Dinosaur Controversy Slides

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Monday, Oct. 26th

Bible Thoughts

 

Just before His death on the cross, Jesus said, “Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani?”  Which translated means, “My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?”   Why do you think Jesus said that?  This question was posed to me last night by one of our members.  And, I think it is certainly worth discussing. 

 

Firstly, note that this is a quote from David’s psalm, 22:  “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?  Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning.  O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer; and by night, but I have no rest.  Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel.  In You our fathers trusted; they trusted and You delivered them.  To You they cried out and were delivered; in You they trusted and were not disappointed.”

 

I believe we can see from the psalm reading that David is NOT expressing doubt in God, nor abandonment, but the depth of sorrow and grief he felt at a particularly low moment in his life.  You can see in the next couple verses that he know God was holy, to be trusted, and the great Deliverer.  And that trusting in God would never disappoint.  But his opening words show how low he was at a time of despair, with nowhere to turn, but to God.

 

So, Jesus knows the crowd below Him is familiar with the words of David.  They would recognize this quote from the Old Testament.  It was not private words of doubt expressed to God, but words said aloud so that the Jewish masses could understand how grieved and sorrowed and burdened Jesus was.  Jesus, like David, still believed in God’s holiness, protection and ability to deliver…. He just felt so low as to feel completely alone.

 

Secondly, as suggested by the person I spoke to last night, this was the only moment in Christ’s life where He bore the weight of sin!  He was sinless His whole life, and yet Isaiah writes:  “surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried… He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening of our well-being fell upon Him” (Is. 53:3-5).  Jesus was bearing the weight of sin, the chastening of being defiled by sin.  Since sin separates from God, and this was the moment Christ carried our sin on His shoulders, this would have been the most separated from God He had ever been or would ever be.  A “forsaken” moment!   …. And, as the brother pointed out to me after the confession sermon last night, that is how we should feel when carrying sin upon our hearts … “forsaken” of God until we can have the burdens lifted by God from our shoulders through confession and once again be close to the Father.   An excellent observation by new member, Todd Wright.

 

If you have other ideas or more information to share on the meaning of Jesus’ words, please feel free to share them.  I am always looking to learn more about our Savior and may even use your thoughts in upcoming lessons.

 

kris

Monday, Oct. 26th

News and Notes:   Monday, October 26th

 

News Among Members:

 

Steven and Cybil Harvey made a quick move to Lumberton, TX this weekend!  He has a temporary, 6 month, job in Port Arthur, so they will be renting over there for the duration.  They PROMISE to come back home once the temporary job is complete.  Also, they hope to stay with the Ferguson’s on Saturday nights and worship with us on Sunday as often as possible!  We wish them the best and hope to welcome them back soon!

 

Sheri Campbell will go in tomorrow to have her pace maker replaced.  She has been feeling very tired lately and unable to worship with us often.  She hopes this will help revive her energy.

 

Let’s continue to remember Ann Lorfing, who lost her father last week.  Drew Lehman, passed away at the age of 99 and leaves behind his wife Ruby, of 71 years.  All have proclaimed he was a great and godly father.

 

Sandra Brown was able to worship with us both services yesterday!  Amazing for a woman undergoing cancer therapy and recently in the hospital.  When I asked last night who remembers the joy of salvation at conversion, her smile brightened up the entire room!  Let’s pray her treatments help her health to improve.

 

Sharon Peach is getting closer to being able to worship with us.  She is getting out of the house some now, and we are hopeful to have her in our assembly soon.  (Miss you Sharon!)

 

Special Service NOTE:  Wednesday night Invitation assignments: 

 

Oct. 28^th – Mike Ferguson    Nov. 4^th – Tim Johnson    Nov. 11^th – Brad Walker

 

Special Study:  The ladies class scheduled for Saturday mornings (9:30) at Julie Pahos’ house continues through the month of November.  All ladies are invited!  It’s not too late to join this class, just make contact with Julie Pahos or Dena Long  Additionally, ALL ladies are invited.  Study: “power of words”         

 

October Group Meetings:      Ronnie Hill’s Group   Mon., Oct. 26^th, 7pm, Kegley’s home

                                                                                (Last group meeting for the year!  All are invited!)

 

 

Bible Thoughts — October 19th

Bible Thoughts

 

Last night, we had our semi-annual men’s meeting in the auditorium after p.m. worship.  For those unaware of what that is, the elders stand before the men of our congregation and share with them ideas, decisions and responsibilities that they feel like relate to our roles as men (in the church and in the home).  It is not a “men’s business meeting” wherein men make decisions that affect the whole.  Elders do such in their frequent meetings, inviting any and all to approach them with concerns and ideas along the way.  This is simply a discussion of how the men can exercise spiritual leadership to the betterment of our congregation and homes.

