You're Invited to a Special Open House

A Little P.R. (4)

Didn’t we enjoy a great Lord’s Day together! It was a genuine joy to be blessed by so many visitors. In fact, we had a couple of families who plan to talk to our elders about placing membership—how exciting! God is good, and He continues to bless His own in this place.

If you were with us yesterday, then your heart was made to rejoice by the response of our brother, Blake Hicks. Let’s encourage him as he does the same for us. While on the one hand our hearts were thrilled by this, we are also sad by the fact that we have so many at Piedmont Road who are hurting and experiencing great heartache at this time. Let’s continue to pray for folks as they go through a difficult time with sickness, and/or economic hardship.

Now, to our worship: We enjoyed a wonderful period of worship together yesterday and we were reminded of how great it will be when we “all get to heaven” and can join in worship around the throne of heaven. The singing, prayers offered, thoughts around the Lord’s table, giving, and our study together were all biblical, edifying, and stirring. I love the Lord’s Day! If you weren’t able to be with us this Lord’s Day, and would like to listen to the sermons, I thought I’d remind you that you can always find them archived on our website at http://www.pr-coc.com/. We have some talented folks around here that are really great at keeping our website updated. Speaking of which, we’ve got all kinds of talented folks around here—from keeping the building neat and tidy, maintenance, audio, the library, teachers, song leaders, and wow, the list could go on and on.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention that we had a great turn out for our meeting about the Brazil trip in June. I think we had around 20-25 show up for that. I was grateful to see so many show up to learn about reaching out to souls in Brazil with the Gospel. (BTW, if you're planning to go and don't have your passport, be getting that asap!)

I want to remind you about some upcoming “stuff” here at Piedmont Road. Remember that Feb 20-21 we’ll have a special two-night Gospel Meeting. We’ll start at 7:00 p.m. both evenings and we are looking forward to having brethren join us from other congregations as well. Also, on Feb 21 we’ll have an Education Open House. What we’re hoping to do is showcase our education hall with the artwork, classrooms, etc. We really need all of our teachers to be present on this day from 11 am.-2 pm. Too, it would be fun if some of the children could help give “tours.” Then, on Feb 22 we’ll be having our Friends and Family Day. Who have you invited? Remember, we’re trying to have 325 on that day.

Well, I’ve got to get back to work so that’s all for now. I hope everyone has a wonderful week and remember to speak a word for Jesus. Let’s grow His church!

P.S. If you’ve not been coming around on Sunday afternoon or Wednesday evening lately, may I just say to you that you’re missing some wonderful opportunities to be encouraged…Too, I really need your encouragement as well. Try to make it a point to start coming on these special occasions that the elders have put before us as times of study and edification (Heb. 13:17). I guarantee you’ll be blessed!

What Can We Do To Strengthen America?

During the Revolutionary War, one of America’s founding fathers said, “these are strange and troublesome times.” The times in which you and I are living are troubling. They are troubling because we are at war. They are troubling, because we have economic hardship. They are troubling, because of moral decay. We are living in times that tend to “try men’s souls.”

Charles Dickens is famous for the words, “it was the best of times, and it was the worst of times.” Though I would not say these are the “worst of times,” I would agree that today America is being challenged. What can you and I do as Christians to strengthen America?

We can strengthen America by praying.
Charlie Britnell said, “Prayer is the greatest contribution which Christians can make to our national security. Prayer moves the hand that rules the universe. The Christian’s influence offers more national protection than all the military might, missiles, and nuclear arsenals of history’s most powerful nation.” Paul the apostle reminds us of the value of prayer for our nation and leaders when he says, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Tm. 2:1-2).

We can strengthen America by teaching.
Until we truly believe that many in this world are lost in sin, and appreciate the fact that we are the vessels that God uses to reach the lost, then the world will stay lost. Charles Box said, “Indifference is the area of personal evangelism that is probably the chief weakness of Christians as it faces times like these.” Appreciate with me these words:

And when I think that God His Son not sparing,
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sins.

Jesus said, “Go ye…and teach all nations…” “Go ye means Go ME!”

