Updates from January, 2010 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

  • J. Randal Matheny 10:54 pm on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    My favorite hymn 

    Most of my Christian life has been spent in Brazil. I was baptized 10 Jan. 1971, some 39 years ago, and we’ve been in Brazil 25. Although English is my native tongue and spoken during my formative years, we’ve sung songs in Portuguese so much that they’ve become warp and woof of my spiritual life.

    With that preface, ONE of my favorites is the Portuguese translation of “More About Jesus.” We had only two stanzas of it in Portuguese. So for the hymnal I published, I wrote a third stanza, here translated literally, with no rhyme:

    More about Jesus will I speak,
    I will proclaim His Cross,
    His inner pardon,
    His superior power.

    Maybe I’ll get around some day to doing a loose translation into English that will rhyme and fit the music.

     

    • Randal Matheny 11:24 pm on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      The challenge kept buzzing around my head, so I bopped this out. Try this adaptation from the Portuguese original on for size, and see if it sings well for you.

      More about Jesus’ holy name,
      His full suffering I’ll proclaim,
      His forgiveness of all wrong,
      His way to heav’n where we belong.

  • Laura 10:35 pm on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    God’s Grace 

    How many times have we encountered someone who carries so much guilt that they can’t believe God would or could ever forgive them? Even if one does not verbalize it, he sometimes thinks this way, perhaps even subconsciously, and that belief becomes paralyzing so that the person is unable to find his way back to God.

    When I find myself feeling this way I am encouraged by the apostle Paul. He tried to extinguish the bride of Christ and did so believing he was doing the will of God. And he did so with more zeal than any of his peers (Gal 1:13-14), essentially making himself Satan’s right hand man. Paul said about this,

    “For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.” 1 Cor 15:9-10, NASB

    Paul acknowledges that God’s grace was sufficient for him. If Paul, being a murderer of God’s children, could be redeemed by God’s grace and mercy, then anyone can. There is no sin too great for God’s grace to cover. I take great comfort from this important lesson in Paul’s life.

     

    • Mike Riley 10:51 pm on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Glenda, Good thoughts here! Because Paul realized the damage he had inflicted on the Lord’s church, he was more motivated than ever to preach the gospel “without charge,” making himself a “servant unto all” (1 Corinthians 9:16-22). His whole life illustrated what true repentance is all about (cf. Luke 19:8; Gal. 2:20).

      • Mike Riley 10:53 pm on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Laura, sorry about the mistake of your name. Please forgive the senior moment!

        However, I don’t imagine Glenda minds! HA!

      • Laura 11:21 pm on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        I agree Mike. Paul’s example of repentance is unequaled. We should strive to emulate him.

  • John Henson 7:27 pm on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Responses to the gospel’s power 

    The Grand Blanc Church of Christ gave God the glory this morning as one came to be restored and another was baptized into Christ. Ron Proffer, of Grand Blanc, was baptized into Christ and Hank Crosnoe was restored after the preaching of the truth today.

    Thanks be to the Father for the gospel of his Son Jesus Christ, for it alone has the power to change the hearts and minds of men. We were blessed, indeed.

     

    • Mike Riley 9:01 pm on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      John, we are indeed thankful for those who have tender hearts, in obeying the Lord! May the Lord be praised and glorified!

    • Laura 9:51 pm on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Wonderful news. Thanks so much for sharing!

  • Glenda Williams 4:13 pm on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    My favorite hymn is Tell Me the Story of Jesus 

    It is old and beautiful and it brings me to tears.

    Speaking of hymns, if I were going to write one, which I’m not, I would leave out the third verse. Why? So many song leaders leave the third verse out when leading. Look at How Great Thou Art. Is there a more beautiful verse than the third verse?

    “And when I think of God, His son not sparing, Sent Him to die; I scare can take it in;
    That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin.”

     

    • Laura 4:29 pm on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      We sing that verse Glenda. And you are right. It is beautiful! But I think you definitely have a point. Many song leaders just want to sing verses 1,2, and 4. Do they even look at the words before making such a decision, or is it just habit?

      My husband is one of our song leaders. He tries to pick songs that center around the lesson of the day, talking about some relevant aspect where possible. That means he has to examine the words closely, and then he chooses the verses based on that. Sometimes that means we sing ALL the verses. :)

      • Mike Riley 9:21 pm on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Laura and Glenda, I’m one of the song leaders for the Montana St. congregation, so maybe I can answer these questions.

