School is out, or soon will be. We are in that time of year that families generally take their vacations. It is good to get away and relax. It is important for families to spend time together. If you are planning a trip or vacation with your family in the coming weeks, I pray you have a safe and enjoyable time. However, I would like for you to think about the question above: Does God go on vacation? As you plan your family events, think about a few things.
Does God go on vacation with regard to time? When you are planning your vacation itinerary, do you include God? Do you make find a congregation in the area and make plans to attend all the services? Some will not go at all; some will attend the Sunday morning service. As you are scheduling your daily events, do you set aside some time for Bible study and family devotions? I fear that too often we make our vacation plans either without God, or we give Him some time if there is any left over. What if God took that same approach toward us? We would be in a sad condition indeed. As you are making your summer plans, be sure to include God on your schedule?
Does God go on vacation with regard to work? The work of the local congregation continues. There are classes to be taught, worship services to be led, good works to do. The leaders here need to know they can count on you. As stated earlier, family time to relax is important. However, you need to be careful not to be away too much. I have known of families who plan trips just about every weekend during the summer with the explanation, “We can’t do this during the school year.” Is that the best attitude to have? I would also like to make a suggestion to make things easier for those that are here. When you are going to be gone and will be unable to fulfill a responsibility, let the proper people know. It will be easier for them to find someone to fill in if they know about your absence beforehand. As you are making your summer plans, be sure to remember your responsibility to the work here.
Does God go on vacation with regard to giving? In many congregations, two things drop during the summer months: attendance and giving. Why does the giving drop? Generally, there are two reasons. First, some budget for vacation and leave God out. You should not take from God to pay Mickey, Minnie, and Donald. Second, some will fail to give while they are away. You should make the necessary arrangements to give your offering even when you are gone. You can do this by giving it before you go or when you return. Others will give it to someone to place in the basket for them. However you do it, it needs to be done. As you make your summer plans, be sure to plan your giving.
This summer, do not take a vacation from God.
--Lamar
About Me
- Lamar Russell
- St Mary's, GA, United States
- Weekly bulletin. Church Office Phone: (912) 882-5800
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
THE DEATH OF A GOOD MAN
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).
As you know, we have been away this past week to attend the funeral of Wanda’s grandfather, J L Tomlin. It has been a bittersweet time as we have experienced the grief and loss, but at the same time rejoicing that he has completed his journey and awaits his eternal reward. He was a Christian for 55 years and was instrumental in starting a congregation in Woodstock, Georgia. This congregation numbers close to 300 and has been involved in starting two other congregations in the area. As I have thought about his death, I realize there are some differences and similarities between him and the rest of us.
The length of his life is one difference. He was 91 years old. A June 2006 USA Today article reported that life expectancy for American males was 75.2 years. The psalmist wrote that we could expect 70 or 80 years (Psalm 90:10). He did enjoy a long and useful life. There are some of us who are beyond the 75.2 (or about 80 for females), but most of us are still several years away. Many are not even half way there. For the young people, 75 years probably seems like an eternity. Will we “beat the odds” and live an unusually long life or die at a young age? We do not know.
One similarity is the certainty of death. “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Whether young or old, or somewhere in between, death is certain for each and every one of us. The only possible exception is that Christ returns during our lifetime and even then we will be changed and this life will end (1 Corinthians 15:50-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17). From the moment we are born we begin a one way journey to death. Man has searched for the fountain of youth, a way to avoid aging, a way to cheat death. He has not found it and he never will.
Another similarity is the suddenness of death. “(W)hereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). Even though J L had lived many years and his time on earth was likely drawing short, no one (including himself) knew the exact time he would die. Even people with terminal diseases are not able to predict the exact moment of death. Because of the suddenness of death or Jesus’ return (Matthew 24:43; 2 Peter 3:10), we must live in a constant state of preparation and readiness (Matthew 25:13).
