The Role of Women in the Church

Paul wrote these words to Timothy, “For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression” (1 Tm. 2:13-14). This is the primary reason for the difference in the roles of men and women. In the marriage relationship, the woman plays a submissive role to the husband (Eph. 5:23-24). In the family relationship, the woman plays the role of the homemaker (Tit. 2:4-5). In the church relationship, the woman plays a divine role (1 Tm. 2:11ff.). This role will be discussed during the course of this article.

Today, we are living in a society that is all about “Self.” You will recall the Burger King commercial that says, “Hold the pickles, hold the lettuce, special orders don’t upset us. All we ask is that you let us have it your way.” This holds true with many of today’s women who want to change God’s plan for the virtuous woman (Pro. 31), so that they can have it their way.

There are two extremes that are often taken with respect to women and their roles. First, there is the leftist feminist thought that says women are superior to men. Second, there is the chauvinistic male school of thought that says women are “second class citizens who are of less worth than men. Such men want a servant not a wife” (M. Light). When we talk about the role of women, we want to take a balanced view. In order to do this, all we must do is go to the Bible.

God did not give men and women the same roles in the church. There are some areas of service that are reserved for men only. Consider this example, “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence” (1 Tm. 2:11-14). Since the woman is not to usurp authority over the man, and preaching is to be done with all authority (Tit. 2: 15), a woman must not preach to a crowd of men. Women must avoid public preaching, but also leading singing, leading public prayer, waiting on the Lord’s table, serving as elders and/or deacons. These six areas are not roles for women in the church. However, there are many other roles that are for women in the church.

Women Can Profess Godliness.
Paul penned these words, “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works” (1 Tm. 2:9-10). The total context is 1 Timothy 2:8-15. The immediate context for our consideration is verses 8-10. In verse 8, Paul begins by discussing men, and their public prayers. Men have the authority to pray everywhere (implied in the context is the presence of a mixed assembly). First, men only have the right to pray if they “lift up holy hands.” Today, Paul might say, “bow holy heads.” These are merely expressions describing the manner, and moral maturity, with which men are to pray. Second, men only have the right to pray if they do so “without wrath and doubting.” That is, the person offering the prayer is to be free of immorality, and that which is unholy. This would also include argumentative fussing (D. Miller). In verses 9 and 10, Paul moves his discussion from the men to the women. Paul begins by saying, “I have just described man’s duty, now I am describing woman’s duty.” Paul’s primary contrast is this, “I want men to worship by providing holy leadership in prayer; likewise, also women are to worship by dressing modestly and remaining silent” (D. Miller). Paul moves on in his discussion by describing how women are to adorn themselves. The attitude is what is primarily under consideration. Paul then concludes this particular section by saying women should profess godliness. The point that is being made is this, “women who claim to be God-worshippers ought to dress like it and live like it” (D. Miller).

Women Can Be Faithful Bible Students.
“Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection” (1 Tm. 2:11). Paul is making a plea for the women to be learners of truth. However, what they are to be learners of is not the primary emphasis here. Paul’s primary point is how they are to learn. The text says that women are to “learn in silence.” The original language suggests that women are to learn in “quietness,” “restfulness,” “gentleness,” or “peacefulness.” The obvious point has to do with the manner of attitude in which women are to learn. Women are to learn “with all subjection.” Literally, this means “readiness to renounce one’s own will for the sake of others (1 Cor. 15:27-28)” (D. Miller).

Women Can Teach Privately.
Paul wrote, “But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence” (1 Tm. 2:12). Paul is not saying that a woman cannot teach. While we understand that she should not teach a mixed Bible class or other such religious class. What God is saying is that a woman cannot exert authority over the man. It is made crystal clear in God’s word that a woman may teach (Acts 18:24-26; 1 Pt. 3:1-6). The New Testament places a tremendous amount of importance on women teachers (Jn. 4:28-30; 20:17-18; Acts 9:36-43; 18:1-3; Luke 10:38-42; 1 Tm. 5:10; 2 Tm. 1:5).