        The answer to your first question is no, they don’t look at the words, because if they did, they would see that all of the thoughts in those verses interconnect with one another. Leaving one verse out, destroys the whole import of the song.

        The answer to your second question about leaving the third verse out of a song is simply because of habit – it’s kind of become one of those unspoken “traditions of men” that the Lord talked about. The habit probably originated when some member thought that singing all four verses took too long, and as a result, the service ran over the given time frame. Thus, they complained, either to the elders, are to the song leader directly. So, not wanting to cause any friction among members of the congregation, they opted to leave the verse unsung.

        In my view, this is a sad attitude to have when we are offering our worship to the Lord. Since He’s provided us the “time” to worship Him in the first place, shouldn’t we make Him the “priority” of our worship?

        The answer is obvious.

        • Laura 9:53 pm on January 31, 2010 Permalink

          Thanks for your insights Mike. I think you are on to something. And yes, the answer is obvious.

        • Glenda Williams 3:39 am on February 1, 2010 Permalink

          I agree Mike. Great answer. Wouldn’t you hate to write a poem and have some person reading it leave out part of it? Yuk!

  • Laura 2:51 pm on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    What is my favorite hymn and why? 

    That’s a tough question — there are so many hymns that I love. They provide strength, courage, comfort, and an outlet for joy.

    Two of my most favorite hymns are Blest Be the Tie that Binds and Will Your Anchor Hold. Some time ago a tragedy befell my family. Our Christian brethren rallied around us, helping us get through. The song Blest Be the Tie that Binds captured the essence of the love that was out poured to us and our feelings toward them.

    The second song has been such an encouragement to me to stand strong and firm when temped to sin or when tempted to remain silent when I find my brethren engaging in sin. It reminds me that Christ’s strength passes to me and that I can be a pillar of truth and a beacon of light in this world, even if storms are raging all around.

     

  • jimnewy 2:51 pm on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    At Calvary is my favorite hymn, because without Calvary I would not be a Christian. I would be like Cornelius, a believer in God but unsaved. I don’t recall the writer, but he/she creates the Calvary scene and what was done for us there. I have another one, “Victory in Jesus” because that is what I have and am proud to sing it out.

     

  • Mike Riley 2:23 pm on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: forsake, , , necessities, , satisfied, ,   

    My favorite hymn is “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand” by F.L.Eiland: http://www.scripturessay.com/song/2-19Track19.mp3

    The lyrics of the song are taken from Hebrews 13:5-8, where the Hebrew writer talks about the fact that we need to be satisfied with what God has provided us (Matthew 6:19-34). For us not to worry about the necessities of life, because the unchanging God we serve, will never leave us or forsake us – always there to help us when we need help.

     

    • Richard Hill 1:17 am on February 1, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Mike, this is one of the timeless classics–great words, great music. And…it’s not just your favorite song, it’s my father-in-laws, too!

      • Mike Riley 3:23 am on February 1, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Richard, yes, I sing this song quite frequently when I am facing various trials and tribulations that come my way. Your father-in-law is obviously a wise man, because he realizes the eternal truths that are expressed in the lyrics.!

  • Richard Hill 2:22 pm on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Be With Me, Lord 

    When I was a kid going to Mid-South Youth Camp outside of FHU we always finished the very last evening devotional by singing this hymn. The memory of those evenings touches me even now.

    It is a moving thing when songs come together in a perfectly married state, when the words and music complete each other, when neither dominants the other. It creates a kind of synergism between words and notes, where the sum is greater than the parts. I wonder if this is why God chose to include music in our worship to Him. Well written hymns have the potential to reach into the deepest recesses of our souls and move us in ways nothing else can.

    My favorite verse of my favorite hymn is the third one:

    Be with me, Lord!
    No other gift or blessing
    Thou couldst bestow
    could with this one compare–
    A constant sense
    of Thy abiding presence,
    where e’er I am,
    to feel that Thou art near.

     

  • Daniel Haynes 1:58 pm on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    My favorite hymn is: “Living By Faith” because it encourages a lifestyle that trusts in the redemptive work of Christ and reminds the believer of the peace and security that is in Christ.