We can strengthen America by being Christians.
One Christian can make a difference. We must keep in mind that “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34). Johnny Ramsey once said, “Let me tell you a secret, all the politicians in America put together, all the soldiers in uniform around the world, and all the bombs and missiles and bayonets and soldiers don’t compare with the power of one devoted Christian, and the blessing they can be to the kingdom of God and the world at large.”

Yes, I suppose that the expression “these are strange and troublesome times” could apply to the age in which we live. However, I’m fully convinced that as Christians, you and I have the unique ability to make things better. We have to do three things: recognize the power of prayer; see the need to keep on teaching folks the Gospel; and, appreciate the fact that each one of us has the power to make a difference.

A Question About Demon Possession

We are raising our son, who will be seven in March, to one day become a faithful Christian. While the majority of child rearing is a wonderful experience, it can also be challenging and emotionally overwhelming—especially when that child learns how to have an attitude. I was discussing this with someone recently and said jokingly that my son’s attitude lately has caused me to question whether or not demons still possess people today.

Of course I was only teasing, but there are some sincere Christians who wonder if demon possession does happen in this post first century era. By way of this short study, let’s make some observations.

What the Bible says about demon possession.
Demons were sometimes called unclean spirits. In the first century, God allowed unclean spirits from the underworld to transmigrate and take up residence in the body of “men” (Mk. 9; Mk. 16; Mt. 7; Mt. 17). Those individuals would have often been caused to have unusual strength; the inability to speak; have violent convulsions; and, would sometimes have the inability to hear. While God allowed this, it was the devil that served as the mastermind behind this action (Acts 10:38).

(Parenthetical note: Some have suggested that those who are sick are possessed by demons. In the book of Acts, we observe that Peter’s mother-in-law was sick with a fever and yet there was nothing in the context that suggests that she was possessed. In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul had the thorn in the flesh, but nothing in the context suggests demon possession. In 2 Timothy 4, Paul left Trophimus in Miletus while he was sick. Again, nothing in the context suggests that he had a demon.)

Demon possession is not something for us to be concerned about today.
Demon possession was strictly a New Testament phenomenon. To my knowledge, there is not one case of actual demon possession in the Old Testament, though the idea is used there in a figurative sense.

The last recorded case of demon possession is found in Acts 19. In fact, as the days of Jesus and the apostles came to an end, the demon possession began to cease. So, in short, demon possession was something that only existed in the days of Jesus and the apostles.

There are two important verses for us to keep in mind.
The first verse is 1 Corinthians 10:13. There Paul says, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” God is not going to put anything before us that we can’t, through the help of Scripture, endure. Therefore, I know that demon possession does not/cannot exist today.

The second verse is James 4:7. The Bible says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” The Bible says that if I take a stand against the devil, that he will literally run from me. In the first century, when one was possessed by a demon, that poor soul could not do anything to have that demon exorcised from himself. I know that demon possession is impossible today, because I have the ability to say no to the devil.

Source:
Winkler, Dan. Questions and Answers. Crieve Hall Church of Christ: Nashville, TN: Dec. 17, 2003.

Some Responsibilities We Have as Church Members

I have yet to find a passage of scripture that supports the “member at large” ideology. By that I mean, the Scripture teaches the value of individual Christians being recognized as part of a local, autonomous congregation of God’s people. While it’s true that all those who have obeyed Christ through penitent faith and baptism are members of the church of Christ, in a general sense, it is equally true that those same individuals should identify themselves with a local body of New Testament Christians.

This past week, I went through some old files that I had received from a “retired” preacher. I ran across a piece of paper that has turned yellow and brittle due to the heavy weight of age. Based on some of the other documents that I found in the same folder, I’m guessing this piece is at least fifty years old.

On this tattered, yellow piece of paper is an article that someone wrote about church membership. I would like to share it with you.

Every relationship in life involves some responsibility. Membership in the church of the Lord bestows upon us the highest and holiest privileges and blessings conceivable to men.

It also involves great responsibilities and serious obligations [1 Cor. 12:12]. A man takes pride in fulfilling his obligations. A Christian should be eager to fulfill all obligations that go with church membership.