A final similarity is the consequence of death. The Hebrew writer says that after death is the judgment (9:27). There is no mention of anything in between that would give us a second chance. The condition in which we die, spiritually speaking, in the condition in which we will stand before God in judgment. Since we will be judged according to the things done in the body (2 Corinthians 5:10), and the body and spirit separate at death (James 2:26), our eternal destiny will be based on what we have done in this life, while in the body. There are two possibilities (Matthew 25:46). Whether I am blessed with eternal life in heaven or condemned to eternal torment in hell is determined by how I live this life, and the same is true for every person.
Are you prepared for death?
--Lamar
As you know, we have been away this past week to attend the funeral of Wanda’s grandfather, J L Tomlin. It has been a bittersweet time as we have experienced the grief and loss, but at the same time rejoicing that he has completed his journey and awaits his eternal reward. He was a Christian for 55 years and was instrumental in starting a congregation in Woodstock, Georgia. This congregation numbers close to 300 and has been involved in starting two other congregations in the area. As I have thought about his death, I realize there are some differences and similarities between him and the rest of us.
The length of his life is one difference. He was 91 years old. A June 2006 USA Today article reported that life expectancy for American males was 75.2 years. The psalmist wrote that we could expect 70 or 80 years (Psalm 90:10). He did enjoy a long and useful life. There are some of us who are beyond the 75.2 (or about 80 for females), but most of us are still several years away. Many are not even half way there. For the young people, 75 years probably seems like an eternity. Will we “beat the odds” and live an unusually long life or die at a young age? We do not know.
One similarity is the certainty of death. “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Whether young or old, or somewhere in between, death is certain for each and every one of us. The only possible exception is that Christ returns during our lifetime and even then we will be changed and this life will end (1 Corinthians 15:50-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17). From the moment we are born we begin a one way journey to death. Man has searched for the fountain of youth, a way to avoid aging, a way to cheat death. He has not found it and he never will.
Another similarity is the suddenness of death. “(W)hereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). Even though J L had lived many years and his time on earth was likely drawing short, no one (including himself) knew the exact time he would die. Even people with terminal diseases are not able to predict the exact moment of death. Because of the suddenness of death or Jesus’ return (Matthew 24:43; 2 Peter 3:10), we must live in a constant state of preparation and readiness (Matthew 25:13).
A final similarity is the consequence of death. The Hebrew writer says that after death is the judgment (9:27). There is no mention of anything in between that would give us a second chance. The condition in which we die, spiritually speaking, in the condition in which we will stand before God in judgment. Since we will be judged according to the things done in the body (2 Corinthians 5:10), and the body and spirit separate at death (James 2:26), our eternal destiny will be based on what we have done in this life, while in the body. There are two possibilities (Matthew 25:46). Whether I am blessed with eternal life in heaven or condemned to eternal torment in hell is determined by how I live this life, and the same is true for every person.
Are you prepared for death?
--Lamar
Friday, May 7, 2010
MOTHER
When a child is learning to talk, among the first words he/she speaks is “Mommy,” or something close to it. When a child is hurt, the first person they cry out for and look for is often Mom. What do you think of when you think of an NFL player? I think of men who are tough, somewhat mean and vicious. Yet, when the cameras show them after a big play or a win, what do you often see? They smile sweetly into the camera and say, “Hi, Mom.” It is clear that our mothers play an important role in our lives. I am not sure who first said, “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world,” but it illustrates the importance of our mothers.
When did it become a bad thing in our society to be “just a mother?” In many circles, a stay at home mother is treated like a second class citizen. I read of one woman when asked what she did who said, “I am socializing two homo sapiens in the dominant values of the Judeo-Christian tradition in order that they might be instruments for the transformation of the social order into the teleologically prescribed utopia inherent in the eschaton.” How would you respond to that? I realize that sometimes it is necessary for thee wife/mother to work outside of the home to help provide for the family. However, I also know that it is a choice some families make in order to have better things. It is also true that a stay at home mom should never be made to feel like she has to apologize or that she is not as good as everyone else. I do not believe a greater thing could be said of any woman than “She is a good Christian wife and mother.”