     

  • Ron Thomas 1:50 pm on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    I have two: “Where Could I Go?” and “I Need Thee Every Hour.”

    These two really mean a lot to me.

     

  • Glenda Williams 5:11 am on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Seven Members Read Through New Testament in January 

    I’m excited! Seven of our beloved members of the church read through the New Testament in January. By reading nine chapters a day one is able to finish in 29 days. I will try to attach a monthly reading schedule for anyone interested.

    New Testament Monthly Bible Reading Schedule

     

  • Laura 3:40 am on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    We’ve been asked to describe the 1-talent person in our congregation. Honestly, I cannot think of a single person who has only one talent. We are blessed with people who can do many things. Not all use their talents openly. Some may not use them at all. Perhaps this is because they fear failure, or perhaps there is some other reason. Our elders are working hard to engage everyone in something this year.

     

  • jimnewy 2:22 am on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    The One Talent Person In My Congregation would be a lady that is one of the older ladies, surely hedging 90 years old. She does a lot of visiting the sick, elderly in nursing homes or assisted living centers, shut-ins and anyone else she thinks needs encouragement or uplifting. She does this quietly, under the radar, so to speak. The only way you know she has done any of this is from the ones she has visited, or when any updates are ask for about these members.

     

  • jimnewy 2:14 am on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    What saying of Jesus resonates most? 

    Mar 9:33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?”
    Mar 9:34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest.
    Mar 9:35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”

    They saying that resonates most with me is “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” I have tried to pattern my life after these words.

    Sorry to be late in responding to this daily nudge, ISP and PC problems, 235 unread emails, 50% from the Fellowship Room.

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 12:49 am on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , missionary retreat,   

    Whatcha doin’ in May? 

    Come to the missionary retreat in Hamilton AL at the Maywood Christian Camp. It’s the fourth year for this event, open to anyone interested in God’s mission in the world of preaching the gospel. Also my fourth time to speak there, the organizers are gluttons for punishment, I guess.

    Missionaries from all over the world are present, with a total number of years of experience just amazing. Their experience translates very well into U.S. ministry, so there are tons of spiritual edification and ministerial benefit to be gained. Some of the dinosaurs like Gordon Hogan, Ken Wilkey, Glover Shipp and Loy MItchell have been speakers, and some of them will be there again this year. (Don’t tell them I called them dinosaurs; that’s an affectionate tag.)

    I’m doing the website for them, though I’m not a part of the organizing group. Just now getting it started …

    Oh, and the cost is usually like $5 or $10 a night at the camp, or you can stay at a nearby motel. And food all throughout the day, homemade, desserts galore, and (don’t let this get out) often, free books and magazines.

    I’d love to see you there.

     

  • Richard Mansel 8:11 pm on January 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Disasters 

    Michael Brooks helps us understand the true tragedy of natural disasters.

     

  • Glenda Williams 7:40 pm on January 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    His name is Jan 

    Jan Sartain is our one-talent man. Jan is a retired school teacher and for several years he has been battling cancer. He has to stay inside and not mingle with people due to his immune system being so low. Even under these circumstances, Jan is using his talent to reach others with the gospel of Christ. He and his wife, Linda, have been overseeing our Bible correspondence course for a long time. Nothing thrills them more than to get a new contact with which to study. Many of the baptisms that have taken place here in Geneva are a result of the student having taken the Bible correspondence course. Jan is gentle with the students as he offers them Bible answers to their questions and leads them to the cross of Jesus for salvation..

     

    • Mike Riley 8:28 pm on January 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Glenda, this is a great testimonial of folks who never give up, even in the face of dire circumstances. Is Jan’s cancer in remission?

    • Glenda Williams 10:47 pm on January 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      I’m sorry to say that Jan’s cancer is not in remission at this time. In fact he is looking at taking another round of treatments right away. I should have asked everyone to pray for him.

      • Mike Riley 1:20 am on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Glenda, sorry to hear the news of Jan’s cancer not being in remission. We’ll put him on our prayer list, asking the Lord to be with the hands of the medical personnel that are treating him. We’ll be praying for his full recovery!

  • Daniel Haynes 7:36 pm on January 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

    Baptism for the Dead 

    Dave Miller explains why 1 Corinthians 15:29 is not teaching proxy baptism as practiced by the Mormons and briefly examines four adequate explanations of the ambiguous verse in his article, Baptism for the Dead.

