Bulletin for 3-19-23

Birthdays and Anniversaries

3-23 Rosibel Mendoza, Bobbie Taylor

Prayer requests:

Stacey Esner has a severely sprained ankle, Joe had a growth removed from his scalp.

Chaney Reames is undergoing extensive dental work.

Gladys Ramirez will have a heart procedure soon.

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Bill Grubbs recovering from back injury.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, continues to have trouble.

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome. Also a fractured shin.

Sarah, Chris Girvin’s sister, on hospice care

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, Wendi’s mom, good report

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Article:

Why your identity matters

More than ever, Americans are answering the question, “Who are you” through increasingly diverse ways. We might define ourselves based upon our achievements, careers, relationships, ethnicity, positive or negative personal characteristics, gender, athleticism, academics, activism, hobbies, and the list goes on.

We live in a “you-do-you” age where it is assumed that the highest calling is to discover or create your own identity in whatever way you desire. Equally significant is the assumption that whatever you might choose is neither better nor worse than anyone else’s choice. Not so fast! Where we derive our identity matters.

Our identity might provide drive, focus and even happiness. Yet, if we anchor our identity upon something within this world, it will disappoint us sooner or later.

We know the signs of identity failure. Midlife crises raise the question, “Who am I?” Depression sets in when the current situation does not rise up to or align with who I want to be. Personal characteristics, like being humorous or athleticism wane with time. Once again, the list goes on.

And then there is the greatest identity failure of all, death. If you are the over-achiever, the family loyalist, the ethnic activist, the center of the party, or the female executive, who are you the moment you die? Where we derive our identity matters.

The New Testament describes an identity that endures. Unlike many earthbound identities it cannot be earned. It is simply given. Paul describes this identity as being “in Christ.” It is a significant phrase. Paul will use it and phrases related to it over 150 times in his letters.

In fact, it is usually part of the opening words in his letters to identify his recipients. “To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae” (Colossians 1:2).

If Christ is properly embraced, all other identities become secondary at most. While someone might be a plumber, a black woman, an overachiever, an athletic star, a member of the Jones’ family, each will realize that when they entered Christ they put on a new self and gained a new identity, more fundamental and foundational than anything they previously had.

In Paul’s words, “Since you have been raised with Christ …. and have put on the new self … Here there is no Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all” (Colossians 3:1,10,11).

Death cannot touch this identity. “When Christ, (who is your life) appears, then you too will be revealed in glory with him” (Colossians 34). Where we derive our identity matters.

Barry Newton, link to original article

Bulletin for 3-12-23

Birthdays and Anniversaries

3-6 Gladys Ramirez

3-8 Dena Weeks

Prayer requests:

Stacey Esner has a severely sprained ankle

Chaney Reames is undergoing extensive dental work.

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Bill Grubbs recovering from back injury.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, continues to have trouble.

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome.

Sarah, Chris Girvin’s sister, on hospice care

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, Wendi’s mom, good report

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Article:

To accept or not to accept

Both scripture and American society promote and value acceptance. Yet they both recognize that certain principles should override acceptance. Acceptance is not always the right response.

So why do scripture and society sometimes collide over when acceptance is appropriate? And when culture prescribes acceptance but Christianity does not, does this make Christianity hateful? Or vice versa?

Since some people might doubt whether Christianity values acceptance, a brief review is in order.  Through Christ crucified God exemplified his concern for inclusion, unity and acceptance.  Through the gospel God reaches out to all people inviting everyone into one unified body where acceptance of one another is to be the order of the day.

Whatever social barriers and divisions that might exist in society are eliminated.  Male and female, Jew and Gentile, slave and free, urbanite and hillbilly all have the same status in Christ (Colossians 3:11). Unity and acceptance flourish in Christ.

In the first century when differences of opinion arose on dietary habits causing a rift in social interactions, Paul insisted Christians welcome one another. He commanded those strong in faith to accept the weaker because “God has accepted him” (Romans 14:1,315:1).

Therefore Paul could conclude, “Accept one another as Christ has accepted you, to God’s glory” (Romans 15:7). Christians bring glory to God if they will accept one another!

In his letter to Philemon, once again Paul promoted the principle of acceptance. Regarding Philemon’s runaway slave, Paul insisted that this master should “accept him as you would accept me” (Philemon 17).

