THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

I am sure you have heard the slogans by now. “Put Christ back in Christmas.” “Join us in celebrating the birth of Jesus.” Perhaps you have heard it in other ways, but the idea is that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus on December 25. Some of the Christmas carols even state that He was born on Christmas. I would like to ask a question. Who put Christ in Christmas? Man did. People have asked me many times over the years, “What does the Bible say about Christmas?” The answer is simple: absolutely nothing. Some have argued with me, but I simply ask them to point out to me where Christmas is mentioned in the Bible. No one has been able to do it yet. I know the Bible mentions the birth of Christ, but what does that have to do with December 25? We simply do not know the date of Jesus’ birth. It might have been December 25 (I think it’s unlikely), or it could have been any of the other 364 days of the year. I do know the following: there is no command in Scripture enjoining us to celebrate Jesus’ birthday, whenever it may be; and we have no example of the early church celebrating His birthday.

There is one phrase that is popular during this season I would like to mention. “He is the reason for the season.” Again, this is promoting the idea that Christ was born December 25 and we simply do not know that. But that does not mean that He isn’t the reason for the season, because He most certainly is. He is the reason for this and every season.

In John 1:1-3 we read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” In verse 14 John writes, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” The Word John speaks of here is none other than Jesus Christ. He was with God, He was God, and through Him all things were made. Jesus certainly is the reason for all seasons because without Him there would be no seasons. In fact, there would be nothing.

Paul writes, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). To the Galatians he said it this way, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Jesus is the reason for this season, and all others, because He is to be my reason for living. He is to be my focus and my passion. I no longer live for myself, I now live for Him. Ecclesiastes 12:13 – “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.”
--Lamar

FAITHFUL FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

We are in the middle of the holiday season. I don’t know about you, but I like the holidays. I do not like the commercialization that seems to grow every year, but I like the holidays themselves. For many, it is a time of family. It is one time that most, if not all, of my family is able to be together. It is about the only time except for funerals and weddings. As families grow, it becomes harder for everyone to be together, but we make the effort.

People seem to refocus, somewhat, and reflect more on their spiritual lives than they normally do during most of the rest of the year. That's a good thing! We are primarily spiritual beings, created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27). We have read enough obituaries and attended enough funerals to realize physical life is temporary (Hebrews 9:27). It is the spiritual part of us that will live for eternity. “Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:7).

Considering this, does it not seem strange to you that we focus so much on our physical lives? If we are blessed, we may live to be 100. Most of us will die long before that. We spend most of our time and effort trying to achieve things for the physical part of life. Yet, when we die all of those things will mean nothing. We work for 40 or 50 years to prepare for retirement, which might last 20 years, probably less. In the meantime, eternity is waiting and most of us spend little time getting ready for it.

Many people will become “faithful for the holidays.” They will be more appreciative for their blessings. They will be kinder to others. They will express love for family and friends. They may even speak a little of spiritual things. Many will attend a church service somewhere. Then, after the New Year begins it will be back to normal. Their focus will return to physical things and their spiritual lives will again be neglected.

What about you? We talk all day about “them,” but the really important matter is you. You are the only person you can change; you are the only person you will give an account of before God. What can you do to strengthen your faith and commitment? There is no substitute for studying the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15, 3:14-17). It is the guidebook, the true success manual, for your life.

Something else you can do that will help strengthen your faith is to be here for every worship service and Bible study. Be committed to the worship and work of the church. Stop making excuses. As you study, worship, and work with the church, you'll learn and grow spiritually. Take advantage of this opportunity to turn things around. Refocus your life on what matters most, your eternal spiritual destiny.
--Lamar

THE PRIMARY PRODUCT

Someone was telling me recently of a family trip during which they stopped at an Arby’s restaurant. They went in to order only to find out they were out of roast beef. What do you think was happening? Many customers were walking out. Some people may go to this restaurant for a chicken sandwich, french fries, or some other item. However, most people go to Arby’s for roast beef.

