food before the people who came.  This they did, and I must add, this they did well.  To me, at least, this breakfast hour is not only a time of enjoying great food, but a time of great fellowship.  It is a joy to sit and talk with old friends like Eli and Naomi Brashear and Gay Mathis.  It is also a time for meeting and getting to know new friends.  To General Bishop I would say, “You and you alone know all the people that worked in your kitchen, and you and you alone know all the folks that purchased and brought supplies for the meals that were prepared.  Please convey my thanks and the thanks of the entire congregation for everything that you were able to accomplish.  I saw a great many of the same folks day after day working with you in the kitchen, but in no way could I even attempt to record their names in this writing.  I know that I would miss many of the hard working folks in this particular service.  So, please, hug their neck and express our thanks.  One of the things I learned in military service was that the two most important people in the military are the cook and the supply sergeant.  If you make either of these two people upset with you, you either will not eat or you will not have the supplies you need.  Good job folks and heartfelt thanks.  In addition we had a very special surprise.  Ryan’s dad, Jim Roark, made us some homemade pastries.  Jim is a pastry chef and is the owner of the Elk River Coffee Company where they have, what seems to be, hundreds and hundreds of pastries for one to enjoy with their beverage (coffee).  Jim also brought some of his special blend coffee for us to use with the meals.  Thanks to Jim and sister Roark.  It was a pleasure to visit with them.     

Thanks also to all the folks that went to the airport to pickup or deliver speakers.  Much coordination had to occur to make this come off without a hitch.  One person had to deliver two brothers to the airport for early flights, such as having them there not later than 6:00 O’clock (ouch).  And thanks also to all the members who kept folks in their homes.  A special thanks to the ones who coordinated this effort.  Every speaker who desired a place to stay had one, and none of the speakers had to stay at a motel, although, some may have chosen to.

Thanks also to all those who made the building “Spic and Span.”  The facilities looked wonderful.  Everything looked scrubbed and polished.  The yard was in a meticulous state of splendor, all mowed and trimmed up so pretty.  "And how about them floors in the downstairs area?"  They were cleaned and polished so brightly one could almost see one’s face in them.  I think Steve Knox is the culprit for this effort.  I know he had some help, but I do not know exactly who all it was. 

And then how about those who attended all the sessions or almost all the sessions?  May God’s richest blessing be upon you also.  I know you were blessed by every speaker you heard.   Some went to great effort to take time off from their jobs to be here so that they would not have to miss.  For others, like the Stovers, it was their first full engagement in the lectureship and I might say it was a joy to see how Joey, Scooter and Terrica rose to the occasion and immersed themselves in the lectureship. 

The singing sessions were fantastic.  O what a joy to hear and be involved in the blended voices offered to God as we taught and admonished one another in song.  We are so blessed to have such talented song leaders in this congregation.  For several years I have been so impressed with the up and coming talent that we have in our young men.  I cite specifically, Joe Stover, Brian Ketchem, Nick Mechling, Grayson Matchett and others who love to lead singing and who do it so well.  

Some folks prepared meals in their homes and had many folks home for lunch or supper.  Others took individuals out for a meal.  I know lots of time was required to make the necessary preparation to feed large groups at home.  One of the questions I received this time was about the bluegrass night after the services.  I did not schedule one because I did not think that there would be sufficient musicians to have a get together.  But, many folks stated that they missed that activity, so perhaps I will try to schedule one for next year.    You see, the main problem is that you cannot schedule a bluegrass music session without bluegrass musicians.    

I was indeed disappointed that some of those we met in the community as we were distributing our literature could not come and be with us, especially Larry and Trisha Harding.  Ryan is going to follow up with them on a Bible Study.  In the meantime and until next time, think souls (Proverbs 11:30).

10/29/08

Campaign This week / Lectureship next week

Would you look at that honor box?  Just look at all those names!  What a list of fine, Christian workers.  Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, “You done good (did well).”  When we have a task force like this to work, the work gets done quickly and is completed before you know it.  Now what remains is to deliver these door hanging packets to the neighborhood surrounding our building.  King Taylor has already taken a bunch and distributed them in the area of the new houses on Creighton Road, right off of Laburnum, and in his own neighborhood.  So, it seems we are off to a good start.

For the Saturday morning effort we should meet here at the building at about 8:30 AM for coffee and goodies and then plan to be in the field by 9:00 o’clock.  I will have the routes set up and ready for you when you get here so there should be little or no delay getting into the community.  It is my hope that we are able to deliver all the materials Saturday morning; however, if not, we will have sessions scheduled for Saturday afternoon and Sunday.  If you plan on attending the afternoon sessions either Saturday or Sunday, you might want to call and see what remains to be done. 

It amazes me, sometimes, how God teaches me not to worry, increases my faith, and lets me know He is in control.  I had great concerns about the price of gasoline and the effect that it might have on our outreach effort.  Have you noticed, and I am sure you have, the price of gas lately?  Jewell and I saw gas for $2.19 per gallon while traveling about the other day.  That is a big difference from the near $4.00 per gallon price of just two or three weeks ago.  I don’t suppose it will stay there long as I read in the newspaper where OPEC had reduced production levels in order to artificially increase the demand and prices.  One of the TV stations had stated that since the price of gas had gone so high, Americans had travelled six billion less miles.  People just could not afford to drive. 

Next week is our lectureship.  In addition to the campaign effort in the neighborhood, take the time to invite your friends and neighbors.  Send them one of the brochures that has been prepared for distribution.  Contact all your friends in neighboring congregations and remind them of our lectureship.  Sometimes other congregations, for a variety of reasons, do not publicize our events as we might like.   I just received a telephone call from Bill Dilks and his wife Lynn.  Currently they are in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania.  Bill stated that he and his wife are planning on coming.  Formerly they were with the Culpepper congregation here in Virginia.

Because we do not have a bookstore this year, I think Ryan is going to contact all the speakers and invite them to bring all their books they have for sale.  It seems that we should have plenty of room (smile).  Charlie Rose usually brings a great volume of stuff.  Perhaps we could invite all the schools of preaching to bring their materials for display, etc.  I promise you I shall not be distraught because we do not have a bookstore this year.  When God closes one door, it always seems that he opens another. 

Well, I hope to see as many as possible this Saturday morning.  I hope that we have enough folks to finish on Saturday morning as I know we all have things to do, like cutting grass and a host of other things.  As Bob Barker used to say, “Come on down.” We need you to get the work done.  I still like the idea of having a bicycle brigade (I just made up that name, what you think?).  What an opportunity for some of our younger, but more mature youth, to help serve in the lectureship effort.  You know the youth I speak of, 14-15-30-35-45ish, etc., years of age.

"Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?" (Psalms 85:6).

Have we considered that our lectureship is going to be a great time for all of us here at Cold Harbor Road to renew our spirits, rededicate our lives, and revive and refresh our love for our Lord and Savior?  There are several things that we must consider when addressing this question. 

To renew our spirits will depend upon our attitude.  We must ask ourselves, just how are we going to participate?  Will it be only occasionally, and will it be with a ho-hum spirit.  Do we really realize the potential good our lectureship can do for our spirit and the spirits of others?  If so, then in order to renew our spirits we must become enthused, even excited about what is about to come about. 

Is it just possible that something said or done during the lectureship might cause one to decide to rededicate their life to Christ?  There is a brotherhood statistic that says, “Some meetings fail because 50% of the members do not participate.”  They refuse to participate unless it is on Sunday or Wednesday evening.  In other words, not beyond the normal worship periods.  Think back to your conversion, however many years ago that might have been, and ask yourself, “Why did I decide to become a Christian, how did I feel at that moment, and what did I desire to accomplish for God with the rest of my life?”  Did you have great hopes and expectations?  Did you want to set the world on fire for the cause or Christ?  Try and recapture those feelings and that motivation and rededicate your life to Him. 

As the psalmist wrote and the song says, “Revive us again.”  Has someone or something stolen your joy of Christian service?  Are you spiritually worn out?  Have you lost all enthusiasm and desire to be active in His kingdom? The Hebrews writer wrote, “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (9:14).  Once when I was about 5 years old, my father was given the task by my mother of killing the chicken we were to have for dinner that day.  My father took an axe, as I remember, and removed the chicken’s head from its body.  When the head was separated from the body, the body took off running, banging into trees and other fixed objects.  When I questioned my father about this headless chicken’s behavior, observing and knowing full well that the head had been separated from the body, my father responded, “Well son, he just doesn’t know he is dead!”  I am afraid that many Christians are the same way.  They just do not realize that they are dead.  They simply do not realize their need for revival and refreshing.

Folks, this is one of the main reasons we have a lectureship.  It is for an infusion of new blood into our Christian lives.  It is to bring back that one time feeling of zeal and enthusiasm in serving our King.  It is to revive us once again into a lively hope.  Here is what the apostle Peter wrote.  "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Peter 1:3).    Our faith, Christianity and service to God are to be alive, not full of dead works.  If we are to be dead to anything it is to be dead to sin and the world.  Paul wrote, "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:11), and "Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world. . . (Colossians 2:20). 

Until next time remember our lectureship and think souls (Proverbs 11:30). 

10/22/08

Stuffing Party

We had a great turnout for the stuffing party.  Just look at this list of names in the honor box.  Pretty impressive, huh?  I am so thankful for all those who stayed and helped out.  If you stayed and helped and I did not get your name in the honor box this time, you let me know, and I will include it next week in the Each One Win One.  If I have counted correctly there are 17 names in the honor box.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  We completed about fourteen hundred packets to be delivered, but we need about six hundred more.

As we stuff packets this year in preparation for delivery, we are going to use the philosophy that “less is better.”  We are putting fewer items in the packet in the hope that folks will read them and either come to the lectureship or come and visit with us when they can.  At any rate, depending upon when we run out of certain items, we will only be putting three or four small items in the packets. 

It was announced that we would be hanging these packets on the door at people’s homes.  This is fine if this is what you desire to do.  It is also, probably the best way to deliver the packets; however, in the past we have just been placing the packets in the newspaper boxes.  So far, we have only had one negative response about this effort in all the times we have been doing it this way.  I suppose you just can’t please some people. 

We have some great speakers and a great theme for this year’s lectureship.  I hope you have already made plans to be at every session.   Neal is coming back to speak to us this year.  Our brother Alan Highers is coming to speak to us.  He (Alan) will be the keynote speaker on Saturday evening and then again at 9:30 AM on Sunday morning.  I don’t know if you know Alan, but he, like the other speakers on our lectureship, is a bulwark in our brotherhood.  He is also an appellate court judge in the Tennessee court system.  Alan speaks on many, many lectureships and has conducted several major debates involving denominational doctrines.  We are blessed to have him come and speak to us, and I must say I am surprised, but extremely thankful, that we were able to entice him to come. 

Glenn Colley, Jackie Stearsman, Dave Miller, Jody Apple, Dennis Curd, Jimmy Clark, David Sain, Gary Hampton, Bruce Daugherty, Bill Irby, and our very own Nick Genter and Ryan Roark will be returning as speakers a second or subsequent time on our lectureship.  First timers, besides Alan Highers, are Stan Mitchell, Melvin Otey, Jill Herman, Stan Stevenson, David Stearsman, Antoinette Green, Bobby Green, and Gene Cooper.

Remember this!  In order to receive the full benefit from our lectureship you need to be there for the full time, especially the Friday daytime sessions.  You will indeed be blessed.  If you need to, take a day’s vacation or a compensatory day, but be here.  Remember, to say this as kindly as possible, it is a great discredit to the Cold Harbor Road congregation, its elders , our brother Jesus, and His Father for our very own membership to absent themselves from this great, great teaching and fellowship effort.  Do you suppose that those who know us, look around and observe the absence of our own people, ever ask, “I wonder where all the Cold Harbor Road members are?”  It seems that we do well with our own members on Thursday evening, perhaps Friday evening, and again on Saturday and Sunday, but this is not the case for the Friday’s day sessions; or so it seems to me. 

Our lectureship is a very expensive undertaking and you, the membership, are the ones who are paying for this effort through your giving.  If you are paying for it, why not reap the benefit of all the lessons that are presented.  The cost of the lectureship, bringing all the speakers in, and preparing the book, runs into several thousands of dollars.  Let’s all resolve to support the lectureship, the Cold Harbor Road congregation, and the elders of our congregation with not only our dollars, but with our presence.

If there was ever a discouraging note about our lectureship, it has been received and occurred this year.  We have heard from Christian Family Bookstore that they will be unable to come this year.  Tucker and Mark Williams have been a part of our lectureship since the second year.  Therefore, unfortunately, we will not have a bookstore this year for the purchase of Christian, family, and religious materials.  We are indeed saddened by this, but unless something special occurs and someone else can come, we will simply have to do without. 

I look forward to the wonderful time of food and fellowship that the ladies and some fellows will be preparing.  It is always such a thrill to sit around with the great minds of our brotherhood and pick their brain on a host of subjects during the breakfast and lunch hours.  I understand, once again this year, that Lisa Bishop and all of her mighty elves will be in the kitchen caring for the food.  Ladies and gentlemen, “You go folks.”  Lisa used to be the cook for the camp sessions when we were directing the camper’s week, and she did an outstanding job.  We even had stone soup one day.  Try that sometime! 

To conclude this Each One Win One, consider this.  Let’s invite all our delinquent members to come and here these wonderful speakers and their important topics.  We have some, perhaps even many, who have fallen away over the issue of instrumental music.  Why don’t we call these individuals and tell them that we will be addressing all of their concerns about the mechanical instrument of music in worship.  If we cannot get them to come, let’s make some extra copies of the videos and send them a copy.  Those who have fallen away because of this issue, generally speaking, are new Christians and may not have the dedication to take Friday off from work, so the best we may hope for might be Saturday and Sunday.  If we cannot get them to come we can mail them or hand deliver a copy of the lectureship DVD’s.  Have you ever thought, “We would be bursting at the seams if we could just get our delinquent members to return and worship with us?”

