"You’ll Never Graduate" (Bulletin Article for May 20)

[NOTE: On Sunday, May 20, as so many other congregations do, the 9th Avenue church of Christ will be honoring our young people graduating from high school. This article was written with that in mind. It is a brief outline of one of the first sermons I ever preached in Somerville, Tennessee, when I served as the youth minister there.]

Nearly every TV show has had a character who heard the words that every high school student is afraid of: “You’ll never graduate.”

Graduation is simply a movement from one phase to another. It is as much a beginning as an ending. We all graduate many times in life. We graduate from childhood to adulthood; from single to married; from having children to the “empty nest.”

There are, however, some things from which we never graduate. What are they? Here are just a few:

• Responsibility. Even as children, we have responsibilities around the house, whether it’s cleaning our room or taking out the trash. As young people we have school responsibilities. As adults, we are responsible for so much (our work, our family’s safety, the mortgage payments, etc.). Some people don’t want any responsibilities, but they assume a responsibility by doing that! We must be responsible people.
• The need to pray. Little children are (hopefully) taught to pray by their parents. As adults, we like to think we have it all under control, but we really don’t. We, very often, need to turn things over to God. We need to praise Him in prayer, and we need to let the worries of our life go up to Him. The more responsibility we assume, the more we need to pray.
• The commands and promises of the Bible. Some people seem to think that, as they age, the Bible does not mean as much as it did as a child. (Just notice how many adults miss Bible classes!) However, as we grow older, we should be drawing ever closer to God. His commands are in place to protect us, not to harm us. His promises should make us want to follow Him even more faithfully. And remember, God never breaks a promise.
• Learning. Just because one walks across a stage does not mean he or she has learned it all. Yes, it is symbolic of this part of education’s being complete, but there is so much more to learn. As we age, we become acutely aware that the more we learn, the more we don’t know. Most importantly, we need to learn all we can about God and His Word. While even a child can understand the basics, everyone can learn more.

These are just four of the things from which we never graduate. If we will spend our lifetime growing in these four areas, we will be pleased with the life we have lived.

Too Difficult (Bulletin Article for May 6)

When Jeroboam became king of Israel, he realized he had a problem. He wondered how he could keep the people loyal to him once they returned to Jerusalem (in Judah) for worship. In First Kings 12:27 he wondered, “If this people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will return to their lord, even to Rehoboam king of Judah; and they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.”

His solution was quite simple, but terrible. He sinfully changed the worship of God and made it more convenient. Instead of traveling all the way to Jerusalem, Jeroboam told his constituents to just go to Dan or Bethel. After all, Jerusalem was quite a distance away and the way was difficult (cf. verse 28).

But Jeroboam didn’t stop there. He also changed the priesthood from the exclusivity of the tribe of Levi to allowing any tribe to provide priests (verse 31), and changed the spiritual feast days (verse 32).

Of course, Jeroboam also changed the object of worship. Instead of praising and serving the God of heaven, Jeroboam set up golden calves in Dan and Bethel and told the people that these were the gods who led them from Egyptian bondage (verse 28-29).

Why did Jeroboam do all this? For two reasons: pride and fear. Those two things are not necessarily exclusive. Jeroboam had power, but was afraid of losing that power, so he conveniently changed things to keep himself in power.

But, besides his “solution” being corrupt, so was his methodology. He used religion as a way to his own glory, but he also attacked—not the worship of God—but God Himself!
God has set up the way He wanted to be worshiped in the Law of Moses. Yes it was difficult, but it was what God wanted. Why change it?

Even today, there are many who claim that what we do is “too difficult.” Every Sunday? Sing only? Submit to elders? Not allow women to lead prayers in mixed company? To many, these are “too harsh.” So, what is their solution? Keep people from going back to Jerusalem. They have become modern-day “Jeroboams.” It may be difficult, but it’s what God wants. Let’s worship His way; not ours.

Leading the News (Bulletin Article for April 22)

Turn on the TV or the radio. Go to a news website. Open a newspaper or magazine. You’ll see it everywhere.

It’s bad news.

Sometimes it seems that all media outlets want to show us is negative stories. It doesn’t matter if one is trying to see the “major headlines,” celebrity news, sports or even the weather. MSNBC reports the weather now with “The Worst Weather in America.”

All this bad news can get us down. It is true that there are a lot of bad things happening around us every day. In fact, just this week, we were shocked by the shooting that took place in Blacksburg at Virginia Tech. We seem to have a negative story like that all too often.
While we pray for those involved in such terrible stories and while we need to have concern for our safety and well-being, we also need to ask a question: why do we focus on the negative?