That is something that probably happened by accident. They had been busier than usual, the delivery truck was late, or some other reason could have been to blame for the lack of roast beef. What if McDonald’s quit selling hamburgers? They still sell french fries and cokes, but no hamburgers. How long will they last? Even if they keep enough of their french fry customers, what would happen to their stock? To their profits? How many new stores would they be opening? How successful would they be?I doubt they would exist for very long if they were selling only the “extras.” Selling hamburgers is their business. They exist for the purpose of selling hamburgers and making a profit. The french fries, shakes, and cokes are all extras that center around the hamburgers.What if the church quit preaching the gospel? What if we quit evangelizing? Would we grow? Would souls be saved? The gospel is the church’s primary product. We exist to spread the gospel. If we provide only the “extras” our future is in serious jeopardy. Often we get too caught up in the “extras” and programs that we forget our main goal and purpose for existing. We should be focusing on the primary product, not the extras.18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen (Matthew 28:18-20). If we are not evangelizing, we are failing in our mission. We may be doing great works in benevolence; we may be well known and well liked in the community; but if we are not sharing the gospel with a lost and dying world, we are not successful.
As we go through this holiday season, and prepare for the beginning of 2008, may each one of us share in the elders’ commitment to focus on evangelism; doing it, not just talking about it.

Ephesians 3:10-11 “to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
--Lamar

ARE YOU THANKFUL?

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (I)n everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

These are only two of the many verses that could be cited which indicate our need to be a thankful people. We realize that the holiday called Thanksgiving is one rooted in the traditions of men. Its origins will be recounted on the news and in countless TV programs this week. It is good that we have such a holiday, even if it does have more focus on football than on counting our blessings. But many of us will gather with family and/or friends on that day, and someone will lead a prayer of thanks to God for our manifold blessings.

We will then eat turkey or ham with all the trimmings while thinking about or watching some football game, promptly forgetting the things for which all of us should be so grateful. I have a suggestion for all of us to consider as we sit around that table enjoying the bounty God has given us. Surely it is reasonable for us to spend some of that time around the table talking about and expressing our thanks for the loving care and providence we have received during this past year.

As I think of the things for which I am thankful, please permit me to suggest the following as good topics of conversation around our tables this holiday week:

Our families. Many are blessed to still have their parents with them. Be thankful. Some have seen their parents pass from this life. Be thankful for their example and influence in your life. The psalmist says children are a blessing from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). Let it be known how much you love and appreciate them. Brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, be thankful for all family members who have been a part of your life.

The country in which we live. We often become so disgusted with some facets of modern society that we forget the good, positive qualities of a nation with so many freedoms. This is a good time to remember the following words: “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,” (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Even with its faults, we are truly blessed to live in America in 2007.The church. We are truly blessed as Christians to be able to associate with some of the best people in the world. Most of us have had times in our lives when a Christian brother or sister has been closer, a greater source of support, to us than our physical families.

God. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15). God the Father devised a plan; God the Son fulfilled the plan; and God the Holy Spirit revealed the plan. That plan makes possible our forgiveness and hope of eternal life.

Yes, indeed, we do have much for which to be thankful.
--Lamar

A THREE DAY WEEKEND

If I were to ask the young people why they are out of school tomorrow,” would they know the answer? If I asked the adults why they (some of them) are off work and some businesses are closed, could they give me the answer? Living in a military community, I am sure that many of you know that today, Sunday, November 11, is Veteran’s Day. Tomorrow is a day off for many in celebration of this day.

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

An Act approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday - - a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

We enjoy many freedoms in this country. Among them is the freedom to assemble here this morning to worship our Almighty God. You have heard it said many times “Freedom is not free.” Individuals serving in our military forces through the years have made great sacrifices and paid a great price to protect our freedom and trying to extend similar freedom to others. Thousands upon thousands have made the ultimate sacrifice in giving their lives. The least we can do is to take a day to honor them. We have several veterans, as well as active duty personnel, in our membership. Take a moment to tell them “Thank you.”
--Lamar

THE COOL OF THE FALL

In the past few days we have seen a slight change in the weather. The temperatures have dropped some and, while we have been in autumn for a little over a month, we can now see some evidence of the changing seasons. We are constantly hearing dire warnings about global warming. I am not a scientist, nor an expert on ecology and the weather, so I am not qualified to answer the many arguments given. However, I do know there are many scientists and others who are not convinced of the accuracy of these claims. They say the earth is constantly going through cycles of heating and cooling. Some point back to the 1970’s when there were some warnings of an impending ice age. In all of this debate, there is one thing of which I am certain. Some global warming proponents say the time is coming when there will not be a change in seasons. I know this is not true. Following the flood, God says to Noah, “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22). The change in seasons will continue as long as the earth continues. There are some things of which the seasonal change reminds us.