When a woman teaches, she should possess the characteristics of a good teacher. She must live what she seeks to convey to the students (Acts 1:1). She must remember that she is a model of the precious truths being taught (1 Cor. 11:1). She must demonstrate enthusiasm as she teaches (Jn. 3:2; Lk. 19:10). She must know God’s word, for that is the only way to communicate it (Jn. 8:29; Lk. 22:42). She must know her students. She must have convictions and not just knowledge (Acts 4:13,31; 28:31; 2 Cor. 3:12; Acts 9:27). She must be patient and gentle (Mk. 4:33; 1 Thes. 1:7,11). She must possess ability (2 Tm. 2:2). She must love people and be friendly. She must be prepared. She must be able to maintain discipline in the classroom. She must always seek to improve (C. Cates).

Women Can Participate in Worship.
The Lord said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (Jn. 4:24). There is no distinction made between male and female here. Every Christian must participate in worship, though their roles in worship may differ. What a wonderful blessing to sit in a worship assembly and hear the melodious sounds from women as they praise God in worship. When Paul wrote to the Ephesians and Colossians about their singing in worship, he made no distinction (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). Women too must teach, admonish, and edify in worship.Friends, women play a tremendous role in the church. They must always be respected, and never neglected. We must give them the honor and praise that they deserve. May God bless our women as they labor in the kingdom of the Lord.

Receiving Wisdom and Enjoying Its Benefits

“Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live”—Proverbs 4:4.

Wisdom is so much more than just a wonderful thing to have in life. For you see, wisdom is life itself. Solomon once again personifies wisdom by saying, “For they [wisdom] are life unto those that find them [wisdom], and health to all their flesh” (Prov. 4:22).

In this particular chapter, wisdom is pictured as a family heirloom, and it is the greatest of treasures to be passed down to those we love. Like all heirlooms, this one too will depart from the recipient unless it is safely guarded.

What are some ways by which the precious treasure of wisdom can be passed to the generation to come? I suppose that in actuality, there are only two possibilities:

1. Wisdom must be taught. It would be foolish to think that a Christian atmosphere is all-sufficient for the growth of wisdom in the heart of man. Wisdom, at least in part, comes from knowledge. It is knowledge which develops one’s faith. Paul said, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rm. 10:17). Here’s a for instance. If I want a child to know how to love his momma, as a father, I’m going to demonstrate it with my action. In other words, I’m going to set the right example in the way I show my love for my wife. But that’s not enough. I need to instruct or teach that child how to love his mother. Wisdom demands instruction.
2. Wisdom must be demonstrated. I like the way one writer put it when he said, “Instruction is the light to show the way; example, the impulse to urge us to walk in it.” How do you pass down the precious jewel of wisdom? You exemplify it in your life.

Proverbs 4 gives some very practical pointers on wisdom as it relates to the heart, speech, eyes, and feet. Let’s make a few observations as we let wisdom speak to our Bible heart.

I suppose we would agree that we live in a world that makes it very difficult to keep a pure heart. Yet, the Proverbs writer tells us that if we will be mindful of three things then our hearts can remain pure and just in the sight of God.

“Oh Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say”

“Put away from thee a forward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee” (Prov. 4:24). The tongue has to be one of the hardest parts of the body to control (Jas. 3; Jas. 1:19,26). The Old Testament often warned against the use of the tongue. One of the most familiar Bible verses is the one that says, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain” (Exod. 20:7). In Nehemiah’s day the chosen people were taught to say, “…blessed by thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise” (Neh. 9:5). So, how does one violate this universal command of taking God’s name in vain?

• Out right profanity
• Perjury or false swearing
• The “flippant use of the most sacred names as adornment for amusing stories and catchwords…” (cf. Isa. 48:1).

Still yet, there are other problems that stem from an improper use of the tongue when we fail to let wisdom speak to our hearts.

1. Lying, which is defined as “false statement deliberately presented as being true;” or, “anything meant to deceive or give the wrong impression;” also, “conveying a false image or impression."
2. Boasting, or the attitude that says, “I am above all the rest.” See Psalm 49:6-7; 94:4; Luke 18:9-12.
3. Gossiping, which is to engage in the telling of “groundless rumors or idle talk dealing with some sensational matter of a personal nature and most often told not with best wishes toward the person being gossiped about.” Other words for this are “talebearing’ a tale, or a rumor.” See Exodus 20:16 and Matthew 12:36.
4. Murmuring, which is “an indistinct complaint; muttering; a whispered utterance; saying something in a low mumbling tone.” It’s purpose is to “turn someone against another who, for some reason, is disliked.” See Exodus 16:1-8 and Luke 5:30-32.