There is something far better, and we have the ability and responsibility to share it. It is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“Gospel,” simply put, means “good news.” When we read the Bible, meditate on its truths and learn what God has done for us, that’s the best news!

So, why isn’t it broadcast? Why doesn’t the love of God “lead the news”?

One reason could be that we have not let the story out. People don’t know the story. If people truly knew what happened at Calvary those many years ago, it would still be the lead story in every media outlet. The story is just that good!

"Doomsday?" (Bulletin Article for March 18)

Gamma ray bursts, super-volcano eruptions and global warming were all listed, as were an asteroid hit, pandemic flu and even an alien attack or robot uprising. All of these were on a recent documentary on MSNBC entitled, “Countdown to Doomsday.”

The premise of this show was that experts had chosen the 10 most likely ways that the human race would either be nearly wiped out or totally destroyed. That network thought this was even worthy enough to devote a 2-hour show to it. (I tried to find a transcript to the show on the internet so you could have the web address, but could not “run it down.”)

As I watched that show, certain things ran through my mind. First, some of these scenarios were totally bogus. An alien invasion? A robot uprising? While movies and television shows may make these look like a possibility, God set man over the earth (Genesis 1:28-30), not aliens or robots.

Also, some of these events had some merit as a terrible tragedy, but God has already told us how the world will be destroyed. It won’t be by water (Genesis 9:11), but, rather, by flaming fire. In fact, everything will melt with “fervent heat” (Second Peter 3:10, 12). Talk about an exciting subject for a documentary!

Finally, one thing was correct about this documentary. Nearly every expert talking about each of the “doomsday scenarios” said something along these lines: “It could happen at any time. We’re just in a waiting game.” They may have had the scenario wrong, but they got the timing exactly right.

There will be an end. But it doesn’t have to be “doomsday.” We know that, when Jesus returns, the end is here. The universe and all that is in it will burn up. For many, as the song says, it will be a “sad day.” But, for those “who love the Lord” it will be a “bright day.”

“Are you ready for that day to come?”

Perfect Attendance (Bulletin Article for March 11)

[NOTE: At the conclusion of each quarter, we publish the names of those who had perfect attendance in their Sunday morning Bible class for the previous quarter. I feel this is important enough to also warrant an article here.]

Our Winter quarter ended in February, and we are now underway in our Spring quarter. We want to thank all who taught during the Winter quarter. You did a great job!

Several students and teachers had perfect attendance for December-February. They were: Bryant Saylor, Helen Mashburn, Monica Pickard, Garrett Clark, Judy Kilpatrick, Sidney Saylor, Wyn McAlpine, Casey Overton, Derinda Moody, Morgan Page, Tabitha Clark, Trey Williams, Roger Moody, Danny Tedford, Dylan Burleson, Trent Williams, Christe Lee Goar, Will Romine, Jackie Albright, Teena Goar, Becky Terry, Suzanne Tyson, David Albright, Mac McAlpine, Sandra Burleson, Debra Hood, Susie Reynolds, Barbara Slatton, Ara Lou Burleson, Martha Burleson, Betty Dobbs, Betty Hughes, Buster Burleson, Don Burleson, Larry Burleson, Harold Coan, Howard Howell, Lois Burleson, Robert Dykes, Velva Dykes, Sonny Fell, Sylvia Fell, James Gaskin, Sharon Gaskin, Hildred Green, Charlotte Harper, Ken Harper, Morris Hatton, Denvil Jones, Tommy Keenum, Mary Mays, Jewell McCreless, Don Smith, Judy Smith, Nellie Tuck, Veda West, D.O. Wiley and Doris Wiley.

With as much sickness as we’ve had, and with the holidays falling during this past quarter, having perfect attendance is an achievement. It also shows dedication to learning about the Bible. All 58 of these individuals should be commended for their dedication to Bible class.

If your name isn’t on here because of travel during the holidays (as is the case with my family), did you take the time to worship God and attend a Bible class where you were? We trust you did.

If your name isn’t on here because of sickness, we pray that you are feeling better and can return to your class, even this Sunday.

But, if your name isn’t on here because you simply decided not to attend, we also pray for you. Friend, Bible class is important! It is a great way to gain spiritual nourishment so you can stand against Satan. If we don’t eat nutritious food, our bodies suffer. If we fail to “eat” spiritually nutritious food, our souls suffer!

Be with your class. Your classmates and teachers miss you. I’ll see you Sunday…at 9:30, with an open Bible.

Acts 8: A Model Meeting (Bulletin Article for February 18)

[NOTE: The following article was written because our Winter Gospel Meeting begins on Sunday. Please know that you are invited! Brother John Pigg will be presenting the lessons and we are looking forward to a great week. The services will be at 9:30 and 10:30 Sunday morning, then at 7:30 PM Sunday night-Wednesday night.]