Consider this.  It seems a criminal with a long record of transgressions was on trial for his latest crime.  The jury found him guilty of thirty-three counts and the judge sentenced him to 180 years.  Realizing that even with time off for good behavior he would be over one hundred when he was released, the prisoner burst into tears. Noting this display of remorse, the judge reconsidered.  He said, “I didn’t mean to be so severe.  Thinking it over, I can see that I‘ve imposed an extremely harsh sentence.  So you don’t have to serve the whole time.”  The prisoner beamed with new found hope, until the judge leaned forward toward him and said, “Just do as much as you can.” 

As far as our lectureship is concerned, that is all the elders have asked of you.  “Just do as much as you can.”  When it comes to attending all the sessions, “Just do as much as you can.”  Your ministers would ask the same thing, “Just do as much as you can.”  But all of us would say, including the Father and His Son, “But not one iota less than your best.”

Until next time, think souls (Proverbs 11:30).

10/15/08

Mission Report Tanzania

Let’s all remember tonight Wednesday, October 15, 2008, is the first of our stuffing parties.  Everyone who can stay is invited to meet down stairs and stuff the packets that we will be putting in the newspaper boxes.  Campaign days are November 1-2, 2008 and I know we will have an abundance of workers if you come. 

Mission Report Tanzania

Cy and Stephanie Stafford sent out this report by an unknown author from Towne Acres, IN.  It is a man, over sixty years old and a member of the Westside congregation in Muncie IN.  I wanted to share it with you because I think it sums up what we need to be doing.  I hope you are as moved and touched by this as I was.  This mission effort was in Kyela, TZ.

Paul wrote: “For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.” (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).

The phrase you are begged to notice is this: “I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake…” Later, Paul could say without boasting, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

What has that to do with a mission trip to Tanzania? Answer: Virtually everything! As citizens of one of the richest countries in the world, having arguably the most advanced infrastructure of any nation to have ever existed, it is sad that we have taken so lightly the opportunities that such a status has afforded us. Brethren and friendly sinners, I am convinced that unless we wake up to the opportunities that are about us on every hand, we will be judged harshly. We have occupied our padded pews and sat comfortably in our air conditioned building, praying that an honest sinner would come our way so we could teach him/her. We have expected the world, to one extent or another, to come to us so we could teach them to be just like us. All the while we have allowed countless millions of souls to slip into eternity without taking the gospel to them. God will be the judge of all who have died without opportunity, and I am glad that He will be. However, God will also be the judge of those of us who have had the opportunity of taking the marvelous news of Jesus Christ to people of good and honest heart and have quite frankly been too given to our own excesses to notice.

What has this to do with a mission trip to Tanzania? Keep reading! I could “wow” you with numbers, but I will not do so. Suffice it to be said that many souls learned the gospel and responded favorably to it during the two weeks that I and five brothers from the Muncie, Indiana area (Town Acres and Westside congregations) spent teaching and preaching in the area of Kyela, Tanzania. It can also be truthfully said that others who had become somewhat cold to the gospel were reenergized and/or restored to their first love. However, that is not the point of this report; these same claims can be made by many and they really have nothing to do with our responsibility to sew the seed of the kingdom. God has never charged a single person with the responsibility of converting another individual; He has only charged us with the responsibility of taking the gospel to them in an appropriate way and for being wise stewards of our time and resources.

What has that to do with the trip we made to Tanzania during the first two weeks of August this year? This is my point! As much as the culture would allow us, and to the extent we were individually capable, we became all things to the people of Kyela for the purpose of preaching the gospel to them. We learned who they are, what makes them tick, how they think, and act, and work. We learned about their hurts and their daily struggles. We embraced their children and kissed their babies. We experienced the compassion that must have moved our Savior so often to overextend Himself physically and mandate a place of solitude for rest and prayer. We witnessed [firsthand] a thirst for knowledge that I have never seen in over six decades of life in western civilization. We were welcomed into homes and onto properties where the gospel message was literally soaked up as if by giant insatiable sponges. Each day we taught until we were exhausted, stopping then only because of our own human limitations.

In the relatively small and sleepy town of Kyela, we handed out virtually every scrap of a gospel tract that we could put out hands on. Furthermore, we could have passed out as many again if that had been our goal and if we had the resources to do so. Bible studies were as easy to set up as could ever be imagined; literally all we had to do was ask; many time we were asked!. There was not a significant event of rudeness on the part of any person we visited there. A tremendous reverence for the Bible and widespread belief in the one God prevailed. If I were to imagine an ideal circumstance in which to preach and teach, it could be no more than the opportunities that we witnessed in Kyela, Tanzania.

So why aren’t we knocking their doors down? Why are not Christians going by the thousands to take advantage of the opportunities that exist there? Honestly, I don’t know! Maybe, it’s the distance, but by plane it is less than 24 hours away. Maybe it’s the cost, but the entire trip cost significantly less tha[n] $4000.00 (including all preparations, air fare, lodging, food, clothing, etc.). Maybe it’s the inconveniences of staying in a third world country where the comforts of home are virtually non-existent. However, I know of Christians who participate in hunting, fishing, hiking, rappelling, climbing, and other sporting events that demand that they live much as we lived in Tanzania. I do know one thing; if time and opportunity are mine, I shall go back!

So why aren’t we knocking their doors down? I could not begin to answer for anyone other than myself. I had not previously gone because of fear; fear of flying and fear of the unknown. I had not gone due to having higher priorities. I had not gone due to personal issues with which I needed to deal. I had not gone because I have to work for a living and there just wasn’t enough time. I had not gone because I was able to lull myself to sleep thinking that others would do the job; besides I was only one person. I had not gone because…., I had not gone because…., I had not gone because of a lack of love for the lost and a lack of faith in God to meet my needs while on such a mission.

On my way to Africa, I passed through London and visited Westminster Cathedral. Outside on the busy streets of England’s capital city, a man was attempting to pass out religious tracts to busy passersby. In the five minutes time that I watched, not a single person other than me took a tract. Too busy, too fearful, too consumed in other things! I contrasted this with Kyela where not a single person was too busy, where no one was too fearful, and where more than 99.9 per cent of the people gladly accepted and rejoiced over someone caring enough to give them a tract! Pray that we might be about the greatest vocation that this earth offers, the business of teaching the lost! As an aside, there is no better place to do this than Tanzania in the great continent of Africa. Regardless of the place, however, we must become “…all things to all men, that we might by all means save some!”

Tell me again, “Why is it that you can’t do short term mission work?”  “Why is it that you cannot learn the skills you need to teach Bible studies?”  “Why is it you cannot come out and help on our campaign days?”  One of my favorite sayings is this, “A good excuse is not the same as acceptable performance.”  I will see you on our campaign days.  Until next time, think souls, (Proverbs 11:30). 

10/07/08

Campaign Days November 1-2

Well, we have decided to take a piece or two out of some door hanging packets we have from previous efforts and replace them with some of the material reference our upcoming lectureship.   This means that some will have to be “unstuffed,” so to speak and then “re-stuffed” with the appropriate lectureship information.  Carolyn said she thought that we may have about 1,000 of these packets, but we will still need to stuff about 1,000 more (give or take a few, either way).  We will try and have these ready to stuff by the 15^th of October so that we might stuff on the 15^th and again if necessary on the 22^nd. 

The elders have suggested that we conduct our campaign days giving the brothers and sisters the options of how they would like to deliver the packages to the newspaper boxes.  Those who want to drive may do a route in that fashion.  Those who desire to walk may do that also.  If anyone desires to deliver the information using their bicycle, that will work too.  You have the option, and you may decide which way you would like to do it.    

The sessions will be scheduled as follows: 

          Session one

Saturday morning, November 1, 

8:30 continental breakfast

                   9:00 in the field

                   Noon – Lunch (On your own)

          Session two

          Saturday afternoon, November 1,

                   1:30 in the field

                   4:30 completion for the day

Session three

Sunday afternoon, November 2,

          1:30 in the field

          4:30 completion for the day. 

If we are able to finish all the distribution on Saturday morning it will not be necessary to go out Saturday or Sunday afternoons, obviously.  I hope that is the case.  I truly hope that we can finish on Saturday morning as that would keep us from tying up anyone’s entire weekend.  If you need to be paired up with someone we will do that at the beginning of each session. 

Consider These Words

As I was doing my daily Bible reading I came across these words.  I have never really considered them in light of an evangelism text, but as I pondered them in my mind and heart I had a small epiphany (a thought about the meaning of this scripture).  Here is the scripture from Luke 9:25-26.    "For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels" (KJV).

Here is the thought I had.  Is to be fearful of telling others about Jesus, asking them for Bible studies, and making a personal effort to win their souls, the same as being ashamed?  One’s initial response might be, “No, it is not the same.”  The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College edition; however, defines ashamed as, “adj. 1 Feeling shame or guilt. 2. Reluctance through fear of shame: ashamed to admit their error . . .”  According to the American Heritage Dictionary, the meaning is quite similar.  Jesus says in these verses, the one that is ashamed of Him and His words, He will be ashamed of them when He comes in his own glory. 

Matthew said it this way.  "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven" (10:32-33).  “But I have never denied Jesus,” you might say.  Then I must ask the question, “Does refusing to tell others about Jesus, refusing to study His words with others, refusing to be involved in our evangelism efforts, constitute a denial?”  It seems that, according to Luke, to be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, that is, the message of and about Jesus is a cause for becoming a castaway and the loss of one’s very own soul.

Paul even wrote some words about this in his letter to the church at Rome.  Paul wrote, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (1:16).  It seems that Paul knew full well what it meant to be ashamed of the gospel of Christ.  To be ashamed of the gospel of Christ is to deny others the soul saving power of the gospel.

Are we ready to assume that burden?  Are we ready to take that responsibility unto ourselves?  Are we ready to put our own souls in jeopardy?  I, for one, Joe Snell’s little boy Billie,  am not ready to deny the gospel message to others because I am weak of spirit, because I am timid, or because I am fearful of what others might say or think of me.  I would rather stand before God and have to tell him I failed in my efforts of evangelism one hundred or even one thousand times, than to have to say to my God, “I never tried.  I was afraid.  I was timid.  Lord, I seldom if ever, showed up on campaign days because I was too busy, but Lord, I have done many good works and many wonderful things for the cause of Christ; please consider these.”  I wonder what he will say to me on the day of reckoning, i.e., the Day of Judgment?  Here is what Jesus said, "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity" (Matthew 7:22-23). 

Let’s put our shoulder to the wheel.  Let’s keep our nose to the grindstone.  Let it be said of us, when that day comes, just like Paul said, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7-8).  If you lack anything then pray.  Ask God to give you strength and courage to go into battle with our adversary the devil.  Ask Him to strengthen your resolve, your willingness, and your eagerness to save lost souls.  Our God is powerful, and I believe he will grant your requests if you will but petition him on behalf of lost and dying souls. 

Until next time, think souls (Proverbs 11:30). 

Each One Win One
What have you Done? (2008) 09/24

The Coming Together of Wisdom and Righteousness

In a spiritual sense, the coming together of wisdom and righteousness is that configuration that results in the fruit of the spiritual tree.  We know and understand that a fruit tree is known by its fruit.  Jesus made this clear as he spoke about the fruits of his followers.  “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:15-20).  Is it then fair to say that the sum of one’s righteousness and his wisdom is the fruit that he bears?  Is this not true in every undertaking we approach in service to our Lord and Master?  Therefore, this fruit becomes our spiritual tree of life.  It is thus because we will be judged by our fruit, the deeds that we have done, and the words of Jesus.

Certainly we cannot save ourselves through works: either works of the law or works of obedience in a sense of doing good things just to get to heaven.  However, that does not mean that no works are required, ever, under any circumstance, as some of our denominational friends might suggest.  One need only to read the book of James to verify this statement (CF, Matthew 3:10; Mark 4:20; Luke 3:9, Luke 6:44; John 15:8).  

It may also be said that our external influences themselves can become a tree of life for the unsaved, that is, those who are lost in sin.  Our words, deeds, actions, and everything about us has influence on those who see us in our daily living.  When others see us living the life that Christ would have us live, it can become a quickening, refreshing, and happy influence upon them.  One would hope that this should lead us to an opportunity to approach and speak with these folks about our God and his Son.  This is the means by which our righteousness and wisdom come together, and we become winners of lost souls. 

As Ryan said in his sermon this past Sunday morning, we are to be fishers of men (Matthew 4:17).  This is what occurs when our wisdom and righteousness come together. Jesus spent three years teaching His disciples how to bring others to Him.  He sent out seventy at one time, two by two and told them to go and tell all the house of Israel about him.  This they did.  This is, apparently, what Solomon had in mind when he wrote, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30). 

We find these words in the book of Daniel, "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever" (12:3).  Daniel seems to be sure in his assertion that those who turn others to righteousness will shine as the brightness of the firmament and as the stars forever and ever.  It would seem that all the wise of the world would include in their life plan a service to God which would culminate in bringing souls to righteousness, that is, into a right relationship with God. 

When wisdom and righteousness come together then one can see positive results.  When wisdom and righteousness come together many souls are snatched from the fires of eternal punishment.    "Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins" (James 5:20).  But, godly wisdom cannot be compared to the wisdom of the world.  Paul wrote that we should not be wise in our own mind.   "Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits" (Romans 12:16).  Let us become a tree of life for someone.  Let us deliver to those around us the treasure that has been entrusted to our earthen vessels.  Let us be wise according to the will of God and not according to our own earthly desires and the wisdom of the world.  If we would be wise then we must be soul winners. 

Betrayed

Friend, I stand in the judgment now

And feel you are to blame somehow.

On earth, I walked with you day by day,

And never did you point the way.

You knew the Lord in truth and glory,

But never did you tell His story.

My knowledge was very dim,

You could have led me safe to Him.

Yes, I knew He made the earth,

But knew not of that second birth.