Scripture repeatedly promotes acceptance and the healing of relationships. Inclusion and unity are valued. Christianity does not promote hateful actions either toward those within the body of Christ or outside. Jesus taught the second highest command is to love others as one loves oneself. This even includes one’s enemies! Christianity is not the way of hate.

Yet, this does not mean that acceptance is always the rule. Some principles should be valued higher and thus override tolerance and acceptance. Not everything is to be condoned.

Paul chided the Corinthian church for their pride in embracing an immoral man whose immorality exceeded even what Gentiles permitted (1 Corinthians 5:1-2). Paul’s prescription? Expel the evil influence from among them. It would corrupt others.

Paul counseled the church to avoid associating with any Christian entrenched in unrepentant sinful ways such as immorality, greed or being a swindler (1 Corinthians 5:9-11). Similarly other scriptures prohibit socializing with Christians whose unrepentant behavior reveals a rejection of God’s ways (2 Thessalonians 3:6,14,15Romans 16:17Matthew 18:17).

To seek someone’s repentance through withdrawing fellowship does not legitimize malicious activities. Christians are to seek everyone’s wellbeing. For those within Christ, the loving response for those in danger includes withdrawing fellowship to teach them where their path leads.

Switching to our society for a moment, it also values inclusion, tolerance and acceptance. Yet it recognizes some principles trump these values. Acceptance is not the highest value.

Our culture does not accept abusing the weak, nor violence, nor crime, etc. It recognizes it is not loving to condone an abuser – even though he or she might claim, ” this is who I am”. According to our culture, acceptance is not always the right response.

If both scripture and culture promote inclusion and acceptance, why do they sometimes clash? The reason is simple. Scripture and culture are built upon two different standards.

Humanity constructs its short or long lists of what is acceptable. Such lists will vary over time and from culture to culture.

Conversely, Christianity is built upon the standard of God’s final judgment. When God’s word reveals something is destructive and will be condemned, the loving response is to encourage repentance. Otherwise, that person will face the eternal consequences of God’s judgment.

Furthermore, ungodly behaviors are not private. They have a corrosive influence upon the community. Sin matters.

Everyone, whether secularist or Christian, agrees that when a building is on fire the loving response is to try to rescue those inside. The difference between culture and scripture is that sometimes culture does not recognize when God says the house is on fire.

Christianity is not hateful when it refuses to condone what the world might consider acceptable. The question of acceptability is a question about standards and whether those standards are reliable. World history has repeatedly revealed that culture is not a reliable basis for determining what is acceptable. God’s word might not always be popular, but it has endured the test of time.

Barry Newton, link to original article

Bulletin for 2-26-23

Birthdays and Anniversaries

None this week

Prayer requests:

Stacey Esner has a severely sprained ankle

Chaney Reames is undergoing extensive dental work.

Danny Bannister, nephew of Tommy’s, recovering from double pneumonia with complications

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Bill Grubbs recovering from surgery.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, continues to have trouble.

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome.

Sarah, Chris Girvin’s sister, on hospice care

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, Wendi’s mom, good report

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Article:

I AM

“I am…” – Ex. 3:14

God, to Moses via the burning bush in Exodus 3:14,

“I am…”

”I am who I am.”

God IS.

And,

God IS WHO HE IS.

We assert who we are, but is that always who we are? God is who he is – no pretense.

We can make ourselves appear other than we are. God is who he is and is incapable of being otherwise.

We can delude ourselves to believe we are something, though we are not. God is who he is and is incapable of self-delusion.

Others may impose on us their view of us, and deceive us. God is who he is and is not capable of being deceived.

Jesus repeatedly says, “I am…” Often this is followed by a description of what he is about:

“I am…”

• the bread of life
• the light of the world
• good
• meek and lowly in heart
• from God
• sent from God
• with you
• Jesus
• Master and Lord
• from above
• not of this world

Other times, he simply says: “I am” (John 8:24,28John 8:58John 13:19John 18:5-8).

Like Father, like Son.

He is.

He is who he says he is.

And he cannot be otherwise.

Rick Kelley, link to original article

Bulletin for 2-19-23

Birthdays and Anniversaries

2-20 Eleuterio Oviedo

2-22 Lucas Camacho

Prayer requests:

Stacey Esner has a severely sprained ankle

Chaney Reames is undergoing extensive dental work.