We are looking forward to a great Gospel Meeting this week. Seemingly every part of the year is busy, but our elders continue to set aside these very important weeks for times of special study. Have you made plans to be in attendance? I hope so.

But what constitutes a “good” Gospel Meeting? We don’t find that phrase anywhere in the Bible. But we do find something similar in Acts 8. By way of introduction, remember Acts 8:1b: “And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria.” Also note verse 4: “Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.”

One of those who preached was Phillip, a faithful servant (cf. Acts 6:1-7). He went to the region of Samaria and preached to large crowds. Many have called this a Gospel meeting, of sorts. And it was successful. Why?

1. His message was Christ (verse 5). While we do not know his “sermon outlines,” we do know the basis of his lessons was Jesus. When we come together for a Gospel meeting, we may hear lessons about many subjects, but ALL of them will have our Savior as their focus.
2. The crowds were curious (verse 6). We are told, “And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him” (emphasis added). When I come to a meeting, am I just doing so because I think that’s what I’m supposed to do, or do I come to truly pay attention? Is my curiosity built to learn more of God’s word, even this week?
3. People were converted. We know the story of the conversion of Simon the sorcerer, found in verses 9-24. What we sometimes forget is that it is connected to the meeting in Samaria. While we can’t perform miracles as did Phillip, we can still proclaim the same message, and people will want to know Jesus and come to Him!
4. The city was changed (verse 8). We are told, “So there was much joy in that city.” People need true joy in their lives. Only messages about Jesus and accepting those messages bring about such joy. When we have that joy, our communities will never be the same!

We’re prepared for a great Gospel Meeting. If Christ is taught and people are ready to hear, we will have a great week. If even one is converted and if joy is brought into a life, what a wonderful time it will be!

Treating Visitors Well (Bulletin Article for February 5)

[NOTE: This article was written with young people in mind, but the principles can be applied to any age.]

At every worship service, we are blessed to have visitors. Some are visiting family and have come from many miles away. Others are visiting from our town or area. We have been blessed by some young people lately who have visited several times. Some have even come to youth devotionals and other events. We are happy that visitors decide to worship with us. But, how should we treat visitors?

First, be friendly, but not fake. In other words, we need to be ourselves. We are not trying to win a popularity contest, we are trying to win souls. Young people, I know how friendly you can be. Our visitors need to see that in you. But, you don’t need to be somebody you are not. If you’re not comfortable shaking hands or giving hugs, then send a card or email thanking that young person for coming. Be friendly in your own special way.

Second, be serious, but don’t “scare away.” We need to focus on bringing our visitors to a knowledge of the truth, but we need to do so in a loving way. If we get a chance to study with him or her, we don’t need to turn the study into an argument or an interrogation. If our visitor asks about why we do (or don’t do) a certain thing, we need to avoid rash answers like: “Because that’s what the Bible says” or, “That’s the right way.” Those answers may be correct, but there are kinder ways of putting them. Also, as in everything else, we need to point our guests to the actual verses and passages in the Bible that teach these truths! Our opinion is no better than theirs. The Bible is the answer.

Third, be thankful. Never take visitors for granted. Even if our guests come several times, we need to continue to say things like “I’m glad you decided to come” or, “Thanks for choosing to come to this devo.” Each time he or she comes it was a decision be there ahead of being somewhere else. We should show our gratitude and recognize that decision.

Finally, be focused on how you act! If you treat worship lightly, so will the visitor. If you treat the devo as important, so will he or she. Even if he or she is religious, the visitor is still looking to you so see how important “church” is to you! Remember, visitors are searching for something.

Hopefully, these simple suggestions will help more young people decide to visit and be impressed with the truth of the Gospel.

A Lot of Teaching (Bulletin Article for January 28)

Some don’t see the importance of singing, and that is seen when they do not sing. We are commanded to sing in order to praise God, but we are also told that we sing in order to teach others (see Colossians 3:16).

Pearl McQuiddy has put together the following, and it should help us remember just how much we can teach as we sing together. [NOTE: This came to me via the bulletin of the Dalraida church of Christ in Montgomery, Alabama.]

Because This Is My Father’s World, I will Praise Him, for all He has done for me. Love Lifted Me from the depths of sin there At the Cross. Because of this, I can go Anywhere with Jesus, for I know He will be there. As I go, Each Day I’ll Do a Golden Deed, because I’m In the Gloryland Way! Life is so much Sweeter as the Years Go By for I know that in the Paradise Valley, There’s a Land That is Fairer Than Day; a place where The Soul Never Dies; moreover, I know that This World is Not My Home, so when I Kneel at the Cross in prayer, I can truly say, my God, How Great Thou Art!