And now I stand this day condemned,

Because you failed to mention him.

You taught me many things, that’s true –

I called you “friend” and trusted you

I learn, that it’s too late,

You could have kept me from this fate.

We walked by day and talked by night,

And yet you showed me not the Light.

You let me live and love and die,

And knew I’d never live on high.

Yes I called you “friend” in life,

And trusted you through joy and strife.

And yet, on coming to the end,

I cannot now call you my friend.

(Copied – Author unknown)

To my knowledge, we do not have any Bible studies in progress.  Question!  “What shall we do?” Answer!  “Ask someone to study with you.”  For the most part, the only way we will get Bible studies is by asking. 

Until next time, think souls (Proverbs 11:30)

Each One Win One
What have you Done? (2008) 08/20

More about Ireland

I do not understand fully about the religious problems between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (Southern Ireland).  If I have this correct, the northern part of Ireland was all Protestant and the Church of Ireland is really just the Church of England with an Irish name.  The southern part of Ireland is the area where it is mainly Roman Catholic.  All of the Haberlin’s of my family were Irish Catholic.   They settled in middle Tennessee and were very active in such things as helping the parish priest build a building to worship in.  Unfortunately, I have some pictures of some of my family members with the priest there in Shelbyville, but everyone who could tell me anything about him or who he was is dead.  I think that most of the folks involved in that work were Snells.

It seems though, that most of the hostilities between the Protestants and the Catholics have ceased.  And for now, at least, there seems to be tranquility between the two groups.  The significance of that, at least to me, seems to be that Ireland is becoming or has become a great mission field with a great need for workers.  As I talked with Colin Graham, the minister there for the local congregation, he advised that they would love to have someone come to the area of Bangor and work with them.  But, there are areas all over Ireland that do not have a faithful congregation of the Lord’s people. 

It would also seem to me that the way one would have to evangelize Ireland would be a little different from the way we do it here in America.  Not to say that it cannot be done, just that it may have to be done differently.  For example, Colin advises that people are suspicious if strangers come and knock on their door.  For the most part they will not come to the door or open it for you.  So, what are their alternatives?  Well, one of the best is through friendship evangelism.  I know they know how to do that effectively.  Martha Graham was successful with her friend Sybil.  Martha and Sybil were neighbors, they got to talking and Martha invited her to their ladies class.  The rest is history, so to speak.   There is also the printed media, mailouts, advertising, etc.  What we would call exposure.

It seems that they have the same problem there that we have here, that is members who are not active any longer who have fallen away.  As usual, the question is how to reclaim those individuals.  When I think of these people I think of the scripture in Hebrews that says, "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame" (6:4-6).  I know that we should never give up on these folks, but the Bible says, in so many words, restoring these folks is a “hard row to hoe.”

Also, there are the family members of Christians.  There are always the non-member mates and children.  There are other family members: aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins.  It seemed to me that there was a great tie between family members of the Irish clans.

We spoke of, in our evangelism classes, how to be aware of significant emotional events in people’s lives.  We talked of such things as the birth of a child, moving to a new home, death of a loved one, and many other important events in people’s lives.  I hope that we were able to instill in the brothers and sisters in Bangor, a stronger desire to win souls and help them to develop a higher degree of motivation towards action in seeking the lost. 

Sins Separate One From God

Most of us realize that it is sin that separates us (the individual) from God.   "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear" (Isaiah 59:1-2).  Whenever one would study with a friend or acquaintance this fact must come out somewhere in the Bible study.  People must realize that they are separated from God because of the sin that is in their life.

Many times people equate sin with being a bad, sinful, and horrendous person.  Sometimes this is true; however, sometimes it is not.  When creating godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:8-10) there must come a realization that each of us, though not an evil, horrendous person has sin in their life.  On one occasion while talking with my brother I was attempting to discuss how sin separates us from God and while agreeing that sin does separate us he stated, “But, I think I’m 'gonna’ be alright when I stand before God.  I am basically a good person, I coach the boys baseball team and the football team, I don’t try to hurt [do bad things] to anyone, so I know I’ll be OK.”  How sad this attitude is.  Not because it is my brother, and unfortunately my father felt the same way, but because the world seems to live by this philosophy.  This philosophy is called “pluralism,” and subsequently, there will be many who enter by the wide gate which leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). 

But here is what the scriptures tell us about sin.  First, as we have already discovered, it separates us from God.  Second, no one can say that he has never sinned. (Romans 6:23).  Third, if we try to say we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us (1 John 1:8).  Unfortunately, somewhere along the way we have picked up a concept of “Big Sin, Little Sin.”  This may have come from the Roman Catholic concept of mortal sins and sins that are not quite so serious.    And finally, if we die with sins on our soul, the consequence of this is spiritual death (Romans 3:23).

Let me not overstate the obvious, but you cannot convince people of hell and eternal separation from God if they believe that they have no sin and subsequently are OK.  This is why it is so important to convince the sinner that his sins were responsible for putting Jesus on the cross.  We find these words in the epistle of First John.  "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world" (2:1-2).  Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for all mankind and for the sins of the world.  It is obvious that the atoning sacrifice reaches backward to creation and forward until the end of time.  Therefore, it is/was all sin that placed Jesus on the cross, all sin that has ever been or ever will be.   Therefore, if I am a sinner and the Bible says surely that I am, then my sins were a part of that great debt that had to be paid.  Jesus freely paid a debt that he did not owe and one that I could never pay for myself.  He didn’t have to do it because He told us so.  He said He could have called twelve legions of angels to prevent it (Matthew 26:53).

OK!  Let’s ask someone for a Bible study.  Let’s see if we can find an honest and sincere heart which will be open to the word of God.  Let’s see if there is not out there someone who desires to have their sins forgiven and who we can help realize that sin separates us from God.  Until next time, think souls (Proverbs 11:30).  

Each One Win One
What have you Done? (2008) 08/19

More about Ireland

I do not understand fully about the religious problems between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (Southern Ireland).  If I have this correct, The Northern part of Ireland was all protestant and the church of Ireland is really just the Church of England with an Irish name.  The southern part of Ireland is the area where it is mainly Roman Catholic.  All of the Haberlin’s of my family were Irish Catholic.   They settled in middle Tennessee and were very active in such things as helping the parish priest build a building to worship in.  Unfortunately, I have some pictures of some of my family members with the priest there in Shelbyville, but everyone who could tell me anything about him or who he was is dead.  I think that most of the folks involved in that work were Snells.

It seems though, that most of the hostilities between the Protestants and the Catholics have ceased.  And for now, at least, there seems to be tranquility between the two groups.  The significance of that, at least to me, seems to be that Ireland is becoming or has become a great mission field with a great need for workers.  As I talked with Colin Graham, the minister there for the local congregation, he advised that they would love to have someone come to the area of Bangor and work with them.  But, there are area’s all over Ireland that do not have a faithful congregation of the Lord’s people. 

It would also seem to me that the way one would have to evangelize Ireland would be a little different from the way we do it here in America.  Not to say that it cannot be done, just that it may have to be done differently.  For example, Colin advises that people are suspicious if strangers come and knock on their door.  For the most part they will not come to the door or open it for you.  So, what are their alternatives?  Well, one of the best is through friendship evangelism.  I know they know how to do that effectively.  Martha Graham was successful with her friend Sybil.  Martha and Sybil were neighbors, they got to talking and Martha invited her to their ladies class.  The rest in history, so to speak.   There is also the printed media, mail outs, advertising, etc.  What we would call exposure.

It seems that they have the same problem there that we have here, that is members who are not active any longer who have fallen away.  As usual, the question is how to reclaim those individuals.  When I think of these people I think of the scripture in Hebrews that says, "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame" (6:4-6).  I know that we should never give up on these folks, but the Bible says, in so many words, restoring these folks is a “hard row to hoe.”

Also, there are the family members of Christians.  There are always the non-member mates and children.  There are other family members; aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins.  It seemed to me that there was a great tie between family members of the Irish clan.

We spoke of, in our evangelism classes, how to be aware of significant emotional events in people’s lives.  We talked of such things as the birth of a child, moving to a new home, death of a loved one, and many other important events in people’s lives.  I hope that we were able to instill in the brothers and sisters in Bangor, a stronger desire to win souls and helped them to develop a higher degree of motivation towards action in seeking the lost. 

Sins Separate One From God

Most of us realize that it is sin that separates us (the individual) from God.   "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear" (Isaiah 59:1-2).  Whenever one would study with a friend or acquaintances this fact must come out somewhere in the Bible study.  People must realize that they are separated from God because of the sin that is in their life.

Many times people equate sin with being a bad, sinful, and horrendous person.  Sometimes this is true; however, sometimes it is not.  When creating godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:8-10) there must come a realization that each of us, though not an evil, horrendous person has sin in their life.  On one occasion while talking with my brother I was attempting to discuss how sin separates us from God and while agreeing that sin does separate us he stated, “But, I think I’m 'gonna’ be alright when I stand before God.  I am basically a good person, I coach the boys baseball team and the football team, I don’t try to hurt [do bad things] to anyone, so I know I’ll be OK.”  How sad this attitude is.  Not because it is my brother, and unfortunately my father felt the same way, but because the world seems to live by this philosophy.  This philosophy is called “pluralism”, and subsequently, there will be many who enter by the wide gate which leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). 

But here is what the scriptures tell us about sin.  First, as we have already discovered, it separates us from God.  Second, no one can say that he has not or has never sinned. (Romans 6:23).  Third, if we try to say we have no sin we deceive our selves and the truth is not in us (1 John 1:8).  Unfortunately, somewhere along the way we have picked up a concept of “Big Sin, Little Sin.”  This may have come from the Roman Catholic concept of mortal sins and sins that are not quite so serious.    And finally, if we die with sins on our sole, the consequence of this is spiritual death (Romans 3:23).

Let me not overstate the obvious, but you cannot convince people of hell and eternal separation from God if they believe that they have no sin and subsequently are OK.  This is why it is so important to convince the sinner that his sins were responsible for putting Jesus on the cross.  We find these words in the epistle of First John.  "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world" (2:1-2).  Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for all mankind and for the sins of the world.  It is obvious that the atoning sacrifice reaches backward to creation and forward until the end of time.  Therefore, it is was all sin that placed Jesus on the cross, all sin that has ever been or ever will be.   Therefore, if I am a sinner and the  Bible says surely that I am, then my sins were a part of that great debt that had to be paid.  Jesus freely paid a debt that he did not owe and one that I could never pay for myself.  He didn’t have to do it because He told us so.  He said He could have called twelve legions of angels to prevent it (Matthew 26:53).

OK!  Let’s ask someone for a Bible study.  Let’s see if we can find an honest and sincere heart which will be open to the word of God.  Let’s see if there is not out there someone who desires to have their sins forgiven and who we can help realize that sin separates us from God.  Until next time, think souls (Proverbs 11:30).  

Each One Win One
What have you Done? (2008) 07/09

Vacation Bible School 2008

Our Bible study with Mrs. Merle Green is progressing nicely.  Both she and Willia told me that the study went well and that they enjoyed it greatly.  Willia and Annie are conducting this study.  Mrs. Green came to our worship services on Sunday and was present for both the Bible school hour and the worship services.  They are scheduled to study again this week.  This is wonderful. 

I have not heard from Jim and Mary Ann recently in regard to the study with Dietra Reid.  Last report the study was going well, and all the comments about the study were quite positive.  Therefore, I would surmise that all is well, and we are making continuing progress in this study. 

We also had two other visitors to our worship services on Sunday morning.  They were Glenn Beazley and Sheryl MacCartney.  They have expressed an interest in one of our Bible studies, so please pray about this.  Glenn seems to be very interested, but I am not quite so sure about Sheryl.  We went to the Mexico Restaurant and had lunch with them.  We had a very nice time, and I feel like the results will be positive. 

Please continue to pray for all of these studies.  Let me tell you a little secret I have found about prayer requests.   Whenever someone says to me, pray for this or that, I do it right then.  If I get an e-mail and someone says this person or that person is ill and would you pray for them, I do it immediately so that I can answer and say, “I have prayed for them.”  If not, I, like everyone else, intending to do it later, forget it and  the person I desire to pray for does not get prayed for, at least by me.  This, I think, is terrible.  If someone thinks enough of me to ask me to pray for their loved one, etc, then I certainly want to do it, and I know you do also.  So, I reiterate, pray for our Bible studies in progress and those potential Bible studies that may present themselves.  Because of the immediacy of prayer, I have even prayed with people over the phone when they call the building.  It is just that important to me.   

We need to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) about lost souls.  I often wonder if we prayed continually about studying the Bible with others, if we prayed as the song says, “Lead me to some soul today,” how many Bible studies we might have to deal with?   Someone once said, “Pray like everything depended on God and work like everything depended on you.”  It is a pretty simple but powerful equation. 

VBS Is Upon Us

Well, it begins Monday July 14^th at 7:00 PM.  Who have you invited to come and join us for our VBS?  Have you asked anyone to bring their children?  Have you pre-enrolled anyone?  How about adults?  Have you talked with any of your adult friends and asked them to come and be with you for the adult sessions of our VBS? 

Don’t forget that tonight is the devotional period for our VBS.  It appears that Ron Herman has put together an outstanding period of devotion involving many of our folks, several prayers, and the singing of many songs.  We certainly hope all can be here for this period of preparation. 

Also, remember that we need to go out into the neighborhood this weekend,  Saturday July 12, morning and afternoon, whichever is better for you, and then again Sunday afternoon.  It seems that I “mis-spoke” or “mis-wrote” when I advised that Charles would be here to coordinate all of our outreach VBS activities.  Ryan will take care of all the coordination so for whatever session you can go out on Saturday or Sunday, he will have all the maps and areas we would like to cover. 

Remember, we are not attempting to set up Bible studies; all we are attempting to do is pre-register the adults and children for our VBS.   If you do not think this effort is important, ask Shannon and Mike Inge how important one of our VBS efforts was to their spiritual life.  You might be surprised at what they tell you. 