Danny Bannister, nephew of Tommy’s, recovering from double pneumonia with complications

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Bill Grubbs recovering from surgery.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, continues to have trouble.

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome.

Sarah, Chris Girvin’s sister, on hospice care

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, Wendi’s mom, good report

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Article:

Timeless teaching

“You have been born anew, not from perishable but from imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. For all flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of the grass; the grass withers and the flower falls off, but the word of the Lord endures forever. And this is the word that was proclaimed to you” (1 Peter 1:23-25 NET)

Last week my boys were talking about missing their Pappaw. I said that I had picked up a book he wrote just that morning, and was thinking how it was nice that I could still sit at his feet. Yesterday was his birthday, and my thoughts again returned to that scene at the table.

These thoughts brought my mind to a book by Rod and Brenda Rutherford,  Of Whom The World Was Not Worthy. This work briefly recounts the efforts of several missionaries over the last 150 years. The lives of men and women like J.M. McCaleb, George Benson, Sarah Andrews, and Otis Gatewood are highlighted. All those honored in the pages of this work have since passed from this life except the subjects of the final chapter, Edwin and Lina Crookshank.

When I was in school at the East Tennessee School of Preaching and Missions, it was Rod Rutherford who taught our missions class. On one occasion he invited Ed Crookshank to speak to the students. After a presentation of the work in Malawi, this good brother passionately appealed for more workers to enter the field. The Crookshank’s time was drawing to a close and they hoped to leave their work in the hands of those who shared their passion for — and philosophy of — simple gospel teaching.

Contemplating this brought into stark relief the contrast between what we teach and those who teach. We are bound by time. We have a time of “light” where we can work, but eventually that light grows dim and our time is concluded. It is good to remember those who labored for the Lord. And, as the Rutherford’s say in their introduction, hopefully to once again light “the flame of evangelic fires among the current generation.”

The word taught endures throughout the ages, ever ancient, yet ever new. But the one teaching is like grass which withers in the hot summer heat. Ever is the need for renewal. Each generation must take up the work, understanding that we are but tools to be worn out in the Master’s cause.

Yet there is a way for the work of the past to endure in the present. The wisdom of the Ancient of Days to preserve his mind in the form of written words speaks to us today. These timeless words — collectively known as “the faith” (Jude 3) — produce faith in those who hear or read (Romans 10:17).

Of Abel, the Hebrews writer says, “through his faith he was commended as righteous, because God commended him for his offerings. And through his faith he still speaks, though he is dead” (Hebrews 11:4).

All the faithful work of ages past still speaks to us today. Every time I pick up a book by Wayne Jackson, Thomas Warren, or Guy N. Woods, that man still speaks. Every article faithfully examining scripture, every recording of gospel preaching, and every heart impacted by a faithful mother or Bible class teacher still speaks.

I am thankful for so many who have helped me in my journey to overcome self and embrace the cross. My prayer is that their work will live on in the lives of my children.

While God’s workers come and go, the work endures. But only if it is built upon, and faithful toward, the timeless truths taught in the sacred writings.

Your work, dear Christian, is not in vain.

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV).

Link to original article

Bulletin for 2-12-23

Birthdays and Anniversaries

None this week

Prayer requests:

Stacey Esner has a severely sprained ankle

Chaney Reames is undergoing extensive dental work.

Rachel Prater, Dena’s cousin, Rodney’s, recovering at home. Prayers please.

Chloe Birdwell, relative of the Weeks’s, great improvement, in a program in Houston. Keep praying, please!

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Bill Grubbs getting another look at his skin cancer on his face.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, continues to have trouble.

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome.

Sarah, Chris Girvin’s sister, on hospice care

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, Wendi’s mom, good report

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Article:

Assuming authority or exercising authority? 1 Timothy 2:12

Have you ever encountered different translations supporting different doctrines that promote conflicting practices? One such example can be found in 1 Timothy 2:12 where some translations have the phrase “assume authority” (NIV 2011) while others read “exercise authority” (NASB, ESV, NET) or “have authority over” (RSV, NIV).

What’s the difference? Within the church setting, the first rendering would prohibit a woman from taking it upon herself to step into a role of authority over men. Hence, these versions suggest that if she were to be granted a position of authority by others then this would be acceptable.