God is in control. “Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all” (1 Chronicles 29:12). I do believe we should be good stewards of all things with which God has entrusted us. This would certainly include the responsibility of taking care of the earth. I also believe, generally speaking, we have done a poor job. However, that does not mean man will destroy the earth. In 2 Peter 3, Peter writes about the destruction of the world by fire. He makes it clear, as do other passages of Scripture, that it will be God, not man, in charge.

God has a plan. We can see the planning and orderliness in the seasons. While there are exceptions, we can plan for a certain type of weather depending on the seasons. I remember a song by the Statler Brothers from several years ago. The main idea behind the song was the unlikely chance that a damaged relationship could be restored. One line says “When the 4th of July parade is called because it snows,” I’ll be coming back to you. A statement like this can be made because there is a pattern, a plan, and God is the one who set it in place. “For the Lord of hosts has purposed, And who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, And who will turn it back?” (Isaiah 14:27).

A time of rest. Winter is generally a dormant time for the earth. There are not as many crops planted, it is a time of rest and replenishment. The Sabbath Day under the Law of Moses was a holy day to the Lord, a day of worship, but also a day to refrain from work. There was a time when Sunday was viewed as such a day. I am not saying Sunday is the Christian Sabbath. There is nothing in Scripture supporting such a view. I am simply saying there was a time in this country when Sunday was viewed as a day of worship and rest. That is not the case anymore. However, there is still a rest for God’s faithful. “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them” (Revelation 14:13).
--Lamar

THE TRUTH WILL COME OUT

Many of you have probably heard the name Marion Jones in the news recently. She was a world-class athlete who won five medals, three gold and two bronze, in the 2000 Olympics. She is an intelligent and talented young woman and the world was her stage.

Her name surfaced in 2003 when she was linked to the company accused of supplying performance-enhancing drugs to athletes. In 2006, she tested positive for steroids. The entire time Jones denied that she has used steroids. As it turns out she lied. Facing federal charges for lying to investigators, Jones pleaded guilty, admitting to using steroids both before and after the 2000 Olympics. Standing on the courthouse steps Jones said, “It's with a great amount of shame that I stand before you and tell you that I have betrayed your trust.” In an instant, Marion Jones went from champion to cheater.

Marion Jones ran head on into the truth. “But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and BE SURE YOUR SIN WILL FIND YOU OUT” (Numbers 32:23). It may happen swiftly or it may be revealed in time, but one day, ALL sin will be exposed (2 Corinthians 5:10). We read in Hebrews 4:13, “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

Marion Jones is not the only person that has made wrong choices, nor is she the only one who has tried to cover them up. “(F)or all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Each and every one of us, sooner or later, has to face the fact if our sinfulness. We may be able to hide it from some people for some time, but not from everyone for all time.

However, there is good news. Paul tells the Romans that the wages of sin is death in Romans 6:23. If he stopped there, we would all be miserable and hopeless. But he didn’t stop there. He went on to say that “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” There is hope for Marion Jones, for Lamar Russell, for you, and for everyone else. Jesus Christ came to earth and lived as a man. He died on Calvary to make the sacrifice for our sins. Through His death, we can have life. We can have our sins forgiven and our names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 21:27).

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). The “secret” to entering the kingdom of heaven and to receiving eternal life is obedience to the Father’s will as revealed in the New Testament. Upon hearing and studying God’s word (Romans 10:17), you believe in Jesus Christ (John 8:24), repent of your sins (Acts 17:30), confess Christ (Romans 10:9-10), and you are baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), you are a forgiven child of God. Then you must live faithfully (Revelation 2:10), when you do slip up confess your sins (1 John 1:9), repent and pray for God’s forgiveness (Acts 8:22).

Yes, it is true your sin will find you out, but it is also true that if we will trust God and obey Him His grace will find us as well.
--Lamar

A DAY OF PLANNING

One of my college professors said, “If you fail to plan, plan to fail.” Our elders have set aside October 27 as a day for the congregation to meet together and discuss the future of the church here. They have put some thought and prayer into planning this day and are asking for our support and participation. What can we do?

PRAY. The Psalmist writes, “Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain” (Psalm 127:1). We need to ask for the Lord’s help and blessing as we make plans for the future. In James 4, James does not condemn making plans, he condemns making plans without the Lord. “Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that” (James 4:15). As we make plans, let’s be sure to ask for the guidance and help of our Father. Also remember, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16).