     

    • JLFuller 4:58 am on February 18, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      First, Baptizing dead does not make them Mormon. It is a mistake many make. The ordinance is done by proxy in the temple. It simply does for the dead person what they can not do for themselves. In order for the “conversion” if that is what you would like to call it, the dead person has to accept it. We believe the dead are in fact alive in the spirit world and aware of what is happening here. Even the dead will have the opportunity to hear the gospel preached to them and decide for themselves whether to accept it or not. Mr. Miller’s understanding of what the bible says is not our understanding. We take what the bible says in 1 Peter 3:19, 1 Peter 4:6 about preaching to the dead literally. Modern revelation tells us how to make these these saving ordinances available to those who never had a chance to partake for themselves.

      • Daniel Haynes 5:54 pm on February 18, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Thank you for your reply. I appreciate your gentle spirit in providing your explanation and understanding of the LDS faith. Our difference certainly centers on modern revelation and the books that Latter-Day Saints believe to be from God. As you have admitted in your last sentence, there must be additional revelation to be able to accurately practice God’s will, as you understand it, concerning the doctrine of Baptism for the Dead. I’m not sure if this is the proper venue, but if you would like, you can contact me by email (daniel.haynes@live.com) and I would love to hear more of your understanding on this subject. Again, thank you for your kind, yet forthright, reply.

        • JLFuller 4:24 pm on February 20, 2010 Permalink

          Mr. Haynes
          I apologize for addressing my remarks this morning to Mr. Miller. I should have looked up from my keyboard a little more frequently.

    • JLFuller 4:09 pm on February 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Mr. Miller
      Everyone who believes in God must surely also believe his tradition and understanding is the correct one. I think what sets Mormons apart is the belief that one can have a personal, and literal, one-on-one connection with the Holy Ghost where God’s direct testimony of the divinity of His work can be had. In fact, without that confirmation, one can’t really be considered a Mormon in the truest sense. One’s behavior in conforming to Gospel principles is key to maintaining that connection. For LDS members, It is the confirmation from God himself to the individual that is the basis for the conversion and personal testimony. Those who have had it will say their testimony has become undeniable. Without it, one is left with just the worldly understanding of things eternal. That is why we often say former members can not provide a true reflection of our theology and should not be relied upon for a complete understanding of the faith. They lost that constant companionship of the Holy Ghost and revert to the understanding of men. Understanding the fullness of the Gospel, as we refer to it, requires that connection. Things such unholy behavior can attack and sometimes severe our relationship with our Father in Heaven. Repentance restores it. So, in order to know for a certainty whether the Book of Mormon is merely Joseph Smith’s concoction and fabrication requires a sincere desire to know coupled with an understanding of just what it really says. That means one has to honestly read it and believe God will tell you whether it is real or not. Otherwise, it remains whatever one thought of it in the first place. Some folks say they received a confirmation almost immediately. Others say nothing palpable happened and one day they just realized they knew it was true. It kind of slipped up on them so to speak. But, I have to say, those of us who have a sincere testimony can never deny it. It is like denying the sun comes up in the east. It can take time and experience but once one has it, it just doesn’t go away unless we do something to drive the Holy Ghost from our lives. It His constant companionship that keeps the testimony current and alive.

    • JLFuller 6:26 pm on February 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      If I can add one additional thing to what I said above it would be that, according to my understanding, traditional Christianity relies on the consensus of men as to what the bible says for the basis of one’s personal beliefs. Mormons, additionally, believe that God is available for more than just petitions for clemency or favor. He speaks to us through the power of the Holy Ghost directly just as any Father speaks with His children. For us, it is more than a one way conversation. In fact, I suggest everyone who has ever felt the warmth that accompanies the uncompensated and unknown good deed has experienced God’s acknowledgement just we experience His displeasure in the empty hollow feeling we get we engage in behavior displeasing to Him. One is the presence of the Holy Ghost and the other is His withdrawal. I think most people have experienced this phenomenon, in a slightly different way, when reading the Book of Mormon or other latter day scripture. Most successful readers approach study of scripture with an open mind and heart so they can receive confirmation of a correct interpretation or the forgetfulness that comes with wrong understanding. This works with any endeavor, or the study of any subject, religious or not, just along as one does so expecting Father in Heaven will provide the needed guidance. We can expect His help when we do as He asks of us, that is, observe correct Christian principles to the best of our understanding and ability.