However, the latter two translations would prohibit a woman from occupying a role of authority over men within the church. So which is it?

Which do we want Paul to have taught? Our desire might influence how we handle the data.

A number of years ago, it was pointed out that the Greek word authenteō can be or should be translated as assume authority. Is this the end of the matter? Hardly. Let’s look at the evidence.

Authenteō is a rare word within Greek literature. Nevertheless, we can trace its extant usage through the passage of time./1 Our concern is what did this word mean in Paul’s day? This would provide the greatest probability of what he intended to communicate. Any additional meanings which might have appeared hundreds of years later would not be a good candidate for what Paul intended.

  • 1st Century B.C. Philodemus, De Rhetorica 2.133 If Sudhaus’ reconstruction of a fragmentary papyrus that inserts the noun form of authenteō into the text is correct, then either the meaning is “with murderous masters” or “with dominating masters.” Just as race can refer to both competition as well as an ethnic designation, so too authenteō appears to be a homonym for two distinct lexemes.
  • 27/26 B.C. Papyrus BGU 1208.38 “I exercised authority over him, and he consented to provide for Kalatytis the boatman on terms of the full fare, within the hour.” This Egyptian text deals with the Roman government leasing ferrying boats. In this case the Roman official affirms his authority over the tax farmer who dealt directly with the ferryman Kalatytis. The Roman official overturned the tax farmer’s decision.
  • The Astrological Treatise Methodus Mystic “the one who is superior to the former …” Using the planet Mercury to describe a common laborer and Mercury’s position as identifying different laborers’ status, it describes the possibility of the laborer (a slave) being more professionally equipped than the tradesmen previously listed, but who receives no wages.
  • Either slightly prior to or following 1 BC. Aristonicus Alexandrinus, On the Signs of the Illiad, I.694 (9.694) Aristonicus remarks on the critical sign Aristarchus had earlier made in his copy of the Illiad indicating that a line in the Iliad should be deleted. Aristonicus’ note comments that the expression marked by the critical sign is a formulaic one within the Illiad indicating when the originator (authentōn) of the speech had said something shocking. However, in this case nothing shocking has been said and hence Aristonicus’ note concurs the statement should be deleted.

——— What follows comes after Paul wrote 1 Timothy ———

  • 2nd century A.D. Ptolemy, Tetrabiblos 3.14.10 Saturn “controls Mercury and the moon …” The term for having control over is placed in parallel with house control meaning ruler. Some have understood the aorist tense use of authenteō can communicate gaining control over.
  • 2nd or 3rd century A.D. Morris Atticista, Lexicon Atticum s.v. autodiken. Morris encouraged using an Attic Greek word instead of the substandard “Hellenic” word authenteō. Since his preferred word meant to plead one’s own case in a judicial setting, we can assume authenteō for him could also carry this meaning.
  • Late 2nd or 3rd century A.D. The Papyrus P. Text. 276.28 If this damaged text about astrological ideas contained authenteō, it seems it signified rule.
  • Date uncertain. Somewhere between later 1st century to late Roman period. Scholoion on Aeschylus, Eumenides 42. This is a critical note made on a much earlier classical text. Since the note conveys the kin-murderer meaning of the homonym, it is irrelevant to this discussion.
  • 3rd or 4th century A.D. Eusebius of Caesarea, Eccl. Theology. 3.5.21.1 “The Father being sovereign [authentountos] and bestowing grace.” In Christian writings subsequent to Eusebius, persons of the Godhead are described as having authority [authenteō]. Thus showing once again that this word carried a positive connotation of authority.
  • 371 A.D Basil the Great, Epistle 69.1,3 “he might himself act on his own authority in the matter …” This usage of the verb accounts for almost half of all occurrences after 312 A.D., that is after Constantine legitimized the church.
  • 387-397 A.D. John Chrysostom, Hom. Gen. Homilia 4 “she had control and authority over her son.” Following the time of Chrysostom several examples exist where authenteō conveys being the master of or having authority over.
  • 449 A.D. Pope Leo I Epistula 30 in ACO 2.1.1, 46 “At the instigation of Eutyches …” Eight examples exist of authenteō signifying initiate or instigate with Pope Leo I being the earliest one.