 

In order to remind the men, inform those who were not able to be there, and educate the whole congregations of the challenges given to our men, I’ll include below the topics discussed in the meeting:

 

n  We are encouraged to sign up to give the Wednesday invitation, and even encourage our teenage sons to do the same (helping them prepare their talks)

 

n  Also it was suggested that we know when we’ll be serving in the assembly and try to dress our best, at least wearing a tie when you know you will be serving the Lord’s Supper.

 

n  It was discussed that fathers should work with their kids to bring Bibles to classes, do lessons for classes (including assigned Bible reading) and …. bigger than that… lead by example by making a stronger effort to be at services for Bible class and on time.

 

n  Opportunities are frequently coming up to assist members in capacities such as 1) helping them move 2) caring for their yards, etc.  Men are encouraged to get involved in such, and specifically, to see Gerald Gardner if they have any time to mow some lawns for our widows.

 

n  Other discussed issues include:  telling us that Randy Harshberger will be going to the Philippines in April to check on the men we support there… reminding us that we sent an extra $800 to each man we support in the Philippines due to their recent natural disaster… new bulletin tracts on evidences are available in the back (would be great to read to your children)…and new pocket directories will be made available soon.

 

Men or women, I think all can latch on to some of the issues discussed here and increase our contribution to this important, wonderful, encouraging work for God:  our local church.

News and Notes: October 19th

News and Notes:   Monday, October 19^th

 

News Among Members:

 

Drew Lehman, father of Ann Lorfing, passed away this weekend at the age of 99.  Viewing will be at 2 pm on Tuesday at Earthman’s Funeral Home in Baytown.  Services will follow at 3 pm.  His wife of 71 years, Ruby, will be in attendance… and then Herb and Ann will drive her to Louisiana for Mr. Lehman’s burial.

 

Sheri Campbell will have her pacemaker replaced Tuesday.

Mary Hill and Peggy Crowley was out of town yesterday due to a death in the family.

 

Karen Jones continues to recover well from surgery and is now out of town visiting family for the week.

Elaine George was not feeling well yesterday and was unable to worship with us.  She expressed regrets.

 

Sandra Brown is still in the hospital in Galveston as they work to clear her port and help her receive the treatment she needs.  Also, special thanks to Ryan Fannett for the rides he’s been giving her lately!

 

Sharon Peach remains confined to her home, but is getting stronger daily and will join us in worship soon.

Eddie Sargent is doing better after having a tumor removed from her abdomen recently.

 

Special Service NOTE:  Wednesday night Invitation assignments: 

 

Oct 21^st  –  Joe Scarborough                 Oct. 28^th – Mike Ferguson                Nov. 4^th — ????????????

 

Special Study:  The ladies class scheduled for Saturday mornings (9:30) during October and November at the Pahos’ house kicked off 3 weekends back.  They have had really good attendance!  It’s not too late to join this class, just make contact with Julie Pahos or Dena Long  Additionally, ALL ladies are invited.  Study: “power of words” 

 

October Group Meetings:      

Charles Chilson’s Group      Mon., Oct. 19^th, 7pm, Melissa Mcdonald’s

           

Tim Johnson’s Group           Mon., Oct. 19^th, 7pm, Franklin’s home

 

Steven Harvey’s Group        Tue., Oct. 20^th, 7pm, Bill Murff’s home

 

Ronnie Hill’s Group              Mon., Oct. 26^th, 7pm, Kegley’s home

 

These are the last meetings of the year, so EVERYONE feel free to attend ANY group you’d like; especially if it has been a while since you have been to one.

 

 

October 13, 2009 – Bible Thoughts

Bible Thoughts

I posted an article last week on raising teenagers that I found both fascinating and very thought provoking. It was a lengthy article and I was wondering how many comments I’d get about it. I didn’t get any. So, either I misjudged and it wasn’t that interesting an article, or it just appeared too long and few read it. Either way, I suppose you are like me and more likely to read a shorter article … So, here goes…

In fact, I want to cultivate involvement in study and comments, so I’ll keep it very, very brief and simply ask a series of related questions for your consideration…

In I Corinthians 14:34, Paul wrote: “The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.”

Primary question: What is Paul teaching us here? What are women not allowed to do? Explain.

To help understand Paul’s comments, here are three follow up questions that will help a great deal:

• What does the context (vs. 23-26) teach us about what Paul is talking about?
• What does the word “church” mean in this section?
• What do the words “speak” and “silent” mean in the section (v. 26-26)

I have started working on a sermon related to this passage. It should be ready for delivery in a week or two. This passage is vastly misused by some of our brethren to eliminate completely the involvement of women in the work of the church. However, on the other hand, we must not neglect what the passage is commanding.