Let us study some of them, at the same time examining ourselves to see if we are fulfilling them so as to be approved of the Lord.

Local membership:
The local congregation is the only unit of organization we can read of in the New Testament for carrying on the Lord’s work that is assigned to the church. For a Christian to be in full fellowship with the church, he must be associated with, and be a part of, and be amenable to a local congregation. The New Testament does not describe the status of “A member at large.” We find Paul always associating himself with a congregation of Christians (Acts 9:26-30; 13:1-3).

Subjection to the elders:
[The elders] are to exercise oversight [over the local congregation (1 Pt. 5:1-5). We (members) are to “obey them that have the rule over [us]” and “they are to watch for [our] souls” (Heb. 13:17; 1 Tm. 5:17-19).

Joint participation or fellowship in the work of the local church:
Each member is to be ready unto every good work (Tit. 3:1-2). “Every joint supplieth” the needs of the church (Eph. 4:16). “Every tree shall be known by its fruit” (Lk. 6:44). “Prove your own work” (Gal. 6:4-5).

Preserve the unity, peace and harmony of the body of Christ:
“I beseech you that there be no divisions among you” (1 Cor. 1:10). “Mark them which cause division” (Rm. 16:17-18). “Endeavoring (make some definite effort) to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3).

The church has a mission—the salvation of souls:
We must be united with Christ that we might bring forth fruit unto God (Rm. 7:4). Branches that do not bring forth fruit will be cut off and cast into the fire (Jn. 15:2).

The “Christian at large” is defeating the very purpose of the local congregation—the preaching of the Gospel to the saving of souls. He is assuming no responsibility; and, sometimes he may be shirking it.

The apostle Paul said that the things written down in the past were done so that we might learn (Rm. 15:4). While I understand these words to be referring to the Old Testament Scripture, I do believe they teach a valuable principle. Great Christian soldiers of the past are still teaching us by what they have written. I for one am grateful that we can still learn from these men today.

A Little P.R. (3)

Well, this is the third time you’ve caught me doing “A Little P.R.” and I hope you’re enjoying it. If you’re just now receiving these weekly notes then let me tell you what this is about. I thought it would be neat to share with you some of the events of each Lord’s Day from my point of view. In these notes I’m not real concerned about format, punctuation, or general grammatical correctness. I’m just sharing some thoughts. Sometimes I’ll just kind of ramble so forgive me in advance.

Now, yesterday was another great Lord’s Day. I’d like to start off by saying how wonderful it was to worship with another new sister in Christ—Kate Hollingsworth. Did you get a chance to congratulate her and her good family? If not, how about giving her a call or dropping her a quick note this week. By the way, did you notice that we were missing some folks yesterday? With it being a “long weekend” we had some people who were traveling and we still have some not feeling well. Speaking of which, if you noticed that the person you normally sit next to in worship was not with us, how about helping our shepherds out by giving them a call and letting them know they were missed.

Wasn’t our worship just fantastic! I love the fact that our songs are up on the screen and we can all raise our heads and point our voices in the same direction and ultimately usher our praise into the throne room of God together as we worship Him in song. As always, our prayers and comments preceding the Lord’s Supper and our giving were so thoughtful. By way of our lessons we discussed the significance of having the right heart with respect to our daily walk with God. In the afternoon we focused on some characteristics of “The Father’s Partner” from the book of Philemon—don’t you just love that little book? If you were at the building at 1:00 p.m. you were treated to a brief period of singing practice. If you haven’t joined us for that yet, give it a try. It’s a great time to learn new songs together. What about that pew packers class? Attendance was down a little, but wasn’t it exciting.

I’m quickly learning that it is a rare thing to not have visitors with us on Sunday, and yesterday was no exception. We had a number of visitors with us. In fact, we even had some visitors with us who are looking for a church home. Wouldn’t it be great if we could fill that auditorium and our classrooms to overflowing!

