Monday, Feb. 22nd, 2010

Bible Thoughts – 9 Notebooks!

The psalmist so beautifully wrote: “How shall a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word” (Ps. 119:9) While outside influences like bad companions and Godless homes can tear young people away from the heavenly Father, a young Christian’s greatest defense against Satan is a strong connection to the living Word. In our study on the inspiration of Scriptures last night, I concluded by reciting the words J.W. McGarvey spoke to the Y.M.C.A at the University of Missouri on May 28^th 1893:

I would advise the young men of this Association then to cling to their Bibles, and to so study the foundations on which the “Impregnable Rock of the Scripture” reposes, that no man shall be able to deceive them, but that they themselves may be teachers of others, and may do battle for the truth against every foe.

Equip yourselves for upholding in your narrower sphere, against every antagonist whom you may meet, the book on which your Association depends for its existence, and on which you individually depend for that which you hold dearest and best.

Remember that your most effective weapon will always be “the sword of the Spirit,” which is the Word of God.

And I think we understand a couple of things from the Psalmist and brother McGarvey’s conclusions. First, this lesson is not limited to our young people. Regardless of age, circumstance, or maturity, every Christian who builds their life around the Gospel will live by faith. We are aware of what Paul wrote to Timothy concerning the power of Scripture: “…profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (II Ti. 3:16-17).

Second, we are talking about more than just going to worship services. There are folks in congregations all across the country who come to every worship service, Bible in tow, and stare at the preacher for 35 minutes a sitting, but aren’t committed to learning, absorbing, or growing in knowledge. Keeping a life according to the Word means being actively involved in the study of Truth and application of Truth. And such is an important goal for us all.

I say all this to give the setting for the title to this article. Last night, 9 Jr High students went to the Pahos’ house for our monthly study. I wanted to discuss the points from our sermon that night, asking them to recall what I taught. But I knew that Payton always took notes and had her notebook with her. I didn’t want her to peek, so I asked for her notebook before we began. I noticed a couple other notebooks, so I said, “Okay, everyone who has notes from our sermons today, hand ‘em in.” And… 9 kids handed in 9 notebooks! How incredible is that? I thumbed through them all, and, sure enough, they had been taking notes for weeks, months even, in great detail. The adults were so proud of them that we gave them a round of applause. And, as you might expect, they did a great job of remembering the points made in the sermon a couple hours earlier.

Maybe today we can take a lesson from our 9 Jr. High kids. God’s Word can do great things for us, but not by osmosis. And not by just going to Church. Nor by staring at the preacher. But by engaging in the reading, notation, and consideration of the only perfect thing on this earth: The Law of Liberty!

kris

Monday, Feb. 22nd 2010

News and Notes:   Monday, February 22nd

GOSPEL MEETING: Well, our Spring meeting is in the books. Tony inspired us with his work. And above all, God was glorified and the Way to glory illuminated with Scripture. We thank brother Mauck for helping us honor God. The numbers were outstanding. 297 for Sun. A.M. is the largest ever. And really we set records through most of the week… 117 on Wednesday morning was inspiring.

As Tony emphasized late in the week, let’s use our enthusiasm as a starting point, not just a high point. Yesterday, we carried that commitment into a great day of worship. To God be the glory!

News Among Members:

Bob Paulsel was feeling strong enough to come worship with us last night. It was so good to see him.

Jamie Harrott, daughter of Regina Vestal, is steadily getting stronger with about 10 weeks left until delivery.

Linda Bockmiller came to worship both services yesterday. Considering her condition that quite simply brings a tear to the eye. Her love for God is so encouraging. We pray for her strength to continue to grow.

Sandra Brown is dealing with a severe tract infection, in addition to having ongoing chemo treatments. She is a strong and optimistic woman, and we pray that she finds relief soon.

Arthur Perkins has gone back overseas to continue his work. It was great having him these past few weeks and we pray he will be safe and back home soon.

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments:

Feb. 24^th – Blake Lawrence

Mar. 3^rd – Randy Hogue

Mar. 10^th – Bill Pahos

Group Meetings:

Philip Stover’s Group – Monday, Feb. 22^nd, Kenneth Miller’s house – 7pm

Mike Pilkinton’s Group – Tuesday, Feb. 23^rd, Bill Murff’s house – 7pm

Mike Ferguson’s Group – Thursday, Feb. 25^th, Scott Murff’s house – 7pm

Eastside News and Notes: Monday, Feb. 15th

Bible Thoughts – Simple this week: The Bible will be taught all week for your benefit and mine. Here is our meeting announcement. Print and post somewhere, or perhaps hand to a friend!