In saying this, I am not saying those who work outside of the home are not good mothers. It takes dedication to work at a job and be a good wife and mother. With everything going on with the job, social life, church, and family, it is easy to spread yourself too thin. Be careful to keep your priorities in order.
“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:2-3).
Happy Mothers Day!!!
--Lamar
When did it become a bad thing in our society to be “just a mother?” In many circles, a stay at home mother is treated like a second class citizen. I read of one woman when asked what she did who said, “I am socializing two homo sapiens in the dominant values of the Judeo-Christian tradition in order that they might be instruments for the transformation of the social order into the teleologically prescribed utopia inherent in the eschaton.” How would you respond to that? I realize that sometimes it is necessary for thee wife/mother to work outside of the home to help provide for the family. However, I also know that it is a choice some families make in order to have better things. It is also true that a stay at home mom should never be made to feel like she has to apologize or that she is not as good as everyone else. I do not believe a greater thing could be said of any woman than “She is a good Christian wife and mother.”
In saying this, I am not saying those who work outside of the home are not good mothers. It takes dedication to work at a job and be a good wife and mother. With everything going on with the job, social life, church, and family, it is easy to spread yourself too thin. Be careful to keep your priorities in order.
“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:2-3).
Happy Mothers Day!!!
--Lamar
Friday, April 23, 2010
SUMMER PLANS
We are approaching the time of year when families plan their summer events. School will be out in about a month or so, vacations will be planned, and the summer will be busy. I would like to encourage everyone to keep several church events coming up in mind as you plan.
1) Gospel Meeting. Faires Austin will be with us May 8-11 for this event. He will be presenting Bible lessons as well as relating some of his experiences in archaeological digs in and around the Holy Land. There are three things you can do to make this effort a success: pray, invite, and attend. “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). Anything in life we want to be successful, we need to be fervent in prayer. It is also necessary that you invite others to attend, friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers, even your enemies (if you have any). They may not come when you invite them, but it is even less likely they will come if you do not invite them. Tell them you will pick them up and give them a ride. Invite them for dinner and then bring them to services. Do anything you can to encourage them to attend. Finally, you need to attend yourself. Every time you miss a service (during a gospel meeting or other worship times), you miss a blessing. Also, consider the impact you will have on the person you invite who comes and finds out it was not important for you to be here.
2) Cochran Campaign. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). June 17-20 we will be taking our youth to Cochran, Georgia for a door knocking campaign. We help provide financial support to the work in Cochran and this is our second trip to help in other ways. Five of our young people went last year and did an excellent job. As a result of their efforts, several Bible studies were conducted, people attended services, and some have heard the gospel who might never have heard it without the efforts of these young people. Again, pray for the success of these efforts. Young people, make your plans to participate. I would hope we can take even more this year than last. It will be hot, hard work, but it will be worth it. Parents, encourage your children to participate. They will receive great blessings from doing so as well as doing their part to fulfill the great commission.
3) Camp. We will be attending camp July 4-9. The theme for this year is “He Is My Everything.” This year we will be joining the Williams Road congregation from Americus. Many of our young people have participated in camp over the years and realize that it is a great week. There is opportunity for worship and study of God’s word. It is also a good way to develop new friendships and strengthen those already existing. Again, I would encourage our young people to make plans to attend. You will not regret it. Parents, do everything you can to encourage your children to attend. Applications will be available soon.
4) VBS. Our VBS this year is July 19-24. This is a great opportunity to reach out to the community, especially to the children. Those things mentioned earlier to make our gospel meeting successful also apply here. Pray for God’s blessings on our efforts. Pray that He will bless the teachers and other workers. Pray He will open someone’s heart to the gospel. Invite everyone you know to attend. We often think of VBS as only for the children. While it does focus on the children adults can benefit from attending. You can also benefit from your presence. Again, do not think of VBS as only for the children but realize you can be blessed as well.