PREPARE. The elders are seeking input from everyone in the congregation. You can begin now to think about your ideas and goals for the congregation. Put some time and effort into it. Don’t wait until you get here to start thinking and planning. Do some preparation in advance.

PRESENCE. It would be great to have 100% attendance, but that depends on you. If you are not here, 100% is impossible. If you have plans for that day, reschedule them if possible. I believe next Saturday can be the start of a great future for the congregation, but we need you. Your goals, your ideas, your dreams are needed, and the best way to share them is to be here with everyone else.

PARTICIPATE. Yes, your presence is needed and wanted, but if all you do is show up then you have not done all you can. Your input is requested. Your ideas are wanted. Not only would it be great to have 100% attendance, it would be even better to have 100% participation. Once again, that is impossible without you.

I am excited about the future for this congregation. I believe God can accomplish great things through us. I believe those things will be better accomplished if we are proactive rather than reactive. This Saturday is an opportunity for us to do just that. Make your plans to be here.
--Lamar

THE FIXED HEART

There is a story involving Yogi Berra, the well-known catcher for the New York Yankees, and Hank Aaron, who at that time was the chief power hitter for the Milwaukee Braves. The teams were playing in the World Series, and as usual Yogi was keeping up his ceaseless chatter, intended to pep up his teammates on the one hand, and distract the Milwaukee batters on the other. As Aaron came to the plate, Yogi tried to distract him by saying, "Henry, you're holding the bat wrong. You're supposed to hold it so you can read the trademark." Aaron didn't say anything, but when the next pitch came he hit it into the left-field bleachers. After rounding the bases and tagging up at home plate, Aaron looked at Yogi Berra and said, "I didn't come up here to read."

“O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory” (Psalm 108:1). The KJV reads “my heart is fixed.” Among the definitions given for fixed by Webster is “definite; not fluctuating or varying: a fixed purpose.” The psalmist’s mind is made up; moving forward, no turning back. When success smiles and when failure frowns; when friends stand by and when they betray; when you are praised and when you are condemned, remain steadfast and fixed. The fixed heart does not depend on outward circumstances but on an inward state.

Without a fixed heart, a set purpose, we are simply drifting through life. One store had a sign on the door, "Gone out of business. Didn't know what our business was." A sad statement for a business, but sadder still for a Christian or a church. There is a Latin proverb which states, “When a man does not know what harbor he is making far, no wind is right.” We need to know what our business is, where we are headed.

Solomon writes, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). That gives us a purpose. Paul had this to say in Philippians 3:12-14: “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” We need to be, as Jesus said to his parents in Jerusalem at the age of 12, “about my (our) Father’s business.”

The fixed heart requires commitment. There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you are interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstances permit. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results. Caidyn has picked up a new phrase. When told to do something she likes to say “I can’t,” which really means I won’t. How often are you asked to do something in the church and respond with “I can’t?” Is it really that you are unable to do it, or that you choose not to do it. Also, you must realize you are not saying “I can’t (or won’t)” to the elder, deacon, preacher, or whoever is asking you, you are saying it to Christ.

Is your heart fixed?
--Lamar

GOD KNOWS OUR WEAKNESS

“As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:13-14).

In the verses just before this, the psalmist mentions God’s great mercy toward us and that He has removed our sins far from us. In these two verses he explains God’s feelings toward us. He pities us as a father pities his children. Why? God knows how we are made. He fashioned us of dust. He understands our feebleness and is sympa­thetic toward our weakness. He knows that we are frail and may break under pressure; that we are weak and may yield to temptation.

Another reason for His pity toward us is given by the Hebrew writer. “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). God has mercy on us because He knows us, He made us. However, He also pities us because He was one of us. God the Son left the beauty and glory of heaven to come to this earth. He lived as a man of little means and suffered one of the cruelest deaths ever known to man. He was then raised from the dead and ascended back into heaven where He reigns over His kingdom, the church. Do you ever think, “No one knows how I feel?” You are wrong. Jesus knows, and because He knows He understands. Wouldn’t it be wonderful is we were as considerate of one another’s frailty?

When our work is imperfect and our life is stained with sin, though our intentions are pure and our ef­forts stir from faith and spring from love, it is then that we are in dire need of the pity that comes from Him who knows our frame. It is a boon to drooping spirits to remember that all men are made of the same dust, and that to the apostles who evidently had some superior traits, Jesus said, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation

the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).