“Oh Be Careful Little Eyes What You See”

“Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee” (Prov. 4:25). By listening to the wisdom of God, how might I keep my eyes focused on the spiritual road of godliness?

1. I must let God’s word light the way. “The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes” (Psa. 19:8; cf. 119:105; 119:11).
2. I must watch what I watch. David said, “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me” (Psa. 101:3; cf. Jas. 1:13-15).
3. I must have my priorities properly aligned. Jesus said, “Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon earth…” He then says, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye…” (Mt. 6:19-23; cf. Mt. 6:33).

“Oh Be Careful Little Feet Where You Go”

“Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil” (Prov. 4:26-27). Jesus said, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Mt. 7:13-14). It’s about our walk. Where will my feet take me?

I like the song in our hymnbooks that says, “If I walk in the pathway of duty, If I work to the close of the day, I shall see the great King in His beauty When I’ve gone the last mile of the way.” My favorite part is the chorus which says, “When I’ve gone the last mile of the way, I will rest at the close of the day, And I know there are joys that await me when I’ve gone the last mile of the way.”

When we let wisdom speak to our Bible trained hearts, we’re blessed in deed. We reap benefits that carry us ultimately into eternity.

A Little P.R. (8)

What a wonderful, wonderful weekend and Lord’s Day! It all began on Friday night as we kicked off the schedule with the first of a two night Gospel Meeting. Friday night’s lesson was “The Gospel in Five Seconds.” If you were unable to make it out then you missed a treat—no not because I was preaching, but because we had such great fellowship and an uplifting period of worship together. If you would like to hear the lesson, you may go to http://www.pr-coc.com/.

Saturday was a full day! From 11:00-2:00 we enjoyed a great time welcoming visitors to our Open House. We had several, some from the community and some from sister congregations. There’s already been a request for follow-up visits with one family. Who knows, maybe there will be more. Add to that, those who made it out from the congregation enjoyed a great time of just being together. I’ve got to mention the lunch we had—hot dogs! I’m not just talking about any old hot dog. These things were huge. I want another one. I wonder if there are any leftover in the kitchen? Sim? Thanks to the Christies for taking care of our meal on Saturday and to all his kitchen staff! Also, a special thanks goes out to our teachers for welcoming our visitors, our media center personnel, and to our greeters. We had a lot of them so please forgive me for not naming all the names.

We concluded our Saturday with the final night of our two night Gospel Meeting. Saturday night we discussed the subject of dispensational pre-millennialism and called the lesson, “The Second Coming: God’s View v. Man’s View.” Again, it was another great period of worship. By the way, thanks to Les for directing our singing both nights. If you missed this lesson, it too will be on our website at http://www.pr-coc.com/.

Now, for our Friends and Family Day—wasn’t it GREAT! We exceeded our goal of 325 by having “nearly” 350 people in attendance. I like Daniel Ward’s estimate the best—389. Wasn’t the period of worship encouraging? We arranged things differently by having a mixture of songs and lessons on heaven. It lifted my spirits and thrilled my soul. All of our worship leaders did a wonderful job, with a special thanks to Larry for doing such a good job leading the singing and helping things flow so smoothly. While we don’t think about it too often, we want to thank the folks in the sound room for making sure we have smooth transitions of the Power Point slides and that the microphones are working properly.

After our morning worship, we packed the hallway and the fellowship hall with members and guests for our afternoon meal. The food was outstanding and your courtesy and kindness to our visitors was excellent—thanks church for being so good!

The afternoon service was primarily a prayer service with some Scripture reading and songs. Thanks to the elders and deacons for leading in these roles and for the fine job they did. Again, I was so encouraged and our visitors were impressed. Above all, God was pleased.

Now we have some follow up work to do. If you brought friends and family, let them know how much we enjoyed having them and that we’d love to have them come back. If it’s someone that is looking for a church home, encourage them to visit with our elders. If it’s someone looking to know more about the God of the Bible then let’s talk. Let’s make this a great success by using the events of the weekend and Lord’s Day to expand the borders of the Kingdom, if only by one soul.

P.S. The family and I will be traveling next week to a lecture program in East Tennessee. So, we’ll not be here Sunday or the following Wednesday. Please pray for our safe travels and the success of the ETSPM Lectureship. In my absence, our good brother, David Decker will be preaching. I can’t wait to listen to his lessons that will later be available on the internet. He always does such an outstanding job.