Speaking of overflowing capacity, we have a chance to do just that come Sunday, February 22. It’s Friends and Family Day! Say, have you invited anyone yet? Remember it’s not our job to make people come, but we must do our part to invite! Who knows, the one you invite may be the very one who obeys the Gospel. Pick up some of the Friends and Family Day cards in the foyer and invite someone this week!

Well, I’ve rambled enough. I hope everyone has a wonderful week and don’t forget about Wednesday night Bible study! It’s a great opportunity to recharge those batteries, and you don’t want to miss it!

P.S. Don’t forget about the Georgia School of Preaching and Biblical Studies. I’ve been sitting in on some of the classes—wow! We’re learning some great stuff. Why not plan to take a class next quarter starting in March.

Just some quick reminders:

1. MARRIAGE RETREAT—Feb. 11-14…Join us in the Great Smokey Mountains!!!!


2. SPECIAL TWO NIGHT GOSPEL MEETING—Feb. 20-21…One night I’ll be preaching the Gospel in just five seconds—you have to come!


3. FRIENDS AND FAMILY DAY—Feb. 22…The goal is 325+!!!!!


4. YOUTH RALLY—Mar. 14….More information to come!!

Don’t Catch The Deadly Disease of—"Pew-monia"

I love Lord’s Day worship, don’t you? It’s everything about it that I find absolutely amazing. The singing, praying, giving, remembering, and of course the preaching are all re-energizing. What a marvelous plan God had when He commanded that we assemble on the first day of the week for the purpose of WORSHIP. But sadly, some do not find it to be a thrilling part of their week at all. To them, it’s not worshipping but just attending worship.

My Lord said, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me” (Mt. 15:8). I recall sitting in a Bible class several years ago when the teacher said, “I used to have pew-monia.” He told us that when the doors to the church building were opened, he was there. However, he was not really there because his heart was not in it. Jesus said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (Jn. 4:24). The actions of worship are important, yet the attitude in worship is equally important.

Sometimes, one who is just attending worship will stick out like a sore thumb. It is apparent in the fact that they are not participating. Let me share with you just a few instances when one appears to have the symptoms of “pew-monia”:

1. When you’re carrying on a conversation with the person sitting next to you instead of focusing on the worship, you may have “pew-monia.”
2. When you’re passing babies back and forth throughout the worship service, you may have “pew-monia.”
3. When the invitation is extended and everyone is asked to stand and sing to encourage a soul to come to Christ, and you’re causing a distraction by packing up all your belongings, you might have “pew-monia.”
4. When a lesson is being presented and you are not following along in your Bible, you might have “pew-monia.”
5. When you make constant trips to the bathroom during worship instead of taking care of your business beforehand, you might have “pew-monia.”

There are some who consider worship as having very little meaning. Those who think this way need to ask themselves the question, “Just how far do I thrust myself into the worship of God?” During the week, every Christian should be preparing himself to worship on the Lord’s Day. This preparation begins with holy living. Paul said, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Rm. 12:1). You may ask, “What are some practical things that I can do to avoid having ‘pew-monia’ on the Lord’s Day?” Here are some suggestions:

1. When leaving the house on Sunday morning for worship, pray for the church; the elders, deacons, preacher, and every member who will be worshipping with you.
2. When you approach the church building, leave distracting thoughts behind.
3. When the worship hour begins raise your voice to God in song and bow your head as you approach his throne in prayer.
4. When the preacher delivers the sermon, consider the words of the lesson, and let their meaning penetrate the very depths of your soul.
5. When observing the Lord’s Supper, discern the body of the Lord.
6. When giving liberally, be thankful for God’s blessings.
7. At the close of the worship hour, speak to everyone you know, and greet those you don’t.
8. When you leave the building, be convicted that you will do better tomorrow than you have done in the past.

While it’s true that “pew-monia” is a spiritually life threatening disease, there is a cure. Decide that you’re going to devote yourself to be pleasing to God in your worship. Put into practice some of the suggestions above and they will help you as you do the most important thing of your week—worship your Creator.

Ask yourself the question, “Am I truly worshipping God, or am I just attending worship?” Never be like the fellow with “pew-monia.” Faithfully attend the worship services of the saints, and when you do, be sure to “...worship him in spirit and in truth.”