So what does the evidence reveal? The idea that authenteō signified acting on one’s own authority or taking the initiative appears much later than the New Testament. Both before and after the 1st century authenteō signified exercising authority or having authority with such authority being positive. In 1 Timothy 2:12 authenteō is in the present tense not the aorist tense. It would appear Paul prohibited exercising authority, not assuming authority.

This conclusion is further strengthened by ancient translations which convey ideas associated with having authority as opposed to bestowing authority upon oneself. Furthermore, early Christian writings such as from Origen and John Chrysostom also support authenteō as having authority. Then from the fifth century, the voice of the Cyrillic Lexicon rings out in the lexicon of Hesychius where the meaning of authenteō is equated with another Greek work [exousiazō] signifying “to exercise authority.”

Tons of ink have been spilt on this subject. At this point where do you think the evidence points?

______

1/ Secondary resources mentioning one or more of the primary resources cited above include: George Knight, Authenteō In Reference to Women in 1 Timothy 2.12 in New Test. Studies 30, pp. 143-157. Köestenberger and Schreiner, Women in the Church, pp. 65-115. Carroll Osburn, Authenteō (1 Timothy 2:12) in Restoration Quarterly 25:1, pp. 1-12.

link to original article

Bulletin for 2-5-23

Birthdays and Anniversaries

2-8 David Mendoza

2-10 Dan & Carolyn Anthony, Sam & Alice Pirozzo

Prayer requests:

Stacey Esner has a severely sprained ankle

Chaney Reames is undergoing extensive dental work.

Rachel Prater, Dena’s cousin, Rodney’s, recovering at home. Prayers please.

Chloe Birdwell, relative of the Weeks’s, great improvement, in a program in Houston. Keep praying, please!

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, continues to have trouble.

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome.

Sarah, Chris Girvin’s sister, on hospice care

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, Wendi’s mom, good report

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Article:

What’s your calling?

Ephesians 4:1 reads: “I, therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live worthily of the calling with which you have been called.” A Bible study group was asked, “What is this calling you have?”

The first person to answer repeated a persistent problem. Her reply ignored the biblical context. She offered the first idea that popped into her mind.

So what did she think Paul was urging her to fulfill? Her answer echoed what a  host of others might say off the top of their heads. Such answers might include caring for the mentally ill, serving children, tending to the elderly and widows, helping the poor, taking care of my family, providing assistance to the disadvantaged – these speculative responses could go on.

It is true that both Christ and Paul would have us show love to all of these groups of people. However, when Paul wrote, “I urge you to live worthily of the calling with which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1) did he have in mind individuals called to different niche areas of service? Not at all!

Unfortunately when she read “calling,” she assumed this referred to some mission just for her. To escape imposing our ideas upon the text, context must be king.

Previously in Ephesians Paul had outlined God’s audacious plan to unite all things in heaven and on earth in the Messiah. He had also explained how Christians are a part of God’s grand project and how as God’s workmanship they have been raised up with Christ to do good works. God has given his people a purpose to fulfill!

Thus after providing an overview of God’s plan and how God’s holy people fit into his plan (Ephesians 1-3), Paul wrote “Therefore”  (Ephesians 4:1). In other words, it is in view of all that Paul had just taught about God, Christ and what God desires to do through his people that Paul focused his readers upon their proper response to God! God’s people need to fulfill their purpose, that is their calling, that God has given them.

This aligns how in other texts Paul identified the calling to who God had made his people to be, namely holy (1 Corinthians 1:2Romans 1:7). In this particular text “calling” points to being God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus in the likeness of God to do good works (Eph. 1:182:104:24). To live worthily of this calling involves fulfilling the general purpose/mission God has for all of his people. Calling does not refer to some individualized or niche task. The remainder of Ephesians unpacks the details of how to live worthy of this calling that God has for all of his people.

How does someone live upto this calling? Paul provided a brief summary. It involves living as those filled “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, putting up with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3). God has created oneness in Christ. By our behavior and attitudes we are to maintain the unity God has created; not grieve the Spirit by working against him with the sinful tools of the devil.

The latter part of Ephesians, chapters 4-6, outlines various practical ideas regarding this lifestyle which God’s community should exemplify. In chapter 4 Paul began by explaining the foundation God has provided for oneness as well as Christ’s gifts promoting maturity and unity in Christ (Ephesians 4:4-16).