A Little P.R. (7)

“Finding Our Strength in God, Rather than Anything Else.” That was the topic of our study together this Lord’s Day. What a tremendous study it was for us to consider the words of the prophet Isaiah and then apply them to our own lives. When we learn to totally put our trust in God, then and only then can we find the peace, hope, and strength that only God can provide. If you would like to listen to this lesson or others, visit our website at http://www.pr-coc.com/.

As always, we had a number of visitors with us this Lord’s Day. Some of the ones I talked to are currently looking for a “church home.” Let’s be sure to always greet our visitors first and see that they feel at home, and then let’s reach out and encourage one another. Of course, I’m still learning who’s a member and who’s a visitor—I wonder how much longer I can use the excuse of being a newbie (lol).

We sure are blessed at Piedmont Road with great worship leaders aren’t we? We always have such an encouraging period of worship and for that, I’m thankful. Add to that, our Bible School teachers are so well prepared and thoughtful. Not to mention all of the great servants we have here. I feel so blessed to be a part of such a great group of Christians.

We have a lot of folks that we need to be praying for, so please take note of those in the Scroll each week. Here are some we mentioned on Sunday: Brother Paul Danger fell in the hospital, but there was no internal injuries. Sister Kim will be leaving for Michigan Monday evening. Let’s remember the Slattons as they travel. Also, brother Jim has been in ICU but they hope he’ll be coming home soon. Let’s not forget these, others on our sick list, and our shut-ins who so desperately want to be with us on a regular basis.

We’ve got a lot of things going on around here in the next couple of months. Here are just some of them:

· Open House this Saturday from 11-2. There will be food provided (thanks to the Christies for spear heading this). We need all our teachers present and the rooms in good order (thanks to Tim Feltner for organizing this). We need students on hand, and some “tour guides.” It’s going to be a great time, and we need everybody’s participation.

· Two-night Gospel Meeting this Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. We anticipate a good group of area congregations to join us but let’s not let their attendance outnumber our own. Friday we’ll be presenting “The Gospel in Five Seconds.” Then, On Saturday we’ll discuss “The Second Coming of Jesus—God’s View v. Man’s View.”

· Friends and Family Day on Sunday. We all need to be making a last minute blitz to invite as many as we can to join us for this special day. Also, be sure to bring a dish for lunch for your family and to share as we’ll be having a congregational lunch. By way of our afternoon service this day, we’ll have an “Old Fashioned Prayer Service.” If you have a special prayer request, you can email it to me or write it down on the form in the foyer.

Wow, aren’t we busy! There’s no other way to be. Someone once said that we work hard here because God wants us to be tired when we arrive in Heaven for our eternal rest.

God bless and have a great week!

Nehemiah—An Impressive History

Beginnings (Gen. 1:1-5:32), Flood (6:1-8:19), New Beginnings (8:20-11:32), The Great Patriarchs (12:1-45:28), The Egyptian Sojourn (Gen. 46:1-Ex. 14:31), Wilderness Wanderings (15:1-Deut. 34:12), Conquest of Canaan (Josh. 1:1-Judg. 3:11), The Judges (Judg. 3:12, Ruth, 1 Sam. 12:25), United Kingdom (1 Sam. 13:1, 2 Sam.-1 Kgs. 11:43, 1 Chron-2 Chron. 9:31), Divided Kingdom (1 Kgs. 12:1-2 Kgs. 18:12, 2 Chron. 10:1-28:7), Judah Alone (2 Kgs. 18:13-25:7, 2 Chron. 29:1-36:21), Babylonian Captivity (2 Kgs. 24:1-25:3, 2 Chron. 36:6-23), and Return from Captivity (Ezra 1-6, Esther 1-10, Ezra 7-10, Neh. 1-12). These are the thirteen general periods of time that make up the book we call the Old Testament.

It is in the period called “Return from Captivity” that we find the text for our study in this essay—the book of Nehemiah. By way of this study, we only want to make four observations.

A Book With an Impressive Historical Setting.
By impressive we mean, a vivid impression upon our minds. Following Israel’s deportation into captivity, Judah maintained the Southern Kingdom. Yet, they did not learn their lesson from their northern brethren. Therefore, Judah came under Babylon’s control, and the first captives were taken out of the land in 606 B.C. (Dan. 1:1-7). Two subsequent deportations of captives occurred in 597 and 586 B.C. Jeremiah, a contemporary of these events, prophesied that the captivity would last 70 years (Jer. 25:12). No details are given of those 70 years of captivity.