A Little P.R. (2)

Well, another Sunday has come and gone and so it’s time for “A Little P.R.” This is fun for me to do a little recap of Sunday’s events, and I hope you enjoy keeping up as well.

I tell you what, Sunday’s just go by way too fast for me. I love the Lord’s Day, don’t you? We had another wonderful day worshiping our God. We now have two Sunday’s together under our belt and Lord willing many more to go. How about that singing? Brother Les is doing a wonderful job on Sunday mornings directing our singing to God and his song selection always ties in well with the sermon—that takes work! Once again, we were privileged to pray collectively yesterday and what great prayer leaders we had. Didn’t you find that the prayers were not rote, but sincerely from the heart? As for the Lord’s Supper, we were all reminded of what Jesus did on our behalf and called to honor him in this weekly remembrance. When it came time to give, it was wonderful to have the privilege to enjoy fellowship in the Lord’s work by our collective contribution. Now to the lessons…Like I’ve said before, if you want to know how those went, you’ll have to ask someone else. What I can tell you is what we discussed. In the morning lesson we were impressed with the power of the Almighty Creator, God. Secondarily, we were thrilled to discover His personal caring nature for His creation. Don’t you just love that! In the afternoon we were left with a “Lesson in Lyrics”—borrowing a title from a Memphis School of Preaching lecture series. We focused in on the beautiful hymn, “A Beautiful Life.” We were reminded of the importance of doing as much good while we can.

Following the morning worship we had a congregational meal. Emily, Peyton, and I were honored to be the “guests of honor” for this welcome meal. It was fantastic! We had almost 240 to join us in the fellowship room for that feast. I must say, I was a little disappointed though. I didn’t get to try all of the good dishes that were prepared J.

At our 1:30 service the Richey’s were introduced to the monthly singing. Wasn’t it great! Brother Benny did a fantastic job leading our afternoon singing. I wish we could have kept going with that uplifting song service. I can’t wait until next month.

I want to express my appreciation for your continual support and encouragement as we settle in to this new work. We love it here and are enjoying being with you. We can’t wait to get to know you better!

Just some quick reminders:
1. MARRIAGE RETREAT—Feb. 11-14…Join us in the Great Smokey Mountains!!!!
2. FRIENDS AND FAMILY DAY—Feb. 22…The goal is 325+!!!!!
3. YOUTH RALLY—Mar. 14….More information to come!!

A Little P.R.

Well, we finally arrived in Georgia to begin our work with the Piedmont Road Church of Christ. Hence, the name of this note—“A Little P.R.” I’m going to try to give a weekly update on this blog about the goings on at Piedmont Road, particularly as a special report of happenings each Lord’s Day from my point of view.

It was a great day to be a part of the Piedmont Road Church of Christ. We enjoyed enthusiastic worship with great song leading by brother Les Sandifer. Wonderful prayers were offered and we were privileged to enter the throne room of heaven by calling on the name of our Father in prayer. It was clear that a great amount of thought went in to the words expressed before the partaking of the Lord’s Supper and as we prepared our hearts to give. As far as the preaching, well, you’ll have to ask someone else how that went. We had two lessons. At the morning worship we discussed some vows that we could make as we hit the ground running in 2009. Then, in the afternoon we talked about preachers and preaching.

I can’t speak with respect to all the Bible classes, though I’m confident they were all great. However the one Emily and I sat in on in the Auditorium was great. Brother Roger Winslett is teaching through some of those great little epistles of the New Testament—James and Peter.

Oh yeah, lunch in between our two services was great! Though I don’t think I’ve ever been to a congregational “potluck” meal that wasn’t, have you? Prior to our afternoon service we had a profitable song class—Les, I didn’t know soprano notes went that low. After that we had a short pew packers class for the kids. It was great and they’re catching on so quickly!

I reckon the highlight of the day was the fact that two precious souls responded to the gospel call. One requesting prayers as he’s going through a difficult time, and the other, after visiting for some time was ready to put on her Lord in baptism.

So, I’d say we had a fantastic Lord’s Day! Wouldn’t you?