Monday, March 29th 2010

News and Notes:   Monday, March 29^th

We had an incredible crowd Sunday morning: 298 people! That is the most ever at Eastside. The potential for Bible studies, conversions and growth is enormous! And, at 223, our group Sunday night was also very encouraging to me, and a good sign that our faith is growing. Special thanks to Andrew Dahlquist for reminding us of the need to be faithful to worship in his announcements. Let’s keep it up for Wednesday. Also, I have a study in a few minutes with a family who has visited with us these past two weeks. Please pray for that Gospel to grow in soft hearts.

News Among Members:

Bill Murff has now been moved back to the main Methodist hospital, Jones tower, room 1014. He is improving daily, although still battling meningitis and issues related to diabetes. He is so appreciative of the prayer service this past Wednesday night and the incredible support he has received. Currently, he is taking calls and visits, but the family simply asks that you keep them brief. And… keep praying!

Elma Chilson will undergo surgery on her other knee on the 30^th of this month. It was great seeing her Sunday morning, and we hope she will be stronger than ever after the operation.

Vida Partin continues to regain strength at home after a short stay in the hospital. Our prayers are with her.

Mary Griffin also was with us yesterday carrying a big smile. It is wonderful to see her up and around.

Speaking of smiles, Sandra Brown also was able to come be with us yesterday. We pray her health will continue to improve. And, please don’t forget Linda Bockmiller and Sharon Peach as well in prayers.

Jean Fuller will be having a hip replacement surgery next Monday, April 5^th, at Patients Medical Center in Pasadena. She expects to be in the hospital 3 or 4 days and then moved to a rahab. facility in Baytown.

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments:

Mar. 31 – Rick Bockmiller

Apr. 7^th – Ken Pridgeon

Apr. 14^th – Tim Johnson

March Group Meetings:

Scarborough Group – Monday, March 29^th, 7pm, at Martin’s Home

Phillip Stover’s Group – Monday, March 29^th, 7pm, at Stover’s House

Scott Alford’s Group – Tuesday, March 30^th, 7pm, at Alford’s Home

Monday, March 29th, 2010

Bible Thoughts – Is there Plenty of Time? (Pt 5 of 5)

As we conclude this study on Satan’s attempts to get us to take time for granted, let’s go to the very beginning of mankind and read about the oldest trick in the book. God has taught since the creation of man that his Will must be respected; and if we put off doing right, ceasing wrong, or being faithful then His consequences come swiftly. Yet, when the serpent approached Eve, the deceiver twisted God’s words and told her: “You surely shall not die!” (Gen. 3:4). She initially understood that God demanded the tree not be partaken of, but Satan told her that the consequences were not real, at least not today. God is threatening, but will not make good. He is hiding enjoyment from you, and if you take hold of it in the flesh, you will be better than ever, and you will not die.

So, convinced that there would be plenty of time to make this right later, and the consequences would not come swiftly, the text reveals: “When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it 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 with her, and he ate” (Gen. 3:6). Well, what would happen next? According to the devil, nothing would happen. There was no real urgency, time is under your control, and you can enjoy it as you please. But, that is not what happened, not even for a moment.

“Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings” (3:7). So, their shame came immediately. She believed that they could do as they pleased today, and it would not hurt them tomorrow. The reality, however, was swift implication for their choice. And it didn’t end there. In the following verses, God addressed them and began dealing out retribution: to the snake, to Satan, to Eve, to Adam, to woman, to man, to mankind. One moment of reckless folly immediately destroyed the paradise of Eden.

What can we learn from this story of the first sin man ever committed? There is NO TIME for disregarding God. And while sin promises that moment won’t matter and it will produce much enjoyment for time to come, that is a lie. We’ve seen what one night of promiscuity, one night of drinking, one attempt at drug usage, one pornographic website, one inappropriate relationship… has done to ruin lives, homes, families, souls. As we draw this series to a close, let us proclaim that there is NO TIME for sin. And the words of Peter should appeal to us all, especially those who have wasted time in the past chasing Satan’s lies: “live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desires of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries” (I Pe. 4:1-3).