The books of Ezra and Nehemiah pick up the account of God’s people, the Jews, returning home from captivity. It began with the decree of King Cyrus in 536 B.C. (Ezra 1:1-4). This return home came in three groups. Zerubbabel led the first group home in 536 B.C. (Ezra 1:5-6:22). Under Zerubbabel’s leadership, the first group was to rebuild the temple. After having faced the adversaries, and overcoming complacency with the help of Haggai and Zechariah, the temple was finally built and dedicated (some 20 + years after returning to Jerusalem). Ezra led the second group home in 458 B.C. (Ezra 7:1-10:44). It was during this time that the Jews experienced a great spiritual revival. We have skipped nearly 60 years, and Ezra, with a commission from King Artaxerxes 1, leads a second group home. Ezra finds that God’s people have intermarried, compromising their spiritual devotion. He prayed for the people and began a series of reform. Nehemiah led the last group home in 445 B.C. Nehemiah would now lead home the last group of Jews in order that they might rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

A Book With an Impressive Historical Account.
Johnny Ramsey says, “Some critics of the Bible scoff at Nehemiah as being a bricklayer’s book. But there is a much deeper plot than that in this dramatic section of God’s word. The purpose of rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall was to keep Abraham’s seed safe within and the world outside the confines of the city David had taken from the Jebusites (2 Sam. 6). It was imperative that Israel remain intact until the coming of the promised Seed (Gal. 3:16)” (Practical Bible Studies, p.p. 111-112).

Upon the recognition of Nehemiah's own errors and those of his people, he requested of the king safe passage back to Jerusalem (Neh. 1-2). Nehemiah’s request is granted. Nehemiah returns home, and under his outstanding leadership, and by the divine providence of God, Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in 52 days—and that in spite of the opposition of Sanballat and his followers (Neh. 2-6). Too, Nehemiah improved the religious character of his own people (Neh. 7-13).

A Book With an Impressive Historical Character.
Nehemiah was an impressive leader. But, what made him so? He had an unstoppable faith in God (Neh. 2:8; 2:18; 2:20; 4:14-15). He encouraged his Jewish brethren to cooperate (Neh. 2:18; 4:6; 4:17). Nehemiah knew how to prepare himself and his people (Neh. 2:12-18). Nehemiah was enthusiastic, and that enthusiasm was contagious (Neh. 4:6). He was a praying person (Neh. 4:9). Nehemiah was a watchdog—one who protected his people (Neh. 4:9; 4:17).

A Book With an Impressive Historical Message For Us.
We will only emphasize two messages that God, through Nehemiah has for us today in this great book. First, we learn how to be good leaders. Second, we learn more perfectly the importance of prayer.

Observe who a good leader is. A good leader is one who knows how to relate to his people. “And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven” (Neh. 1:4). My question is why? Because his people were hurting. He knew how to sympathize with his people. Add to that, a good leader will inspire others to go to work. “Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach” (Neh. 2:17). They all went to work, and the wall was built in just 52 days. Then, a good leader will not give in to the opposition. “But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king? Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build...” (Neh. 2:19-20).

Observe what a good prayer life is. One should pray in earnest. “Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them” (Neh. 4:9). Add to that, our prayer life should be continual (cf. 1 Thes. 5:17—“Pray without ceasing”).

Nehemiah—What a History! When we look through the telescopic lens of time back to about 430 B.C. we read the autobiography of a man who was a great servant of God. May we be like he was.

A Little P.R. (6)

What a beautiful Lord’s Day we were given yesterday! It sure is nice to see that warmer weather has arrived—for how long though is another story.

If you weren’t here yesterday then you missed a special day. Two names were put before the congregation as potential elders—brothers Keith Bailey and Roger Winslett. Our elders have asked us to consider these men over the next two weeks and if there are no Scriptural objections as to why they should join the office of the eldership then they will be installed on February 22nd.

In view of this, the elders asked me to present a lesson on the organization of the church yesterday morning. If you would like to review that lesson then you have two options: 1) there’s an outline of the lesson in the foyer, or 2) you can visit our website at http://www.pr-coc.com/.