When I think of His Amazing Grace, and what it has done for me, I know that Our God, He Is Alive! For all these reasons, someday My God and I will live together with all those who have gone on before me in the beautiful Ivory Palaces that God has prepared for me. Yes, it was On a Hill Far Away that our blessed Lord, the Rock of Ages, gave His life that I might have Victory in Jesus. Because of these Precious Memories of his life and His death on the cross, I’m Living by Faith and I will always give Glory to His Name as I sing that wonderful old song, Whispering Hope.

What a song of praise will be outpoured When He Comes in Glory By and By. Yes, some day I’ll Fly Away to my home on high; Just Beyond the Rolling River of death I Will Meet You at the River of life with the redeemed of all ages. But while here on earth, I Will Sing of My Redeemer until I reach the land where In Heaven They’re Singing a wonderful song, a theme that shall Never Grow Old. Because of His loving grace, I now can sing It Is Well with My Soul; and I can also sing, All Will be Well…Just Over in the Gloryland. So, Meet Me There.

Friends, because Swiftly We’re Turning life’s daily pages, Prepare to Meet Thy God, Trust and Obey, Sing and Be Happy, Pray All the Time, Sing to Me of Heaven, and Ring Out the Message. Proclaim O What a Savior! Ponder two important questions: Do You Know My Jesus? and What Will You Do with Jesus?

"Answered" Prayer (Bulletin Article for January 14)

After communists took control of the Soviet Union, they attempted to take any belief in God away. One of the methods used was done in schools. Teachers were told to have students come to the front of the room, kneel, close their eyes and pray to God for a piece of candy. When the children opened their eyes, of course, there was no candy there. They were then told that there was no God because he didn’t “answer” their prayers. Then the small children were told to pray to Lenin for a piece of candy. As you guessed, when their little eyes opened, there was a piece of candy there (adapted from The Lord’s Prayer, page 8).

Sadly, many Christians use similar terminology. For example, we pray to God for healing from a disease or a new job to provide income for our family. When those requests are granted, we then say, “My prayer was answered.”

What is the logical conclusion? If we had not gotten well or had not been given a job, did God not answer our prayer?

Why is it that we think this way? Is it selfishness? When we get exactly what we ask for, prayer works. When, however, we are not granted our requests, somehow God is not listening. Is that how prayer works?

We need to be reminded of the words of David. Peter quoted the 34th psalm when he wrote, “The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and his ears attend to their prayer” (First Peter 3:12, emphasis added). If we are living a holy life, God hears every prayer we utter.

So why are some things not granted when we ask? There are multiple answers to that question, but notice just one.

It may be that we ask for things out of selfish motives. The New American Standard Bible translates James 4:3 this way: “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.” The word translated “with wrong motives” literally means “improperly” or “wrongly.” We need to be sure that we are seeking the best of all involved when we pray for certain things.

Children often pray for worldly things, like new toys for birthday presents. We allow them to do this because they are learning the concept of prayer. Sadly, though, many adults have never really gotten past this “stage” of development when it comes to prayer. We see God as nothing more than a “yes-man” Who is supposed to give us whatever we ask.

Instead, we need always to pray that God’s will be done. God has promised to listen, and Jesus taught that we can cause the Great Judge to allow certain things to happen if we will pray constantly (read Luke 18:1-8 again).

Let’s make sure that our prayers are uttered for the right reasons and that we are asking for things that are a part of God’s will. If we are living righteously, God will answer our prayers. God answers every prayer. We just need to remember that, sometimes, He says, “No.”

Practically Applying an Amazing Streak

One of my good friends, Daniel Gaines, wrote a brief article based on the ending of one of the most amazing streaks in all of sports. His words follow, and are used with his permission.

A Stunning Victory
This past Saturday night, the Caltech Beavers won a resounding 81-52 victory over Bard College of New York. What makes this NCAA Division III match-up noteworthy is that the last time that Caltech won a Division III game was in 1996! They had lost a staggering 207 division games in a row!

As I read this news I thought of another streak of frustrating losses. From the beginning of time, man has futilely fought to resist Satan, but to a man they all failed. That is until that streak was broken by an overwhelming victory by Jesus. He lived a perfect life, not succumbing to even one of Satan’s charms and devices. Thus Jesus becoming the perfect sacrifice for our sins brought hope and forgiveness into the world. Because of Him we now have a chance to share in the victory if we will align ourselves with His team. Which team are you on?

1 Corinthians 15:57 (ESV) “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

I appreciate Daniel’s application. Losing that many games in a row is totally amazing to me, but he was able to turn it into a practical application we all can learn from. Thank you, Daniel.

If you want to read more about this incredible story, click here for the ESPN online story.