Bible Thoughts – Sept. 28, 2009

Bible Thoughts

Last night, being the last Sun. p.m. of the month, we had the High School kids over to our house for a study. Over the summer, I’ve talked with them about a series of moral issues they face on a regular basis: dancing, drinking, cursing, fornication, etc. But last evening we tried something a little bit different, more fundamental to the struggle at hand. We talked about sin in a more general sense. And, I think some of what we discussed would be good for all of God’s people to consider. Take a moment and answer the following questions:

What is sin? …and… What is law?

How does it happen in you, even though you want to do good?

What can you control or manage within yourself to sin less?

Well, certainly we can answer the first question from John’s letter: “sin is lawlessness.” Also, as one student quoted last night, James wrote: “to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.” To understand what sin is and why it happens in me, we must first understand law. Sin is a violation of law, so everything begins with God giving us His will for our lives. We read the story of Adam and Eve sinning in the garden… “The Lord commanded the man saying, ‘From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from tree of knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day your eat from it you will surely die.” God gave man law to 1) test his love for God 2) protect and preserve him.

But, Satan caused something to rise up in Eve… something that caused her to miss the fact that God is testing her faith and has made law for her good … “The serpent said to the woman, ‘You surely will not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that is was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband and he ate.” — Ah, Satan helped the incite in her the lust for knowledge and instantaneous delight, causing her to believe that God was keeping her from something good and she could do better without Him!

And so, as we discussed last night, this is how sin happens, even in good people. The facts are forever true: God made law to test our love for Him and for our best interest and good. Sin occurs when we allow our lusts for immediate delight convince us that God is keeping us in the dark to good things and we know what is best for us. James wrote in 1:12-15 – “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive his crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.”

Sin, therefore, is the product of something and the cause of something. Sin causes death, separation from God. And so I need to determine the root of it in me and stop it from ever forming. So, I identify the cause: “carried away and enticed by his own lust.” Hey, that is exactly what happened with Eve. Her own uncontrolled personal lust told her to take and eat and make her own good, instead of trusting that God knows best for her.

So, when temptation entices to sin this week, in any and all scenerios, stop and take a moment to identify what is really happening… 1) God has made a law to test your faith and for your protection and good 2) some lust inside of you is bubbling up wanting to challenge God’s judgment and replace it with your own 3) the desire for instant gratification will intensify that feeling 4) But if you control that inward emotion and submit to God’s judgments 5) And will understand that sin only pays one dividend: death. 6) You and I can greatly reduce our sin and become the man of James 1:12: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” Oh, and don’t forget that God told us we will not always be successful in self-control, so when you fail, appeal to His grace and mercy in the Son, telling Him you are sorry and vowing to try harder going forward.

kse

Sept. 28, 2009 – N & N

News and Notes: Monday, Sept. 28st

News Among Members:

Judy Henry, former Eastside member, passed away late last week from complications with a brain tumor. Funeral Arrangements: Sterling White Funeral Home (Highlands) Viewing: Tue. 5-8; Service: Wed. 2pm

Sandra Brown had a chemo port put in last week and it was great having her with us at worship! She will be undergoing treatments for a series of months

Renate Turner is home in her new apartment. She is feeling better after a stay in the hospital and is very thankful to all who helped her move last Friday morning!

Sharon Peach is still confined to home with ill effects from her repertory disease. As she gets a little stronger she will venture out more and be with us in worship as soon as possible.

Tommy Glynn Clark was able to worship with us Sunday with her newly repaired knee propped up. It was certainly good to see her out and with us!

Jim Zaruba continues to deal with a painful muscle necrosis in his leg.

