Unconditional

It is my hope that you had a joyful resurrection day. It is my further hope that you carry it around in your heart every day. It is because of the death, burial and most importantly, the resurrection that we have been given access to the promises of God, who in His great wisdom, has given us His Holy Spirit as earnest (Eph 1:14).

I was blessed to have dinner with an extended family yesterday after worship. Among the many things we discussed were eggs, gifts and "Easter Bunnies." Naturally, these things have been part of the lexicon of this time of the year for many centuries. Rather than taking up that debate, I find it useful to remind us all about not only the sacrifice of our Savior on our behalf, but something more that is seldom thought about: our role in His crucifixion.

For those of you that are members of the O'Fallon church of Christ, you may be aware of a wonderful piece of art by Thomas Blackshear that hangs in my office. This picture is a constant and powerful reminder to me of both of these things. So my offering this week is a real look at the purpose and point of this time of year. I share with you an original poem inspired by the sacrifice of our Lord.


Unconditional

"There is so much blood!" I groan
As it pools around my feet
The hammer heavy in my hand
Fingers cold from dead nail's grip

Anger's raging inferno
Reduced to cold wet ashes
Righteous indignation
Transformed to crushing guilt

"What have I done to this innocent?"
As my heart collapses within
The insignificance of who I am
Magnified by the immensity of Him

Surely there is no salvation
For the murder that I have committed
His blood is a crimson stain
On my soul, Hester Prynne's letter

Completely undone am I
With no hope left in this world
Contemplating my future destruction
Welcoming what I richly deserve

As my knees buckled, life leaving me
From behind he raised me and said,
"You didn't do this to me,
Out of love I did this for YOU"


Hebrews 6:4-6

Each One Reach One
Each One Teach One

Excitement

I must first say that I'm a bit embarrassed that I've neglected this form of communication with you badly. I know that there are number of you that might wander this way from time to time and perhaps experience disappointment that there has been nothing new posted here since Christmas.

Rather than an excuse, let me provide you with reason (and this is directed more toward the O'Fallon family, however I hope, trust and pray that any who come this way might be encouraged).

This has been an extremely busy year filled with great things for the glory of the Lord. I hope that many of you are aware of most if not all of these goings on, but just in case, let me detail a few exciting things for you here:

• Our "Each One Reach One, Each One Teach One" theme has been amazing. We introduced the concept as it relates to our ABCs of Simple Christianity, during the first two weeks of January. We then finished up our series on what "thus saith the Lord" to the seven churches in Asia. The last two messages in the series gave us a great segue into fulling embracing the theme for the year by demonstrating the concepts in what the Lord said to the churches in Sardis and Philadelphia. From there we began a month of messages highlighting Each One Teach One and the beginning of March saw the start of a series of messages based on Each One Teach One. Many have been encouraged and edified by these messages. In case you missed any, they are on the website.
• Though I wouldn't put it under the category of excitement, we've had two of our elders, Ken Longar and Burney Baggett step down to take on other duties within the congregation. Burney has agreed to take on the responsibility of Minister of Education. This will be a massive benefit to our family and we are looking forward to the great things he will do. Ken is still in prayer about what God has next for him, but he and Jo are still with us, still active, still serving and still doing great things in the Lord. They have been a wonderful help to many members, not the least of which is Anderson family, who recently lost John, and the Jones family, who recently welcomed little Elijah.
• A group of volunteers has been established to breath even more life into the congregation. Twice monthly meetings have been established to discuss things like a church social calendar, small groups, fellowship and involvement, ladies ministries, men's ministries and youth ministries. This group is not just discussing things, but have indeed placed things in motion. Most of the rest of this list has to do with the actions of this group. Exciting.
• Men's Power Breakfast have been established and scheduled monthly. We've had two so far this year and we are averaging about 25-30 men and boys that participate
• Women's Prayer Luncheons have been established and scheduled quarterly. We've had one so far and it had similar attendance to the men's effort
• Alan Burnett is chairing a committee of interested members who will form the Youth & Family Minister search team. More will be discussed about this in the next few weeks
• The Walker Family has agreed to take on the church calendar for social activities. We believe that getting people moving will help each of us to reach all of us as well as provide opportunities to teach those who we pray will one day be part of us.
• Though we are saddened by the departure of Andy McCowan from his years long duties as small group coordinator, former elder Charlie Ontiveros has agreed to take on the responsibility of guiding and assisting our small group program. There are surely exciting things to come on that front.
• Scott Rank has infused new enthusiasm as it relates to our newsletter. This will become one of our prime means for getting information out to the family. We are even discussing mailing them out to members' homes to ensure they have this information in hand.
• Due to the departure of great leader Julie Edwards, Michelle Lewis, Mary Dell Baggett and Belinda Manis have agreed to take on the responsibility of women's ministries.
• John Meyer, as deacon of involvement is all over the place with gathering information about what our members' interests and capabilities are in the effort to establish even more activities and ministries in which members can become involved. Watch for the One To Another Ministry. Exciting!