As you make your plans for the summer, do not forget to include the church and its activities in those plans.
--Lamar
1) Gospel Meeting. Faires Austin will be with us May 8-11 for this event. He will be presenting Bible lessons as well as relating some of his experiences in archaeological digs in and around the Holy Land. There are three things you can do to make this effort a success: pray, invite, and attend. “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). Anything in life we want to be successful, we need to be fervent in prayer. It is also necessary that you invite others to attend, friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers, even your enemies (if you have any). They may not come when you invite them, but it is even less likely they will come if you do not invite them. Tell them you will pick them up and give them a ride. Invite them for dinner and then bring them to services. Do anything you can to encourage them to attend. Finally, you need to attend yourself. Every time you miss a service (during a gospel meeting or other worship times), you miss a blessing. Also, consider the impact you will have on the person you invite who comes and finds out it was not important for you to be here.
2) Cochran Campaign. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). June 17-20 we will be taking our youth to Cochran, Georgia for a door knocking campaign. We help provide financial support to the work in Cochran and this is our second trip to help in other ways. Five of our young people went last year and did an excellent job. As a result of their efforts, several Bible studies were conducted, people attended services, and some have heard the gospel who might never have heard it without the efforts of these young people. Again, pray for the success of these efforts. Young people, make your plans to participate. I would hope we can take even more this year than last. It will be hot, hard work, but it will be worth it. Parents, encourage your children to participate. They will receive great blessings from doing so as well as doing their part to fulfill the great commission.
3) Camp. We will be attending camp July 4-9. The theme for this year is “He Is My Everything.” This year we will be joining the Williams Road congregation from Americus. Many of our young people have participated in camp over the years and realize that it is a great week. There is opportunity for worship and study of God’s word. It is also a good way to develop new friendships and strengthen those already existing. Again, I would encourage our young people to make plans to attend. You will not regret it. Parents, do everything you can to encourage your children to attend. Applications will be available soon.
4) VBS. Our VBS this year is July 19-24. This is a great opportunity to reach out to the community, especially to the children. Those things mentioned earlier to make our gospel meeting successful also apply here. Pray for God’s blessings on our efforts. Pray that He will bless the teachers and other workers. Pray He will open someone’s heart to the gospel. Invite everyone you know to attend. We often think of VBS as only for the children. While it does focus on the children adults can benefit from attending. You can also benefit from your presence. Again, do not think of VBS as only for the children but realize you can be blessed as well.
As you make your plans for the summer, do not forget to include the church and its activities in those plans.
--Lamar
Friday, April 9, 2010
OPENING DAY
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
This past week marked opening day of the 2010 baseball season in major league baseball. Many of you are probably thinking who cares, but for baseball fanatics like me it is an exciting time. It is a time of fresh starts and renewed hope. At the end of last season, the Washington Nationals were the worst team in baseball. They won 59 games and lost 103. They were 33 games out of first place. Guess where they were when this season started? Equal with everyone else. How many times have you heard, “Wait till next year?” That sentiment is based on the fact that next year represents a new start. What if the seasons were cumulative? What if they started this year where they ended last year? According to the “experts,” the Nationals do not have much of a chance for winning their division this year, but what if they started the season 33 games out of first place? It is great to have a chance for a fresh start.
Paul tells us I the above verse that we can have a fresh start. In John 3, Jesus speaks of it as being born again. In Romans 6, Paul talks of walking in newness of life. When we obey the gospel, culminating in being baptized into Christ, our sins are forgiven, washed away. In 1 Corinthians 6, beginning in verse 9, Paul gives a list of some who will not inherit heaven: fornicators, idolaters, homosexuals, thieves, drunkards, etc. Then in verse 11 he says, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” One of the words he used to describe their status was “justified.” I have often heard this word defined as “just as if I’d” never sinned. David writes, Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7). When we become a Christian, it is like opening day. The past is past and we have a fresh outlook, a renewed hope.