I am very interested to read what you believe God is restricting, allowing and addressing in this important text.

kse

October 2009 Group Meetings

Artie Williams Group Sat., Oct. 17^th, 12 noon, Fannett’s home

Charles Chilson’s Group Mon., Oct. 19^th, 7pm, Melissa Mcdonald’s

Tim Johnson’s Group Mon., Oct. 19^th, 7pm, Franklin’s home

October 13, 2009 – News & Notes

News and Notes: Tuesday, October 13^th

News Among Members:

Karen Jones is recovering well after surgery a week ago. She was able to worship with us Sunday morning, which is a great sign.

Sandra Brown has had some complications with her cancer treatment and has had to stop. She will go in this week to learn more about what step to take next.

Sharon Peach is hopeful to soon be strong enough to worship with us again. We continue to pray for her.

Eddie Sargent continues to recover after abdominal surgery recently. The removed tumor was found to be benign, so we are thankful for that news.

Shirley Davenport is back home after a lengthy stay in the hospital due to a low blood count.

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments:

(There are lots of blanks on the sheet after Oct. 21^st. The elders encouraged some of our younger men, from teenagers on up to young parents to sign up and share your study with us)

Oct 14^th – Kyle Smith

Oct 21^st — Joe Scarborough

Oct. 28^th – Mike Ferguson

Special Study: The ladies class scheduled for Saturday mornings (9:30) during October and November at the Pahos’ house kicked off 2 weekends back. They had 17 ladies last Saturday! It is not too late to join this class, just make contact with Julie Pahos or Dena Long Additionally, ALL ladies are invited. The class will study “power of words”

October Group Meetings:

Artie Williams Group Sat., Oct. 17^th, 12 noon, Fannett’s home

Charles Chilson’s Group Mon., Oct. 19^th, 7pm, Melissa Mcdonald’s

Tim Johnson’s Group Mon., Oct. 19^th, 7pm, Franklin’s home

October 5, 2009 – Bible Thoughts

Bible Thoughts — I found this article recently in the August 09 issue of Gospel Advocate. It was written by Bill Bagents, father of two, and vice president of academic affairs at Heritage Christian University in Alabama. It is specifically written for parents of teenagers, but includes elements that will help parents in all stages, from toddlers on up to after they’ve left the nest. (You may not agree with all, but let me know what you think…)

Parenting Teenagers — Which Battles to Fight

Christian parents love and want the best for their children. Christian children love and want to show respect for their parents. Despite these facts, parents and children do not always see eye to eye. Conflict often escalates as children move to adolescence. Wise parents know that some degree of conflict is inevitable. It can even be beneficial by offering opportunities for communication and growth. Advice for parents abounds. Some people say, “Pick your battles” or “You can’t fight every battle.” Others say, “Show’em who’s boss. If you let them win, you’ve lost control.” What is right? What is best? What works?

Avoid Extremes – Wise parents avoid extremes. At one extreme stand the pacifists. They avoid conflict at all cost. They remember Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men” and II Timothy 2:24, “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel.” But these parents forget Proverbs 22:6. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it,” and Proverbs 29:15, “The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.”

God never meant for children to run the home. Even as they approach adulthood – or perhaps especially as they approach adulthood – older adolescents need to know that their parents care enough to challenge ungodly behavior.

At the other extreme stand the warriors. They avoid even healthy compromise. To them, every disagreement is the ultimate challenge to their God-given authority. There is no room for discussion. They remember Proverbs 22:15: “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him.” But these parents also forget verse 6. And they forget Ephesians 6:4: “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” They forget that God never meant for our homes to be war zones.

Even if we parents know to avoid these extremes, how do we know which battles to fight? Which battles are too important to lose? Which matters are too insignificant to challenge? What principles can guild us?

Times to Fight – We fight when not fighting would dishonor God. Truth is truth, good is good, and evil is evil. Isaiah 5:20 warns, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Godly values must be taught and defended. Remember Eli and his sons, particularly I Samuel 2:29-30 and 3:11-13. The problem was not that Eli didn’t try (2:22-25). It was that God found his effort insufficient. He did not take the stand he should have taken.

We fight when not fighting would show apathy – when not fighting shows lack of love. Remember the terrible incident with Amnon and Tamar recorded in II Samuel 13. David knew what Amnon did. He knew how wrong Amnon’s actions were. “But when King David heard of all these things, he was very angry” (vs 21). That’s it. David was angry but inactive. He was angry but detached. And we know it cost him, his family and the nation of Israel.

