Bible Thoughts – August 17, 2009

Bible Thoughts

Last night, a large group of Jr. high and H.S. students came over to our house to sing and study. We used our Bible study time to consider how a Christian should control their speech. Sadly, too few of God’s people realize that what we say can do just as much damage to our reputations and relationship with God as anything we engage in with the flesh. I want to share with you some of the passages we ready from Ephesians 4 and 5.

We discussed first how privileged and honored a position it is to be in the church. Christ died for us, purchased us, so that He could cleanse us, present us holy before God, protect us, and soon… take us home. In chapter 4:1, Paul writes: “Therefore I… implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called…” If we have redemption and are thankful to Christ for it, then our conduct must reflect that. For instance, (Eph. 5:28) “He who steals must steal no longer…” If a thief before being saved by Christ, then walking in a manner worthy demands the abandoning of that lifestyle. The same is true of our speech.

“Let no unwholesome (rotten) word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear” (5:29). No matter the situation, who we are speaking to, who or what we are speaking about, there is no place in the Christian’s vocabulary for words that are unwholesome and rotten. Contextually, I think he’s talking about how people often talk about others: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice” (5:31). Many fail to understand the words spoken unbridled in anger, attacking phrases uttered with bitterness, untrue accusations of offensive slander, and malicious intent in any conversation …. Is the unwholesome speech of verse 29. Instead, our words ought be what is needed in that moment to edify and give grace to the hearer. Words that make the hearer purer, fill them with hope, and make them spiritually stronger. Beating others down and constantly being negative and angry about others (even if their conduct has been poor) is a poor way to use our tongue. And he who does so, must do so no longer.

In chapter 5, the usage of our speech is discussed with reference to sexual terminology and slang speech… “But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know for certain, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God” (Eph. 5:3-5). Now we readily know and understand that the person who engages in sexual misconduct and is impenitent loses the blessings of Christ. But can we also see that the person who has such conduct “named among you” by virtue of “filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting,” making them “an impure person” is equally subject to judgment.

We have not just chosen to abandon immorality in flesh, but also in mind and mouth. That means no jokes or comments that are inappropriate or connect people to immoral thought. No slang terms that are vulgar or suggestive, or associate closely with curse words or impure terms. Basically, it means I need to check my vocabulary… and remove all appearance of evil. And… “let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” Our culture, tv programmers, and worldly friends tell us that questionable speech, humor, and slang aren’t a big deal. Don’t be deceived. Our speech projects our character … not only to men, but also to our Holy, Pure God.

kris

News & Notes – August 17, 2009

News and Notes: Monday, August 17^th

Please begin planning and scheduling for OUR GOSPEL MEETING: with Jim Deason – August 30^th – September 3^rd. Sunday – Thursday. We will meet at 7pm each weeknight and also Wednesday at 10 a.m. A meal list has been put up in the hallway for those who would like to feed the preacher.

We are hopeful to have a well attended and edifying meeting… but that largely and initially depends on you. Let’s have all our members make this an important part of their upcoming schedule.

News Among Members:

Sandra Brown is having surgery in Galveston on Thursday. She will be admitted Wednesday and likely be there for several days after. This is the John Sealy UTMB hospital at 301 University Blvd on the island.

Judy Henry, continues to undergo cancer treatment for a brain tumor. We pray for her full recovery. Also our sister, Mary Griffin is working with M.D. Anderson to determine the best way to treat her cancer.

Sharon Peach is in San. Jac. Methodist hospital, room 250 East. She is dealing with complications related to a chronic lung disease she has. She is hopeful to be released in the next day or two.

Baptism: Friday night, Kyle Hill, was baptized into Christ’s body. He is a strong and faithful young man, and we are greatly encouraged by his decision.

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments: (Sign up please gentlemen)

Aug. 19^th – Robin Merritt

Aug. 26^th – Artie Williams

Sept. 2^nd – Gospel Meeting

Group Meetings: Ronnie Hill’s Group – TOMORROW NIGHT, Tuesday, at the Emerson’s home, 7pm… all are invited

Tim Johnson’s Group – Monday, Aug 24^th, 7pm, Franklin’s home

Charles Chilson’s Group – Aug. 27^th, Thu. 7pm, Brad Walker’s home

Jr. High and High School Gathering

The Jr. High and High School young men and women will be getting together Sunday, August 16, 2009, at the Emerson’s home after evening services.