There is also the hope provided to the Christian who sins. 2 Peter 3:9 says that God does not want any to perish and this applies to the erring Christian as well as the alien sinner. When a Christian sins, God’s grace is available for a new start. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Many people have tried to have a fresh start in life. They buy a new house or car, move to a different city, try to change their personality, go to therapy, etc. Most do not realize they are looking in the wrong place. In order to really get a fresh start we must renew the inner man, and the only way to do that is through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
--Lamar
This past week marked opening day of the 2010 baseball season in major league baseball. Many of you are probably thinking who cares, but for baseball fanatics like me it is an exciting time. It is a time of fresh starts and renewed hope. At the end of last season, the Washington Nationals were the worst team in baseball. They won 59 games and lost 103. They were 33 games out of first place. Guess where they were when this season started? Equal with everyone else. How many times have you heard, “Wait till next year?” That sentiment is based on the fact that next year represents a new start. What if the seasons were cumulative? What if they started this year where they ended last year? According to the “experts,” the Nationals do not have much of a chance for winning their division this year, but what if they started the season 33 games out of first place? It is great to have a chance for a fresh start.
Paul tells us I the above verse that we can have a fresh start. In John 3, Jesus speaks of it as being born again. In Romans 6, Paul talks of walking in newness of life. When we obey the gospel, culminating in being baptized into Christ, our sins are forgiven, washed away. In 1 Corinthians 6, beginning in verse 9, Paul gives a list of some who will not inherit heaven: fornicators, idolaters, homosexuals, thieves, drunkards, etc. Then in verse 11 he says, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” One of the words he used to describe their status was “justified.” I have often heard this word defined as “just as if I’d” never sinned. David writes, Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7). When we become a Christian, it is like opening day. The past is past and we have a fresh outlook, a renewed hope.
There is also the hope provided to the Christian who sins. 2 Peter 3:9 says that God does not want any to perish and this applies to the erring Christian as well as the alien sinner. When a Christian sins, God’s grace is available for a new start. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Many people have tried to have a fresh start in life. They buy a new house or car, move to a different city, try to change their personality, go to therapy, etc. Most do not realize they are looking in the wrong place. In order to really get a fresh start we must renew the inner man, and the only way to do that is through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
--Lamar
Friday, March 26, 2010
A FAMILY HERITAGE
“For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him” (Genesis 18:19).
This past Tuesday would have been my dad’s 85th birthday if he was still living. Since his death almost three years ago, I have often thought about what he instilled in my life. He and my mom (she passed away in 1999) were not perfect by any means (neither are any of their children). However, they did raise six children, all of them Christians. The four who are married have Christian spouses. Almost all of their nine grandchildren are members of the Lord’s body and the three that are married are married to Christians. I am not trying to brag, but mom and dad must have done something right. I would like to share with you a few things they (especially dad) taught us that I believe can help today to raise faithful children.
A Good Work Ethic. Dad was always a hard worker. He quit school in the third grade, the oldest of 10 children, to support the family by working on the farm. As a young man, he went to work in the local cotton mill and worked there a total of almost 50 years. When we were young, he often worked 16 hours a day five or six days a week. I believe one time he went about 10 years without missing a day of work. He was a true believer of Paul’s words in 2 Thessalonians 3:10: “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” He taught that same principle to his children.
Personal Accountability. Since early times man has looked for someone to blame for his mistakes (Genesis 3:12-13). The Scriptures teach that each person is accountable (Matthew 12:36; Romans 14:12). When we messed up, we had to “face the music.” It was not acceptable to place the blame on someone else. One example was our behavior in school. We were told that if we got in trouble at school we would be in trouble at home. In today’s society when a child gets in trouble at school, the parents often blame the teacher. I was talking with someone recently who had received a speeding ticket. Their excuse was “I was going with the flow of traffic. It was wrong for them to stop me and not stop everyone else.” My response was, “Were you speeding?” If so, you deserved the ticket no matter what everyone else was doing.”