Then Paul pressed forward into affirming both general principles (Ephesians 4:17-5:21) as well as details for specific social roles (Ephesians 5:22-6:9) that are appropriate for those created in the likeness of God. God’s ways, not sin, should permeate Christ’s unified community. Thus maintaining the unity God has created will entail living in godly ways instead of giving the devil a foothold.

As Christians God has given us a new identity with clear marching orders. We are to be people who live up to being his handiwork who promote and maintain God’s work in Christ. To do this, we must live as people of light.

Barry Newton, link to original article

Bulletin for 1-29-23

Birthdays and Anniversaries

None this week

Prayer requests:

Stacey Esner has a severely sprained ankle

Dominic Reames has been fighting strep

Rachel Prater, Dena’s cousin, Rodney’s, recovering at home. Prayers please.

Chloe Birdwell, relative of the Weeks’s, great improvement, in a program in Houston. Keep praying, please!

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, continues to have trouble.

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome.

Sarah, Chris Girvin’s sister, on hospice care

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, Wendi’s mom, good report

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Sympathy: Please remember the family of Kathy Teeter, grandmother of a close friend of Emma Reames.

Also remember the family of Marilyn Buckley, Steve’s sister’s sister-in-law. She passed away yesterday.

Article:

Christ Jesus to us

What is Jesus to you? Savior? Lord? Teacher? Friend? Yes, he must be all these and more.

The Christians at Corinth had a mistaken notion of wisdom. This gave rise to pride which resulted in divisions. Paul sought to disabuse them of the notion that worldly wisdom was preferred.

“For it is written, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart’” (1 Corinthians 1:19).

Messiah crucified was an obstacle too massive for some Jews. That a god would care about mankind to the extent that he would come and become one of them was foolishness to the Greek world.

“And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30).

Yet it is this stumbling block, this foolish thing, which is the power and wisdom of God. Jesus’ incarnation and crucifixion demonstrate the wisdom of God’s plan to save man.

Read again 1 Corinthians 1:30 quoted above. As the ESV renders it, God’s wisdom is further explained by three terms: “righteousness,” “sanctification,” and “redemption.”

Righteousness

God’s righteousness is revealed in Jesus (Romans 3:21, 22). Man sinned, the law was broken, and Jesus satisfied the punishment due us. His sacrificial gift on the cross allowed God to account us as righteous. Thus God can be both just and the justifier.

Sanctification

Those who are in Jesus have been set apart by the Father. Why would he do that? Isaiah offers us a preview of what sanctification in Jesus partially is. When Isaiah is given a view of the One who is “Holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3), he despairs for he is tainted by his sin and the sin of his people (Isaiah 6:5). But God cleanses Isaiah (Isaiah 6:6, 7) and then sets him on a task (Isaiah 6:8-13).

When Jesus prayed to His Father concerning his disciples, he requests that the Father, “sanctify them in the truth” (John 17:17), and ties that to Jesus sending them into the world (John 17:18).

We are sanctified not to sit but to strive and struggle for the Savior’s kingdom.

Redemption

We sold ourselves into slavery. When we choose to sin, we allow sin to reign over us.

“Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16).

But for those in Jesus, we have, “redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7). This redemption is eternal in nature (Hebrews 9:12).

What is Christ to you? To me, he is the wisdom of God who makes me righteous, sets me apart for his work, and redeems my immortal soul.

Praise God for his wisdom! Praise God for Christ Jesus!

Lee Parish, link to original article

 

Bulletin for 1-22-23

Birthdays and Anniversaries

None this week

Prayer requests:

Tommy & Regena Reames are improving

Stacey Esner has a severely sprained ankle

Dominic Reames has been fighting strep

Rachel Prater, Dena’s cousin, Rodney’s, recovering at home. Prayers please.

Chloe Birdwell, relative of the Weeks’s, great improvement, in a program in Houston. Keep praying, please!

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, continues to have trouble.

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome.

Sarah, Chris Girvin’s sister, on hospice care

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, Wendi’s mom, good report

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Article:

The trembling apostle

Who of us doesn’t love that Bible verse where the apostle Paul reduces the message he preached to a single line? “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” 1 Corinthians 2.2 ESV. Here the gospel is contained in a short and powerful phrase.