Bible Thoughts – August 10, 2009

Bible Thoughts

We all agree that God’s Word is authoritative. When the New Testament gives a command to Christians and/or local churches, it becomes a pattern and must be obeyed. God doesn’t have to use emphatic terms like “I really want you to do this” or “I’m serious about this one.” When His will is given in the form of statement or command about Christian conduct, living, worship etc., that is the bull’s eye for right. And we must hit the target. All other pathways and choices would be sin.

Well, that being said, there are certain sections of Scripture where inspired writers do in fact use some pretty emphatic terms. One such example is in II Peter 1:5-11. I have circled 4 terms in the text: “APPLYING ALL DILIGENCE” (1:5); “YOURS AND ARE INCREASING” (1:8); “BE ALL THE MORE DILIGENT” (1:10); and “PRACTICE THESE THINGS” (1:10). Now, God didn’t have to direct Peter to use this phraseology. He could have simply said, “Do these always” and then made the list of commands. But there is an urgency, a seriousness, an importance to this text because of the 4 phrases above.

Don’t just do them… “apply all diligence,” daily focus and purpose to doing them.

Don’t just possess them… make sure they “are increasing,” a constant effort to make them a larger part of life.

Not a momentary or temporary focus… but “be all the more diligent,” never put a limit on their importance.

And they aren’t just frames of mind… “practice these things,” put them into action and daily interactions.

Well, that should settle it: whatever Peter directs us to do in this section, it is very important to God. So, what are these things we must diligently apply ourselves to increasing all the more through faith and practice?

“In your FAITH, supply MORAL EXCELLENCE, and in your moral excellence, KNOWLEDGE, and in your knowledge, SELF-CONTROL, and in your self-control PERSEVERANCE, and in your perseverance, GODLINESS, and in your godliness, BROTHERLY KINDNESS, and in your brotherly kindness, LOVE. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (II Peter 1:5-8).

It is not the purpose of this article to describe each of these 8 things, give examples for them, and implore you to do such. Instead, I just want to encourage you to look upon them with the value, urgency and importance that God does, and then look to yourself and determine if you are applying all diligence to practice them and increase in them… “for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly applied to you” (II Pe. 1:11).

Kris Emerson

News & Notes – August 10, 2009

News and Notes: Monday, August 10^th

Please begin planning and scheduling for OUR GOSPEL MEETING: with Jim Deason – August 30^th – September 3^rd. Sunday – Thursday. We will meet at 7pm each weeknight and also Wednesday at 10 a.m. A meal list has been put up in the hallway for those who would like to feed the preacher.

We are hopeful to have a well attended and edifying meeting… but that largely and initially depends on you. Let’s have all our members make this an important part of their upcoming schedule.

News Among Members:

Pam Thomas’ brother died in a tragic tractor accident in Nacogdoches this past weekend. He was only 28. Certainly we pray for her during a very difficult time.

Sandra Brown will be having surgery August 20^th to remove cancer from her colon and cervix. Her surgery will be in Galveston. If available that day, you may want to talk to her about what rides she may need. I’ll do the same, but demands on my schedule can change on a dime, so if others would also inquire that’d be great.

Shane Samples was incredibly able to worship with us Wednesday and Sunday after his triple bypass last Friday. He was and is a major encouragement to me and we pray his recovery will continue to go well.

Ginger Salinas was able to get out after back surgery and worship with us Sunday. She’s recovering well.

Judy Henry, is undergoing another week of radiation to treat a brain tumor. She has fought cancer before, and we are hopeful she will overcome again.

New Members:

Elaine George (was baptized into Christ on Wednesday evening)

619 Rollingbrook Baytown, 77521 409-880-5568 egeorge1952@yahoo.com

Lamerle Burgess (restored last Sunday)

3811 Massey Tompkins #9 713-614-5450

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments: (Sign up please gentlemen)

Aug. 12^th – Joe Scarborough

Aug. 19^th – Robin Merritt

Aug. 26^th – Artie Williams

Group Meetings:

Steve Harvey’s Group – Tuesday, Aug.11^th – 7pm, Scott Hill’s house

Artie William’s Group – Tuesday, Aug. 11^th, 6:30, Mayfield’s home

Tim Johnson’s Group – Monday, Aug 24^th, 7pm, Franklin’s home

Group Meetings for August 2009

Steve Harvey’s group – Aug 11 @ 7 PM at Scott and Shonda Hill’s home

Artie Williams’ group – Aug 11 @ 6:30 PM at the Mayfield’s home

Ronnie Hill’s group – Aug 18 @ 7 PM at the Emerson’s home

Tim Johnson’s group – Aug 24 @ 7 PM at the Franklin’s home

Charles Chilson’s group – Aug 27 @ 7 PM at Brad and Lydia Walker’s home

Bible Thoughts – August 3, 2009

Bible Thoughts [--- CHALLENGE ---]