Put God First. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). I never remember mom and dad discussing whether or not we would attend church services. It was an accepted fact that if the doors were open, we would be there. Dad’s work schedule was such that he was unable to attend every service, but if he was not working he was there. There are several examples I could give, but one directly involved me. I was 12 years old and playing little league baseball. Our games were always played on Monday and Thursday nights. There was no such thing as having games, or even practice, on Wednesday. The games would usually last about an hour or so. This particular game was against the team we were battling for first place. It was also the week of our gospel meeting. The game went into extra innings. The time for church services to start was drawing near. Dad took me out of the game so we could go to church. I begged and pleaded with him to let me stay, but he would have none of that. Some would say, “It’s only one time. What’s the harm?” However, what message is that sending to our children about priorities? What happens the next time, and the next? What happens when they have to make their own decisions about priorities? I know the lesson my dad taught me, not just that night but every day of his life.
What heritage are you leaving your children?
--Lamar
This past Tuesday would have been my dad’s 85th birthday if he was still living. Since his death almost three years ago, I have often thought about what he instilled in my life. He and my mom (she passed away in 1999) were not perfect by any means (neither are any of their children). However, they did raise six children, all of them Christians. The four who are married have Christian spouses. Almost all of their nine grandchildren are members of the Lord’s body and the three that are married are married to Christians. I am not trying to brag, but mom and dad must have done something right. I would like to share with you a few things they (especially dad) taught us that I believe can help today to raise faithful children.
A Good Work Ethic. Dad was always a hard worker. He quit school in the third grade, the oldest of 10 children, to support the family by working on the farm. As a young man, he went to work in the local cotton mill and worked there a total of almost 50 years. When we were young, he often worked 16 hours a day five or six days a week. I believe one time he went about 10 years without missing a day of work. He was a true believer of Paul’s words in 2 Thessalonians 3:10: “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” He taught that same principle to his children.
Personal Accountability. Since early times man has looked for someone to blame for his mistakes (Genesis 3:12-13). The Scriptures teach that each person is accountable (Matthew 12:36; Romans 14:12). When we messed up, we had to “face the music.” It was not acceptable to place the blame on someone else. One example was our behavior in school. We were told that if we got in trouble at school we would be in trouble at home. In today’s society when a child gets in trouble at school, the parents often blame the teacher. I was talking with someone recently who had received a speeding ticket. Their excuse was “I was going with the flow of traffic. It was wrong for them to stop me and not stop everyone else.” My response was, “Were you speeding?” If so, you deserved the ticket no matter what everyone else was doing.”
Put God First. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). I never remember mom and dad discussing whether or not we would attend church services. It was an accepted fact that if the doors were open, we would be there. Dad’s work schedule was such that he was unable to attend every service, but if he was not working he was there. There are several examples I could give, but one directly involved me. I was 12 years old and playing little league baseball. Our games were always played on Monday and Thursday nights. There was no such thing as having games, or even practice, on Wednesday. The games would usually last about an hour or so. This particular game was against the team we were battling for first place. It was also the week of our gospel meeting. The game went into extra innings. The time for church services to start was drawing near. Dad took me out of the game so we could go to church. I begged and pleaded with him to let me stay, but he would have none of that. Some would say, “It’s only one time. What’s the harm?” However, what message is that sending to our children about priorities? What happens the next time, and the next? What happens when they have to make their own decisions about priorities? I know the lesson my dad taught me, not just that night but every day of his life.
What heritage are you leaving your children?
