Gospel Meeting 2007 -- Bulletin Article 05.27.07

One week from Sunday will be our annual Homecoming and decoration at Midway and will begin our annual Gospel Meeting (June 3-6). We are looking forward to having Brother Willie Hamblen with us to share messages from God’s word. Let’s think about some of the most important aspects of a Gospel Meeting:

G - “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” John 3:16. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:8. “Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you...that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures…” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. Because God has done so much for us through the gospel of Christ, we need to give our lives to Him.

O - A Gospel Meeting is a time of many opportunities. One of the most mentioned—but most underused—is the opportunity for community outreach. Have your friends and family been invited to this year’s meeting? If we are truly concerned about their souls, we must take full advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

S - The focus of the meeting will be studying the sacred scriptures through the wisdom and preparation of Brother Hamblen. The theme for his lessons is related to our yearly theme of “Rise Up & Build Our Spirituality.” His narrower focus is “Spiritual Lives In Times Like These.” Attending the week’s services may involve sacrifices, but we all will be rewarded with this special week.

P - People are at the heart of the elders’ decision to hold a Gospel Meeting. In meeting the needs of church-members, our shepherds purpose in their hearts to provide these wonderful opportunities for growth. It is our privilege to participate in following their guidance.

E - All of us as Midway members should be excited about the opportunities presented by a Gospel Meeting. If we do not express excitement, we will have little luck bringing others with us.

L - We will never be able to learn everything about our Lord, but opportunities like this help us to improve our lives in His service. May we love Him will all our heart and be present (and not late).

M - Many souls have been saved and revived through Gospel Meetings. We get to reflect upon our lives through messages from the Master’s word. What urgency we should have to make our lives right!

E - This is a prime opportunity for encouragement of others. Many members may be discouraged; we can use our meeting to lift their spirits.

E - Above all, we should have an eternal focus. Thinking on spiritual things forces us to envision our eternal destiny. If our hearts are committed to working toward heaven, we’ll be present for this opportunity.

T - We should be forever thankful for the time we get to spend together with fellow Christians. It helps us in trials and temptations.

I - We should seek opportunities to increase our spiritual intelligence through study. Our young people are at impressionable ages; therefore a Gospel Meeting is important for them as well.

N - Gospel Meetings have been set up so that we might spread the good news about Jesus Christ. May we never focus on numbers alone, but may we seek constant spiritual nourishment.

G - “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20.

Blog Announcement

One week from Friday (June 1st), a new Christian/Personal Finance blog will launch itself into existence. "Where Your Treasure Is" will feature Biblical, inspirational, and practical offerings from the world of personal finance.

If anyone expects us to use our blessings responsibly, it is the Lord (it's all His anyway). Hopefully, this effort will serve as a reminder of how important faith-based financial decision-making is in our daily lives.

I am honored to be among the four authors of "Where Your Treasure Is." Adam Faughn (Haleyville, AL), Wes Hazel (Manchester, TN), and James Dalton (Blytheville, AR) will be official authors as well.

Mark the date on your calendars, bookmark the link, set up a RSS feed, and even mention it on your own blog (or your preferred web 2.0 application).

Stay tuned for more information...

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21

The Value of a Godly Mentor -- Bulletin Article 05.20.07

As today is Kerry, Natalie, and Sawyer’s final Sunday with us, it’s only fitting to express some things for which I am thankful. Kerry has served as a valuable influence in my personal spiritual and ministerial development. Additionally, I also know Natalie has encouraged Amanda in countless ways for good. We will certainly miss working alongside them in the Kingdom (as will the rest of you), but we look forward to our continuing friendship in Christ.

In the book of Acts, we see Paul’s interactions with men like Barnabas, Mark, Luke, Silas, and Timothy. His ultimate goal was to spread the gospel of Christ. In so doing, he knew that training other men was a necessity.

For the rest of our time together, let’s narrow the scope to three of Paul’s letters (1 & 2 Timothy and Titus) that are written to two younger preachers (Timothy and Titus). It’s interesting to note that much of Paul’s advice relates to Timothy and Titus as individuals; he understood personal development was the key to public ministry development. Thus, the following truths are important in our everyday lives as well as to those of us in public ministry.

Don’t compromise Truth. One of the most repeated themes in these three letters of Paul is to stay true to Truth. He knew these younger men could be vulnerable to older teachers with selfish agendas (1 Tim. 1:3-7). He knew false teachers would try anything to infiltrate the churches at Ephesus and Crete. I find it interesting that the clearest passage about the inspiration of the scriptures is found in Paul’s second letter to Timothy. Paul knew the source of strength for Timothy and Titus in their battles against false doctrine was the true word of God. Notice Paul’s words: “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus…preach the word…reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Tim. 3:16-4:2). Godly mentors encourage others to depend on the unchanging word of God for guidance. I thank Kerry for his constant encouragement to seek the Truth and teach it unashamedly.