James Dubois has been bringing me the religious section of the Baytown Sun for a couple months now. While there are a variety of writers involved each week, the articles by Rick Crotts are usually the topic of discussion. Most of his work is unintelligible and aimless wandering, so I can rarely even determine where to start disproving his conclusions, as he rarely offers any. However, in the following article, the author says some definitive things that are clearly error and can be plainly refuted by Scripture. I want to issue a CHALLENGE to you. Please read this article and then respond with Bible passages that refute certain aspects of the article:

Most of us act as if we think that our personal beliefs are objective i.e. they are based on the preponderance of evidence, and for that reason others should be able to see the same things, draw the same conclusions, and arrive at the same beliefs. In effect, I have to believe what I believe because there is nothing else to be believed by a reasonable person, given the evidence. Of course, in spite of this prevalent feeling, others do, in fact, espouse beliefs that diametrically oppose those of others. What does that tell us about our beliefs?

My personal conclusion about this matter, after considering all the evidence, is that personal beliefs are very much subjective. We decide, for a variety of reasons, what we want to believe, and then possibly look for selective, supporting evidence or just ignore all the “evidence” and go on believing what we have chosen.

If we recognize that we decide what to believe and then let that belief govern our lives and actions, we gain a tremendously powerful insight. Under the assumption of objective beliefs, I can fault those who disagree with me as willfully ignorant or stupid. On the other hand, if beliefs are chosen, then all difference is a matter of choice. I may still view the other’s choice of what to believe as a poor one, but it is no longer a frustrating and/or infuriating mystery to me that another can see the world so differently from me. Additionally, I will realize that I have much greater control of my life experience than I can exercise under the paradigm of objectivity, which assumes I must believe and therefore act as I do. My belief that beliefs are subjective would likely be challenged most vigorously by mathematicians and religious authorities. Mathematics is said to be the language of God, so math and religion do share a common notion. The reality of mathematics really falls outside the area of discussion for me. I don’t consider the belief that two plus two equals four as a personal one, in the sense I describe above.

However, what I believe about the reality of God i.e. what God sees as real, would be a personal belief of the type I am discussing. Many in the religious world obviously expect everyone to believe the way they do concerning the reality of God. Often, they point to a sacred text as the undeniable evidence making their personal beliefs mandatory. That sacred text may be the Christian Bible or it may not. Beliefs derived from a sacred text involve both happenstance and personal choice. Happenstance is all important in exposing one to a text, and personal choice governs how that text is interpreted and applied. Neither happenstance nor personal choice makes the resulting beliefs strictly objective.

If personal beliefs are not objective, and they clearly are not, then to believe that everyone must believe the same is tantamount to choosing to believe the inherently impossible. The common aphorism is “seeing is believing.” This suggests the objectivity of beliefs. Another possibility is “believing is seeing,” wherein we perceive as real what we want to believe and therefore embrace.

Rick Crotts, Baytown Sun, Sat. 7.25

News & Notes – August 3, 2009

News and Notes: Monday, August 3rd

Special thanks to those who worked so hard to pull VBS together this year. It went really great. We had record crowds, and there were many visitors who came multiple days. David Osteen, Tony Mauck and Joshuah Ellis did such fine jobs, and I feel like we really gave the kids a good education in the Parables. Thank you.

News Among Members:

Sandra Brown will be having surgery August 20^th to remove cancer from her colon and cervix.

Shane Samples had triple bypass heart surgery on Friday and is recovering well at Methodist downtown. He is in room 907 in the Dunn tower.

Ginger Salinas continues to recover at home from recent back surgery.

Mary Griffin is having tests run to investigate a spot that could potentially be cancer. She is moving her care to M.D. Anderson and we are prayerful they can help her get cancer-free.

Doris Newton broke her foot this weekend and was home yesterday.

Judy Henry, former member here who worships in Anahuac, has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. The doctors tell her it is small and treatable. She asks for our prayers.

Restored:

Lamerle Bergess came forward last night after meeting with our elders yesterday. She has been out of duty for years and has returned to serve the Lord. We are encouraged by her humility and look forward to helping her rebuild a strong relationship in Christ. (contact information soon to come)

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments: (Sign up please gentlemen)

Aug. 5^th – Cameron Greene

Aug. 12^th – Joe Scarborough

Group Meetings: Steve Harvey’s Group – Tuesday, Aug.11^th – 7pm, Scott Hill’s house