Once again we had a great group present for our morning worship and we enjoyed a wonderful day of praising our God. I can’t wait until the next Lord’s Day!

I do want to remind you about some upcoming things real quick:

1. If you would like to go on the marriage retreat this weekend but aren’t able to pay for a room. Please let me know! We’ll try to make arrangements for you to go.


2. Please, Please, Please be inviting folks to next weekend’s activities!!!
   a. February 20-21 at 7:00 p.m. we’ll have a special two-night Gospel Meeting. I’ll be Preaching the Gospel in Five Seconds one night and the other night we’ll examine the ever popular subject of the Second Coming—Man’s View v. What the Bible Says.
   b. February 21 from 11-2 p.m. we’ll have an Education Open House. We really need all of our teachers and as many students as we can to be here as we invite our community in to see what Piedmont Road has to offer with respect to educating people in the Word of God. We’ll also use this as an opportunity to showcase our artwork downstairs. Oh yeah, did I mention that there will be FREE Hot Dogs!!!
   c. February 22 is our Friends and Family Day!!! Who have you invited? Remember, it’s not about how many we bring. It is, however, about how many we invite. “If we invite them, they will come.”


3. Don’t forget about our Youth Rally coming up March 14th. Plans are well underway. So, let’s be praying for this special day to be a great success!

Just a side note: we mentioned Sunday morning that David Decker had been taken to the hospital on Saturday. He is at home and on antibiotics. Let’s remember him in our prayers. Also, we mentioned that Cliff Hicks is still in the hospital dealing with a great deal of pain. He is doing some better, but let’s remember him in prayer as well. Kim Slatton will be traveling to Michigan for further tests, so let’s remember Skip and Kim as they travel. Finally, it was mentioned that the Wards were traveling this past weekend due to the death of Daniel's aunt. Let's remember this family during their time of grief.

There are a number of folks in The Scroll that we need to be praying for. Let’ not forget to pray for them this week.

A Little P.R. (5)

“Did you see what they did?” A bunch of Christians got together and worshipped the Lord! It was another banner day yesterday because the Lord blessed us with yet another day to worship Him. Let me tell you about it.

Bible class was challenging and edifying all at the same time. I love group Bible study. I wish I could be a fly on the wall of all the Bible classes so that I could tell you about them, but I’m confident that they’re all good and the students are being greatly rewarded by attending. Personally, I’m enjoying the auditorium class and brother Roger is doing a fine job taking us on a journey through the book of 1 Peter.

Brother Larry did a great job directing our singing yesterday morning and brother Les did an adequate job Sunday afternoon—Just kidding Les. As always the prayers and thoughts leading us up to Calvary to commemorate the death of our Lord were heartfelt and so appropriate. We have such good men to lead our worship. Yesterday morning it was my privilege to preach from 1 Samuel 17 and talk about the Goliaths in Life that we all face from time to time. Then, in the afternoon lesson we discussed the Assurance of Eternal Life by looking at four things from the book of 1 John. If you missed the lessons and would like to listen, or if you just want to listen again go to http://www.pr-coc.com/.

How’s your week going so far? Are you having a good day? Let me encourage you to be looking for the upcoming issue of The Scroll. In it you’ll find some practical suggestions that will help your day to day journey through life.

I know some of you are going through some severe challenges. Some are suffering because of the economical downturn and some because of health issues. Please, please, please don’t feel forgotten and neglected…You are being prayed for by people who love you and wish for you the very best. If there’s anything that I can ever do for you, please ask. If you need someone to sit with you, just call. If you need to talk but don’t feel up to getting around, I’m just a call or email away. If you want to talk about something that you’re being challenged by, I’m here. If you want to just sit around with a Christian friend and discuss the weather and politics, then it won’t bother me if you want to buy my lunch—we’ll sit and have a “good ole time.”

By the way, if you were here Sunday afternoon you may have noticed a little commotion. Sister Walls was taken to the hospital after feeling faint. She did spend the night at the hospital but as I write this they’re expecting that she’ll be able to come home today. Let’s be sure to read The Scroll each week and see who we need to be praying for.

P.S. If you would really like to go to the Marriage Retreat Feb. 12-14, but you’re not wanting to spend the money for lodging, then do I have a deal for you. It looks like we’re going to have a couple extra rooms available in the cabin we’re sharing with some friends from SC. It’s first come first serve so if you want to go, let me know as soon as possible!