Instill confidence. The more I work with young people (and all people I suppose), the more I realize that we are our own biggest enemies to progress. I have to battle myself more than anyone else in order to do the things I know I should. You may have esteem issues to overcome to be a faithful follower of Christ. I think Paul acknowledged this idea by directly building confidence in Timothy and Titus. We’re familiar with his statement to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example…” He also makes a similar one to Titus, “Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” Paul was reminding these young men of their importance in the Kingdom. Paul built their confidence when others might have torn it down. I am thankful to Kerry for instilling personal confidence in me, my abilities, and my decisions.

Build independence. The greatest value of a mentor can be seen once he or she is no longer actively mentoring an individual. Likewise, the true test of parenthood is the decisions our children make once adults. Paul left both Timothy and Titus to preach in churches while he was absent. He was turning the public role of teaching over to them in Ephesus and Crete. The first letter to Timothy begins with “remain at Ephesus…” and the letter to Titus starts with “This is why I left you in Crete…” Paul had trained them in order to put them into situations where they would be of the best service in the church. As much as I am able to learn in the presence of Kerry, I am forced to learn more when I have to do things all by myself. I am grateful for the times he has let me learn by letting me (and sometimes encouraging me to) be independent.

We are saddened to see Kerry, Natalie, and Sawyer leave us. However, we are excited for their new work in Northport. We are also excited for the plans the Lord has in store for us here at Midway. We know we will all be more prepared to do His work because of the time the Richardson’s have shared with us.

The Importance of a Christian Home -- Bulletin Article 05.13.07

Happy Mother’s Day! We are truly thankful for all of the work mothers do. Although we are appreciative year-round, this day allows us to recognize their sacrifices and accomplishments.

Earlier this month, Salary.com released the average figure for what a typical stay-at-home mom should have earned: $138,095. Notice the excerpt from the FoxNews.com article:

“The 10 jobs listed as comprising a mother's work were housekeeper, cook, day care center, teacher, laundry machine operator, van driver, facilities manager, janitor, computer operator, chief executive officer and psychologist, it said. The typical mother puts in a 92-hour work week, it said, working 40 hours at base pay and 52 hours overtime. A mother who holds full-time job outside the home would earn an additional $85,939 for the work she does at home, Salary.com reported.”

This further proves the Lord knew what He was doing when he placed our capable mothers as the “keepers of the home” (Titus 2:10). May we always be thankful for their tireless efforts.

In another story from the newswire, a Mississippi State University professor released a study about the impact of “religious parents.” The article, dated April 24, releases the professor’s findings that children who are raised in homes where both parents (1) regularly attend worship services and (2) openly discuss religion within the home have more self-control, better social skills, and improved learning attitudes than children with “non-religious” families. Again, this proves consistent with scripture since our homes are responsible for the spiritual training and instruction of our young people (Eph. 6:4).

That same story contains an interesting two sentences: “But when parents argued frequently about religion, the children were more likely to have problems. ‘Religion can hurt if faith is a source of conflict or tension in the family,’ Bartkowski noted.”

Catch that? If mom and dad are on the same page spiritually, their children are typically better behaved and more successful. If mom and dad disagree about spiritual matters, the impact upon children is negative.

This part of the study should cause us all to think seriously about the spiritual example and instruction we provide in our homes. The most obvious source of spiritual disagreement is probably between parents with different religious backgrounds. If the wife is a Christian, but the husband isn’t, there will certainly be times of tension. Think about it in another way. What if both husband and wife are Christians, but their commitment to Christ is completely different? That very easily could be a source of religious conflict. Parents, we all realize we are accountable for our own choices. We often forget that our children are affected by our every choice also.

Both Amanda and myself are thankful to have been raised in homes that were in complete harmony and devotion to leading faithful Christian lives. We will be eternally grateful. Lord willing, one day so will our children.

In closing, notice how many times the “virtuous woman” in Proverbs 31:10-31 is described as a faithful and capable mother (at least 5):

An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.
She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
She makes bed coverings for herself;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant.
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.

Thanks again to all of our wonderful mothers! Happy Mother’s Day!

Appearance Update

I've changed some things about the appearance of things 'round here. You'll notice a title graphic instead of text. Additionally, I've shifted the blog info to the right-hand side of the page. I noticed that the blogs I enjoy reading most start on the left-hand edge. Included now in blog info is a Flickr stream of random photos. Hope you enjoy :). Finally, the subtitle is more concise. "Relaying Spiritual Inspiration" describes more accurately the aim of this space. I am merely a messenger; I only pass on (hence "relaying") thoughts of spiritual significance. To God be the glory...