Eastside  church  of  Christ

3107  Highway  146  –  Baytown, TX

You’re  invited  to  our  Gospel  meeting  with  -

Tony  Mauck  From  Tomball,  Texas

February  14^th through  February  18^th

SUNDAY  –  9:30 am,  10:25 am,  6:00 pm

MONDAY  through  THURSDAY  at  7:00 pm

Special  Wednesday  Morning  Service  at  10:00 am

“The Road to Glory”

Sunday  AM  Bible  Study  –   False Trust

Sunday  AM  –      Great Invitation

Sunday  PM  –   It’s All About the Heart

Monday  –  Makings of a Good Pharisee

Tuesday  –   Neat But Negative

Wednesday  Morning  –  Blessed Assurance

Wednesday  –  Detours on the Road to Glory

Thursday  — Jesus: The Conquering King

Eastside News and Notes: Monday, Feb. 15th

News and Notes: Monday, February 15th

GOSPEL MEETING: Our meeting with Tony Mauck is under way! We had two great assemblies yesterday and will meet Monday through Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. Also Wednesday morning at 10.

Tony is doing a great job. The Lord is being honored. And brethren are growing… together. Please come be a part of these great things throughout this week!

News Among Members:

Bob Paulsel suffered a mild stroke in California this past week and has now made it safely back home.

Jamie Harrott, daughter of Regina Vestal, is currently on bed rest with 12 weeks remaining in her pregnancy.

Mickey Suttle has been dealing with health problems recently and will receive blood test results this week.

Trig Hughes, grandson of Johnny and Gale Enderli, was laid to rest on Saturday in San Angelo, TX. Also, Jill Enderli’s father, Ken Fannin, who also lives in San Angelo, had a heart attack last week. The family has been through a lot and we pray for strength and health in their family.

Linda Bockmiller continues to be in the forefront of our minds as she battles brain cancer. She and Rick are so faithful and we want them to know they have our prayers and support.

Roly Leavins is home this week with pneumonia. Also, Alan & Jacque LaRue were at home sick yesterday.

Dena Long’s husband, Wayne, broke his heel recently and will be having surgery soon to do repairs.

New Christian: Matt Sanchez was baptized into Christ’s body last Thursday!

New Members: Scott and Susan Griffin

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments:

Feb. 17^th – Gospel Meeting Feb. 24^th – Blake Lawrence

Group Meetings: Philip Stover’s Group – Monday, Feb. 22^nd, Kenneth Miller’s house – 7pm

Monday, Feb. 8th, 2010

News and Notes: Monday, February 8th

GOSPEL MEETING: Our meeting with Tony Mauck begins this coming Sunday

February 14^th-18^th… Monday through Thursday… Please plan to faithfully attend… and bring a friend!

News Among Members:

Trig Hughes, grandson of Johnny and Gale Enderli, passed away last Thursday. Services will be held this coming Saturday at 11a.m. in San Angelo, TX.

Karen Stover’s mother, Claudia Sisco, is having surgery tomorrow to remove a mass. We are praying the procedure goes well and that the cells are benign.

Linda Bockmiller continues to receive treatment for the cancer she has in her brain. It was tremendous to see her worshipping with us yesterday. A sobering message for all our members, that a woman going through so much, with the help of her good husband, came to both services yesterday!

Renate Turner is now home, and her shingles is healed; but she is still very sore from a few damaged ribs.

Mary Griffin is going to M.D. Anderson for her last week of chemo treatments. We pray the treatments will benefit her and that she can begin to gain and sustain physical strength.

Sharon Peach remains mostly confined to her home and could use any contact we can offer for her benefit.

Dena Long’s husband, Wayne, broke his heel this past week in a work accident and will have to have surgery to correct the injury.

Daryl Fry’s sister, Gayla Massey, is receiving cancer treatments for a mass around her heart. Daryl asks us to pray for her improved health and for the treatments to be effective.

New Members: Scott and Susan Griffin

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments:

Feb. 10^th – Ken Pridgeon Feb. 17^th – Gospel Meeting Feb. 24^th – Blake Lawrence

Group Meetings: Scott Alford’s Group – TONIGHT – Mark Walker’s home – 7pm

Joe Scarborough’s Group – TONIGHT – Jim Zaruba’s home – 7pm

Philip Stover’s Group – Monday, Feb. 22^nd, Kenneth Miller’s house – 7pm

Monday, Feb. 8th, 2010

Bible Thoughts – “The Lord’s Supper”

Have you ever wondered why we call it that? I mean, it is you and I who are partaking of the emblems, right? Shouldn’t it be our supper in memory of Christ? Now that just sound ridiculous doesn’t it? We know why it is called the Lord’s supper, as revealed by the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 11:

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. (I Co. 11:23-26)

Well, let’s see… It was a dinner first offered by Jesus. Its entire meaning is devoted to what Jesus gave for our benefit. He gave His body for us; His body broken to heal our broken spirits. He gave His blood, so that a new covenant could come into effect, and the kingdom in power, that we could have a place of refuge in Him. Even our part is a proclamation of His glory, a focus upon His death, until He comes again.