This is by no means an excuse for sinful living. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:1-2). God calls upon His children to be pure and holy. His desire for us is that we no longer live in servitude to sin. Once we become His children by faith and obedience, He expects us to live lives of service to Him. However, because He knows us so well, His mercy is great that we may receive continual forgiveness through the blood of His Son (1 John 1:7).

He who knows the weakness of His children has in every age owned them, directed them, blessed them and forgiven them as they believed and obeyed. Hence imperfect people are able to maintain a blessed relationship with Him, provided they try.

--Lamar

GIVING

Those who attended the meeting with the elders last Sunday evening are aware of our financial situation. We are several thousand dollars below budget for 2007. I am not suggesting we can make up the entire deficit in a few months, but I do believe we can put a dent in it, or at least prevent it from getting any worse. Giving can be a difficult subject with which to deal, but it is a biblical subject.

There are basically two attitudes in giving: one of joy in giving and the other of “Do I really have to?” I read about a little girl that became restless, as the preacher's sermon seemed (to her young mind) to drag on and on. She finally leaned over to her mother and whispered, “"Mommy, if we give him the money now, will he let us go?” Unfortunately, this does reflect the attitude of some.

Some display a great joy in giving sacrificially. One man was making a short talk before taking the contribution. He said, “Too often we try to concentrate at least once a week on Christ and His life.” His point was that we should move out of the “Once A Week” mode and be thinking about Christ daily. When we begin to do that, we will begin to move into the “giving joyfully” mode.

In every age, man has been instructed to give or sacrifice to God.

Genesis 4:3-5 - “And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell”

Deuteronomy 16:17 - “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you.”

1 Corinthians 16:1-2 – “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also:2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.”

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 – “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”

With these verses in mind I would like to make a few suggestions:

1. Together with your spouse (if you have one) determine the amount that you purpose to give to the Lord’s work on a weekly basis, after determining that amount stick to it and write that check first before giving any attention to other bills. That amount is what you have purposed and should only be given to the Lord.

2. Since the Bible tells us we are to give on the first of every week, our giving should be done on a regular basis. Since some people are only paid on a bi-weekly basis you may wish to give on a bi-weekly basis. After all if you were not paid in a given week you did not prosper any that week. Others may wish to divide that amount and give a part of it every week.

3. A very important part of your giving is to be consistent. The elders have set forth a budget and are depending upon that money being there when it is needed. If you are out of town or on vacation, consider leaving your contribution with someone to put it in for you. If you are uncomfortable with that, either give it the week before you are going away or the week you come back.

I would like to encourage each family and/or individual to honestly examine yourselves in the area of giving. Are you giving as you should be? If not, why not make the commitment to begin. If you are, take a look to see if you may be able to do more so that the good works of this congregation will not be hindered.

--Lamar

A CLOSE EXAMINATION

Several years ago, the government began minting new quarters. Each state has its own quarter with its own design, and they are minted in order of statehood. Each quarter is minted in the Denver and Philadelphia mints. The quarters are marked according to where they are minted with a “D” or “P” on the front side of the coin. I have been collecting these quarters, one from each mint for each state, since production began. The letters designating the mint are not very large and sometimes it is difficult to discern between the “D” and the “P”. It takes a close examination to be sure, and sometimes I look several times before I am sure.

We are admonished by John to be sure that the prophets (teachers) we listen to are teaching the truth. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). Unfortunately, not everyone who claims to be speaking for God is true to God’s word. John says many false prophets have gone out into the world, and today there are still many false prophets.

One church is as good as another. There is the prevailing idea that all denominations are part of the one universal church and that all are following their own pathway to heaven. There are even some among our brotherhood who are teaching that the Lord’s church is just a denomination among denominations. Jesus promised to build one church (Matthew 16:18). We read of one body (Ephesians 4:4), which is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23). There is just no way all the different denominations with all their different teachings are following God’s way and are a part of the church for which Jesus shed His blood.

When or how you worship is not important, as long as you are sincere. When we lived in Kentucky, there was a local denomination who aired an ad on the radio. The basic idea was that if it’s inconvenient to get up on Sunday morning to attend, that’s okay. You can attend our Saturday evening worship. One congregation of the Lord’s church has started having services on Saturday with communion and instrumental music. One reason given is that is will possibly draw a larger crowd. The only example we have of communion in the New Testament was on the first day of the week, and the command we have concerning music is to sing and make melody in our hearts. Paul was sincere Acts 23:1) before his conversion, but he was sincerely wrong.