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments:

Sept. 30^th – Randy Hogue

Oct. 7^th — Eric Kegley

Oct 14^th – Kyle Smith

Special Study: A ladies class is being put together to study at individuals’ homes on Saturdays starting in October. If

anyone is interested, please see/talk to Dena Long. She will give you all the details. Please sign up with Dena. – Additionally, ALL ladies are invited. The class will study “the power of words”

Group Meetings (September) —only one remaining this month— TONIGHT

Charles Chilson’s group – Monday, Sept. 28^th, 7pm, Zaruba’s home

Bible Thoughts – Sept. 21, 2009

Bible Thoughts:    (This is an article forwarded to me this morning from a “proud momma.”  Tina Ashley sent it.  Her son, Robert, is in a preacher training program with the brethren at S. Bumby in Orlando.  Robert seems to be doing good work, as is evidenced by the following article.)

A High Priest Who Knows, Cares, and Encourages

“We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Heb 4:15). Jesus has been there.  He knows and understands the struggles we must confront each day. He has been through the weakness.  He has been through the testing.  Jesus has experienced it all, all but the sin.  And, “because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted” (Heb 2:18).

Jesus, the loving shepherd wants us to win the battle against Satan and prevail “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph 6:12).  He wants us to be the victors.  And as such he assures us that “No temptation has overtaken [us] that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let [us] be tempted beyond [our] ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that [we] may be able to endure it” (I Cor 10:13). Because He knows how hard it is, Jesus wants us to be encouraged.  He wants us to remember that we are not alone in this battle. He wants us to remember that we can win.  We will never be forced into a situation where the only decisions we can make are to commit one sin or commit another, rather, he has assured us that there will always be a way of escape and a means to remain faithful to Him.

Through the Holy Spirit we are encouraged to “exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of [us] may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb 3:13). Satan is a crafty devil, the “father of lies” (John 8:44). We must constantly be on our guard, for he relentlessly “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” So we are encouraged to “Resist him, firm in [our] faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by [our] brotherhood throughout the world” (I Pet 5:8, 9).

Jesus constantly reminds us that we are not alone.  He knows our trials and temptations, having gone through them himself, and he reminds us, “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses…” He keeps us going with the knowledge that we will never be faced with an opponent too strong for us to battle against, and he encourages us not to be fooled by the deceitfulness of the adversary but resist him, knowing that we are not alone in our fight. We must “put on the whole armor of God, that [we] may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Eph 6:11). So today, “cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Rom 13:12), knowing that our sympathizing savior has equipped us for the battle to come.

-Rob Ashley

Sept. 21, 2009 – N & N

News and Notes:   Monday, Sept. 21st

News Among Members:

Mary Griffin got great news last week.  There is no sign of cancer in her body!  She has been through a lot and certainly deserves a period of good health.   Sandra Brown will go in for chemotherapy later this week.

Renate Turner is in the San. Jac hospital, room 273.  She will likely be in for this whole week.  She is having severe abdominal pain and could use all of our prayers.

Sharon Peach continues to recover at home after a long stay in the hospital.  She is highly susceptible to sickness right now, so she is being very careful about getting out.  Tommy Glynn Clark is also at home this week, recovering from a successful knee surgery.  She is feeling quite well.

Jim Zaruba is dealing with a serious condition concerning a muscle in his leg.  It is not yet determined the best way to treat it long term, but currently he is having to take potent pain medication.

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments:

Sept. 23^rd — Tim Johnson

Sept. 30^th – Randy Hogue

Oct. 7^th — Eric Kegley

Special Study: A ladies class is being put together to study at individuals’ homes on Saturdays starting in October. If

anyone is interested, please see/talk to Dena Long. She will give you all the details. Please sign up with Dena.  – Additionally, ALL ladies are invited.  The class will study “the power of words”

Group Meetings (September)

Tim Johnson’s group –  Monday, Sept. 21^st, 7pm, Montoya’s home

Ronnie Hill’s group – Tuesday, Sept. 22^nd, 7pm, Davenport’s home

Steve Harvey’s group –  Tuesday, Sept. 22^nd, 7pm, Leon’s home

Artie William’s group – Thursday, Sept. 24^th, 6:30, Sisco’s home

Charles Chilson’s group – Monday, Sept. 28^th, 7pm, Zaruba’s home

Group Meetings for September 2009

Tim Johnson’s Group – Monday, Sept. 21^st, 7pm, Montoya’s home

Ronnie Hill’s Group – Tuesday, Sept. 22^nd, 7pm, Davenport’s home

Steven Harvey’s Group – Tuesday, Sept. 22^nd, 7pm, Leon’s home

Artie Williams’ Group – Thursday, Sept. 24^th, 6:30, Sisco’s home

Charles Chilson’s group – Monday, Sept. 28^th, 7pm, Zaruba’s home

Bible Thoughts – Sept 15, 2009

Bible Thoughts: Article by Cecil May III in the August 2009 publication of Gospel Advocate