2007 Connect Retreat -- Waiting to Change the World

Amanda and I just returned from Lake Guntersville State Park in Guntersville, Alabama from our 2007 Connect (7th-12th grades) Retreat. Retreats are one of the most--if not the most--inspiring times spent with young people.

We focused on not "Waiting to Change the World" as a take-off of John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change." Our lessons focused on the actions of the Samaritan woman in John 4 who changed her world after her encounter with Jesus.

After a wonderful weekend of reflection, one of "those moments" happened on the way home. I was scanning the radio for stations with a signal and "Waiting on the World to Change" started playing. I turned up the volume since it was part of our focus for the weekend. When it got to the chorus, the kids on the bus starting singing "waiting to change the world" instead of the original lyrics. Pretty cool moment. There are good young people out there--and most of them aren't waiting around to change the world for good.

Audio Lesson Recommendation -- "Preserving a Godly Trust" Dan Winkler

Even though the 2007 Freed-Hardeman University Lectureships took place several months ago, now is an excellent time to listen to one of the landmark lessons from this year's lineup.

The murder of Matthew Winkler is a news story familiar to us all. We share heartache for the Winkler girls left without a father, Dan and Diane left without a son, the Fourth Street church left without a minister, and Mary Winkler left without a husband by her own hands. As tragic as the situation is, we must be reminded of the hope God offers through His presence.

There may be no greater reminder of this than through the words of Dan Winkler himself. In one of his first--if not his first--public appearances since his son's death, Brother Winkler closed the PM lecture series with the lesson entitled, "Preserving a Godly Trust (Deut. 6:1-6)." Brother Winkler clearly addresses his personal feelings of helplessness without drawing undue attention to the tragedy. He relays God's words of comfort with clarity. The audio and video for the lesson can be downloaded at the FHU Lectures Online. A high-quality CD may be purchased from FHU Recording Services.

May God bless the Winkler family and everyone else affected. Our prayers are continually with them.

Waiting to Change the World -- Bulletin Article 05.06.07

The world needs a change. It almost always has. Controversy abounds about how to change it. Christians know that Jesus is the source of successful change. A handful of first-century Christians changed their world by teaching Jesus was the Christ (Acts 17:6). Paul made remarkable changes in the highest places of the world by teaching the truth about Jesus (Phil. 4:22). A scandalous Samaritan woman changed the world around her by introducing them to the Messiah (John 4:1-42).

Modern change-theorists call for understanding, tolerance, and equality. Jesus called for these same things—philosophically. However, He never intended for us tolerate and promote selfish and sinful choices. Jesus also never intended for his followers to wait until they thought conditions were perfect to start changes. A popular song claims the current youthful generation is “Waiting on the World to Change” before deciding to change the world themselves.

I am not satisfied with the direction of our nation or world. Nor am I satisfied with waiting until others are motivated to change. I am glad first-century Christians did not wait until Rome fell before preaching the truth on her streets. I am thankful Paul did not wait for Roman officials to grow a conscience before telling them his life-changing account. I am grateful the woman did not wait on the stubborn Samaritans before telling them the Messiah was giving water at the well.

Therefore we must ask, “Why am I waiting to change the world?” Luckily, the Samaritan woman in John 4 serves as a wonderful model for how to stop waiting to change the world:

A changed life changes the world. Jesus convinced the woman that He was the Messiah by revealing the knowledge of her personal life and explaining the truth about worship. This revelation motivated her to go tell others about Jesus. Part of her testimony was, “He told me all that I ever did” (John 4:29, 39). The logical implication is that she was remorseful about her sinful choices. When Paul was making the defense of his ministry in 2 Corinthians, he included, “We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry…” (2 Cor. 6:3). We cannot afford to put obstacles in the way of introducing the world to Christ. May our selfish and sinful choices cease as we submit our lives to Christ. Only then can we change the world.

Changed steps change the world. The woman’s reaction to Jesus is astounding. She leaves her water jar behind, showing a change of mission. She then goes to town to proclaim Christ instead of going to hide in shame. We would see more fruit of the Lord’s work if we would just go into the world and tell people about Jesus just as He has commanded (Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15). May we change our steps so that we go to those who need Jesus.

A changed thirst changes the world. The inner change within this woman was her focus on the spiritual over the physical. She replaced physical water for eternal living water (John 4:14). This fueled her as she changed the world around her. Our thirst must be spiritual if Christ is to change the world through us. Jesus says later in John 4, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me.” Our desire for the spiritual work of the Lord should boost our world-changing endeavors.

If we are going to follow in the steps of this humble woman, we must change the world today! She immediately left the well to tell others about Jesus. Back in 2 Corinthians 6, we see that Paul says, “Behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). Today is the day of salvation for us if we do not know Christ as our Savior. It is also the day of salvation for the world that so urgently needs a change. May we stop waiting to change the world.