The term “Little Children” is used 20 times in the King James Version of the Bible.  And, let’s face it, even though we are putting special emphasis on inviting adults to our VBS, it is primarily the little children that the VBS is designed and set up for.  Consider a few of these “little children” scriptures with me:

"At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? {2} And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, {3} And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. {4} Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. {5} And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. {6} But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."

(Matthew 18:1-6).   What a beautiful passage; “Be converted and become as little children.”  Why little children?  Good question!  Might it be because little children have such great faith in their parents, such great trust, such simple obedience, and dependence on the one that loves them? 

How about this one?   “Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. {14} But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. {15} And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence" (Matthew 19:13-15).  Do we not all love little children?  Do we not admire their innocence and lack of deceit and guile?  Is this not why we invest so much time, energy, and resources in the little ones?  For some of our VBS kids it may be their first encounter with Jesus.  The wonderful stories we share with them may be the very first they have ever heard about Him. 

Mark’s account has the following: "And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. {14} But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. {15} Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. {16} And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them" (Mark 10:13-16).  Can’t you just see Jesus hugging and kissing these little children as he held them in his arms? Paul referred to the Galatians as his, “little children” (Galatians 4:19),  and John in his first epistle used the term, “little children” nine times as he wrote and provided instructions to brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Until next time, bring in the little children, introduce them to Jesus, and think souls.  Think about your own soul, the souls of the little children, and the souls of their moms and dads.  “He that winneth souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30 KJV). 

Each One Win One
What have you Done? (2008) 06/25

Can't buy me love!

I’ll wager some of you remember this song.  It was written and sung by a group of four young kids from Liverpool, England, and yes, they were all the rage at the time.  Who was this group?  Their name was the Beatles.  John Lennon was on rhythm guitar and sang a little harmony, Paul McCartney did the lead singing work and played bass guitar, Ringo Starr sang some and played the drums, and George Harrison played lead guitar and did some singing also.  Thus, the British stormed America.

I am sorry to say, well not really, that I was never a fan of the Beatles.  My music allegiance and tastes were a little ahead of the Beatles.  You know, like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Conway Twitty and Roy Orberson.  Now those were “Rock and Roll” singers, who in my estimation, were never equaled.  But, alas I regress.  The following are the words to their (the Beatles) song:

Can't buy me love, love
Can't buy me love

I'll buy you a diamond ring my friend if it makes you feel alright
I'll get you anything my friend if it makes you feel alright
'Cause I don't care too much for money, money can't buy me love

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you love me too
I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you
I don't care too much for money, money can't buy me love

Can't buy me love, everybody tells me so
Can't buy me love, no no no, no

Say you don't need no diamond ring and I'll be satisfied
Tell me that you want the kind of thing that money just can't buy
I don't care too much for money, money can't buy me love

In this song I fear that I might see an attitude that is becoming prevalent in churches of Christ throughout the land.  Before Jim, Mary Ann, Roy, Virginia, Jewell and I began the work here at Cold Harbor Road, Jewell and I worshipped with a congregation that had a mindset of affluence.  They wanted to spend money and have someone else do whatever work was required.  Their battle cry had come to be, “Let’s hire someone to do this for us.”  So, if the building needed painting, the prevailing thought was, “Let’s just hire someone to come and paint the building for us.”  If the air-conditioning was in need of repair, their thought was, “Let’s just hire someone to come in and fix it.”  It even got to the point that all their efforts were exclusionary of the talent they had among their own brothers and sisters.

Dear brothers and sisters, I must admit that there is a proper time to hire someone to come in and do the work that a congregation cannot or is unable to do for themselves.  There are considerations when deciding to hire someone to do a job for you involving and centering on expedience and timeliness.  What do I mean by that, you might ask?  I simply mean that sometimes, even though we might have the expertise to accomplish a task, if the task cannot be accomplished in a timely, effective, and efficient manner, then yes; it might be wise to hire someone to come and do it for you. 

Another example might be a project that professionals could complete in a relatively short time that would take a congregation an extended number of years to complete.  I write these words in order that you might know that I know and understand that there are times when the expert and the laborer are well worth the price of their hire.  If a congregation would move forward for the cause of Christ, then perhaps this is the proper way to proceed. 

But there are non-monetary values and costs associated, at least in some way, when proceeding in this fashion.  As was in the congregation where I formerly worshipped, the cost was involvement, pride, and ownership in the work of the church.  Because of their attitude when a work day was called, no one showed up.  “If there is work to be done, let us hire someone to do it,” they said.  There was little fellowship between working brothers and sisters.  There was absolutely no blood, sweat, and tears in the laboring for the Lord.  Why? Because, there was so very little laboring that went on. 

On the other hand, there are, as the song suggests, some things that cannot be purchased with money.  Serving Christ is not a big vacuum hole that Christians must throw money at.  As the song might indicate, so might God say, “You can’t buy Me souls.”  You see that is an individual responsibility.  Just like you cannot hire someone to worship for you, to sing praises for you, to study for you, or take communion for you, you cannot have someone else keep the commandments of God for you when it come to winning souls. 

This means that every one of us must be actively doing something to win others.  It is our individual responsibility and a requirement from God.  You know the scriptures.  You have heard them over and over again all your spiritual life, and yet there is still a deplorable lack of soul winning in the churches of Christ today.  A congregation cannot just throw money at soul winning and think that they have done all that is necessary to be pleasing to God in the area of seeking the lost.

Soul winning must have involvement from the membership at large and specifically from you.  Let’s get real personal about the brothers and sisters here at Cold Harbor Road.  We are doing a great many things well for the work of the Lord, but it would seem to me that there is a great lacking in the area of our individual responsibilities and efforts for soul winning. 

I have heard of some in this congregation making the remark that the congregation puts “waaay” to much emphasis on attending church.  I am so, so sorry for these folks who said this because the church is where Christ is, and statements like this indicate all these folks do not desire to be where the Lord is (Matthew 18:20).  I know for certain that there are those here at Cold Harbor Road who express the same sentiment about our soul winning efforts.  If not in words, then in deed which is evidenced by the lack of involvement in what is being done.  I am not discouraged.

One cannot fulfill the requirements of soul winning by just simply inviting others to church.  One cannot fulfill the requirements of soul winning by just attending all the worship services.  One cannot fulfill their soul winning responsibilities by just simply setting a good example.  Sending cards, making phone calls, and making visits, in and of themselves will not fulfill our responsibilities.  Make no mistake, all of these things are important and must be done.  However, they are not the same as being actively involved in studying the Bible with someone or setting study appointments for others to teach which leads to conversion.  Throwing money at soul winning is not the answer.  The answer rests in active involvement. Until next time, think souls (Proverbs 11:20).

Each One Win One
What have you Done? (2008) 06/18

Almost one-half of 2008 is gone

The year is half gone; what have you done?    As far as I know, we still only have two Bible studies in progress.  Dietra Reid continues to study with Jim and Mary Ann Dalton, and Cookie Jones and Annie Hutchins are still attempting to study with Zonia Bonilla.  We have a follow-up lesson in progress with Allison Maher, but beyond that, what are we doing to win souls?  What are you doing to engage the lost, that is, someone else in Bible study?

I am under compulsion!

Note these words written by the apostle Paul.  Read them carefully and see if the message is not directed specifically to each of us individually.  Try replacing the personal pronouns with your name and see if it takes on a little more importance.

"For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel. For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me" (1 Corinthians 9:16-17). 

We need to understand that one shares the gospel through preaching and teaching.  You cannot separate the two.  One might be able to teach without preaching, at least to some limited degree, but all preaching involves teaching.   The main message of our preaching and teaching should be about acts of redemption and salvation through the blood of His beloved Son Jesus.  This is what we do from the pulpit and through our personal evangelism efforts.  Therefore, studying with the lost through personal evangelism and preaching to the lost from the pulpit are two concepts that may be used interchangeably according to Jesus and His apostles. 

That brings us back to what Paul has written here in his Corinthian letter. He said, “I am under compulsion.”  I wonder what he meant by that?  Could he have possibly meant that it was a requirement for him to preach the gospel?  Could he possibly have meant that God had required him to teach others? (1 Corinthians 14:19).  Would this requirement be one that is passed on to us through the Holy Scripture?  I think so. 

If this is true, and it certainly is, then there is a terrible woe associated with this failure.  Paul said, “Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.”  Paul is stating that it is a failure to perform what God has required us to do if we fail to preach (teach-study-evangelize) with those around us.  Therefore, we must teach, preach, conduct Bible studies with our friends and neighbors, coworkers, and associates. 

How then, can we honor this requirement?  Not everyone can get into the pulpit and preach.  But everyone must do something to share the gospel message with others.  That something is to conduct Bible studies and teach others of God’s wonderful love and His redemption of mankind. 

And look, he goes on to say if I do it voluntarily, that is good, and there is a great reward for doing it voluntarily; however, whether voluntarily or against our will, we still must do it.  We cannot escape this responsibility.  It is still a requirement.  Even if it is against our will, it is a stewardship given us and as with any good steward and any stewardship given to another, the steward must act in accordance with the will of the one who gave him the stewardship.  Is this not correct?  Of course it is. 

And when we do it, we have no occasion to boast. Consider what Luke wrote, "But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow [think] not.  So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do" (Luke 17:7-10) 

You see; if we had one hundred Bible studies a month or perhaps even more, there would be no occasion for boasting.  No occasion for pretentiousness or gloating, for we will have only done what it was our duty to do.  How is God going to respond to us in the Day of Judgment when he opens the book of our deeds and says, “What did you do to win souls?”  What could we say, “Father, I tried always to set a good example, I led a good life, I helped the needy and the poor, I was not like other men, I prayed often, I fasted three times a week, I was a very liberal giver even over one tenth of all my possessions, I committed no adultery, I did not steal, I did not extort anything from anyone, and I tried to treat everyone I came in contact with justly and fairly” (Luke 18:11-12).

Paul continues in his Corinthian letter, "For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, that I might win the more.  And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law, though not being myself under the Law, that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, that I might win those who are without law.  To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some" , (9:19-22; Emphasis BJS: NASV) 

Here is the thing, like it or not.  Paul is telling us, that if we do not save others our own soul is in jeopardy.   We must do whatever is necessary to save others.  No one else can do it for us.  There is an old gospel song, written, as far as I can determine, by Virginia’s very own Carter family, that says, “You gotta walk that lonesome valley, you gotta walk it by yourself, nobody else can walk it for you, you gotta walk it by yourself.”  The message of the song is quite clear.  There are some things that no one else can do for us; we simply have to do them for ourselves.

Notice in the verses above, Paul says five times in three verses win someone and not just one or two, Paul wanted to win even more.  He makes the point that he did whatever was necessary to win these individuals.  Let there be no mistake, Paul never involved himself in any activity that was contrary to the scripture or sinful, but short of that he did what was required. 

The apostle Paul understood about personal accountability.  This is evidenced by the words that I have shared with you written above.  He also said it this way: "I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway" (1 Corinthians 9:26-27).  As great a Christian as Paul was, he knew, if not careful, that he himself might become a castaway.  Paul did not desire this and neither do we.  We do not want to stumble in one part and negate all the wonderful things that we have done for the cause of Christ (James 2:10-11).

Brothers and sisters, as men and women of God, we have to do all things that we have been commanded.  We cannot pick and chose the commandments of God which we will do and not do.  Let us pray that we do not hear, on the Day of Judgment, God say those terrible and frightful words, “Depart from me you workers of iniquity, I never knew you (Matthew 7:23).  Until next time think souls and find yourself a Bible study with someone (Proverbs 11:30).

Each One Win One
What have you Done? (2008) 06/11

I hope you haven’t forgotten

I hope you haven’t forgotten already.  The time is upon us.  It is a great effort and a great event.  I’ll bet you are wondering, “What in the world is he talking about?”  I am talking about our campaign days coming up in July.  We need to start now to make plans to be here on Saturday and Sunday, July 12 and 13 for our VBS Campaign days.  That’s right; it is that time of year again.  VBS is the week of July 14-19, 2008 with our wonderful culminating activity on the 19^th.  Usually we have a great big old picnic with lots of games, fun, and food on that Saturday. 

If the weather is anything like it has been for the past few days, it will be a couple of very hot campaign days.  We probably ought to get our sign out now advertising the times and dates in order that people can begin to mark their calendar and make preparations to bring their kids.  What we would like to do is pre-register those children we can find in our neighborhood so that we will be properly prepared when the time comes.  This will not be a difficult campaign, but it will require a little walking and going door to door.  If we find anyone at home we can give them a brochure and register everyone in their family if that is what they desire.  On many occasions folks will say they do not have small children.  They think there is nothing for them, the adults. 

Let’s put a special emphasis this year on getting the information out there that we have adult classes also.  I do not know who will teach the adult Bible class just yet, but you may rest assured that whoever is selected or volunteers will do a good job.   So when you go home, into your own neighborhood, and talk to your own friends and neighbors, make sure that they understand that (1) you are inviting their children, (2) that there will be classes for all ages, (3) and that you would especially like to have them come to the adult class with you.

Remember, Shannon’s first encounter with the church was through one of our Vacation Bible Schools.  Make no mistake, our VBS is now and has always been an evangelistic outreach.  Certainly, we want to insure that the children receive good Bible lessons.  We want them to have fun and tell their friends about our VBS.  We want them to enjoy the cookies and punch that they receive each night, but we must evangelize.

Remember this, though, often times our opportunities to speak with the parents are quite limited.  Sometimes, the only time we get to speak with them (the parents) is when they are registering on the first night, when they are dropping the children off on subsequent nights, or when they come to pick them up after each session.  We need to capitalize on these opportunities.  Teachers, encourage your students to bring their parents and have them meet you.  Encourage the children to bring their parents and show them their classroom and all the wonderful things you have prepared.  