Are you tempted to give up on your faith? Are you on the verge of throwing in the towel on a damaged friendship? Have you taken out your white hankie to surrender to that addiction? Are you ready to throw up your hands and walk away on your marriage? Are you just going to quit trying to discipline, turn your head, and pretend you do not know what your teenager is doing?

God wants you to hang in there. “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:4-5 NIV).

God wants you to persevere. Hang in there a while longer. If you need a motivational example, James encourages you to consider Job. “As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy” (James 5:11). Job’s wife wanted to give up in the second chapter. Job, however, held on for 40 chapters more.

Don’t quit at chapter 23 or 32. Persevere. Stay a while longer. Wait to see what the Lord finally brings about. “Finally” is the difficult part. It implies a longer time than anticipated. However long it takes, complete the journey.

At the same time, you do not have to just sit and suffer. You can attack. Attack with wisdom. Instead of doing what you have been doing and getting the same old result, do it smarter. Wisdom begins with prayer. God has all wisdom, and He is willing to share it. You may be at the end of your rope, but God has a longer, stronger one and invites you to hold to it for a while.

In prayer and meditation on the Word of God, you will find peace in the middle of the trial. But that is not all. You will find help. God may use a book – His own book even – a 12-step program, a seminar, a counselor, a friend, a church elder or a circumstance you did not see coming. Have you exhausted all those havens of wisdom? If not, hang in a while longer and start doing it smarter.

Having asked for wisdom, expect it and look for it. If you do not know exactly what you should be looking for, James describes what it will look like when is shows up: “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17).

Look at what you have been doing during your trial and see if, instead, you have been bitter, selfish and in denial of the truth. James says, “Such wisdom does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil” (James 3:15). God will show you a more effective way. The way of His wisdom.

Stay a while longer. Play it a little smarter. See what God finally brings about.

News & Notes – Sept 15, 2009

News and Notes: Tuesday, Sept. 15th

News Among Members:

Sandra Brown is recovering from surgery at home and will undergo chemotherapy treatment soon.

Ronnie Westmoreland, faithful Christian, and preacher at the church of Christ in La Porte, passed away on Sunday evening. I have yet to hear about arrangements.

Tommye Glynn Clark is home recovering after her recent knee surgery. She had the other knee worked on a year ago. Also, similarly, let’s not forget Evelyn Dahlquist who also will need a second knee surgery soon.

Please remember that our prayers are not just for physical strength, but more importantly, spiritual growth. So don’t forget to pray for those who have come forward recently: Velma Joseph, Dorchelle Greene, Cameron Greene, and Josie Valdez. Of far greater value than our bodies, is the condition of our eternal souls.

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments:

Sept. 16^th – Scott Hill

Sept. 23^rd – Tim Johnson

Sept. 30^th – Randy Hogue

Special Study: A ladies class is being put together to study at individuals’ homes on Saturdays starting in October. If anyone is interested, please see/talk to Dena Long. She will give you all the details. Please sign up with Dena. –Additionally, ALL ladies are invited. The topic is currently titled “Words.”

Group Meetings (September)

Tim Johnson’s Group – Monday, Sept. 21^st, 7pm, Montoya’s home

Ronnie Hill’s Group – Tuesday, Sept. 22^nd, 7pm, Davenport’s home

Steven Harvey’s Group – Tuesday, Sept. 22^nd, 7pm, Leon’s home

Artie Williams’ Group – Thursday, Sept. 24^th, 6:30, Sisco’s home

Bible Thoughts – September 8, 2009

Bible Thoughts:

Asaph had a collection of things going for him. He had a tremendous heritage, being of priestly descendant from Levi. He was an active part of Hebrew worship, organizing musical worship services. He raised a holy and faithful family: his sons being servants of David in the kingdom and prophets for God.