I am finished challenging God. I will no longer test His patience. I live for the will of God, in every precious moment He sees fit to provide me in this life. May we all be thankful for time and use it to the glory of the Creator!

kris

High School Bible Studay

At Kris and Sommer Emerson’s after PM worship service March 28th.

March Group Meetings

Scarborough Group – Monday, March 29th, 7pm, at the Zaruba’s Home

Phillip Stover’s Group – Monday, March 29th, 7pm, at Stover’s House

Scott Alford’s Group – Tuesday, March 30th, 7pm, at Alford’s Hom

Pilkinton Group – Thursday, March 25th, 7pm, at Kelly’s House

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

News and Notes:   Monday, March 22^nd

The weather is improving, and we are getting more daylight back each and every day. The elders at Eastside want to encourage our members and visitors to use this opportunity to commit to more Sunday evening and Wednesday evening worship and study times. God has been so good to us in providing the prosperity and freedom to gather with God’s people as often as we do. Please consider all our worship times as opportunities to appreciate God’s gifts and encourage God’s people. See you Wednesday!

News Among Members:

Bill Murff continues to be in room 921 in the West Pavilion of the Methodist hospital. He will remain there a couple more weeks. Rm #: 713-790-3320

Elma Chilson will undergo surgery on her other knee on the 30^th of this month.

Vida Partin fell this weekend and was in San. Jac. Hospital. As of yesterday, she has been able to go home.

Mary Griffin continues to suffer heavy pain in her side. She was not able to worship with us yesterday.

Also, Linda Bockmiller, Sandra Brown and Sharon Peach need to remain in our prayers daily.

Mickey Suttle has a knee injury that kept him home yesterday morning. It was good seeing him last night.

New Member: Jean Fuller

New Christian: Bob Seefelt

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments:

Mar. 24^th – Robin Merritt

Mar. 31 – Rick Bockmiller

Apr. 7^th – Ken Pridgeon

March Group Meetings:

Scarborough Group – Monday, March 29^th, 7pm, at Martin’s Home

Phillip Stover’s Group – Monday, March 29^th, 7pm, at Stover’s House

Scott Alford’s Group – Tuesday, March 30^th, 7pm, at Alford’s Home

Pilkinton Group – Tuesday, March 30^th, 7pm, at Kelly’s House

H.S. Bible Study – This Sunday, Emerson’s Home (after p.m. worship)

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

Bible Thoughts – Is there Plenty of Time? (Pt 4)

Yesterday morning, our study was on “Baptism in the name of Jesus.” Without a doubt, there were some good, kind people in the room that day who have not been immersed for the forgiveness of sins. And, without question, someone will listen to the audio file or CD for the lesson, not having been clothed with Christ through burial in water. Question: Is there plenty of time? Can you see the need to be a part of Christ’s kingdom and put it off for a while, certain to revisit and conform at a later time?

Satan wants you to believe that you can wait. Baptism required repentance; and repentance is hard. Go ahead and get all the sin out of your system now, then be baptized and change your life when all of that is done. The sad reality: Satan is never done with us when it comes to sin. And, over time, he is able to steal the good seed, the urgency to be a Christian, right out of our hearts. There is not plenty of time; only right now to answer the Lord’s invitation to redemption and peace.

In Acts 24, Felix found himself at the most pivotal moment in his life. He had the gospel proclaimed to him, and was clearly taught what it took to be saved: “But Felix, having a more exact knowledge about the Way… sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus” (22,24). What a tremendous opportunity. Here is a man who knows some things about God and the Way of salvation. And now, a preacher has appeared before him to give him the precious Truths he needs to be saved. The setting is perfect. It would seem that nothing could stop him from obeying the Gospel.

However, something convinced him to wait! “But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, ‘Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you” (25). What happened? Well, from a casual reading of the text it appears it was all just a bit too much for him at the moment. All this talk about being righteous and Christ coming to judge the world; this was heavy handed material. He became frightened and sent Paul away until a better time.

Well, do you think that better time every came? Could there even possibly be a better time than the one that was before Felix at that moment? Well, the chapter goes on to show us that two years later Felix was replaced by another procurator of Judea, and “wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned” (27). There is never an indication that Felix saw Paul again or ever obeyed the gospel. If not, what is Felix thinking at this minute? He has been burning in torment for 2,000 years, and ultimately will be delivered to hell forever. Does he remember that moment when he could have changed it all? That was the defining moment of his life, and he let it pass by.