--Lamar
Friday, March 19, 2010
HAVE WE GOTTEN TOO COMFORTABLE WITH GOD
Some of you may remember the time when the songbook racks would also hold hand-held fans. Some years ago, many church buildings did not have air conditioning and the fans were made available to help the audience try and cool off a bit. With the availability of AC now there is not much of a need for these fans. Although it is difficult, if not impossible, to find the right temperature for everyone, we can be much more comfortable today than in years gone by. The seating has changed as well. The building where I attended as a young child had wooden seats with no padding or cushions. They also folded up and down like theater seats. More than one child found themselves falling when they stood on the seat and it folded up on them. How many places of worship today do not have cushioned seating? Not very many, I would think. It’s all about comfort. No, I am not campaigning that we turn off the air conditioning or remove the padding from the chairs. I like being comfortable as much as the next person. However, I do wonder if maybe we haven’t become too comfortable in our attitude toward God.
“He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name” (Psalm 111:9). This is the New King James rendering. The King James says, “Holy and reverend is His name.” Holy refers not only to his perfect purity, but also to the fact that He is the one and only such One. Reverend and awesome have become such common words in our language that they have lost some of their real meaning. While man is instructed to be holy (1 Peter 2:15), I am not aware of anywhere that God describes man as reverend or awesome. We trivialize reverend when we use it to refer to men and awesome when we use it to mean anything that is a bit exciting or unusual. Perhaps we need to give thought to the Revised Standard Version in this verse: “Holy and terrible is His name.”
People do not want to think of this aspect of God’s nature. They want to picture God as a loving grandpa-type gift-giver. He is a jovial good ole boy you can joke with or joke about. He is someone who just makes you feel good about yourself. Some have turned Christianity into a big bless-me club where we receive God’s favors and blessings freely and never have to give anything. People shop around for a church that can meet their needs while demanding nothing. What was Moses’ response when being in the presence of God on Mount Sinai? “I am exceedingly afraid and trembling” (Hebrews 12:21).
While it is true that is present everywhere, there is a special sense in which we are in His presence in worship (Psalm 100:2). We are coming before a holy and reverend (awesome, terrible) God. These are not casual meetings; they are sacred meetings. We need to take special care that our appearance before Him is in reverence and awe. Many people, in every religious group, seem to be saying about worship assemblies, “I don’t get anything out of it.” Perhaps the problem is not in the actions taking place, or not taking place, in the worship. Perhaps the problem is a lack of preparation, reverence, and awe.
“And the temple which I build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods” (2 Chronicles 2:5).
--Lamar
“He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name” (Psalm 111:9). This is the New King James rendering. The King James says, “Holy and reverend is His name.” Holy refers not only to his perfect purity, but also to the fact that He is the one and only such One. Reverend and awesome have become such common words in our language that they have lost some of their real meaning. While man is instructed to be holy (1 Peter 2:15), I am not aware of anywhere that God describes man as reverend or awesome. We trivialize reverend when we use it to refer to men and awesome when we use it to mean anything that is a bit exciting or unusual. Perhaps we need to give thought to the Revised Standard Version in this verse: “Holy and terrible is His name.”
People do not want to think of this aspect of God’s nature. They want to picture God as a loving grandpa-type gift-giver. He is a jovial good ole boy you can joke with or joke about. He is someone who just makes you feel good about yourself. Some have turned Christianity into a big bless-me club where we receive God’s favors and blessings freely and never have to give anything. People shop around for a church that can meet their needs while demanding nothing. What was Moses’ response when being in the presence of God on Mount Sinai? “I am exceedingly afraid and trembling” (Hebrews 12:21).
While it is true that is present everywhere, there is a special sense in which we are in His presence in worship (Psalm 100:2). We are coming before a holy and reverend (awesome, terrible) God. These are not casual meetings; they are sacred meetings. We need to take special care that our appearance before Him is in reverence and awe. Many people, in every religious group, seem to be saying about worship assemblies, “I don’t get anything out of it.” Perhaps the problem is not in the actions taking place, or not taking place, in the worship. Perhaps the problem is a lack of preparation, reverence, and awe.
“And the temple which I build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods” (2 Chronicles 2:5).
--Lamar
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