Additional thoughts on the Workshop at Ligonier, PA

I ran out of space last week when writing about the workshop in Ligonier.  There were several other things I wanted to share with you.   The first was a little something about the way the congregation supported the workshop.  Ligonier will average about seventy-five or eighty people in attendance on any given Sunday morning.  For the Friday night session they had forty in attendance with two who visited from other congregations.  On Saturday for the all day session, they had thirty-nine attend with one visitor from another congregation.  How about that brothers and sisters?  That is pretty close to fifty percent of the entire congregation that attended the workshop.  I was truly impressed with that.

Second, when we returned home we found out that Ligonier is where Bob and Sandy Moorey used to attend church.  Now I know why they are such great Pittsburg fans.  I assume that Rob and the rest of the family went to church there also.  I did not ask Bob and Sandy how long ago this was. 

Then on the way home we had planned to see if we could make it to Fredericksburg, VA and had every intention of attending the evening worship services with the Spotsylvania church where Dwight Wenger is an elder and where my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren worship.  However, you know that old saying about the “best laid plans of mice and men.” 

First of all, we had to stop at Breezewood, PA and get some gas.  I think I coasted up to the pump.  I believe my range gauge said I had enough gas to go twelve miles before I was completely empty.  While we were there, the “ice cream monster” attacked us.  I don’t know if it has ever attacked you, but It hog tied us and forced all that old evil ice cream upon us.  It was about an hour before we could escape.  It was absolutely, “not a pretty sight (but it was pretty good “doe”).   I heard someone yelling, screaming, crying, carrying on, and behaving quite badly, but Miss Jewell made me stop. 

Well, to say the least, this put us a little behind schedule; however, we figured we could still make it to “Spotsy” in time for worship.  We were traveling along just fine around I-495, making pretty good time, and then we got on I-95 South.  I-95 South was a parking lot, if you know what I mean.  So, we got off the interstate and tried to find our way to Route 1.  This took some time, and soon it became apparent we were not going to make it to Fredericksburg in time for church. 

We took the “old trusty” Gamin (GPS system) we had with us, and we put in the address for the Woodbridge church of Christ.  After several minutes and several turns, we arrived just in time for the evening worship period.  Mike, Shannon and the boys, Jewell and I were impressed with what we saw and the worship services. As we walked in the front door we observed in their tract rack several issues of the Spiritual Sword which is put out by the Getwell church in Memphis.  Brother Lyndal S. Privett is the minister there, and he had a fine lesson this night on evangelism.  We met lots of folks there, invited them to our lectureship, and headed home.  We stopped in Fredericksburg at Central Park (Mall) on route 3 and had dinner.  We finally arrived home about 9:30 PM.  It was obvious that that area (Fredericksburg) had had some tornado-like weather during the evening. 

I really liked the Woodbridge congregation and hope that we can have lots of good fellowship with them in the years to come.  They seemed like good folks and seemed to be a faithful, good, and sound congregation. 

Bible Studies in Progress

As far as I know we have only two Bible studies in progress at this time.  Jim and Mary Ann Dalton continue to study with Dietra Reid.  Willia Jones and Annie Hutchins are studying with a lady named Zonia Bonilla.  Zonia is from one of the groups we have been studying about on Wednesday nights. 

Pray for these studies that God might open their hearts to the truths found in His Word and that these two individuals might be moved to obedience.   Whom have you asked for a study recently?  If you can find someone willing to study and do not want to do the study yourself, I or someone else will do it for you.  Therefore, until next time, think souls (Proverbs 11:30).

Each One Win One
What have you Done? (2008) 06/04

Ligonier, PA, EVANGELISM Seminar

Well, did you miss me last weekend?  Did anyone even realize that Mike, Shannon, their boys, and Jewell and I were absent from the assembly this past Sunday?  Perhaps one or two did; our elders probably did—they knew where we were and what we were doing. But did anyone even ask or call to see where we were?   You see, that’s the way the process begins when whole families fall away from Christ and cease serving Him.  Do you think it is impossible for a deacon and his wife or a preacher and his wife to fall away?  It is sad but true; these things occur quite frequently and today, more so than ever before.  One should probably never take anything for granted.  One should ask oneself in one’s own mind, “Is everything all right? Perhaps I should give them a call; maybe I should call the elders and see if they know where they are.”  A little encouragement is always a good thing. 

However, we were not delinquent, nor have we fallen away from the Lord’s church.  We had gone to Ligonier, PA to conduct an evangelism workshop for the brethren there.  Steve Lucas is their new minister.  Most of you probably know Steve and his family.  They have one son William who is five years old and one daughter Emily who is seven, going on eight.   Steve is doing a great work for the congregation at that location. Steve is supported and assisted by the other half J of a great team, his lovely bride Toni (Craft) Lucas.  Together, they have a great opportunity, challenge, and work.   

The people were absolutely awesome.  They were so very kind, warm, and friendly.  They were excited about becoming more involved in the work of evangelism.  There were a couple of interesting stories that I wanted to share with you.  One dear sister in Christ came up to me Sunday morning after the worship period and said, “I have to share something with you.”  I responded, “Please do dear sister.”  She began:

You know, you were talking this morning about the urgency of obeying the gospel message and submitting to the terms of pardon, and it made me think a great deal about my own conversion.  I had been studying one of the Bible correspondence courses, (I suppose it might have been the John Hurt lessons, but she did not say.) and I had come to the conclusion that I needed and wanted to be immersed for the forgiveness of my sins.  I called the church building, and the person who answered the phone identified himself as the minister.  I told him that I needed to talk with him or someone, and if he could answer a few simple questions for me, to my satisfaction, I wanted to have my sins washed away [be baptized].

That individual stated that he would be out to talk with me as soon as he could.  Well, a day went by and no one came.  Then a second and a third and still no one came.  Finally, after a week I called back, and the same person answered the phone.  I once again told him that I wanted to be baptized into Christ and have my sins washed away, but that I had a few simple questions that I needed to have answered before I made this commitment. [She did not say what day the second call was made after the weeks delay.] 

We set up an appointment, and the next Monday this individual came to my house.  We sat down together, and he was very kind and diligent to answer all my question.  So, I told him that I indeed wanted to be immersed for the forgiveness of my sins and be added to the Lord’s church.  To my amazement, this individual said, “That is wonderful, and we would be pleased to help you.  Can you come on Wednesday evening to be baptized”? (I have related this story as accurately as I remember it.)

She never mentioned anyone’s name that was involved, and I did not need to know.  She did mention that this individual was a graduate of one of the brotherhood schools of preaching. 

Now, before we become overly critical, remember that preachers are like everyone else on occasion.  Perhaps some are more attuned to the urgency of obedience and immediate action, than some others.  Perhaps some fear the thought of pushing another and would be hesitant to leap to action.  Perhaps there were some exigent circumstances over which the preacher had little or no control.  I simply do not know.  But this I do know.  It was a blessing from God that nothing happened to this beloved sister to make her lose her life before she could be immersed for the forgiveness of her sins.

And, for the members here at CHR I would simply say, “Never do this sort of thing,” that is put off someone’s obedience.  Day or night, whether it might be midnight or daybreak, if you have a study and that persons wants to be baptized, if you cannot do it yourself, you call me, Ryan, one of the elders, or someone who can, and we will see that their sins are washed away in a timely,  proper and immediate manner.

Another brother, with some years of wisdom under his belt (an older fellow), came up and spoke with me.  He said, “I have only been a Christian for a little over three years.  Since I became a Christian I always wanted to be a soul winner, but I feared many things, especially the fact that I did not know how.  You have given me knowledge, courage, and motivation, and I thank you for that.”  The recesses of my heart were warmed by his statement. 

Mike and Shannon did a great job helping with the seminar.  They spoke of their conversion and told of how Mike came that night when Shannon was immersed with the sole intent, if he did not like what he saw, of forcibly, if necessary, taking Shannon out of “here,” so to speak.  Shannon told of how her introduction to the church and the study of God’s word came about as a result of our Vacation Bible School.  I wish I could take Mike and Shannon with me whenever I do these evangelism workshops.  They are such a blessing to the Lord’s church and our evangelism efforts. 

I made the point that you never know exactly what you are getting when you lead someone to discovery and they become members of the Lord’s church.  Some are what I call “high maintenance” new Christians; others hit the ground running, so to speak.  Mike and Shannon are ones that hit the ground running. They were both baptized into Christ on September 5, 2000 and since that time; Shannon has done short term mission work (evangelism) in Ukraine, Tanzania, and Panama.  Mike has been to Ukraine twice, Tanzania, and is headed back to Panama for the second time in February, 2009.  They chaperoned and helped conduct a VBS by a group of our youth on a mission trip to Bunnell, FL.  What is it that makes such a difference in new Christians?  I do not know-- only God knows.

We currently have two Bible studies in progress.  Jim and Mary Ann continue to study with Dietra Reid, and Willia Jones called and advised that she and her sister, Annie Hutchins, are beginning a study with a lady from the Jehovah’s Witnesses group.  I will supply you with more information about this study as I receive it.  In the meantime, pray without ceasing for these two studies, that they will lead these individuals to discovery and obedience.  “If God be for us who can be against us” (Romans 8:28).

Next time, I will tell you all about the trip home, but until next time, think souls (Proverbs 11:30).

Each One Win One
What have you Done? (2008) 04/30

Bible studies in progress

It was good, indeed, to see Detra Reid at our worship service.  Detra looked wonderful.  Detra is in a Bible study with Jim and Mary Ann Dalton.  I do not know exactly where she is in her study progression, but she told me she was enjoying the Bible study immensely.   All of this came about because of a couple of things.  First of all, Deitra is a great friend of Debbie Chandler.  They have known one another for quite some time. 

Second, the study came about because of a simple hospital visit to a friend of a friend (sister in Christ).  Detra was in Medical College of Virginia with some rather severe health problems and when Debbie let us know, Jim and Mary Ann went to visit her.  How wonderful!  Here is the reality; a simple hospital visit has generated the potential for a seeking, searching soul to be brought to Christ.

 I will finish the study with Tom Spiggle this Friday the second of May.  That is, of course, hoping nothing comes up which would keep us from studying.  I cannot forecast the readiness of Tom’s heart, but I do know something about the power of the Word, so, we are hopeful and praying that Tom will obey the gospel message.  Pray, pray, pray about this study and Tom’s obedience.  He has become a good friend, and as of right now, I anxiously desire to see him go to heaven with us. 

Die as a fool (2 Samuel 2-3).

As I was doing a little reading the other day I came upon the story told in the Bible about Abner and Joab.  The story relates how these two men were mortal enemies.  Joab was a mighty warrior in the service of King David, and Abner was a mighty warrior in the service of King Ish-bosheth.  Abner had been the commander of Saul’s army.  Many of the children of Israel had appointed Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son as king over them while the tribe of Judah had selected David.

And so, there arose a great civil war between the two kings.  The two great warriors met at the pool of Gibeon and they sat down, one on each side of the pool.  “Let’s have a contest.” Abner said to Joab.  The scriptures seem to indicate that this contest was a “winner take all” contest, to the death of the contestants.  Each side sent twelve men.  One might suppose that these were young men, also mighty in valor.  The scripture tells us, “So they arose and went over by count, twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.  And each one of them seized his opponent by the head, and thrust his sword in his opponent's side; so they fell down together. Therefore that place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which is in Gibeon" (2:15-16).

The story continues that on that day the battle was severe and Abner and his troops were routed.  It seems that Joab had two brothers in the battle also. They were Asahel and Abashai, and the story tells the reader that Asahel was, “swift footed as one of the gazells which is in the field” (2:18).  As Abner was retreating with his army, Asahel pursued Abner and overtook him.  Abner had words with Asahel and said, in so many words, “I don’t want to have to kill you, so go away and leave me alone.”  But, Asahel would not do so, so Abner struck him in the belly with the blunt end of his spear and killed Asahel.  Abner knew full well that there would be bad blood between himself and Joab if this occurred.

Not long thereafter, Ish-bosheth and Abner had words and a falling out.  Abner went to King David and offered him his services.  David accepted readily for he knew from his time with Saul that Abner was a mighty warrior and had done mighty things and won mighty battles for Saul’s kingdom.      Abner  tells David to “Let me go and gather all Israel that they may make a covenant with you. . .So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace” (3:21).  But Joab, returning from a raid, found out what David and Abner had done, and to say the least, Joab was not happy about this.

After Joab talked to David, he sent messengers after Abner, but remember the memory of the death of Joab’s brother is still foremost in his thinking, but David did not know it.  Abner returns to Hebron thinking all is well, all is forgiven, and perhaps thinking he could explain to Joab, how he tried not to have to kill his brother.  When Joab sees Abner, he takes him aside to the middle of the gate and indicates to Abner that he desires to speak to him privately, and there, Joab slew Abner. (3:27).

The Bible tells us that David mourned Abner.  "And the king chanted a lament for Abner and said, ‘Should Abner die as a fool dies?’ Your hands were not bound, nor your feet put in fetters; As one falls before the wicked, you have fallen." And all the people wept again over him" (3:33-34).

Abner did not die in battle; he did not die attaining some great victory, he did not die in the heat of combat, and he did not die is service to his king.  He died like a fool at the hands of trickery.  How could Abner have been so foolish?

Shall we as Christians die the spiritual death of a fool?  It would be terrible to stand before the bar of judgment and cry out, “. . . Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?'" (Matthew 7:22).  “Please wait one moment Lord, while I explain.  You see, I used to go over and mow the grass at the church building.  I used to clean the building for a month at a time.  I used to send out a few cards to the folks who missed services.  You see, I am not like those other folks.  I even taught a Bible class.” 

What will happen, and how will we feel when God says, “Abner (Christian), you fool, your hands were not tied and your feet were not in fetters and your mouth was not shut, nor your tongue removed.  Your spiritual death will come about as a fool along with all others who did not carry out the commands of My beloved Son in whom I am will pleased.  I told you to hear Him and do the things I commanded Him to tell you.” 