Yet, in Psalm 73, as we studied Sunday evening, Asaph writes: “but as for me, my feel came close to stumbling, my steps had almost slipped” (v2). Asaph looked around and was “envious of the arrogant” (v3). He examined his own faithfulness and the hard times he’d faced and pondered: “surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and washed my hands of innocence” (v13). He was greatly shaken and troubled.

However, instead of voicing his doubt, undermining his faith, negatively influencing his family, and giving Satan a chance to mature the trouble, Asaph writes: “I came into the sanctuary of God” (v.17). He began to see the wicked through the judgment and righteous eyes of God. He considered God’s strength and love for the righteous. Then, in verses 27 and 28, he reaches final redeemable conclusions: “For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; you have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You. But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.”

In light of this powerful Psalm, I want to suggest a follow-up reading this week. Would you take a few minutes

and read Psalm 50? It too is a writing of Asaph. I don’t know which was penned first, but I know his focus and faith were solidly intact and his understanding of God strong when he wrote it. Here is a basic outline:

Psalm 50

v.1-6 – God is the Mighty Creator and Judge

v.7-15 – What does this Amazing Lord want from his people?

Please take specific note of vs. 14-15… 3 things God wants from us:

1. A sacrifice of thanksgiving
2. Pay your vows
3. Call upon Me in the day of trouble

v. 16-21 – God’s Message to the Wicked

v. 22-23 – Final message to those who forget God AND those who offer thanksgiving to honor God

May your relationship with God be full of understanding concerning His Majesty, fear concerning His Judgments, and peace when you consider that He will rescue those who Honor Him.

kse

News & Notes – September 8, 2009

News and Notes: Tuesday, Sept. 8th

I sure hope everyone had an enjoyable and safe holiday weekend. Many of our church family were travelling throughout the weekend, and we pray God has protected us as we head back to work/school.

News Among Members:

Sandra Brown is home from recent surgery and getting ready for a follow up surgery. The first one was to remove cancer. The second is to do repair work from previous treatments. She is so brave and is hopeful this upcoming procedure will be the last for a while.

Ronnie Westmoreland, gospel preacher at the La Porte congregation, has decided not to have surgery on a brain tumor discovered recently. He is simply trying to rest and enjoy time with his family.

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments:

Sept. 9^th – Bill Pahos

Sept. 16^th – Scott Hill

Special Study: A ladies class is being put together to study at individuals’ homes on Saturdays starting in October. If

anyone is interested, please see/talk to Dena Long. She will give you all the details. Please sign up with Dena.

Bible Thoughts – August 31, 2009

It is still early in our meeting week and that means ample opportunities remain to invite people to hear the Truth this week. If you look at the sermon titles still remaining, you’ll see that there is instruction from Scripture valuable for us and for our non-Christian friends and neighbors.  And, evangelizing is not just limited to Gospel Meetings, but a culture of inviting people to Truth we can utilize every day!

To help us make strides in evangelism, I have reproduced the points Jim Deason preached for us in Sunday morning Bible class. Please put these somewhere you can read them often and understand that God can use you for this important work.

(I won’t mention names, but there is a good collection of new converts at Eastside and ongoing studies due specifically and directly to members inviting them to worship! I cannot express how encouraging that is!)

A 12 Step Plan To Inviting People…

1. A right relationship God.
2. A right relationship with people.
3. Maintain a positive example before others.
4. Pray that God will give you a burden for lost people.
5. Pray consistently for the opportunity to invite.

1. Get to really know the local church.
2. Plan your work, work your plan.
3. Be prepared to be persistent.
4. Have faith that God will bless your efforts.

_{Always look for opportunities to invite others.}

_{Be ready to seize the opportunity when it arises.}

_{Communicate in such a way that says you care.}

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