What about you? Is it time for you to become a Christian in baptism? It may be a little frightening to consider the change in life Christ demands and the eminent judgment to come; however, please do not let Satan’s doubts cause you to miss the only moment God has given you to obey. Right now.

My name is Kris Emerson and I write these articles for the Eastside Church of Christ each week. If you would like to obey the gospel, or learn more about how Christ wants to save you, please contact me… today.

emersonk78@verizon.net Office: 281-422-8800 Mobile: 281-683-8478

Kris

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

News and Notes:   Tuesday, March 16^th

We want to pray that all of our Eastside family will be safe during this week of travel. Spring break is a great time for families to get away, enjoy one another, and worship at other places. We pray all will return safely this weekend. I must say: we had a great crowd Sunday evening, even with so many families out. It just reminds us of our potential in worship! I pray that as our Wednesday class approaches this week, all will make that same commitment to be with brethren again in authorized and faith-building study.

News Among Members:

Bill Murff is now moved to room 921 in the West Pavilion of the Methodist hospital. He will remain there a few weeks while he undergoes daily therapy and also dialysis on Mon., Wed, and Fri. Rm #: 713-790-3320

Elma Chilson will undergo surgery on her other knee on the 30^th of this month.

Mary Griffin had a test run to determine what is causing so much pain in her side. She will return to the doctor this Thursday for results. She has mostly been confined to her bed in recent weeks.

Vicky Windham, daughter of Patsy and Kenneth Miller, had successful surgery last week and is doing well.

Also, Linda Bockmiller, Sandra Brown and Sharon Peach need to remain in our prayers daily.

New Member: Jean Fuller (long-time visitor)

New Christians: Please meet Matt Sanchez , Megan Powell, and Marisol Infante!

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments:

Mar. 17^th – Eric Kegley

Mar. 24^th – Robin Merritt

Mar. 31 – Rick Bockmiller

March Group Meetings:

Mike Ferguson’s Group – Thursday, March 18^th, 7pm, at Sisco’s House

Mike Pilkinton’s Group – Thursday, March 25^th, 7pm, at Kelly’s Home

Phillip Stover’s Group – Friday, March 26^th, 7pm, at Stover’s House

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

Bible Thoughts – Is there Plenty of Time? (Pt 3)

How much time do you have left? Did Peter know what he was talking about when he wrote the following words to God’s people: “…live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desires of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries” (I Pe 4:2-3)? Or can we engage in these for a season and then be free and focused to resolve it all at a later time? Well, the only thing we know for sure about time is that it is completely uncertain, and there simply isn’t enough of it left to engage in sinful behavior.

However, Satan is selling a different bill of goods. He wants us to believe that there is plenty of time for sin today… and God tomorrow. We have been looking at passages that show how Satan works, and then shedding the light of Truth upon his deception. The first article addressed II Pe. 3:3-4, where people followed after their own lusts, believing God hasn’t done anything miraculous in so long, so He won’t anytime soon. But God is not affected by time. He allows us to continue to live so that souls can repent, and we shouldn’t test His patience. Last week, we read James 1:22-24, wherein folks look into Scripture (like a mirror) and see what they need to change, but then walk away and do nothing, expecting they will change next time. However God wants to free us from useless religion and to bless us greatly; He only needs us to honor His word and make those changes today!

Today, let’s examine James words to the brethren in 4:13 – “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.’” James is addressing people who have taken time for granted. They believe because a business venture or family vacation is so important to them, then it must be important to God. So, naturally God will extend them the time enjoy such. And, many go so far as to put those businesses, jobs, and profit before God… just for now. Certainly there will be time next year, once all of that it settled, to honor God first and above all else. Satan tells us this is an acceptable way to live.

But listen to what James writes next: “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.’ Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin” (4:14-17). James needs God’s people to know the truth. Today is all you have. And if tomorrow comes, it is ONLY by the Lord’s will. Therefore, it must be lived BY and FOR the Lord’s will! So, while we may all engage in business, vacation, and make profits… always first among all is using today to do what I know is right: “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness…”

What are you “plans” for the remainder of this year? We have heard the old adage, “If you want to make God laugh, just tell Him your plans.” I don’t want to make God laugh. I want to make Him happy. I want Him to see me living everyday for what it is: a gift from Him. And therefore live it as the Lord wills and with faith and focus and the priority to do what is right…now.