“But God” you say, “I was a mighty warrior for the cause of Christ.”  But, remember, Abner was a mighty warrior also.  When they sang about Saul and how he had killed his thousands, Abner was there with him.   Abner and Saul would have been first cousins as Abner was his uncle’s son.

Let’s try hard not to choose to die a spiritual death as a fool.  That is what those do who will not hear the words of Jesus.  That is what those will do who will not respond to God’s terms of pardon.  That is what will happen to those who disregard the sacrifice of Jesus.  "How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?" (Hebrews 10:29).  Ignorance is a foolish thing; indifference is a foolish thing; apathy is a foolish thing.  These things will cause one to die the spiritual death of the fool.

Until next time, think souls and start a Bible study with someone.  Don’t be a fool, Abner! (Proverbs 11:30).

Each One Win One
What have you Done? (2008) 04/23

Friend’s Day—Let’s Measure Our Success…

There were132 present for the Bible study hour, 184 present for the worship hour, and 112 present for the P.M. worship service.  Our goal was 350 for the Bible study hour and 400 for the worship service.  Obviously we fell just a tad (far) short of our goal.  However, how can anyone say that our attendance was a failure when we had 184 persons present for the worship?  That is a goodly number.

Here are some considerations before we decide about our success or failure.  The individuals preparing the communion service, prepared for 280. It seemed that those who were involved in the fellowship afterwards prepared for 250-300 people.  There was probably enough food to feed 250-300 people.    Everyone who participated in these efforts needs to be commended, at least I think so. 

One of our deacons worked all day long to get video and sound in the multipurpose room downstairs, but his efforts were in vain, as it was not needed.  Lots of folks spent a great deal of time preparing the building: cleaning, straightening, polishing, mowing the grass, especially all around that great big hole in our front yard.

Brother Clarence DeLoach did his part.  Clarence did an absolutely outstanding job delivering two powerful lessons during our Sunday morning services.  I only wish the building could have been packed beyond capacity to hear these wonderful lessons.

Consider this.  I am well aware that we cannot make people desire to come and worship with us.  The best we can do is invite them.  We may plead, beg, cajole, and implore, but in the end, the decision is totally theirs.  So if you asked people to come and they did not come, you did the best you could do.  I know God will be pleased with your effort.  I know many of you asked folks to come because I asked some of the same ones, and they told me you had already asked them.  And consider this: some who may have been interested, but could not attend may come and be with us at another time.  

Jewell and I asked about 25 people at our Weight Watcher’s meeting.  Not a single one came.  We could not help that.  Everywhere we went we asked folks to come and be with us.  We met a young lady in the Subway restaurant who was a former student of Ms. Nancy Carter.  Her name was Holly, and she spoke so highly of Nancy and Caleb.  She said she was coming to see Nancy and hear the gospel message.  She did not come.  Jewell and I could not help that either, but we made the invitation.  Jewell and I asked some of the employees from the Cici’s restaurant to come.  But they did not come.  Nonetheless, we asked just about everyone we came in contact with to come for our “Friend’s Day.” But they did not come.  We invited our own daughter, son-in-law, and three grand daughters to come of which only one was able to make it Sunday morning. 

Still, we had 184 present for the morning worship.  We had whole families of our own membership that were absent.  This affected our numbers.  Bill Burton told me that he had given out seven visitor’s packets, so I know that several of you were more successful than Jewell and I in getting folks to come.  Some of you did very well and are to be commended to our God.  I know personally that one elder had two families, (three folks, perhaps even more) visit the worship service.  Kelly had her assistant principal and his wife come Sunday night.  This was wonderful.  There were some visitors from the Panama Mission trip this past year.  Thank God for all these folks. 

But, here is what I fear.  I fear that many of us, even most of us, that is the redeemed of God at Cold Harbor Road church of Christ, are not attuned to the spirit of what we are and were trying to do.  We are trying to expose people to the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6).  We are not trying to simply have numbers present for the worship services.  We are trying to bring in lost souls to hear the gospel message.  Have we lost sight of that?  Have we forgotten that what Jesus did for us, he will do for all who will come to him?  Perhaps we have forgotten to pray as we should for the success of these efforts.  You see, these things are not just “something to do.”  These type things are aimed at fulfilling our obligation to the one who died for us. 

We distributed 2,000 invitations in the community, but they are not the same as a personal invitation.  There is no substitute for getting one on one with an individual and asking them to come and be with you at church.  There is no replacement for that old fashioned personal contact. 

Soul winning is not to be taken lightly.  Inviting others to come to church is not to be taken lightly, either.  Likewise, soul winning is not a game!  Bringing others to a gospel meeting is not a game!  Exposing people to the truth about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and Heaven is not a game.  It is a serious Christian responsibility that must not be handled carelessly.  Luke wrote these words,   "And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.  But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more" (Luke 12:47-48). 

 For those of us who asked others to come who did not come, you did well; but, did you do the best you could?  If you did not ask anyone to come to our “Friend’s Day,” you might want to reconsider your commitment to Christ and His commitment to you.  Perhaps you might even consider rededicating your life and service to Him. 

Being a Christian involves work.  As Paul wrote, one cannot get to heaven through works of the Law.  I would think , and I would hope, that everyone understands what Paul is talking about (Romans 2 & 5) James wrote; however, "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works" (James 2:17-18).  James is speaking of works of obedience.  No, we cannot work our way into heaven so as to make claim to God that we have earned our salvation.  May it never be!  But there are certain things God expects us to do.  James also wrote, "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?" (James 2:15-16) 

God has given us some work to do and we must do it.  It is not enough to stand around and say, “What happened?”  It is not enough to spend all our time in assessing our shortcomings in our efforts.  What we must do is insure that they are successful.  This requires patience, dedication, tenacity (stick-to-it-ive-ness) and most of all work.  Perhaps we need to think in terms of, “What might I have done, personally, to make this effort a success?” 

Until next time, think souls (Proverbs 11:30). 

Each One Win One
What have you Done? (2008) 04/16 

Gospel Meeting—Friend’s Day

“thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

Gomer says that is a quote from Grandma Pyle, but it is an appropriate quote for the work that was accomplished this weekend.  I would be remiss if I did not express my thanks to all who helped out in some way.  As an after-action thought, there were a couple of ideas that Charles and I had in way of critique.  I shall write of them later in this writing.   

Cold Harbor Road is “sooooo” blessed to have these dedicated workers to do the works of evangelism.  I, personally, feel “sooooo” blessed by your presence, support, and dedication to the work of evangelism that takes place here.  As Ryan indicated in his sermon Sunday evening, it is not about us.  It’s all about God and His Son.  I am not ashamed to say that the work we do is a manifestation of our love for the God of heaven, His blessed Son, and His Holy Spirit.

Only three of our elders could be present for the Saturday morning session.  David Young is out of town and Bill had a commitment that he really needed to be present for.  However, Bill did come out Sunday afternoon, and he and Jewell went all through the neighborhood where Jewell and I and Joe and Alica Ketchem live.   The bottom line is this; we succeeded in delivering 2,000 handouts in our neighborhood (Yea). 

Now we need to shift emphasis and concentrate on those personal invitations we would make.  We still have a few days to make those invitations.  Don’t forget to ask all your friends to come and be with us for our “Friend’s Day” messages and a great time of food and fellowship.    Remember, we will have some show up on Sunday morning for our gospel meeting who are visitors and members of the Lord’s church.  Our goal; however, is to fill the building with those of our friends and neighbors who are not members of the Lord’s body.  Also, don’t forget to sign-up on the back table  letting our hosts for the activity know what food you are going to bring.

Now, a little something you probably do not know about our speaker, Clarence DeLoach and his wife Eddie.  They are both big bluegrass fans.  Clarence plays a bluegrass guitar and Eddie sings.  So, much like I do during our lectureship, I am going to invite all those who desire to pick and grin, or sit and sing, to come to the house for some fun and fellowship after the lesson on either Monday or Tuesday night.   I don’t know which one just yet.  I have asked Dwight Wenger to bring his bass guitar.  So, much depends on which night he and Pat will be coming down.  I have played with Clarence down at FHU, and he and Eddie are quite good.  I think the last speaker we played with was Maxie Boren.  We had a great time then also.  So, just know that everyone is welcome, and if we all have to stand up and squeeze in, that’s OK.

Some After-Action Thoughts

Charles Bishop and I were discussing some things that we felt were important regarding our campaign effort for our spring gospel meeting.  It seemed to us that this sort of campaign effort is the simplest and easiest campaign that we do.  So, we asked ourselves, why did not more people come out to help?  One of the answers we discussed was the price of gasoline.

The campaign was put to the congregation as one that involved no walking or talking to people.  However, no walking, as was stated, by definition, meant it was a driving campaign.   As we thought about this, Charles and I began to question the wisdom of this effort when the price of gasoline is $3.25 per gallon.  In addition, you get your very worst mileage on stop and go driving, which was exactly what we were doing.  However, supposing we had said this was a walking campaign?  How many would not have come because it involved walking? It is hard to say.

Charles and I thought perhaps we need to have an “Evangelism Brainstorming Session” to talk about the work we are doing here to evangelize our friends and neighbors.  Perhaps some of you might have some great ideas on the work we can do and the way we need to do it. 

What we have decided is to schedule such a “Planning and Goal Setting Evangelism Workshop.  We thought that perhaps on a Sunday afternoon, after our morning worship period, those who are interested might “do” lunch somewhere.  We would attempt to find a place that might have a room off to the side where we could spend as much time as we needed in discussing the work.  If you like this idea, let us know.  If you have a different, perhaps better idea, let us know that also.

All we want to do is get the evangelism minds together: all the previous graduates of the Practical School of Evangelism, the current students in the school, all who have been active in teaching the Bible studies or the follow-up studies, or simply all those who have an interest in seeing the success of our evangelism efforts increase.  Everyone would be invited, the young and the not so young (old), the tall and the short, the veteran and the beginner, and the experienced and the less experienced.

Please continue to pray for our Bible studies.  We are currently studying with Tom Spiggle.  Carolyn Elliott, Jewell and I are studying with Tom.  Jim and Mary Ann Dalton are studying with Dietra Reid.  I cannot think of any others at this moment.  Pray that the power of God’s word will work upon the heart of these individuals, and they will be obedient to His terms of pardon.

If you are interested in learning how to use the Ivan Stewart, Open Bible Study, now is the time to come down and join our evangelism school during the Sunday morning Bible hour.   I think you will be blessed if you learn how to use this tool or perhaps use it more effectively.

I saw Jesse Alexander in PetSmart recently, and I invited him to come back to church.  Pray for Jesse, that his heart might be softened and that he might return to God, His Son, and the church.

Until next time, think souls (Proverbs 11:30).

Each One Win One
What have you Done? (2008) 04/09

Congratulations to Ashley

We all rejoice with the angels in heaven over Ashley Bragg’s decision to put on her Lord and Savior in baptism this past Sunday evening.  Ashley, you know that we all love you, and we all have stood exactly where you now stand in our obedience to our God.  Certainly we want to continue to grow together with you as we journey onward towards our goal of eternal life in heaven.  

Congratulations to Shawn and Jennifer.  I know you are both thrilled over what Ashley has done.  I am always thankful for the influence of Christian parents who guide and direct their kids through many difficult times in their life, especially those years of “teendom,” if you know what I mean, and I am sure most parents do.  If you do not and you have children, and if God continues to bless you, I promise you will experience this great joy.

We will be writing more about this great event in our May evangelism bulletin.   So, Ashley, get yourself ready for Bobby Lawrence to take a great photograph of you for the May edition. 

Bring a Friend Day

Don’t forget, Sunday, April 20^th, is the first day of our gospel meeting with Clarence DeLoach, and it is also our annual “Bring a Friend Day.”  Our goal this year is 350 for Bible study and 400 for worship services.  There are some handouts on the back table that Ryan has prepared for you to give to your friends, family members, and neighbors.  Pick some up and mail them to your friends or just give them one when you see them and invite them to come.  I have been informed that there is a sign-up sheet on the back table for the meal after the morning service.  It might be wise, also, to prepare a little extra for our guests.

I forgot last Friday to take some of our flyers to the Weight Watchers meeting with me.  I have already talked with several of our friends there and invited them to come, hear a great gospel message, and then stay for the meal afterward.  That is kind of unfair though, inviting Weight Watchers to a sumptuous feast like I know we will be having.  However, they have always told me that Weight Watchers is not a diet, it is, instead, an eating plan, so we can portion control and be selective about what we eat.  This is not a problem (right?). 

I asked you before to sit down and make a prospect list for those you might want to invite; have you done that?  Time is running out.  Our meeting starts in less than two full weeks.  Rick is planning a devotion for the Wednesday evening, April 16^th, to pray about and prepare for the meeting, but I am not sure exactly whom Rick has tasked to do the devotional.  I am sure; however, that it will be a blessing to us all. 

Campaign Days

Our campaign days are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, (if necessary) April 12-13, 2008.  We will not be hanging packets this time.  We are going to tri-fold the brochure that Ryan made up and place them, by themselves, in the paper boxes or put them behind the flag on the mailbox.  Remember, nothing may be placed inside the mailboxes.  Breakfast will be served, whatever that may be, starting around 8:00-8:30 A.M. with the hopes of being in the field by 9:00 A.M.  I will have some general maps of the area, and several teams may work an area until it is completed.  We will have approximately 2,000 handouts.  With one person driving and the other person delivering the handouts, it should not take us long at all.  Just remember, before you call it quits or call it a day, check back by the office to see if there are any more that need delivering.   We shall be notifying all the area congregations and others within driving distance.  Pray for all these efforts.  . 

Go to the Ant (Proverbs 6:6)

"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man" (Proverbs 6:6-11).