Baptism is important, but not essential for forgiveness. For years, denominational preachers have been teaching this false doctrine. I even heard one say that you cannot obey God without being baptized, but you can go to heaven. Now, there are some in our brotherhood teaching much the same thing. They teach that it’s important to be baptized, but you can be forgiven without it. “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:37-38). How much plainer could it be?

Be careful of false teachers. Examine closely what they say. If the apostle Paul needed to be checked out according to the Scriptures (Acts 17:11), then teachers today deserve no less.

--Lamar

READ THE BIBLE

READ THE BIBLE

We were privileged to have brother Philemon Rajah with us from India last weekend. We have been supporting his work in the city of Madurai for several years. It was good to meet him face to face and hear firsthand of the work that is being done there. The city’s population is about 2.5 million, about 90% Hindu. He and the other Christians face great challenges in spreading the gospel. However, they continue the work and are successful in reaching lost souls. They are also doing a great work among the blind population, about 25,000, in the city. We appreciate the work he is doing there and pray for his continued safety and success.

Philemon presented the lesson for our Sunday evening service. If you were not here, you missed an excellent sermon. He stressed to us the importance that we “read the Bible, read the Bible, read the Bible! He pointed out that the Bible is sweeter than honey, a treasure greater than gold, and the source of blessings. He issued a challenge that we rededicate ourselves to reading the Bible, and especially the New Testament. As he stated, by reading 9 chapters a day we can read the entire New Testament in one month.

I join with Philemon in challenging all of us to become daily Bible readers. This is not just so we can say we have done so, but because of the tremendous blessings we will receive by doing so. “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8). “Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2). In addition to the blessings received from studying God’s word, there is the fact that we will be judged by it. “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).

Let us be thankful for the work being done by Philemon and others in India. Let us pray for their continued safety and success. Let us heed the words of Philemon’s challenge to us, “Read the Bible, read the Bible, read the Bible.”

--Lamar

THE INSIGNIFICANT NAIL

THE INSIGNIFICANT NAIL

A congregation built a new church building, and people came from far and wide to see it. They admired its beauty! Up on the roof, a little nail heard the people praising everything about the lovely structure--except the nail! No one even knew he was there, and he became angry and jealous. "If I am that insignificant, nobody will miss me if I quit!" So the nail then released its hold, slid down the roof, and fell in the mud.

That night it rained and rained. Soon, the shingle that had no nail blew away, and the roof began to leak. The water streaked the walls and the beautiful murals. The plaster began to fall, the carpet was stained, and the pulpit Bible was ruined by water. All this because a little nail decided to quit!

What became of the nail? While holding the shingle, it was obscure but it was also useful. Buried in the mud it was just as obscure, but now it was useless and would soon be eaten up by rust!

In our Bible class study of 1 Corinthians, we recently discussed Paul’s analogy between the body of Christ and the human body found in chapter 12. He states that as the human body has many members but is one body, so also is the body of Christ. Paul is not speaking here, as some conclude today, about the various denominations all being a part of the body of Christ. How could he have been speaking about such considering denominationalism did not exist at that time? He is simply talking about the individual people who are members of Christ’s body, or His church.

Perhaps you have felt like this nail at times, obscure, insignificant and neglected. Paul is telling you that is not the case. There is no such thing as an unimportant Christian. Just as it takes all parts of the human body to function at its greatest potential, so it is with the body of Christ. That one little nail quit doing its job and it lead to the destruction of the building. The same can happen with the church.

I believe we sometimes contribute to a person’s feelings of insignificance, although most of the time we may not be aware. We talk to the same people before and after services. We go to dinner with the same people after services. We visit and socialize with the same people. Meanwhile, someone is standing aside, feeling alone and neglected. When we start planning activities and works of the church we rely on the same people to get it going. Again, this person, who may have a special talent in the work being done, is left in the background. Perhaps they are wondering, “Why won’t they let me get involved, why won’t they let me in?”

As I said earlier, many times this is done we are not aware of what is happening. I have known of situations where the group was waiting for the individual to get involved while the individual was waiting to be asked to get involved. Whatever the reason, let’s all make a conscious effort to make sure no one feels insignificant, neglected, or alone.

Every member of the body is important.

--Lamar