  • John Henson 6:43 pm on January 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    The one-talent man in our congregation 

    Our one-talent man could become so much more than what he is, but he just isn’t interested or devoted to the Lord enough to develop his one talent.

    The one-talent man in Matthew 25 is one of three servants given funds according to their separate abilities. There was one who was given five talents, a two-talent man and the man given just one talent. The point of the parable is that two of the servants developed their ability and were profitable servants because of their devotion. The one-talent man went and buried his money. He is called wicked and lazy because he had ability he refused to use to the glory of his Lord.

    Taken as a whole, this chapter of Matthew points to a right and a wrong way to prepare for the coming of Christ. The five wise virgins  prepared to go into the marriage feast. The five foolish were not. The five-talent man worked diligently to develop his abilities in the Lord’s service and was rewarded. Likewise the two-talent man prepared himself for his Lord’s coming, but the one-talent man would not. Through mendacity and carelessness, he showed a lack of devotion.

    We have such a one-talent brother, as almost every congregation has. He is very good dealing one-on-one with people, but he never uses that talent. For some reason no one is able to explain, he has buried that talent in the ground. He could bring many lost to Christ with his skills dealing with people, but he does not.

    How do we encourage him to dig up his talent and put it to profitable use before the Lord comes?

     

    • Mike Riley 8:31 pm on January 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      John, perhaps the preacher or the elders could offer this one-talent brother a spiritual challenge of some kind, in order to get him motivated to further develop his talent.

      • jdh2010 10:52 pm on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Thank you for the suggestions, Mike.

        John

    • Randal Matheny 9:19 pm on January 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      John, with the Nudge question I wasn’t thinking of a person who shirked his responsibility, just who was limited in what they did but still served. Your point is very well taken and very well developed here, that biblically the one-talent person has a whole different connotation. You have a great question as well, which bears pondering.

      • jdh2010 10:52 pm on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        I am sorry that the post was not what you wanted. I will try to pay more detailed attention to the questions in the future.

        John

        • Randal Matheny 10:58 pm on January 31, 2010 Permalink

          No, no, no, that wasn’t what I meant to convey at all. On the contrary! Your post brought a whole new perspective to the question — and a more biblical angle — that I’d not considered at all. I was grateful for it.

          That’s the beauty of all these posts, the different perspectives that enrich us all within the will of God. Thanks!

  • Mike Riley 4:14 pm on January 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men the conviction and will to carry on.

    Walter Lippmann, American journalist, author and public philosopher (1889-1974)
     

  • Glenda Williams 4:06 pm on January 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Dorcas was full of good works 

    The scripture reveals in Acts 9:36 that Dorcas was a woman full of good works and almsdeed which she did. It is one thing to have good ideas, but it is another thing to put them into action. I like Dorcas..

     

  • Mike Riley 3:21 pm on January 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Describe the 1-talent person in my congregation: We have a brother who is a Sgt. Major in the army, presently attending the Sgt. Major Academy here at Ft. Bliss. After completing the school, he will be moving back east for another assignment. He plans on retiring in two years from the military. He is presently working on his masters degree in business administration.

    He leads the congregation in prayer before the preaching begins as well as leading in prayer at the Lord’s Table. We can always depend on this godly brother being in attendance and leading us in prayer. Since he is a leader of men himself, he has taught us a great deal about leadership, and what the characteristics of a true leader are.

    When this brother finishes school in about two more months, he will depart from our midst, and we will sorely miss him.

     

  • TFRStaff 12:18 pm on January 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Saturday readers’ news 

    Mike R. chimed in yesterday with some links about area congregations, so our daily open thread wouldn’t be bare. (Get it? Thread-bare.) The stats report says the site had a good number of visitors yesterday, so you all were out there. But maybe you didn’t read down far enough to see the news post. We might have to think about how to resolve that, since we’re usually one of the first posts of the day.

    But your news is still up your sleeve: meetings, seminars, interesting stories of conversions, repentance, compassion, mutual love and forgiveness; yes, it’s out there, we just have to figure out how to squeeze it out of you. :)

    That little Reply button in the upper right corner of this post is the squeeze button!