But how many times have you heard a teacher expound upon the statement that follows?

And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, v. 3.

How many times have you heard a missionary report, “We are insufficient for this task”?

How often has a preacher said, “I have nothing to offer”?

Did a teacher ever admit, “I know nothing”?

When did an elder ever confess, “God is good and wise, not me!”

We like to hear stories of total victory. We clobber the Pentecostals who preach that God removes all problems and blesses his people with health and wealth. They claim Cloud Nine comes down to earth for us to ride through our earthly journey with no bumps or lumps.

Let us confess, however, that we have a touch of this sickness.

We don’t want to hear about the problems of the messenger or the frailties of his work. We want baptisms, baptisms, baptisms! We want to believe that the gospel is growing and progressing unimpeded in the world.

Maybe we feel our own struggles and want to know that somewhere, somehow, grace is flowing to and through souls in a practically miraculous way. No weeping Jeremiah for our day! But isn’t this exactly when and where grace flows?

Paul will not let us off the hook so easily. He was called to suffer (aren’t we all?). The Lord told Ananias,

But the Lord said to him, “Go, because this man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before Gentiles and kings and the people of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” Acts 9.15-16 NET.

Paul went to Corinth in weakness and fear and trembling. The great B.W. Johnson commented on this verse that “In this great center of Greek culture, he felt a human timidity at first in presenting the simple gospel in the face of the splendors of the Greek philosophy.”

But was it in fact human philosophy that cowed him? Rather, was it not the “settled policy” to always preaching nothing but Christ and to demonstrate the nothingness of the preacher? (A.C. Thistleton, NIGTC).

Paul did not decide to do things differently in Corinth, after Athens. Instead of accepting the pedestal the Corinthians wanted to put him on – the great cause of division in that congregation and in many congregations today – Paul insisted on doing what he did everywhere: He would be the suffering, trembling messenger of God. Similar to the resurrection body, the messenger of the News sows in weakness that the power of the Lord might become evident, 1 Corinthians 15.43; 2.4. It is the earthen vessel, whose fragility highlights the glorious power of God.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.

Even though the gospel fell flat, mostly, in Athens, Paul refused to consider doing something differently in Corinth. If he exalted himself, if he tried to spar as an equal with the philosophers, if he tried to tweak the gospel to make it more acceptable as the True Philosophy of Christ, he would have created another gospel and sapped the message of its divine power.

Verse 3 must follow verse 2 or there is no message of Christ and him crucified. Paul’s weakness and fear and trembling are the plan of God, the necessity of the teacher, the genius of the gospel.

Paul is saying here, I am nothing, Christ is everything. Because only in this way could faith focus on God, “so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” 1 Corinthians 2.5.

The truth of our weakness must be lived and proclaimed today. It will give us comfort, relief, joy, and hope.

Therefore, let us tremble.

J. Randal Matheny, link to original article

Bulletin for 1-15-23

Birthdays and Anniversaries

None this week

Prayer requests:

Tommy & Regena Reames are improving

Rachel Prater, Dena’s cousin, Rodney’s, recovering at home. Prayers please.

Chloe Birdwell, relative of the Weeks’s, great improvement, in a program in Houston. Keep praying, please!

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, continues to have trouble.

Teresa Weeks, Steve’s sister, having age related issues. She has Down’s Syndrome.

Sarah, Chris Girvin’s sister, on hospice care

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, Wendi’s mom, good report

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Article:

I am responsible for my actions

A misunderstood incident in Christ’s life occurred after Jesus told Peter that he would be bound and forced to go where he did not want to go when he was old. Peter looked around and saw John. He asked, “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus responded, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” John reports that a rumor came out of the exchange between Peter and the Lord which said that disciple would not have to die (John 21:20-23). The Lord did not say John would not have to die, but was trying to let Peter know that he should focus on his own relationship to the Lord and let the Lord deal with others.

Successful Christians must take responsibility for themselves. Paul told the saints at Rome, “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). He told the church of God in Corinth, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). No wonder he went on to command them to, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Prove yourselves. Do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you?–unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Each must plant the right kind of seed to avoid disqualification. Paul warned, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (Galatians 6:7-8).