Of course, I could go on and on. The bottom line is that we are a people on the move. We are a people busy for God. And though God has placed several of our long time and beloved members in other works, often in other states, He continues to bless us with new family members. The McDonald family had joined us from Memphis and we've seen the baptism of Lisa Carpenter and Rod Nash in the last few weeks.

Yes beloved, these are exciting times and they promise to be even more exciting and enriching as time goes on. If you are not a part of what's going on, I encourage you to get involved. This is the Lord's church and WE ALL are members. We each need each other to do what God has blessed the ability to do to ensure the health and welfare of the body.

May God Continue To Richly Bless You!

Each One Reach One

Each One Teach One

Christmas Meditation

This is the season for a lot of things...gifts, peace, good cheer and all of that. It is also the time that many pause to remember the birth of Christ.

Nearly everyone who has even a passing knowledge of the scriptures agree that it's not likely Jesus was born anywhere near the 25th of December. In fact, we know that this date comes from a merging of Christians and Pagans and their beliefs.

Nevertheless, to me, there is never an inappropriate time to talk about anything having to do with the Savior. In fact, since peoples' minds are focused on it, or at least open to it, it's probably the best time.

Not long ago, I heard for the second time but paid real attention for the first time, to a song that is probably the most beautiful I've ever heard. It was moving to me on every level imaginable. Singing it and hearing it sung with a group of worshippers who believed it with all their hearts was an experience that nearly brought me to tears.

I thought I'd share the lyrics, written and copyrighted by Mark Lowrey and Buddy Green, with you for your "all season" consideration. May the Lord richly bless you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy would some day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when your kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

Oh Mary did you know---The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb---.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great--I--- AM---.

Each one reach one.
Each one teach one.

Oneness Despite Differences II

Last night, along with some of our brothers and sisters, I had the privilege of fellowshipping with literally hundreds of saints from across the St. Louis area. The event was the annual Area Wide Praise and Worship Service. I'd like to commend Phil Gold and his team for all the work that went into what was a very enjoyable and uplifting time in the Lord. I'd also like to thank Mike Root and the folks at Florissant Church of Christ for hosting the event.


One of the greatest things about our time together was the diversity of brothers and sisters in attendance. Now I know that when the word diversity is mentioned, the first place many minds go is to race and/or ethnicity. Allow me to provide you with a different perspective:

• Diversity is the many qualities and characteristics that make each individual unique.

Certainly race, gender, age, national origin, ethnicity and religion all qualify as aspects of diversity, but I submit to you that it is so much more basic than that. It can literally come down to whether you were raised in a two parent household or a single parent household. It can involve whether a person was raised at either end of the socioeconomic spectrum. In any case, I prefer to think of it as differences in culture.

What does that have to do with the church? I'm glad you asked.

Our heritage in the Lord originated within and affected by cultures much different than most if not all of us know. We know almost nothing of the differences our ancestors in the faith dealt with on a daily basis. Within the Jewish faith, there were many different views. Sadducees didn't believe in angels nor resurrection while Pharisees did. There were the relatively uneducated fisherman whom Jesus taught and the highly educated students of Gamaliel. There were "common folks" and members of the Sanhedrin. Then there were the Samaritans to consider. They were those that were originally Jews, but became intermingled with historical captors and became estranged from more orthodox Jews. If that weren't enough, then came the introduction of the Gentiles. These, as we remain today, are a people greatly varied in history and belief. Three of the major civilizations in New Testament times involved the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians. Europeans had also begun to significantly influence the world as well.

