All to Us

As I drive to the church building on Sundays, I usually listen to worship songs to help move my mind in the right direction. Over the past few months, I have been listening to the song “All to Us” on a Zoe Group album during the last part of my drive. The lyrics by Chris Tomlin tie together several thoughts from scripture (Colossians 2:9-10, Colossians 3:11, Acts 4:11-12 and much of the book of Hebrews all come to mind.) It has been a good reminder that Jesus is sufficient. As we begin 2020, let’s continue to build our lives on the foundation of Jesus. He is all to us.   
 
Brian
 
 
Precious cornerstone, sure foundation
You are faithful to the end.
We are waiting on You, Jesus.
We believe You’re all to us.
 
Only Son of God sent from Heaven,
Hope and mercy at the cross,
You are everything. You’re the Promise.
Jesus, You are all to us.
 
Let the glory of Your name be the passion of the Church.
Let the righteousness of God be a holy flame that burns.
Let the saving love of Christ be the measure of our lives.
We believe You’re all to us.
 



One Dozen Ways

As we wrap up our series on the pastoral letters this week, it is helpful to consider some of the truths that Paul taught Timothy and Titus throughout his writings. These are not only things that are important for ministers and church leaders. They are truths that can help all followers of Christ in their efforts to be more like Him.
When I think of ministers who minister to other ministers, one of the first names that comes to mind is John Dobbs. John is the Preaching Minister at the Forsythe Avenue Church of Christ in Monroe, Louisiana. Much like Paul, John does what he can to encourage ministers in their work and faith. In his thoughts below, John shares twelve things from 1 Timothy about how to live the life God has called us to live. As you read the list, just imagine what our families, churches, workplaces and communities might look like if we could improve in these twelve ways.     – Brian
 
In 1 Timothy Paul tells his young protégé to fight the good fight of faith. Throughout his letter there are many great teachings, but here are one dozen ways Timothy could fight the good fight of faith. This is not just advice for a young preacher, it is divine revelation for a life that exalts Christ and defeats the devil!
  • Live under submission to the command or will of God (1:1).
  • Find your strength in the Lord, not in yourself (1:15-16).
  • Glorify God in your life and with your words (1:17).
  • Remember what you’ve learned (1:18, 19a).
  • Never neglect your prayer life (2:1-4).
  • Train yourself in godliness (4:7b-10).
  • Be an example for others to follow (4:12-13).
  • Pay attention to your life, it matters (4:16).
  • Be content (6:6b – 8).
  • Avoid the deadly trap of loving money (6:9-10).
  • Pursue the right things (6:11).
  • Never give up (6:12-16).
Fight the good fight of faith!


Season of Giving

Our society attaches significance to special days, months or times of year. After setting aside time to be thankful in late November, we enter into what is often called the season of giving. The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas tends to get materialistic if we are not careful, but generally the things we are buying are intended for others instead of ourselves. Like so many of our special days, months and seasons in America, the season of giving is designed to be a way of life for Christians. It is not something we are called to do only in December. We are to give throughout the entire year and our entire lives.
 
Some form of the word “give” appears in the Bible more than 2000 times. Giving is clearly something that God wants us to understand and do. What does He tell us about giving? 
  • When God’s people recognize their blessings from Him, they give back to Him. In Genesis 28:20-22, we learn that Jacob does this by giving 10% back to God. “Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”
  • We should give to help those in need. In Deuteronomy 14:28-29, God gives instructions to His people to make sure those in need are not overlooked. “At the end of every three years you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in the same year and lay it up within your towns. And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do.” This is just one of many commands in scripture about giving to others.
  • When we focus on things, we are not focusing on God. Jesus talks about the dangers of materialism several times. In Matthew 6:19-21, He reminds us that things are temporary and an indicator of where our hearts are. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
  • Giving is voluntary, brings joy and pleases God. “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
  • God wants us to give ourselves to Him. Paul tells us in Romans 12:1 that our very lives are to be a gift to God. “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
  • We give because God gives. The greatest Gift He has given us is His Son. “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:16-18)
Let’s strive to be people whose lives are a season of giving.
 
