Life Got You Down?

One only need take a glance at the newspaper, a look at the news or simply pass by a gas station these days to get downright depressed. These days there are wars and rumors of wars, natural disasters of flames, floods, quakes and tsunamis. A presidential election is taking place and it seems that most of us aren't satisfied with the choices. Folks are losing their jobs, losing their homes and to top it all off, the kids won't wash the dishes, cut the yard or take out the trash without being told 26 times.

Yep, times are tough.

Or are they?

Brothers and sisters, family and friends, I submit to you that we serve a God of hope and prosperity. I can't deny that all of the above are true. I won't even try to convince you that there aren't people hurting all over this planet. But with the last breath left in my body, I'll shout to the hilltops that we serve a great God who cares for each and every one of us.

Our problems are those of perspective, contentment and faith. If we could make positive adjustments in just these three areas, our lives (and our outlook) would improve immeasurably.

Perspective
I once read a story about a guy who was happy all the time. He always had a kind word to say and when anyone asked him how he was doing, he would say, "I'm superfantastic! Aren't you?" Most people wrote him off as a crackpot, but some inquired about his amazingly positive attitude. He would stop and take time to tell them how great things were, and by extension, how awfully bad they could be. He'd say things like, "Hey, I could be lying in a hospital with tubes running out of every orifice, but I am, by the grace of God, standing here talking to you. Worse, I could be lying destitute underneath a bridge near death with no one to care, yet here I am, by the grace of God talking to you." After exchanging a happy "Farewell," he went his way, humming along through the day.

As it would happen, one day he was in a terrible accident. He suffered massive contusions, many broken bones and a fractured skull. He was taken to the hospital unconscious with out much chance to live. As the doctors stood around him in the operating theatre, preparing to operate on his many wounds, the man found himself with a brief moment of consciousness before they applied the anesthesia. Through the foggy haze of his pain he noticed the grim and hopeless yet compassionate expressions on the doctor's faces. With the last ounce of his strength, he smiled at them all and said, "Do a good job guys. I plan on coming through this just fine by the grace of God, so do your work with the expectation of success."

You see beloved, we need to develop an understand that the way we look at life and all it brings is a choice. We can choose to look at all that is wrong and lament it, or we can choose to look at all that is good and celebrate. Both good and bad will be with us while we sojourn in this world, but to walk around sour, pessimistic and defeated is a choice just like being happy, optimistic and victorious is. It is true that into every life some rain must fall, but without the rain there would be no life. It is true that into every life some pain must come, but without the pain, we would learn few lessons and gain little strength.

It takes a conscious decision and a committed effort to realize, understand and live the psalmist's realization that "This is the day the Lord has made. We will be glad and rejoice in it." Psalm 118:24. Recently we studied the story of Ruth. Recall all that she went through. She lost a father-in-law, a brother-in-law, a husband and, for all intents and purposes, all she knew and grew up with. Her choices, ultimately placed her in the lineage of Christ.

What's your perspective?

Next week, we'll take a close look at something else that influences our outlook on life: contentment.

Until then, consider this: if life has you down, let Jesus lift you up.


Each One Reach One
Each One Teach One

Taking Inventory

I believe it is important for every Christian to stop and take stock every now and then. It is so easy for us to be caught up in the cares of this world. We all have families, households to maintain, jobs, various relationships, fun (and sometimes not so fun) pursuits and a variety of obligations. Where does our relationship with God fit into all of that?

This thought caused me to develop a series of questions for myself that might also be beneficial to you:

• What grade do I give my personal relationship with God? Jn 21:15
• Is that grade higher or lower than the one I'd give myself for my relationship with my wife, kids, family and friends? Matt 10:37
• How much dedicated time do I spend alone with God or specifically doing his work? Matt 6:6, 10:38
• What efforts can I point to that would cause me to grow closer to Him and thereby cause Him to draw closer to me? James 4:8
• Is God pleased with what He sees in me? Matt 25:31-46
• Do I understand who God is? Gen 1:1, Rev 1:8, Gal 4:5,6
• Do I understand what that means? John 3:16, Matt 6:33, 7:7-9
• Do I really understand what he expects of me? 1 John 5:3, Matt 22:37,38
• Can my commitment be seen in my actions, how I allocate my time, resources and how I prioritize, whether someone is looking or not? Rom 12:1,2
• Do I honor my commitments? Matt 5:37
• Is my study of His word sufficient? Acts 17:11
• Is my prayer life sufficient? Eph 6:18
• Am I at least attempting to live a truly righteous life? 2 Tim 2:22
• Am I exemplifying the life and teachings of Christ? John 13:34 Phi 2:3

This is by no means an exhaustive list. I could come up with questions to ask myself all day and well into the night. It is not the questions that concern me, but the answers. You see brothers and sisters, we must all learn to be honest with ourselves in all things, but particularly as it relates to our relationship with our God. Let us not be like the person who observes himself in the mirror and turns away, forgetting what he saw (James 1:23,24). In our heart of hearts, we know. What it is important to know is that God does too (Heb 4:13).