The history of the church as we know it today, began at the intersection of all these and many other cultures.

One of the largest divisions between peoples was between the Jews and the Gentiles. There are many scriptures that chronicle these differences and "what saith the Lord (or Holy Spirit inspired scriptures)" about them.

• The book of Acts discusses the genesis of the church among Jews from a variety of countries (each with their own cultures) in chapter two.
• Phillip preached the gospel to those in Samaria and one in particular from Ethiopia in Acts 8
• Gentiles received the Holy Spirit in Acts 10
• The majority of the book of Romans deals with how these disparate cultures interact and are to come together under one head
• Galatians 3:25-28 instructs that we who have put on Christ in baptism are one in Him, despite our differences
• Ephesians 2:14-15 reveals that Christ, through his sacrifice, has removed barriers between "us" and "them"
• Ephesians 4:4-6 drives home the fact that we are one.

Of course there are many other scriptures that fortify these points. My encouragement to all is that we stop trying to build walls that have already been broken down by the Master Himself.

• "Accept him who is weak without passing judgment on disputable matters" Rom 14:1

Many of these disputable matters are merely church or congregational traditions and have no basis whatsoever in scripture. Christ busied himself by reaching out to the poor, indigent, hurting, hungry and lost. And He spent his time teaching all who would listen, despite the admonishment and accusation of the then so called establishment. What would Christ say today about our controversies over saying "Amen," lifting "holy hands," singing with multiple song leaders and what we wear to worship? Brothers and sisters, I don't know. But I suspect He would have walked away and attended to the needs of someone in pain.

So again, I salute all those involved in bringing the people of God together. It is what is meant to be. Do any of us really expect a homogeneous heaven? Luke 5:4-6

Each one reach one

Each one teach one

He That Hath An Ear

Over the past couple of months, I've done a casual survey among members of our congregation as well as others with whom I am familiar that attend other congregations. My main question is, "What is the biggest area of opportunity in the church today?" Of course the same question less positively queried is, "What is the biggest problem in the church today?"

Naturally, I received many different answers, but one thing that seemed prevalent among all of the answers was member apathy. Let me say parenthetically that "member" includes servant leaders. A biblical study of this problem reveals that this is not new. Take a look at what the bible says:

"He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ' I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 'Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. 'So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you." Rev 3:1-3

I won't expand on this too much because our next series of sermons will be on the letters to the seven churches in the book of Revelation. You may realize that this is the letter to the church at Sardis. I will say however, that I did glean these thoughts from God's Holy Word:

1. We are still the church and are recognized as such by Christ
2. We have at some point fallen asleep
3. We know what to do, we just need to do it
4. We need revival

I can't help but think of how things were when the church began.

"So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved." Acts 2:41-47

Let's look at some of the things that were going on in those days while mentally asking ourselves if they are still going on today, and if so, or not, why or why not?

• The word was being shared and received with great affect and result
• There was great and constant devotion to learning more about God through the availability of His word (preached or otherwise)
• The people lived their lives together and pursued the things of God with vigor as a way of life (this is so significant)
• They shared a common belief, faith and way of living that, by extension, cut down on a lot of discord
• The people were in awe of God
• There was sacrificial giving for the benefit of the whole of the body
• They shared each others lives
• There was an overall sense of joy and happiness
• The people were sincere in their worship and fellowship
• They praised God
• The church grew, ostensibly though the work of the Spirit and as a result of those outside the body seeing the benefit of being members of the body by observing the interactions of the body

It is my prayer that each who happens by and reads these words would meditate and pray on them. It is not about what I have said, it is about what God has said. Take the time to examine where we are as a church. Take the time to consider where you are as an individual and then compare both to what the word directs us to do and to be.

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." Rev 3:6

Each One Reach One

Each One Teach One

Oneness Despite Differences

Let me first say thanks to those of you who happen by now and then to check out the blog. My original intent was to have an update weekly. It seems that it has become more of a monthly thing. I know how difficult it can be to maintain a readership with that kind of consistency.