Brian


Sharing Thankfulness

There are many surprising stories in the Bible. It is a book filled with people who make choices and react to situations in ways we might not expect. Every time I read this story of Jesus healing ten lepers, I am surprised and disappointed by the reaction (or lack of reaction) from nine out of the ten people who were healed.
 
Luke 17:11-19 (ESV) 11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”
 
Nine out of ten did not come back to give thanks. Ninety percent. Their lives were changed forever in an instant. They went from unclean to clean. They went from ostracized to acceptable. They were untouchable and could now return to the community. It is difficult to full describe the complete change in their existence that happened that day. Only one came back to say thank you to Jesus.
 
Here is the problem. I do not believe for a moment that the other nine were not thankful. They knew what a life-changing event it was. They would likely tell the story to others for the rest of their lives. They would always remember that day. But they did not express their thankfulness to the One who did it.
 
I believe we are thankful as well. Most of us will never experience a day with a physical change like that, but we are blessed in so many ways. We need to take the time to share that thankfulness with people who are a blessing to us. An even greater gift has been given to us as we are baptized into Christ. We have experienced a change that is eternal. We are cleansed. We are accepted by God. We are in community with Him. Do we express our thanks to Him for that amazing gift? Don’t be part of the 90 percent. Give him your thanks every day. And if you have not received that gift. Take hold of it today.
 
Brian


Veterans Day

During our recent trip to Washington D.C., some of the most impactful moments were our visits to war memorials . I have spent time at the memorials before, but there is still something special about seeing those statues, the names etched in granite, the thousands of perfectly aligned headstones and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I expected all of that. What caught me by surprise was the large group of veterans who were visiting the Korean and Vietnam War Memorials while we were there. It was amazing to walk through these memorials near veterans who had experienced the events themselves. Putting others above ourselves is something we are called to do as Christians, and it is something those veterans had to do daily at a level that is difficult for others to comprehend. Their service guarantees so many of the freedoms we enjoy. For those in our church family who are veterans, know that we are thankful for you and your service.
 
There are several people currently serving in the military who have a connection to our Southwest family. This week is a good time to think of them and to renew our commitment to praying for them.
 
 
Brian
 
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”      John 15:12-13


How to Get Along

Last Sunday night we looked at 1 Corinthians 8 and the trouble that the church in Corinth had coming to an agreement on an issue where there were differing opinions: whether or not it was alright to eat meat that had been offered to idols. People on both sides of the argument were confident that they were right, and those with a differing view were wrong.
 
The core issue is the need for Christians coming from different backgrounds to get along. Although our issues are different, our struggle can be the same. We want people to see things the way we see them. We have a hard time listening because we are too busy trying to convince. Romans 14 addresses the same kind of conflicts and offers the key to the solution in verse 19: “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Make every effort. We are not to make a half-hearted effort. We are not to make every effort to destroy the brother or sister we disagree with. We are to make every effort to make peace, to improve and to seek unity in agreement with God.
 
In his book, How to Be a Christian Without Being Religious, Fritz Ridenour describes three ways to put this into action.
 
Be genuine. In other words, be honest and open with other people. Appropriateness and sensitivity are vital.
 
Be acceptant. Respect and like people for who they are rather than trying to make them over to suit your values.
 
Be understanding. Have empathy by putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. Doing these things can lead us to the kind of mutual respect that a good family needs.
 
I would add a fourth action that can help. Be forgiving. Anytime there is strong disagreement, there is the potential for broken relationships and grudges. As followers of Jesus, we cannot be content with that. Tonight we will talk more about the importance of forgiveness and its role in helping us get along.
 
Brian


Shepherds

This Sunday is an important day for our church family. We will be installing four new elders this morning. There are several terms that have been used in scripture and through church history to describe this role: elder, overseer, pastor, bishop. Over the years I have come to appreciate one term over the others: shepherd. Sheep are mentioned more than 500 times in the Bible. A consistent theme is their need for shepherds. The church has that same need.
 
Usually when the time comes to select new shepherds for a congregation, the two main questions asked are how and who? I would like you to think about a third question: why? There’s the obvious answer of God’s design and the example of scripture, but can we know the practical reasons why He wants the church to have shepherds? Tommy South, minister of the Glen Allen Church of Christ in Virginia, answers the why question in this way.
 