Nathan, our son, enjoyed working in the garden with his granddaddy. One year he got his granny to send some seeds home from the garden so he could plant them at our house. When spring came, Nathan asked about the seeds. Teresa found the old pill bottle containing the seeds from granddaddy’s garden. Nathan assured me they were watermelon seeds. Though they did not look like any watermelon seeds I had ever seen, we planted them in mounds the appropriate distance apart. Sure enough, vines began to grow after a short time. Then, came blooms and, later, a slowly elongating green fruit. After several more weeks, we had some of the finest inedible gourds you have ever seen!

Why did we fail to get watermelons? We did not plant the right kind of seed! Similarly, those who want to go to heaven and attain the Christian’s ultimate “success” must plant and cultivate the good works of the Spirit in our lives! I cannot expect to plant selfish, worldly life and reap everlasting life in heaven (Galatians 5:19-26).

Many like to blame others for their failures. People blame the devil, their parents, teachers, society, an inherited defect, environment and hundreds of other things. Paul took credit for his own actions (1 Timothy 1:13, 15). He encouraged his brothers and sisters in Philippi to take a similar attitude by writing, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).

You and I can begin to change the world by taking responsibility for our own actions. That could positively impact my family. Through them, I can improve my community. An improved community will certainly make my nation better and, if God wills, can change the world!

Gary Hampton, link to original article

Bulletin for 1-8-23

Birthdays and Anniversaries

1-10 Tommy & Regena Reames

1-12 Lidia Oviedo

Prayer requests:

Tommy & Regena Reames remain under the weather with covid.

Rachel Prater, Dena’s cousin, Rodney’s, recovering at home. Prayers please.

Chloe Birdwell, relative of the Weeks’s, great improvement, in a program in Houston. Keep praying, please!

Paul Tyler has a bad sort Parkinson’s. Got stem cell treatments. Pray for their success.

Tonita, Paul’s friend, heart valve replacement needed

J R Medellin, Tiffany’s (Chance) husband, still doing well. Vanessea is doing well after her surgery.

Shirley Weeks, Steve’s mom, continues to have trouble.

Sarah, Chris Girvin’s sister, on hospice care

Robert and Sue Waller, health issues

Darla Nitti, Wendi’s mom, good report

Leta, has a recurring cancer, prayer request from her granddaughter via our website.

Tammy Jones, Weeks’ neighbor, kidney failure/dialysis

Article:

Don’t trust the media

Wait! We’re not going to talk politics. Our subject and this site deal with spiritual things. The title sounds political, but it’s true for other areas as well. Here’s an example.

One recent morning as I drove to the bread store, I turned on the radio and, in the five-minute trip, listened to two stations.

The first was a station of pop music classics. Soon, a typical radio voice, modulated to inspire confidence, made a statement about discrimination. He mentioned a person working in a business setting, fully qualified, but facing discrimination for being … a homosexual.

I don’t mistreat anyone — every soul is a creature loved by God — but I don’t teach that God accepts any behavior either, which was basically the point of the public service announcement. So I turned changed stations.

Next was a religious station, with a Protestant, probably Pentecostal, preacher urging people to be saved. He apparently was broadcasting from a large building, appealing to people to step down to the front of the auditorium to be saved by receiving Jesus. Soft instrumental music played in the background as he repeatedly insisted with people on the main floor and the balcony to come forward. He even appealed to radio and internet listeners.

At no time did he point people to a passage of Scripture. His was apparently the divine word. People were to be swayed by his charming repetition. There was no mention of repentance. Nothing about immersion for the forgiveness of sins. Absent was teaching about the nature of the Kingdom of God, the church of Jesus Christ.

I was glad to get to the bread store and turn it off. It stayed off on the way home.

These things are old hat. Since the beginning of mass media, people have been preaching false doctrine and pushing worldly immorality. Nothing new there. With the internet, however, it’s almost impossible to avoid. Almost.

Mark this down:

It’s time to push back, as individual saints. It’s time to make conscious decisions about what we lend our ears to. It’s time to cancel services and give up programs that undermine our spiritual commitment.

If you’re listening or watching entertainment that contradicts your faith and justifying it as entertainment, you’ve not yet understood the nature of following Jesus. He demands that even your entertainment contribute to discipleship. When something contradicts his Word, get rid of it.

This is a radical concept to some. To the Lord, it’s the nature of faithfulness to him.

Let the protests begin.

J. Randal Matheny, link to original article