Kris Emerson

Monday, March 8th, 2010

News and Notes:   Monday, March 8^th

It is important for all our Eastside members to meet and/or get to know better the new Christians in our work. The Gospel is as powerful as the first day it was preached 2000 years ago, and that is evidenced by soft hearts accepting its message of salvation. A few weeks back, Matt Sanchez was immersed for the forgiveness of sins. He is Heather Gardner’s boyfriend and we are glad to have him. Last week, Marisol Infante, daughter-in-law of Junior Hernandez was baptized into Christ’s body.

And last night, Megan Powell, Cameron Gardner’s girlfriend, obeyed the gospel in baptism as well. She is a sweet girl and her sincerity is so encouraging! These are three fine young people and give us great hope for the future of the church in this area. Please take the time to meet them when you have opportunity.

News Among Members:

Bill Murff continues to be at Methodist Hospital in Houston (Rm 535). His pain has eased somewhat, but he is still hurting. Tomorrow, Lord willing, he will have a procedure to help the fractures heal.

Joni Johnson lost her aunt Dorothy this past weekend. Services will be in Alabama tomorrow.

Harry Traverso, father of Cheryl Warren, is out of the San. Jac. Hospital and is currently in a rehab center. He certainly hopes to get back home to Remington Park soon.

Elma Chilson will undergo surgery on her other knee on the 30^th of this month. It was great seeing her and her good son Charles yesterday.

Linda Bockmiller, Sandra Brown, and Mary Griffin continue to either receive cancer treatments, or mend after having treatments. Also, Sharon Peach, continues to struggle with ongoing health issues. Our prayers are daily offered for their health to improve!

New Member: Jean Fuller

Special Service NOTE: Wednesday night Invitation assignments:

Mar. 10^th – Bill Pahos

Mar. 17^th – Eric Kegley

Mar. 24^th – Robin Merritt

Monday, March 8th, 2010

Bible Thoughts – Is there Plenty of Time? (Pt 2)

Last week, I re-introduced a sermon I preached here a year or so ago: Is there plenty of time? Is there plenty of time to put off becoming a Christian? Plenty of time to make those changes in your life you know need to be addressed? Plenty of time to be a better father, parent, friend? Plenty of time, down the road, to put our Savior Jesus first?

There are 5 Bible passages that we need to read and consider which introduce how Satan tries to deceive us into waiting until tomorrow; and then show how God pleads for us to take advantage of today. The first we considered last week: II Peter 3:3-4, where men believed God was inactive, and therefore they could follow after their own lusts. Peter clarifies the situation: God is not inactive; He is patient! And, one day that patience will end and this world will be destroyed. So act today!

Today, let’s consider a second passage: James 1:22-25 – “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.”

This imagery is easily understood. A man sees himself clearly in the mirror and maybe determines he needs to shave. But then he turns away and goes to breakfast and forgets until the next morning. And maybe he keeps walking away and forgetting day after day. If he does so, of what good to him was the mirror?

Now, Satan wants you to misapply the imagery. If there are things in your life that need to change; if the gospel has clearly shown you that there are deficiencies in your life; don’t worry about it. The mirror will be there tomorrow. The word of God will be right there on your bed stand next week. The preacher will teach on that topic again at a later date. Walk away, forget about changing today; the mirror isn’t going anywhere.

But James message is not justification to wait at all. Instead, he discusses the blessed man. The man who is blessed in what he does, is the one who looks at the law and sees clearly who he is and what he needs to change. And… is so thankful to shown how to grow, that he abides by it immediately and fully, so that he may be blessed. This man would never walk away from what he knows he should do, because that would strip him of blessings and make his religion worthless (v26).

In this same letter, James clarifies his point in this way: “…you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away… Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin” (4:14,17). What have you seen reflected from the truth of God’s word today? What changes do you need to make? God is waiting to forgive the penitent. Will you abide and be blessed today?

Kris Emerson

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