It is only when we truly come to grips with where we are on the journey toward spiritual maturity, that we can make the necessary course adjustments to reach our destination (Phi 4:13,14). It is sure that we will arrive somewhere but will it ultimately be where we desire?

Without each of us performing a regular spiritual inventory and making adjustments where needed, we will never be able to live up to the responsibilities given to us, nor realize the privileges we have in Jesus. To do anything less contributes to spiritual apathy, complacency and ultimately, may God forbid, our own destruction.

If we at the O'Fallon congregation are to fully embrace our mission of Adoring God, Building Up the Saints and Creating Disciples, it must start with each individual.

Have you taken inventory today?

Each One Reach One

Each One Teach One

You Are The Light of The World

A member of the congregation recently displayed some curiosity about how I put sermons together. Thinking that others might have the same question, I thought I might submit this for your consideration.

I'm sure that every minister has his own way of going about it. I find what works best for me is prayer, more prayer and still more prayer. Through clearing the mind and focusing on the Lord, I submit myself to His influence and do all I can to be obedient.

It also requires a lot of study. Studying includes quite a bit more than what one does for the specific sermon. The influence from the Lord that one must be open to is enhanced by exposure to and study of the word (John 14:26). In fact, I believe it is absolutely necessary according to Hebrews 1:1,2. How else shall we learn of Him than through His Son who is the Word (John 1:1).

Along with the importance of study is the importance of awareness. A minister must be aware of the needs of the congregation. Those needs are most often uncovered through general conversations, counseling, home visits or questions asked by the members. Ultimately however, it is usually a combination of things that determine the subject of a given sermon, or as in the case of what is typical for me, a sermon series.

Since we have spent the majority of our year thus far sharing about each one teaching one and each one reaching one, it seemed best (through prayer, study and awareness) to pursue what Jesus Himself had/has to say to all of us: The sermon on the mount. For the next couple of months, we will explore themes contained in this pivotal discourse regarding the relationship between God and man.

Last week, we began this series with a sermon entitled "You Are The Light of the World."
To give you a bit more insight into how I put thoughts together for a sermon, I've included the text of my study and that which was preached from this past Lord's day. Except for a few last minute notes scribbled in margins, this is what I actually use. It is interesting that my sermons have gone from being 13 page manuscripts to 10, to 5, to 3 to this half page. Even this is sometimes reduced to notes in the margins of my bible and a few carefully placed post it notes.
I hope you enjoy this "minister's meditation."

***

You Are The Light
Matt 5:14-16

"We blind ourselves, impeding our own vision, we put on spiritual shades."

Light: to give light" expressing "light as seen by the eye," and, "reaching the mind," "Primarily light is a luminous emanation, which enables the eye to discern form and color. Light requires an organ adapted for its reception Matt 6:22. Where the eye is absent, or where it has become impaired from any cause, physical light is useless (23). One must also be equipped to receive spiritual light. “The natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit for it is foolishness to him and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually apprised…” 1 Cor 2:14.

· God as light-James 1:17, 1 Tim 6:16
· Jesus as light-John 8:12, 12:35,36
· You & I-Eph 5:8

Scope of the light-vs 14, 15b
· Illuminate the world
o The gospel for all nations-Acts 2:7-11
o Our mission field-Matt 28:19
· The world begins at our doorstep
o Like you can’t hide a city, you shouldn’t be able to hide
§ Gospel msg, love for one another, activity in the community, this building, ourselves. It should be obvious and if it isn’t something isn’t being done right. Share with friends, community etc. That’s what EOBO was about.
· Is your family safe? Share the gospel at home
o Matt 13:57-prophet not w/honor except at home

Sense of the light-vs 15

"Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 "But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." John 11:9-10

When the lights were last out at your house, what did you do?
Stay in darkness?
o Illuminate with light-where did you put it?
§ Provide it so that it is beneficial to all
§ Effects of stumbling around in the darkness
· Physical and spiritual
§ You are meant to shine with the love of God
· Even as Moses, identified as having been with him did

Salvation of the light-vs 16
· Letting your light shine is not about calling attention to yourself but to God-Acts 16:22-30
· Light shines on your good work, don’t let it be a spotlight on an empty stage.

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