Solomon says there is much we could learn from the ant.  In fact, he says if we would be wise we should study the ant.  We must consider her ways.  I wonder why that is, exactly?  Might it be because the ant works hard and plans ahead?  Might it be that she does not rely on others to get the job done?

When I was in Panama on my last mission trip, I had the opportunity to go to a beautiful botanical garden.  As I gazed at all the beauty of the garden, I observed a trail of ants.  This trail of ants went as far as I could see in both directions.  I did not walk to either end of their trail so I do not know if I could even find it (either end). 

I did, however, notice that every ant in this long, long line of ants was working.  Every ant was carrying something towards some unknown destination, at least unknown to me, and there was not one single ant that was sitting by idly doing nothing.  Some of the ants were carrying pieces of leaves that were 2 or 3 time their size and weight, but there was no complaining, just working. J

It was amazing because there did not seem to be an “in-charge” ant.  There were no traffic control ants, and I could not determine or find any supervisor ants; just workers.  Apparently, every ant had a job to do, and they knew exactly what that job was.  I did not see any that were asleep or not working.  I know, according to the wisdom of Solomon, when winter comes these little creatures will not go hungry because they have done what they were supposed to do and have prepared.  They shall have their reward in their kingdom.

I wonder if it is possible for Christians to become “spiritual sluggards?”  Perhaps I might find that word slightly distasteful; however, the point is a good one.  If we (Christians) are guilty of sleeping at the switch, so to speak, then we become like the lukewarm Laodiceans, do we not?   You see, it does not take very much.  Solomon said it just takes a little:  “yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy [spiritual] poverty come. . . “   Is it just possible that Solomon is trying to tell us something about getting up, getting out, and getting the work done for the Lord and His church?  Well, you decide, but  "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15 emphasis BJS). 

Until next time, think souls (2 John 3).

Each One Win One
What have you Done? (2008) 03/26 

Shannon Inge, Deedee Green, and Anna Ebron are studying with Inez Thornton.  Inez is a new Christian and is very desirous of learning more about her Lord and Savior, the church, and God’s Holy Word.   This is what we call your basic “FOLLOW-UP” lessons.  It is part of our evangelism program wherein we attempt to insure that the saved remain saved.  So very many of God’s little lambs, His newborn babes, are lost back into the world because our follow-up efforts are unsuccessful.  Also, these follow-up lessons are a matter of spiritual growth.  This, of course, is the objective we desire. 

Jewell, Carolyn Elliott, and myself have been studying with Tom Spiggle.  Tom is the manager of the CiCi’s restaurant here in Mechanicsville.  I, personally, have eaten so much at the CiCi’s restaurant of late, I think they have put me on their Christmas Card list.  When I don’t show up for a meal in several days, they call me to make sure I am all right (just kidding).

Tom is experiencing some personal trauma in his life, and he wanted to look more closely into God’s word. Carolyn was my helping partner on the first lesson, and Jewell was the helping partner on the second one.  We have finished OBS lesson one and have begun the second lesson.  We are just about to enter a study of baptism.  Pray for this study. 

God’s soul winners are at work here at CHR.   I am always thrilled to find you, the readers of this writing, actively involved in bringing others to Christ. 

Let me share a story with you, please.  Last night, that is Monday evening, March 24, I had the opportunity to be in the recording studio with my friend, a fellow musician.  This man runs the activities, or at least I think he runs the activities, of the Gospel Chicken House.  This is a local attraction wherein they have all sorts of bands that play gospel music.  While we were working on a song, I asked one simple question.  I said, “Will, didn’t you tell me that you went to church with Tommy?”  That was all I asked.  Tommy is another one of our mutual musician friends.  Tommy also worships with the Mormon group here locally.  Will responded, “No, I did for a couple of years, but we don’t go there anymore.”  He went on to tell me about his religious experiences there and his religious background regarding places he and his wife had worshipped in the past.  He concluded by saying, “So we are thinking about going back to the Baptist church.”

Of course, you know what I said, don’t you?   “Before you and your wife go back to the Baptist church, would the two of you consider doing a Bible study with me to learn about the church of Christ?”  He responded, “I don’t know.  Let me discuss it with my wife.”  What we have here is a “door of opportunity.”  It was brought about by a simple, non-threatening question from a friend.  My question to my reader is this:  “How many of you would have missed this opportunity to ask about a Bible study?”  How many would let the matter drop?  You see, recognizing one’s opportunities and seizing the moment is a skill that everyone can master.  Listen to what people are saying to you, and then find the right time to speak of Bible study and the church. 

I did not pursue the matter at this time.  He wanted to discuss it with his wife, and I felt that was entirely reasonable.  If someone had come to me with a similar request, I would have probably responded thusly had I not already found the truth and the true church.  I will follow up and see what happens.

A challenge to all my readers

During the month of April, I would challenge you to read through the entire New Testament with me.  Here is a daily reading schedule: 

Fold up this E1W1 and place it in your Bible. If you will read nine chapters a day you can read the entire New Testament in 29 Days.  Days 30 and 31 may be spent in prayer and/or catching up if you had to miss a day for some reason.

I know this works.  Set aside some time each day for reading.  Perhaps you might read before bedtime or in the morning when you awake.  Find a quiet place away from all distractions, such as the TV or the needs of your children.  Some folks like to read in the bathtub.  Just a word of caution about reading in the bathtub, water makes the pages of your Bible soggy and difficult to turn and separate (smile).

I know for a fact that daily Bible reading has blessed and continues to bless my life.  Every time I read or reread something, it sheds new insights into the word of God.  Of course, truth never changes, and my understanding of the message of truth should never change; however, each time I read through, I pick up something I had not considered before, and my understanding has been blessed. 

As you read through the New Testament during the month of April, look for applica- tions you might have missed about soul winning.   As always, think souls.

03/19/08

Gospel Meeting And Friends’ Day

Mark your calendars now for April 20^TH through April 23, 2008.  This is our gospel meeting, and Sunday of our gospel meeting is “Bring a friend day!”  There is a lot of work that needs to be done if we would make this great event the success that we want it to be.   We need to start now inviting all of our friends, neighbors, and acquaintances.   Let’s set a goal of 350 for Bible study and 400 for worship services.  Now I realize fully, those numbers are somewhat, even quite arbitrary, but if you have a better number that is higher or more challenging, you let me know, and we will adjust.  You see, here is the thing: if you shoot at nothing, then that is exactly what you will hit.  If you aim at nothing, that is exactly what your shot will find. 

We always need goals and objectives to aim for.  If we have no goals and objectives, we will never be able to measure our progress.  One might say, “We have had these friend days before, and we have never yet met our goal, so no big deal.”  Al Capp, the writer of the daily cartoon “Li’l Abner” would call this “Stinkin’ Thinkin’.”  He always referred to this type of attitude and approach as “Skunkworks.”  I’m sure you get my point, that is we can do this if we really put our hearts and minds into it.  God will bless our efforts, and if we don’t believe that, there is something terribly wrong with our faith. 

Consider this also.  Clarence DeLoach is a great gospel preacher.  He is powerful, dynamic, and motivating as he brings lessons from God’s word. I know of no one I would rather have my friends come and hear than Clarence.    To the membership here at Cold Harbor Road, I can only say, “You will not want to miss this speaker.”  If you do not get to hear him, you will be greatly diminished.  Plan on staying for the fellowship after the morning service so you can meet Clarence and his wife Eddy.  They are both just “Good Ole Country Folk.” 

Clarence is the preacher for the Willow Oaks congregation where two of our former members worship.  I know you remember Jim and Linda Loftis.  They have told Clarence and Eddy all about us, so we have a reputation of love and friendship to live up to.  

Please start now asking your friends, either in person or perhaps by written invitation, to come and be with us.  You know, this all depends upon us.  We will get out of this exactly what we put into it. I, personally, would like to see us have to set out extra chairs and fill up the multipurpose room downstairs.  You know, don’t you, that we have closed circuit TV for the multipurpose room?  O yes!  It was put in there just for such occasions.

Please, let’s work really, really hard to make this a success.  I know our Lord and Master will be pleased if we succeed, and the devil will be overjoyed if we don’t.  Will we allow the devil to rein victorious over us?  I say emphatically, NO!  However, we will have to work together and work hard to accomplish this victory.  

Closely and inseparably associated with our friends’ day and gospel meeting are our campaign days April 12-13.  Mark your calendar to go out these two days, and inform our neighbors about the meeting and friends’ day.  You will be receiving more information about this effort in the next issue of Each One Win One.  As usual, we will meet here at the building on Saturday morning, receive our assignments, and proceed into the community.  

This, of course, means we will have to have stuffing parties before we go out.  We shall select April 2 and 9 for this activity.  Once again we shall attempt to distribute 2,000 door hanging packets in the community.  Two man teams will be needed in order that one can drive and the other distribute the literature. 

Jeremiah Was The “Weeping Prophet”

One might suppose, according to one group of singers, that Jeremiah was a bullfrog; however, that is not exactly the same Jeremiah that I have reference to; I am speaking of the one who was the prophet of God.  Jeremiah was the prophet who proclaimed the captivity of Judah with all its terrible consequences.  I refer to that prophet who prophesied doom and destruction for the children of Jacob.  Sixteen times in twelve verses, in the book bearing his name, Jeremiah uses some form of the word weep.  “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me. Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? [W]hy then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?  Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!" (Jeremiah 8:20-9:1).

Jeremiah wept continually for those children of Judah who were going to be taken into captivity.  The idea is that he wept day and night, day after day, and without ceasing.  Jeremiah did not want all those descendants of Jacob to be horribly punished by God and be taken into captivity by the king of Babylon.  So, Jeremiah wept.  Perhaps this is the way one should feel about our lost opportunities to help people free themselves from the bondage of sin and spiritual death. You see, in the case of Jeremiah, the people would not listen, were head strong, and went headlong into the punishment of God.  Seventy years they spent there because of their rebellion. 

The difference is, when we do not do our job, that is to seek and save lost souls, that is to take them the gospel message, we allow them to self-destruct at the behest of their own self-will and ignorance.  Are we then not guilty of failing to keep individuals who are perhaps head strong and self-willed from charging “full speed ahead” into perdition?  There are approximately 300 people (names representing the souls of 300 individuals) still lying on the table downstairs who may never hear the true words of salvation, may never hear about the true Son of God, the one who made the true sacrifice for our sins, and who would have us to be free from sin and spiritual death. 

I am going to take those 300 names and stop pleading to have them contacted.  However, like Jeremiah, we ought to weep.  We ought to weep because more than likely they will never hear the good news about Jesus.  Perhaps we should weep because we were nonchalant about our responsibilities and duties.  Perhaps we should weep because we failed to see the importance of getting this task accomplished. Perhaps we should weep for ourselves because it didn’t get done. 

A special thank you to those who did their best to take the gospel to these individuals.  Until next time, think souls.

03/12/08

This is the Love of God (1 John 5:3)

The apostle John said, "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous" (1 John 5:3).  The significance of this statement by John is simply that if we would manifest our love for God, we must keep His commandments.  He goes on to say that His commandments are not grievous.  In fact, it is reasonable that we should do this very thing.  Romans 12:1 instructs the reader that presenting one’s body as a living sacrifice was our “reasonable service.”  Allow me to elaborate, please, for a few thoughts on this matter.  If, presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice is our reasonable service, we must do that through keeping His commandments.  Therefore, keeping His commandments is also a reasonable service and is not something that we cannot or are unable to do.  God has never, nor will He ever, require His children to do something they cannot or are incapable of doing.

The next question is, “How did God manifest His love for us?”  The answer is a simple one.  He sent his son to die for us.  Oh yes, He blesses us every day, in every way, by His loving kindness and His steadfast love.  "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.  “The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him"” (Lamentations 3:22-24 RSV).  However, ultimately Jesus and His death were the manifestations of this steadfast love.  

Here is what Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans.  "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (5:5-8). 

So, what then does all this mean?  “This is a fair question which deserves an answer.”  Solomon said this was reasonable and as a man should be and do. "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).  If you stop and think about it, that is really all God has ever asked of His children.  He demands respect, worship, and that we do as He has commanded us to do.   We are not allowed to add to His commandments or take anything away from them.  We are not permitted to turn to the right hand or to the left.  We are required to walk the straight and narrow, for narrow is the way and straight is the gate that leads to eternal life (Matthew 7:13-14).  This is our reasonable service. 

Jesus acknowledged that He was the great I AM of the Old Testament. In the Gospel of John, it is recorded that Jesus made seven I AM statements that infuriated the Jews.  His proclamation that He was the great “I AM” was viewed as blasphemy.  To the Jews, it meant that Jesus was the one who                                                   said, “I AM that I AM.  You shall tell them that I AM has sent you,” when Moses asked the question, “Who shall I say sent me, what is his name?” (Exodus 3:10 ff).

Yet, God, from before the foundation of the world knew that man would need an atoning sacrifice that he was unable to provide for himself.  He knew that the creation would need to be reconciled to the Creator.  No one knows exactly how long Adam and Eve lived in that beautiful paradise of Eden, but we do know that eventually, with the help of the devil, man was undone.   Of the commandments of God, Satan changed one word and one word only.  Three little letters comprise the word “not.”  “You shall NOT surely die” (Genesis 3:4).  But the devil was a liar and the father of all lies (John 8:44).

Remember, our redemption came at an awful price.  The payment for our sins was made in the death, burial, and resurrection of our beloved brother who was required to shed His blood so that we might live.  If ever a tear was shed in heaven, it surely would have been when our brother cried out from the cross, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me.” (Matthew 27:46).  It should pain our hearts to know that the innocent Son of God had to die so that we might have the forgiveness of sin.  He had to die in order for all those things that separate us from God could be wiped away.

But, here is a tragedy that comes near to the same greatness.  That tragedy is that man and mankind reject His redeeming sacrifice.  Mankind says, “I do not need God, or His son; eat, drink and be merry for I have many goods laid up, sufficient for many years” (Luke 12:19).  “I care not, nor do I need your sacrifice.” There is little one can do for an individual who has this attitude.  Remember, though, the gospel is quick, powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword (Hebrews 4:12).