Hmmm...consistency. That sounds like a great subject for a future entry. I will make every effort to get back to a weekly update.

This week however, our upcoming combined area worship service is on my mind. The excitement is building as we look forward to hosting an event like this for the very first time. We have invited over 30 congregations to come and share God's goodness and worship with us. I don't know how it could be anything but a great time in the Lord.

For those of you that don't know, this idea found it's genesis in the St. Louis Area amongst some of the congregations in the city when they began getting together every other month or so. North Hills, West Central, Berkley Heights (now Ferguson Heights), Wagner Ave., along with Illinois congregations, Logan Street, Centerville and Buckmaster were the congregations primarily involved. Each would take a turn in hosting the others for a great time of singing, praise and worship.

When I began to serve at O'Fallon, it seemed natural to continue the affiliations I had previously known. This time however, I was part of a new family. It occurred to me that perhaps one of the reasons the Lord brought us together was to bring Christians together. Graciously, a number of O'Fallon members were willing to go and participate in the services. Nearly a dozen enjoyed the time we had at West Central earlier this year and a few more at North Hills. Then, my dear friend in the ministry, Thomas Jackson of the Ferguson Heights congregation, invited me to bring the message at the service they were hosting. Something along the order of 60 O'Fallon members attended this service (and I appreciated the amazing support). It was here that a strong appetite was developed to host this multi-congregational fellowship.

My desire was to expose my new family to a style of worship that some may never have experienced before. I think we all understand that there are differences between people and therefore there are commensurate differences between preferences, styles and techniques. It does not mean that one is better than the other, but that they are simply different. I've always believed that by opening yourself to things outside of what's "normal" or fits well within your comfort zone, you expand your knowledge, experience, awareness and appreciation of any number of things to which you allow yourself to be exposed. More simply put, if you taste calamari, you might find that you like it and will ask yourself, why you waited so long to try it.

To most in our family, I represent a difference. Whether it's preaching style, subject matter, personality, perspective, etc., it is surely different than what many have previously experienced. Since I've not been thrown out of the building, I'll take it that the difference is at least palatable and at most, enthusiastically welcomed and appreciated. Conversely, both serving in this capacity and with this family, represents a significant difference to what I've previously experienced as well. I can say with all sincerity that it is an amazingly horizon expanding experience and I'm grateful that the Lord brought us together.

At the combined service, we will have an opportunity to share OUR uniqueness with congregations that may have never experienced it before. Additionally, we have invited a number of other congregations that were not previously a part of the group that regularly worships together. It is my hope, and that of the brothers and sisters that are working so hard to make this a God pleasing experience, that we will all come together as one and celebrate the goodness of God and the great privilege we all have in being His people.

"There is one body (church), and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling; one lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Eph 4:4-6

And being one church, we are ALL God's people, despite our differences.

Next week, I'll continue this theme from a scriptural standpoint.

Until then...

Each one reach one
Each one teach one

Unconditional

Family,
In my spare time (ahem), I do a little creative spiritual writing. I thought I'd take this opportunity to share a piece with you. I hope you enjoy and find it edifying.

unconditional

i've waited my entire existence to meet you
anxiously awaiting the time when you
would turn and see me there
standing there
arms outstretched
for you

the glories of heaven with all of the angelic host
are not enough
to keep me
from
you

there is no length that i would not go
no pain that i would not endure
no sacifice that i would not make
to give all that you need
to gain your love

my spirit groans when you are hurting
my heart bleeds when you are lost
and confused
once you are mine
i would leave EVERYTHING
to retrieve you
if you
wander
away

when you turn to another
when you turn to THE other
i feel that i could just die
and that it would be in vain
but i love you still
with my whole heart
i love you
still

so i leave castle and kingdom
to come to your humble abode
to knock on the door to your heart
can't you hear my voice
calling
you

won't you let me in
won't you at least
be my
friend

just to show my heart to you
just to prove my love for you
i would
die
for
you

Rev 3:20,21


Each one reach one.
Each one teach one!