     

    • jdh2010 6:46 pm on January 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Sorry I wasn’t around yesterday. Lord willing, I’ll be more diligent in the future. I have tried to post at least once per day.

      • Randal Matheny 9:20 pm on January 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Well, we realize that everybody has his own life in the real world, so don’t feel badly. But I greatly enjoy your every post, so I’m glad to hear that!

  • J. Randal Matheny 12:10 pm on January 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Our one-talent man 

    The Daily Nudge asks the Fellows to describe the one-talent man in their congregation.

    The closest person we have to fit that description is a widower in his late 70s. He’s a manual laborer with little education, a slow reader. He still works, probably out of necessity, though he can’t climb as high on the scaffolding these days, only about three stories up. (We told him not to do that; a three-story fall would still kill him.)

    He doesn’t preach or teach publicly, although he does lead a prayer. He can’t teach a personal Bible study. But he has brought more people to visit the group studies and church meetings than everybody else combined! He and I have been on several studies together with people he’s contacted, often at the bus stop.

    And he visits. Any problem anywhere and he’s at their door. He gets free bus rides, so he uses those for the Lord.

     

  • Troy Spradlin 2:06 am on January 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Culture Shock Chronicles 

    Journal Entry #6 – We’re sitting in the food court at the Miami International airport amazed at how we were able to contain our lives within 62 linear inches and 70 lbs x 2. We were concerned that we would not be able to get everything into our luggage and remain within the specified limits, but, we did. I don’t know if I feel relieved, stressed, or what. “Surreal” would be a good word for the emotions we are feeling right now. Lord willing, this time tomorrow night I will be updating you from the field. Adios, hermanos!

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 9:27 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , HCU   

    New book out about God 

    We’ve put the news from Heritage Christian University up on the FPress experimental site for our new phase of operations, and we’re talking about whether or not it’s appropriate for BNc (since it’s a book release, not review). But you can read it now, and we’re excited to see this book from friends of ours on this topic to enrich our understanding and knowledge of God. When you order, tell them where you saw the news!

    Ah, HCU is closed today because of weather, apparently. Can order on Monday.

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 7:36 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Glenda on BNc 

    BrotherhoodNews.com has added our good sister Glenda Williams of Geneva, Ala., as its newest Correspondent. Check the end of the About page for her listing. She’ll have yet another news report today, scheduled to appear in a few moments, says managing editor Barbara A. Oliver.

     

  • Daniel Haynes 6:27 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

    Which, Among Four, Are You? 

    Neal Pollard challenges Christians to move beyond a mere profession of Christianity in his practical approach to the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

     

  • Glenda Williams 5:55 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

    Talents 

    I think that none of us know all the talents in which we are blessed by God.  We only have to try something new to discover that we can do that particular thing.  May our prayer be  that God will give us opportunities to use the talents with which He has blessed us, even those we may not know we have.

     

  • Laura 4:46 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    The Lord Giveth 

    This is an excellent nudge. All too often we think our talents are ours and we become puffed up, thinking that God had nothing to do with it. Blessed be our great God who gives to us over and over again!

    So with what talents has God blessed me? I think first and foremost, God gave me eyes, ears, and mental capacity to read, hear, and understand His word. Second to that, He gave me the ability to impart knowledge to others, both verbally and in written form. (There are other talents, but that is enough for now.) What I do with those talents is up to me, but I do believe the Bible teaches that God will hold me accountable for how I use those talents.

     

  • Laura 4:39 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: knowledge brotherhood   

    The State of the Brotherhood 

    My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. Hosea 4:6

    I think that pretty much sums things up today. There was a time in which our brethren had a reputation of knowing their Bibles. Not so today. A lack of knowledge has caused many to be tossed to and fro by every form of strange doctrine (Eph 4:14), and think and go beyond what is written (1 Cor 4:6). A lack of knowledge has caused many to be unable test the spirits to see if they are of God (1 John 4:1), and has led them to fellowship false teachers and partake in their wickedness (2 John 1:10-11). A lack of knowledge has led many to be arrogant in their ignorance (1 Cor 4:17-21).

    But all is not lost. There is a remnant, and that remnant is working hard. I am encouraged by finding these brethren through the Internet who are holding firm to the faith. Moving forward, we must study and learn God’s word inside and out so once again it can be said that we know our Bibles. And we must teach the whole council of God so that the sayings of Hosea will not be true of our future generations.