  • We need shepherds because congregations need leadership. (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1)
  • We need shepherds because congregations need stability, especially in face of opposition. (Acts 14)
  • We need shepherds because congregations need instruction. (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:9)
  • We need shepherds because congregations need models of the Christian life. (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:7)
  • We need shepherds because congregations need protection. (Acts 20:28-31)
 
I believe that with Greg, David, Brent and Butch we will be adding shepherds who exemplify these answers. They will be a blessing to this church as a whole and to Jeff, Scott, Jack, Richard and Ken who are currently shepherding our flock. Please join me in being encouraging, supportive and patient with these men and their families. Pray for them regularly and for the church that God will continue to bless the work here for His kingdom. And pray that we will all follow the example of the Good Shepherd.
 
Brian
 
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14


Million Dollar Sunday

The Bible. We Want Everyone To Get It.
 
Since 1961, Eastern European Mission (EEM) has been providing God’s Word to the people of Eastern Europe and beyond in their own languages. Now, EEM provides Bibles and an array of Bible-based materials in more than 20 languages in over 30 nations–to individuals, churches, public schools, universities, orphanages, hospitals, prisons, and anywhere else Bibles are needed – free to all.
 
EEM is working with national leaders in countries like Ukraine, Croatia, and Greece to distribute thousands of Bibles and Bible-based materials. EEM is also currently fulfilling requests for Bibles in four entire regions in Ukraine, and 155,000 books in Kazakhstan, Belarus and Russia.
 
Join us during the Million Dollar Sunday campaign to fulfill these requests for God’s Word in 2019.
 
To learn more, visit milliondollarsunday.org. Find EEM on Facebook and Instagram @EasternEuropeanMission


Example

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. – 1 Timothy 4:12
 
For ten years as a youth minister, I would plan the Sunday evening each May when we would honor our graduating seniors. More times than not, 1 Timothy 4:12 would be read during the evening either in my comments or as a favorite verse of one of the graduates. Because of the theme of those services, we usually emphasized the word “youth.” That is an important part of what the Spirit says through Paul, but I would like you to consider the word “example” and the ways he explains to be one.
 
When I was a child, I was not always good at following written instructions. There was one big exception to that pattern: Legos. There was something about the clarity of the Lego instructions that made them easy to follow every time. It was the pictures. I could see from the pictures in each step to understand how it worked. In adult life, YouTube videos have replaced Lego instructions for me. After watching people fix things on YouTube, I have been able to repair everything from the ice maker to my lawnmower to my car. I don’t have any real training in any of those areas. Seeing an example allows me to do things I did not think I could do otherwise. We can experience the same thing in our walk with God.
 
Think for a moment about the areas where Paul instructs Timothy to set an example:
 
  • Speech
  • Conduct
  • Love
  • Faith
  • Purity
 
When you think of each of those words, is there a person in your life who comes to mind that is a great example of those words in action? There are for me. Most of us have people like that. We know we should be people like that, but we often do not live up to it. Where do we learn how to do those things better? We learn from their examples. How can those who do not feel equipped to teach or have the opportunity to teach help others grow in those areas? We can be examples. Even those who do teach can teach better by being examples.
 
Look for the good examples. Be an example this week.
 
Brian
 
 
“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. – John 13:14-16


Encouragement

As we remembered September 11 last week, you may not be aware that September 12 is also a significant day: the National Day of Encouragement. We often underestimated the impact that we can have by being encouragers. This article from Scott Franks, Preaching Minister at the Burnt Hickory Church of Christ is an excellent example of what encouragement can do. – Brian
 
For 35 years, Floyd Martin was the mailman for the same neighborhoods in Marietta, Georgia. Over that time, he became a daily fixture in the lives of hundreds of people. He always made time to talk and check on elderly customers on his route. He carried along milk bones to give the dogs and lollipops for the children. He’d put $20 in the mailbox for kids who were graduating from high school. Little Mae Bullington loved her mailman so much, she dressed up like for career day at school. (Click here to continue reading at 728b on Facebook.)