Special Upcoming Events:
Feb 20-21: Two night Gospel Meeting.
Feb 21: Education Open House
Feb. 22: Friends and Family Day
Mar. 14: Youth Rally

Let's Meet David's Mighty Men

Do you ever meet people in your day-to-day activities without learning anything about them. I know you do, and so do I. Sometimes, we do similar things when we read the Bible. We will read over names and events without really considering why they are recorded in God’s Book.

In this essay, I want to introduce you to some people (men) that I’ve met in the Old Testament, men who are often overlooked. In 2 Samuel 23:8-23, we meet four men who were David’s mighty men.

Among David’s mighty men, there was Adino.
Verse eight of our text begins a list of what David, Monarch of Israel, calls his “mighty men.” A man by the name of Adino was at the top of his list—“The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite....” The text goes on to tell us that Adino “...lift[ed] up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.”

Why was Adino in the camp of David’s mighty men? Could it be that he was included in this list because he was able to do so much with so little? The text says that he killed eight hundred with just one spear. How many times have we read in the Bible about those who have done great things with so little?

I think about the widow in Luke 21. In contrast to the rich who were casting great gifts into the treasury, here was a woman who put “two mites” (literally, two small coins) into the treasury. Jesus said, “Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had” (21:3-4).

Then, there is the parable of the talents. You know the story: Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a man traveling, and who gives talents (a talent is one hundred and eighty seven pounds ten shillings) to his servants. To one he gives five talents; to another two talents; and, to another he gives just one talent. The man with five talents made a trade and profited five more talents. The one with two talents gained two more. But, the one with just one talent hid it in the ground. The master was pleased with his servants that doubled their talents. But, to the one who hid his talent, the master was greatly displeased.

What’s the point of this story? Most of us will never be two or five talent men. Generally, we will be one talent men. What then will we do with our talent? Will we be maximum producers? Or, will we be like the one who buried his talent? May we be like Adino—a man who did so much with so little.

Among David’s mighty men, there was Eleazar.
Eleazar was “...the son of Dodo the Ahohite....” Why was he included in the list of mighty men? Well, consider what was written about him, “...when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away: He [Eleazar] arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword...” (23:9-10). Eleazar was mighty because he fought a battle. Not just because he fought a battle, but because he did it all by himself.

Have you ever had to fight a battle alone? Maybe it's a battle in the home. Perhaps you’re trying to lead a child in the way he should go (in the Lord), and yet your spouse is of little to no help. Or, have you ever tried to fight a battle in the work place? Every member of your work team is trying to do something on a project that is lacking in good ethics, and you fight to do what’s right, even if it means the loss of your job? Maybe you’ve fought a battle in a congregation where you have attended. Have you ever seen elders in the church go the direction of the “change agents,” and you are the only one who fought for truth? If you’ve ever found yourself fighting a battle alone, then you can relate to Eleazar.

Among David’s mighty men, there was Abishai.
Abishai “...lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them...,” but “...he attained not unto the first three...” (23:18-19). In other words, he was great but not the greatest.

God is not looking for great men whom He can make leaders. He is looking for ordinary men who are willing to be faithful, and whom God can make great. When I think about this, I’m reminded of Peter. We are all aware that Peter did great things for Jesus and His kingdom. But let’s not forget who led Peter to Jesus. It was his brother, Andrew (Jn. 1:40-42). A disciple of Jesus, by the way, whom we know very little about. Andrew was not the greatest of men, but he was a great man.

Among David’s mighty men, there was Benaiah.
Benaiah was among David’s mighty men because of the conditions in which he had to fight. The text says, “And Benaiah...slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow...” (23:20-21). Did you notice when Benaiah fought and slew the lion? It was “in the midst of a pit in time of snow.”

Benaiah went down into the pit. In this action, he was risking his own safety and ability to flee danger. He did it during the time of snow. This shows the difficulty of traction and the inability to run from the aggressor. In short, Bebaiah risked his life.

What do I learn from this, and what lesson can apply to my life today? I learn that God gives me the ability to accomplish even the most difficult of tasks.

Let’s read God’s word carefully and not overlook the “little heroes” of the Bible. There are a number of practical lessons to be learned from God’s mighty men and women.