     

    • Mike Riley 4:59 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      “Amen” Laura! And “Amen” again!

    • Glenda Williams 2:20 am on January 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Laura, you are so smart. Great post. Give us a report on your new preacher’s first Sunday. Keep us updated since he is your first full time preacher, right?

      • Laura 3:23 am on January 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        LOL Glenda. Not sure I’d say that! I’m preparing an article about our new preacher for BNC. Yes, he is our first full time preacher. Hopefully I’ll get what I need from folks soon. :)

    • Laura 5:36 pm on January 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      BTW. I appreciate all the other posts on this topic and apologize yet again for being tardy. Sometimes it just takes me a while to think about it before I know how to answer. :)

  • TFRStaff 4:16 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags:   

    Friday readers’ news 

    Slow on the draw today to get today’s open thread up for our readers. But you be quick on the draw to add news of what’s happening in your life, congregation, area, among the churches. Remember that news from afar (and from the next county or state) refreshes!

     

  • Daniel Haynes 4:02 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , ,   

    What are my gifts? 

    I suppose to properly consider this question I would need to reflect on the passages of Scripture that refer to gifts (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Peter 4:10-11). In addition to this, we learn that some of the gifts were destined to pass away (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10). It appears that God gives gifts to his people for two reasons: (1) that he would be glorified (Ephesians 3:20-21; 1 Peter 4:11) and (2) for the building up of the body (Ephesians 4:12-16). I personally favor the passage in Romans because with the exception of one gift (i.e. the gift of prophecy), all will admit the others continue to be necessary in the church today.

    Paul teaches that we must not think to highly of ourselves, but to think with sober judgment (Romans 12:3), but he also teaches that it is important that we use our gifts (12:6). I believe that teaching and serving are the gifts that God has given to me. I pray that I will use these gifts to glorify him and build up his body. And perhaps as I gain more of his trust, he will graciously give more gifts.

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 3:58 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags:   

    Gift 

    Some years ago a good friend and brother said I had the ability of synthesis, or seeing the whole picture, connecting the dots.

    I only wish I had the gift, also, helping others to see that the dots are connected.

     

  • Daniel Haynes 3:20 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: ,   

    We are the same to emperors as to our ordinary neighbors. For we are equally forbidden to wish ill, to do ill, to speak ill, to think ill of any person. The things we must not do to an emperor, we must not do to anyone else.

    Tertullian (c. 197)
     

  • Richard Mansel 3:04 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: ,   

    Talents 

    God has blessed all of us with certain abilities. We need to be utilizing them to the best of our abilities to the glory of God (Ephesians 3:20-21). I have humbly been blessed with the ability to write and to express my thoughts in a coherent manner. I need to do a better job of putting this into action. However, one of my downfalls is a lack of time management, which wages war against my eagerness to write. I think God has also blessed me with a small ability to understand human behavior. Age and wisdom had to catch up with this ability. I try to give this ability a voice in my writing. I just wish I could write full-time, so I could do even more to put these abilities into practice.

     

    • Mike Riley 3:15 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Richard, you are indeed an excellent writer!

      With all of the good writers we have in the brotherhood, we need to be utilizing these folks to write Bible class lessons for the various grade levels in the Lord’s church, not only saving the church monies that could be spent in some other area (i.e., mission work, etc.), but insuring that God’s truth is not being “watered down” as we see in some of the Bible class material we get from various publishers.

    • Richard Mansel 3:19 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Thank you, Mike. I agree with your assessment about writers in the brotherhood. We are being short-sighted by using denominational material when we have the ability to do it ourselves at a high level.

    • Glenda Williams 3:44 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      You do a great job, Richard!

  • Mike Riley 3:01 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , ,   

    What are my talents? Well, I can do a little preaching, lead singing, lead in prayer, conduct an adult Bible class, present a Bible lesson at the Veteran’s Home every 3rd Saturday morning, write a few Bible-related articles. And anything else that the elders need me to do.