Christ set an example for us to follow when He instituted the supper so long ago. Certainly no one would deny that. He has shown us WHAT to partake of and WHY. But can I also suggest that He has taught us HOW? In Matthew’s account of that night around the table, we read about how He drew their attention away from any divisive arguments and fully upon His purpose. He silenced them all, and they prayed to God giving thanks. Then they partook with meaning and purpose… and reverence! Afterward they sang a song, further reflecting that their hearts were completely immersed in the event.

God’s people would be outraged if we changed the WHAT of the supper (i.e. exchanged elements for milk and cookies). Folks would leave and never come back if we traded out the WHY of the event (i.e. making it a common meal for social enjoyment). Even a change in WHEN would be inconceivable (Mondays instead of “the first day of the week”). So, dare we show any tolerance for any deviation from the HOW? Isn’t it just as important that we maintain focus, reverence, and a good example during the single most important memorial in the history of the world?

Here’s why I suggest such things. A couple of sweet, godly ladies approached me after the lesson yesterday and told me there were a couple of things I should have added. One talked about the way men chew gum while serving us this supper. The other spoke of seeing folks passing notes and talking during the silent period of reflection we have during the supper. I encourage all our families to sit around the dinner table some time this week and discuss with spouse and children how much more important Christ’s meal is over any we have at home. And seek, if necessary, to sure up the HOW of our partaking, lest by lack of attention we “eat and drink judgment to ourselves.”

kris

Monday, Feb. 1st, 2010

News and Notes: Monday, February 1st

GOSPEL MEETING: Our meeting with Tony Mauck is just a 2 weeks away!

February 14^th-18^th… Monday through Thursday… Flyers will be available soon!

News Among Members:

Eric Kegley and Amanda Murff’s mother, Carol Kegley, is having surgery on her neck this morning.

Dale Mayfield had successful surgery last week, and will recover at home for at least 2 weeks.

Linda Bockmiller continues to build her strength at home following surgery and get prepared for chemo treatments at M.D. Anderson soon. She has been so strong and faithful and we continue to pray for her.

Renate Turner has been at the James Bowie rehab center for several days but hopes to come home today.

Mary Griffin will continue to go to M.D. Anderson Monday through Friday until February 11^th. She is being as positive and hopeful as she can, and that has an encouraging effect on us all!

Sharon Peach remains mostly confined to her home and could use any contact we can offer for her benefit.

Elma Chilson again was able to worship with us Sunday morning. Her son, Charles, has had a change in work schedule and has been getting Sundays off… great to see them both!

Also, Brenda Fannett has been very sick in recent days and we pray for her full recovery soon.

2 of our members have moved away: Todd Wright (to Dallas area) and April Potts (Spring area)

New Member: Shannon Minor

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments:

Feb. 3^rd – Brian Broussard      Feb. 10^th – Ken Prideon       Feb. 17^th – Gospel Meeting

Group Meetings: (none posted yet for February)

Monday, Feb. 1st, 2010

Bible Thoughts – “Happiness is…”

Recently I was having a conversation with a good friend and fellow brother in Christ, Mike Smith. I don’t remember the details of our conversation, but I remember his final words, “Happiness is a choice.” I like that very much. Our spirit, our attitude, the way we approach a day or even a lifetime is within ourselves to decide. Life is jam-packed full of highs and lows, blessings and disappointments. God made us with the power to choose how we will experience and affect those circumstances.

I am reminded of the Apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 4: “But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned, but lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need” (10-12).

No servant of Christ in the kingdom has ever faced the disparity of rewards and trials that Paul faced. His circumstance could go from comforted among the church one day, to dodging stones hurled at him the next. And yet, it was his choice to rejoice in the Lord! Namely because he wasn’t just drifting along affected by circumstances, but because he was taking the Truth of Christ and the faith of holiness into every one of those settings and living for Jesus! What a great way to address the lows you face this week. They certainly represent tests, but not as measurements of how damaged you will be, but how valiantly you will choose to bring Christ into the situation!

Oh, one more thing about Paul’s words. Did you see that it was “the secret” that enabled him to choose happiness? What in the world is that secret? I sure want to know it. And here it is: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (13). Awesome. In a world of change and trial and uncertainty, Paul was able to be constantly rejoicing because he trusted in the ultimate constant: Christ. Jesus is always holy, always serving, always loving us… that is what He chose. And so we can face all things in Him if our faith is constant!

I want to leave you with a poem recently given to me by my good brother, Herb Lorfing. It was written by Rebecca Williams and since it served as the motivation for this article, I’d like to leave you with it:

One ship drives east, another drives west,

While the self-same breezes blow:

‘Tis the set of the sail, and not the gale

that bids them where to go.’

Like the winds of the seas are the ways of fate,

As we journey along through life;

‘Tis the set of the soul that decides the goal

and not the calm or the strife.’