We fight when not fighting would show lack of character. “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (I Cor. 16:13). What is true of Christian living is true of Christian parenting: courage is essential. In this we see the wisdom of God’s plan for two parents, united in mission. They support one another. When one wavers, the other bolsters both. Godly parents fight when not fighting means abdicating their role as parents, when not fighting diminishes their character or destroys their credibility.

Some people recommend to parents, “Fight only when you can win.” Because of the character issue, we must disagree. Sometimes godly parents fight although they know they cannot win, at least not today. Positions are entrenched. Immaturity and pride are in play. Still, they fight for godliness and truth. They fight because of what they would be if they did not.

Time Not to Fight — Just as there are times when godly parents must take a stand, there are times not to battle with our children. Wise parents do not fight just because others have fought or do fight. A tremendously strong tendency is within all of us to reproduce or perpetuate our families of origin. We tend to continue the same flaws and fights we grew up with. In addition, we tend to bring battles and baggage from our youth into adulthood. We must be honest, insightful and wise enough to avoid this trap. We must rely on prayer and the guidance of Scripture.

We do not fight just because we always have. A key management principle says, “If we keep doing what we have always done, then we’ll keep getting what we’ve always got.” The human relations version of that principle says, “If what you’ve been trying isn’t working, try something else.” Some battles have gone on for too long or they have been so badly handled that they must be given up. Resolution will not come. No one will win the battle. The only way to mitigate the damage is to stop fighting.

We do not fight when the issue is just a matter of preference or opinion. Funny clothes and strange hair may embarrass or even grieve us. Usually, teenagers grow out of such things. Natural consequences often have a way of extinguishing such behavior. If a teen’s “unique” appearance costs him a scholarship or a job opportunity, he has motivation to change. We need the patience and wisdom to wait for that motivation.

As parents, we dare not put our needs or preferences ahead of our love for our children. Phil. 2:3-4 offers great help: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interest of others.” This truth is just as important in the home as it is in the church.

We do not fight when we cannot keep our cool. Galatians 6:1-2 and Romans 12:17-21 remind us of the importance of our attitude in times of conflict. If we cannot keep a Christian attitude in these times, we will quickly find ourselves fighting as the world fights. Even if we can out yell our teens, the victory is not worth what it costs. Threats and manipulation work just as poorly. I Peter 2:22-23 challenges us to follow in the steps of Christ, “Who committed no sin, now was deceit found in His mouth; who when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.”

Times to Stop Fighting — We stop fighting once we have made our position clear. I Peter 3:1-2 offer such insight! Even in a matter as important as the conversion of a spouse, there are times to stop direct, verbal efforts. What is true with the spouse is true with the children: do not nag. Nagging quickly shrinks to the level of irritating background noise. The words are not heard; they are just resented. They do not help; they just grind away at the relationship. Once we have gone on record and stated the needed truth (including consequences for non compliance), we must find wisdom enough to let our lives do the talking.

We stop fighting if we realize that winning the battle of the moment has become our primary objective. Christian parents do not fight to win debates or to preserve power. We love our children. We want to see them growing and blessed in Christ. Our objectives are to help, to protect, to nurture and to encourage.

We stop fighting if we realize that fighting is all we are doing. Every healthy relationship is based on mutual respect and positive communication. If we have fallen into the cycle of “negative only,” we must retreat and regroup. Once we have taken up the challenge of Ephesians 4:29-32, we try again. We never stop trying. With God’s help, our love never fails. It never fails because it flows from Him love. It never fails because it never gives up.

October 5, 2009 – N & N

News and Notes: Monday, October 5^th

News Among Members:

Weldon Warnock, beloved brother in Christ, and faithful preacher of Truth, passed away last night. He had been struggling mightily with health issues for quite some time. Likely funeral service will be in Kentucky.

Karen Jones will be having surgery tomorrow at 10:30 at the Texas Women’s Hospital downtown. She is expected to stay for at least one night. Her mother, Carleta Fernandez, can be contacted for updates: 806-282-0877

It was wonderful to see some folks back with us who have been unable to attend recently: Sandra Brown and Renate Turner, as well as Tommye Glynn Clark. We see the handiwork of God in their improved health.

Sharon Peach is recovering slowly but surely at home. She hopes to join us again in worship very soon.

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments:

(There are lots of blanks on the sheet after Oct. 21^st. The elders encouraged some of our younger men, from teenagers on up to young parents to sign up and share your study with us)

Oct. 7^th — Eric Kegley

Oct 14^th – Kyle Smith

Oct 21^st — Joe Scarborough

Special Study: The ladies class scheduled for Saturday mornings (9:30) during October and November at the Pahos’ house kicked off last weekend. There was a nice crowd of 13 ladies. It is not too late to join this class, just make contact with Julie Pahos or Dena Long Additionally, ALL ladies are invited. The class will study “power of words”