     

    • Bernard Barton 3:24 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      I casn Preach, Teach, lead singing, Conduct Bible Classes, Present bible lessons to abyone who wants to listen; Speak to any group about any topic I am familar with; volunteer my time, skills(talenrts)
      wherever they are needed(i volunteer in many ways to help out my community); i get rained in many areas to help me grow stronger spiritually, mentally and intelectually

    • Glenda Williams 3:45 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      What a blessing you are to the Lord’s church in being able to do all this.

  • J. Randal Matheny 2:54 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: ,   

    How about that global warming? 

    I’m hoping Ed will hop on here and start doing this …

    How about that global warming? Just before the big wigs and high ups meet in Denmark to talk about solutions, the news comes out that the books have been cooked! The British university that the United Nations relied on for evidence for global warming has been manipulating the figures and conspiring to discredit anyone who raised a differing view. Why? There’s big money involved. Financial grants and professional prestige is at stake. Whether it is weather or faith when bias undermines evidence and conclusions precede corroboration, an admission of error is much preferred to a coverup! This is Just-A-Minute with Ed Boggess inviting you to the Winchester Church of Christ.

     

  • Richard Mansel 2:50 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, shadow   

    Groundhog Day is Almost Here 

    Tim Hall gives us some insight into Punxsutawney Phil and whether he will see his shadow or not. Good reading ahead!

     

  • Ron Thomas 12:39 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags:   

    Interesting Read 

    Here is something you might be interested in. This is from Focus on the Family

    Pastor’s Weekly Briefing (PWB)
    January 29, 2010

    Do Sermons Really Have Impact?
    “Nearly 100 percent of churchgoers look forward to sermons, but only 17 percent think preaching changes the way they live,” according to a recent study from the CODEC Research Center at St. Johns College in Durham, U.K. The CODEC report, “The View from the Pew,” is based on interviews with 193 Anglicans, Catholics, Methodists and Baptists from 16 different churches.
    The research also discovered that:

    Many Anglicans wanted the sermon to last less than 10 minutes, but up to 20 minutes was fine if there was no “waffle.”

    Baptists were happy to sit through a 75-minute sermon.

    Catholics wanted the sermon to be completed within 10 minutes.

    Sermons were seen as being very good at teaching about God, the Bible and “being comforting,” but needed to do more to “motivate and challenge” people to look at the world differently.

    Sermons seem to encourage Christian reflection, but not Christian action.

    Nearly 17 percent felt sermons did actually change the way they lived.

     

    • Bernard Barton 1:22 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      I have always believe that you get more out of Bible Study rather hearing sermon that is why I teach more than just preach at the congregation-also in a Bible class there is a dialogue with give and take-while in a sermon it is a monologue with no give and take

      • Ron 1:25 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        I, very much, agree with you. I truly enjoy critical and devotional Bible study more than I do preaching. I do not want to minimize the importance of preaching, but, if asked, I enjoy teaching from the Bible in a Bible class. Thanks for the remark.

    • troyspradlin 1:36 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Ron, great information. Appreciate you posting this.
      I have a couple of thoughts. One, many do not realize the “long term” impact of preaching. So many want motivation right now in this moment and do not realize that something they heard in a sermon a while ago eventually had an impact on them.
      Second, throughout the book of Acts, we notice that everytime a person was diligently seeking truth (eg. Cornelius, Ethiopian eunoch, Saul, etc) a preacher was sent to them.

      • Randal Matheny 1:41 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Troy, what time do you leave out today? Where do you fly out from? I’m preparing an article on your departure on BNc.

      • Ron 1:45 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        No disagreement from me. I have a preference, but I recognize the important of preaching in the way you have suggested. Something, though, to consider: we can preach the Lord Jesus in the manner we need to whether from a pulpit, podium, tree stump, couch, etc.

        Appreciate the thought, Troy.

    • Mike Riley 3:34 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Brethren, From this short survey, it seems that folks are more interested in “how long will we have to endure the sermon,” rather than opening their Bibles and looking up the Scriptures that are being presented from the pulpit to see if what their “pastor” is teaching them is true (Acts 17:11).

      What I’ve observed over the past ten to fifteen years, is that many members of the church are no longer bringing their Bibles into the auditorium and checking the Scriptures as to what the preacher is presenting in his lesson. I firmly believe that this is another reason why the church is not growing, spiritually speaking, simply because the members do not “open the Book.”

      Preachers and teachers need to encourage folks at every level to “open the Book” (Nehemiah 8:5).

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