It is also almost as tragic to know that there have been uncaptured opportunities which we have let pass us by.  There are many folks out there who will never know the truth because we have failed in our duties and responsibilities.  Paul told us that he had requested prayers for a door of opportunity, “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds" (Colossians 4:3).    It is so very, very sad when God provides us with a door of utterance (opportunity), and we fail to capture it.  We pray for God to lead us to some soul, and when He provides this door of utterance, we allow it to close because we either do not recognize it, or simply do not care.  It seems that so many are indifferent to this command of Jesus.

"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” ((Matthew 28:18-20).  Now you decide!  You tell me!  Is this or is it not a command of Jesus.  It was one of the very last things He told the apostles before He ascended back to heaven.  It is like Jesus was saying, “OK fellows, listen up.  This is important.   Let me give you one final word of exhortation.  You go out there and you teach everyone you can, and you baptize them into the possession of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  You tell everyone you teach to also do all these things I have commanded you to do.  This is so important because if you do not tell them, and if they do not do it and tell others to do it, then it won’t get done.  I am depending on you and all of them to take care of this for me.” 

Often we ask a question similar to the question in Matthew 25, “Lord, when saw we the naked, and hungry, etc.” “When Lord,” we ask, “did we allow the door of opportunity to pass us by?”  “When did we not do our best to carry out your great commission?”  Yet, it happens.  We let these opportunities get by us.  Remember how Jesus wept over Jerusalem?  Perhaps we ought to weep in the same fashion over our lost opportunities.  Perhaps we should weep every time a door of utterance is slammed shut.  Perhaps we might accept a little personal accountability when we allow these doors of utterance to go unopened because of our failures.  And remember this:

There are still 300 unopened doors of opportunity on the table downstairs!

Until next time, think souls.

02/27/08

Welcome to Mechanicsville
Thank you to our campaigners

As near as I can figure we visited about 200 homes during our campaign.  We went out in teams of two, and each team took a list of approximately twenty homes to visit and welcome.  I have heard of only three positive responses where there might have been a spark of interest.  Ryan and Kelly found one, and Alica Ketchem and I found the other two.  There may have been, and I certainly hope there were, many more of these that I did not hear about.  All the reports were that the folks we (our campaigners) met and talked with were quite pleasant.  I did not hear anyone say they had met with old “Oscar the Grouch” while making contact.

We had 18 campaigners on Saturday morning.  We had a little continental breakfast, did a little training, sang a song, had a prayer, and headed for the field.  No one showed up for the afternoon session on Saturday, and after an impassioned plea by Ryan on Sunday morning we had two more (different) folks come out for the Sunday afternoon session, Willia Jones and Annie Hutchins,  and Jim Dalton and Alicia Ketchem returned for the afternoon session on Sunday.   All total, we had 20 persons show up for the campaign days.

I am so very, very thankful for all these people, and the efforts they put into the success of our campaign.  I am especially thankful for Bobby Lawrence, who did some new, creative, and amazing things with our maps and addresses for the new homes.  I suppose it is fair to say that Bobby and I both have found that these map programs are only fair, at best.  Many of the campaigners came back, and reported that they could not find the address, or the house was not there.  Alica Ketchem and I found one of the addresses about a block beyond where the map showed it to be, but on the other hand, we found one of our better contacts there.  The man who answered the door said, “If you took the time to come and do this, I will take the time to come and visit with you.”  Alica and I both thought that was pretty neat.  He had a very pleasant attitude.

Bobby had prepared directions, maps, and folders for the workers for the 606 new homes.  Of the 606 homes, we had 392 that we were unable to contact because of lack of workers.  That means we only contacted about 214.  What does the song say, “There is much to do, there is work on every hand.”   Generally speaking this means that we did not contact about 2/3 of the opportunities that we were given by God. 

Folks we can do much better than this.  I know we can.  I have faith in you and know that you desire to bring the lost to Jesus.  But, what happened?  Here is what I propose.  I have the folders that did not get covered during our campaign effort.  I will leave them out on the tables in the multipurpose area near the kitchen.  I will also leave out plenty of the door hanging packets that say, “Welcome to Mechanicsville.”  You can stop by and pick up a folder, some of the welcome packets, and sometime during the next two weeks, find yourself a partner, and go out and make these contacts on your own.  How about that?  Can we do that?  Sure we can.

I do not recommend that you go out by yourself.  There are several reasons for this, but one of the main ones is safety, especially if you are going out after dark.  Therefore, try and find someone to go with you.  However, if you cannot find some to go with you, that’s OK, just be especially careful.

I would not judge your heart in any way as to why you were unable to be here.  I can say, without being judgmental at all, that the work did not get done, and we need to correct that.  I know that there were a great many who just could not be there.  Some had relatives in the hospital, illnesses in their family, and exigent circumstances to come up in their life.   I understand this fully; however my question has to be, where were the others? 

And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:  And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,  And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.  And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?  There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger (Luke 17:12-18). 

We had lots of people to stay and stuff the packets this past Wednesday evening.  We were able to stuff 600 packets at one setting.  It took us approximately 1 hour to do this.  I am thankful for each and every one of these folks also.  “Well done, thou good and faithful servant[s]” (Matthew  25:21).   Certainly all of us want to hear the rest of those words that follow from God our heavenly father in the same scripture, “. . .   enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

Our next campaign effort is for our Gospel meeting with Clarence DeLoach.  We will go out on Saturday and Sunday April 12-13, 2008.  This will be a saturation campaign attempting to get the word out that Clarence is coming to break the Bread of Life to us.  We will not be stopping to talk with folks unless the opportunity presents itself to us.  The gospel meeting will start on Sunday, April 20 and will run through Wednesday, April 23.  I hope you have already marked your calendar and made plans to be here for every session.  Start now to invite your friends and neighbors. 

Remember, Sunday April 20, is “Friends Day.”   Take this opportunity to introduce them to the one true church that Jesus purchased with his very own blood.  Introduce them to the biblical way for worship as outlined in Holy Scripture.  Let them meet your brothers and sisters, their children, and all of the family that meets here at Cold Harbor Road. 

Please, don’t be lukewarm about any work of the church that is done here at Cold Harbor Road (Revelation 3:16).  Don’t be lukewarm about our evangelistic efforts.  Don’t be lukewarm about your very own, or someone else’s soul.

Until next time, pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and think souls.

02/20/08

Campaign Days

Our winter campaign days are upon us.  This Saturday and Sunday we will be going out into the community to visit with the newcomers to our area.  This means that tonight after our classes we will need to stuff packets to hand out at the door.  Let’s all go downstairs immediately and get these 600 or so packets stuffed, and then we can go home.  Many of you have been involved in this type outreach in the past and know that it is the best received effort that we do.  We have dubbed this approach our “Welcome Wagon” approach.  We take a small packet of materials and other things to give to the individuals.  We do our very best to be warm and friendly.

We simply say that our records indicate that you have moved into this area within the past twelve months, and we want to welcome you, personally, to the Mechanicsville area.  “We have found that many times when folks move into our community they might be looking for a place to worship.  Have you and your family found a church home, and a place to worship yet?  We would like to invite you to come and worship with us at the church of Christ which meets at 6856 Cold Harbor Road, in Mechanicsville.”

From there, depending upon the conversation, you might speak of our classes for all ages, times of worship, and anything else that might be of interest.  You see, in this visit we are attempting to develop interest in the Lord’s true church and invite them to come and be a part of His blood-bought institution.  If they seem interested, you might even speak of one of our free Bible study programs that tell all about who we are, what we teach, and what we believe. 

I would like, very much, to see all the students from our school of evangelism come out for this effort.  The best way to get good at something is to just do it.  For those of you who drive, does it not seem second nature to you now?  Do you have to really think about what you are doing?  Does it not come naturally to you?  You really do not give it much thought, do you?  You just jump in your car, and away you go.  

But think back to when you first learned to drive.  It did not seem natural to you at all, did it?  When you returned from your first efforts at driving you had fallen victim to the “white knuckle” syndrome.  It probably took thirty minutes for the blood to start circulating through your hands again.  There was so much to remember and so much to do, right?  Worst of all, if the vehicle you learned on had a standard transmission, there was that thing with the clutch and the dreaded hill.  How many of us prayed that we would not have to stop going up a hill and start off on an incline?  But, we learned, and now there is really nothing to it. 

It is the same way with soul winning.  When you first start you are, perhaps, a little insecure in your abilities and even in your desire, but as you continue to do these type of things you will be come much less intimidated by the work that needs to be done.  And remember this: each “NO” brings you one step closer to someone who will say yes. 

It always amazed me that we have a number of folks in the Lord’s church that will travel all over the world to be involved in spreading the gospel, but absolutely refuse to go out into their own neighborhood, their own community, the area right around their own place of worship, and offer to study the Bible and share the gospel with their friends and neighbors.

We will assemble Saturday morning here at the building at 8:30 AM.  We will have a light continental breakfast, orange juice, coffee, etc., sing some songs, pray for our success, and that God would lead us to some soul, do a little training for the first-timers, and then attempt to be in the field not later than 9:00 AM.  I sure hope you can come and be with us.  If you do not get this out of your mail box until Sunday morning you can still go out on Sunday afternoon.  If we get finished on Saturday afternoon, you will be notified during the announcements on Sunday morning.  The Sunday afternoon session will run from 1:30 PM until 4:30 PM, if it takes that long. 

Why do we do this?  That is a great question, and it deserves an answer.  We do this because the Lord wants us to do it.  It is all about reaching lost souls.  That is what we must be all about.   We must save the lost and retain the saved.  We must edify and build up the brothers and sisters, and we must reach out to those who are not our brothers and sisters

This Sunday morning, look around you and see who is not here.  Perhaps there is someone who is absent because of Illness, and no one knows it.  Perhaps someone who is absent is in the process of falling back into the paths of perdition, and no one knows it.  How difficult is it to pick up the telephone and call someone, and let them know that they are missed and loved.  Call someone today and encourage them.  You never know the burdens on the heart of the person sitting next to you when they come to worship their God.   Usually the first sign we see is when they stop attending.

FHU Lectureship

Please allow me to take this opportunity to say thank you to the elders and all the members for allowing Jewell and I to attend the FHU lectureship.  This year’s lecture was entitled, “Behold the Lamb” (John 1:29-36).  The gospel of John is a wonderful account of the life and times of Jesus, and Jewell and I were blessed by the lessons we participated in.  I was able to speak with many of our lectureship speakers from past lectureships, they all said hello and sent their regards to the church that meets here at Cold Harbor Road.  I will not try to list them here because I know I could not remember them all. 

Jewell and I always enjoy the mission forums because we get an opportunity to see what is taking place throughout the world and what mission work for Christ is being done.  You might expect that these presentations are pleas for money, but this is not generally the case.  Yes, they always need funds, but mostly they are reports on the work that is being done there, and recruitments for people who would desire to come and work with them.

There were so many wonderful speakers, messages, and lectures about such a variety of topics that the only way I can say it is to say it was simply a spiritual feast.   I spoke with Clarence DeLoach who will be conducting our spring meeting, and he is ready and excited about coming to be with us in April.  Clarence is minister of the West Main Street congregation in Cookeville, TN. 

On the way down, Jewell and I worshipped at the Jefferson Avenue congregation in Cookeville, TN with Lester and Peggy Sparks.  This is the congregation where Gary Hampton preached before taking over the reigns of the East Tennessee School of Preaching and Missions at Karnes.  Many of you know that Lester is the brother of our very own Bill Sparks.  Lester and Peggy lived in Richmond for about 30 years or so, and retired form teaching at the Richmond Tech Center, where Bill and Myree, and brother Bill Burton worked and retired.    Until next time, think souls.

01/23/08

Congratulations to Allison Maher and Joshua Williams

01/16/08

Congratulations to Madelyn Beazley!

01/10/08

Start the New Year off right

We have three Bible studies to begin the New Year.  Madelyn Beazley continues to study with us.  Her next study is this Friday evening, January 11 here at the building.  Angela and I are really enjoying this study with Madelyn.  The second study with Allison Maher was scheduled for Tuesday evening, January 8, here at the building.   Alica Ketchem is conducting this study, and she has allowed me to be her helping partner.  We are both looking forward to this study with godly anticipation.

You see, asking God to make us better soul winners is not a request to be taken lightly.  It may even involve your personal finances.  Traveling all over the world, supporting soul winning efforts, and teaching the lost, can be expensive.  However, it becomes a matter of the commitment of our resources and finances.  Jesus said in so many words, “We cannot take it with us.”  What he said exactly was, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal" (Matthew 6:19).  You know, a man can work all his life to possess a storehouse of stuff, but in the end, who will all this stuff belong to.  Remember the fellow who had so many goods that he was going to tear down his barns and build bigger ones?  "But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?"  (Luke 12:20).  What a great, timely and appropriate question. 

What am I speaking of?  That’s a fair question.  I am talking about counting the cost.  When we ask the Lord to make us better soul winners, we need to count the cost.  I am not sure who first said, “There is no such thing as a free lunch,” but this is a simple fact.  There are costs associated with anything we do or attempt to do.  "For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace" (Luke 14:28-32). 

Have you ever considered that to be a soul winner is to engage in warfare with the devil?  When we take on the devil we have taken on a powerful enemy.  He walks about like a roaring lion seeking whomever he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).  But, he can be defeated by YOU!

No, asking God to make us a better soul winner is not something to be taken lightly.  It is an honest request with great rewards for the soul winner and the one who becomes redeemed.  You see not only is there great rejoicing here on earth when one comes to Christ, but also in heaven.  We know that there is much rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents and likewise the angels rejoice (Luke 15).

You want to be a soul winner?  You do well.  It is truly worth it all.  Until next time, think souls.